Are you someone who really loves Hindi cinema? If you are hungry for quality movies that have redefined the genre of storytelling in the industry over the years, your search ends here. We have compiled a list of some of the best-picked films that were way ahead of their time. These are films that challenged traditional storytelling and touched on subjects that others might have found risqué.
7 Hindi films that were ahead of their time
1. what to say
- mold: Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan, Anupam Kher, Chandrachud Singh, Farida Jalal
- director:Kundan Shah
- imdb rating:5.8/10
- release year:2000
- Style:Family Drama/Romance
- where to look: Jio Cinema, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video
One of Preity Zinta’s best performances, Kya Kehna highlighted sensitive topics like pre-marital pregnancy, single motherhood and social stigma. This film came at a time when these subjects were considered taboo. Starting off, Kundan Shah delivers progressive themes with a strong performance.
The film highlights the harsh consequences of societal judgment and the importance of family support.
2. Go Goa
- mold: Saif Ali Khan, Kunal Khemu, Veer Das, Anand Tiwari, Pooja Gupta, Abhishek Banerjee
- director: Raj Nidimoru, Krishna DK
- imdb rating: 6.7/10
- release year:2013
- Style:Comedy/Horror
- where to look: Jio Cinema and YouTube
Go Goa Gone should be credited with introducing the zombie genre to mainstream Hindi films and paving the way for future horror-comedies. Its sophisticated blend of horror, comedy and thriller, with a quirky narrative, was supported by contemporary slang. The film also celebrated the importance of male friendship and relationships. Its twisted, absurd and witty jokes have significantly contributed to its cult fan following.
3. sequence
- mold: Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Rekha, Shashi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, Sushma Seth
- director: Yash Chopra
- imdb rating:7.2/10
- release year: 1981
- Style:Drama/Romance
- where to look:Amazon Prime Video
Before Karan Johar attempted to make Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, legendary director Yash Chopra had explored the complex subject of adultery and extramarital affairs. The film deserves praise for the fact that at the time it was released, addressing such topics was considered taboo or even controversial.
It also featured strong, independent women who made their own choices, challenging traditional patriarchal norms. The film’s themes and messages resonated with audiences, leading to a change in societal attitudes towards relationships and personal growth.
4. fire
- mold: Shabana Azmi, Nandita Das, Javed Jaffrey, Vinay Pathak, Kulbhushan Kharbanda
- director: Deepa Mehta
- imdb rating:7.1/10
- release year:1996
- Style: Crime/Drama/Romance
- where to look:Amazon Prime Video
Fire is one of the pioneering works in Indian cinema that deals with a subject that took years to gain acceptance. It was one of the first Indian films to depict same-sex relationships, sparking conversations about LGBTQ+ rights and representation. The film showcased women’s desires, needs and agency, challenging deeply ingrained patriarchal norms.
It also delicately explored the complexities of arranged marriages and the consequences of infidelity. The visionary thinking of the film can be gauged from the fact that at that time it had to face opposition and censorship in India due to its subject matter.
5. Less sugar
- mold: Amitabh Bachchan, Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Zohra Sehgal, Sweeney Khara
- director: R. Balki
- imdb rating: 6.8/10
- release year:2007
- Style:Comedy/Romance
- where to look: Amazon Prime Video and Zee5
About 17 years ago, it was rare to see a film featuring a romance between a couple with a significant age difference. Nevertheless, Cheeni Kum challenged traditional social norms by depicting a romance between a 64-year-old man (Amitabh Bachchan) and a 34-year-old woman (Tabu). It beautifully presented the complexities of unconventional relationships, highlighting the importance of emotional connections over societal expectations.
6. Monsoon Wedding
- mold: Naseeruddin Shah, Lillete Dubey, Shefali Shah, Vijay Raaz, Tillotama Shome, Parveen Dabas, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Rajat Kapoor
- director: Mira Nair
- imdb rating:7.3/10
- release year:2001
- Style: Romance/Comedy
- where to look:Amazon Prime Video
Comedy can sometimes be the best way to address sensitive topics. Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding skillfully dives into the complexities of family relationships, exposing the secrets and tensions that often lie beneath the surface. The film also features strong female characters who do not hesitate to challenge traditional norms.
7. black
- mold: Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Ayesha Kapoor, Dhritiman Chatterjee
- director:Sanjay Leela Bhansali
- imdb rating: 8.1/10
- release year:2005
- Style: Family/Drama
- where to look:netflix
The National Award winning film Black tells the story of a deaf and blind girl, Michelle McNally (Rani Mukherjee), highlighting the importance of inclusivity and accessibility. Inspired by the life of Helen Keller, the film beautifully portrays the bond between Michelle and her teacher, Debraj Sahay (Amitabh Bachchan), while challenging traditional notions of authority and guidance.
Black is not your regular Hindi film, as it has minimal dialogues, yet it leaves a deep impact, especially thanks to Mukherjee’s compelling performance.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that, over the years, these films have proven to be pioneering works, and are paving the way for similar future projects. Which of these films have you seen and enjoyed? Don’t forget to share with us in the comments section!
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