Hindi cinema has seen many films in the last few years that failed to garner immediate appreciation after release despite breaking conventional norms and introducing never-before-thought-of ideas. Here we have come up with a list of seven such great Hindi films that were way ahead of their time – you can watch all of these films on Netflix.
7 Hindi movies to watch on Netflix that deserved better
1. Dil Chahta Hai
Cast: Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Release Year: 2001
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Dil Chahta Hai is often credited with revolutionising the way friendship is portrayed in Hindi cinema. Directed by Farhan Akhtar, the film follows the lives of three close friends – Akash, Sameer and Siddharth – whose contrasting personalities make their evolving bond even better as they go through different life stages.
The chemistry between the lead actors Aamir, Saif and Akshay is a major highlight, along with Preity’s performance as Shalini leaving a lasting impact. The film was way ahead of its time because of its contemporary take on youth culture, urban relationships and personal freedom. Though it was not well received upon release, it soon earned the tag of a cult classic over the years.
2. Goal
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Amitabh Bachchan
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Release Year: 2004
Genre: Action, War
Directed by Farhan Akhtar, Lakshya is the story of Karan Shergill, a directionless young man who finds his purpose in life after joining the Indian Army. Hrithik Roshan has given a different kind of performance and Preity Zinta as the war correspondent Romila Dutta has shown great chemistry with him.
Lakshya was ahead of its time in its realistic portrayal of war and a soldier’s internal struggles. Unlike the common Bollywood war dramas that focus on outward heroism, this film deeply weaved in the psychological transformation of a man. It too was a disaster at the box office, but found its audience over the years.
3. From the heart
Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Manisha Koirala, Preity Zinta
IMDB Rating: 7.5
Release Year: 1998
Genre: Romance, Thriller
Directed by Mani Ratnam, Dil Se is a story of love and passion set against the backdrop of insurgency in Northeast India. The film revolves around a radio journalist named Amar who falls in love with a mysterious woman Meghna who hides a dark secret related to terrorism. Powerful performances from Shah Rukh Khan and Manisha Koirala and Preity Zinta’s performance as the backbone of the story are worth watching.
Dil Se was ahead of its time due to its bold subject matter and unconventional narrative structure. The film addresses issues of terrorism, love and patriotism in a way that was rarely seen in Bollywood at the time. Dil Se was a love story that was as passionate as it was devastating and it took years to find success.
4. Tamasha
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone
IMDb Rating: 7.4
Release Year: 2015
Genre: Musical, Romance
Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha is based on the life of Ved, a man stuck in the monotony of corporate life who rediscovers his true self after reuniting with a woman named Tara whom he met during a trip to Corsica. Ranbir and Deepika had great chemistry, but sadly, many viewers just couldn’t get the film. I know it sounds weird, but this film was great on both the mind and the emotions.
Tamasha’s non-linear story, coupled with its introspective theme makes it different from the usual Bollywood romance and that is probably the reason why it was not a success when it released. Let’s thank the stars, today it is every other person’s favourite film.
5. Black
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukerji
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Release Year: 2005
Genre: Family Drama
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black is a very emotional and visually stunning film that tells the story of a blind and deaf girl Michelle McNally and her relationship with her teacher Debraj Sahay. The film is inspired by the life of Helen Keller and Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji’s on-screen chemistry makes the film a hit.
Black was a film ahead of its time, with its brilliant portrayal of disability and the challenges faced by differently-abled people. The film’s dark and intense tone and minimal dialogues set it apart from the melodramatic style of Bollywood. A flop at the time of its release, Black is today a globally acclaimed project.
6. The Girl With Yellow Shoes
Cast: Kalki Koechlin, Naseeruddin Shah
IMDB Rating: 6.6
Release Year: 2010
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
Directed by Anurag Kashyap, That Girl in Yellow Boots is an unconventional thriller that follows Ruth, a British woman in search of her estranged father in Mumbai. In the lead role, Kalki has portrayed the vulnerability and determination of her character well, while Naseeruddin Shah’s brief but impactful role is a lot of fun.
The film’s openness of storytelling and focus on characters rather than plot was unconventional for Bollywood. That Girl in Yellow Boots challenged the conventional storytelling and perhaps that is why it was not well received. Today, true cinema lovers have added it to their top watchlists.
7. Home country
Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Gayatri Joshi
IMDb Rating: 8.2
Release Year: 2004
Genre: Musical Drama
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, Swades is the story of Mohan Bhargav, an NRI working at NASA, who returns to India to find his maternal grandmother and rediscover his roots and the challenges of rural India. The film is a commentary on brain drain, the responsibilities of the privileged and the possibilities of social change.
Swades was ahead of its time because it had a realistic focus on social issues, rather than escapist entertainment. The film’s message of self-reliance and the power of individual action challenges viewers to think about their role in society. Even though critics praised the film, Swades was a commercial failure. Over the years, it has become one of Shah Rukh Khan’s best films ever.
These seven Hindi films not only entertained but also pushed the boundaries of storytelling and inadvertently contributed towards a narrative shift in cinema. Which one is your favourite among them? Tell us @pinvkilla
Also read: 5 Folklore & Mythology Based Movies On Netflix That Will Blow Your Mind
