The Hindi film industry is often in news for all the wrong reasons. At times, it is mocked for producing mediocre content and then there is blatant sexualization of women. The current flavor of the season is the tug of war between creative freedom and sentiments of the masses. With so much drama happening off-screen, let’s take a deep breath and focus on some unadulterated goodness that transpires onscreen.
It’s time to appreciate some hidden gems from the Hindi film industry that were not big “blockbusters”, but stole our hearts with their brilliant storytelling prowess.
Angry Indian Goddesses
Directed by Pan Nali, this 2015 Hindi drama explores the problems women in our society still face. Gender inequality, sexual harassment, gay-straight friendships, women objectified as sex objects – all these issues are poignantly interwoven in the script. The movie stars Sandhya Mridul, Anushka Manchanda, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Sarah-Jane Dias, Amrit Maghera, Rajshri Deshpande, Pavleen Gujral and Adil Hussain. Though the movie ends somewhat on an abrupt note, it takes you to the depth of the problem and lets you also lets you chuckle with the characters in their light-hearted moments.
Laxmi
Human trafficking, child prostitution, rape – the list is endless. Yet another brilliant piece was criticised for mirroring the truth and the current situation of our nation. This 2014 movie, underscores the obscure life of a girl who faces the harsh reality behind closed curtains. The movie is a treat to watch wherein one can actually relate to the storyline and the hardships of the characters.
Parched
In 2015 came this brilliant piece of work which one just cannot ignore. The movie is set in a thought-provoking territory which leaves the audiences with a lot to ponder upon. It reflects on the rotten yet continuing practices of the patriarchal world – marital rape, child marriage, dowry and mental abuse. It is about giving wings to women in an open territory. The storyline slowly takes the viewer to a different world, filled with a whole lot of entertainment. The movie stars Tannishtha Chatterjee, Radhika Apte, Riddhi Sen, Lehar Khan and Surveen Chawla.
Phobia
Radhika Apte being the protagonist of the storyline plays a dazzling role in the movie wherein she skillfully takes the viewer to the fears inside and outside the four walls. Phobia is a psychological thriller film in which the protagonist gets raped in a taxi and later on develops extreme agoraphobia. The suspense remains until the very last minute and is yet another exciting piece of Hindi cinema to explore.
Nil Battey Sannata
Though a lightweight movie, this piece weaves some stellar lessons which are worth remembering for a lifetime. This comedy-drama film stars Swara Bhaskar who stands as an epitome of strength and inspiration in the movie. The movie is based on the life of a mother and child and the hardships they face to earn a living. It boldly underscores the need for education and eradicates the ‘age-scale’ to it. The realism in the portrayal of the characters is worth all the appreciation.
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