Indian cinema is a treasure trove of stories, emotions, and artistry. While blockbusters and star-studded films often steal the limelight, there are countless underrated Indian movies that deserve your attention. These hidden gems may not have made it to the box office charts, but they offer unforgettable storytelling, brilliant performances, and unique perspectives. If you’re a true cinephile, here’s a curated list of Top 20 underrated Indian movies you must watch before you die.
Top 20 Underrated Indian Movies
1. Udaan (2010)
- Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
- Cast: Rajat Barmecha, Ronit Roy, Aayan Boradia, Ram Kapoor, Manjot Singh, Anand Tiwari
- Why Watch It? A coming-of-age drama about a teenager’s struggle with his oppressive father and his dreams of becoming a writer. This film is raw, emotional, and beautifully crafted.
2. Tumbbad (2018)
- Director: Rahi Anil Barve
- Cast: Sohum Shah
- Why Watch It? A visually stunning horror-fantasy film that explores greed and mythology. It’s one of the most unique Indian movies ever made.
3. Masaan (2015)
- Director: Neeraj Ghaywan
- Cast: Richa Chadha, Sanjay Mishra, Vicky Kaushal and Shweta Tripathi
- Why Watch It? Set in Varanasi, this film weaves together two poignant stories about love, loss, and redemption. It’s a masterpiece of Indian parallel cinema.
4. Ship of Theseus (2013)
- Director: Anand Gandhi
- Cast: Aida El-Kashef, Neeraj Kabi, Sohum Shah
- Why Watch It? A philosophical exploration of identity, ethics, and life. This film is thought-provoking and visually mesmerizing.
5. Court (2014)
- Director: Chaitanya Tamhane
- Cast: Vira Sathidar, Vivek Gomber, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Pradeep Joshi, Shirish Pawar, Usha Bane
- Why Watch It? A hard-hitting courtroom drama that exposes the flaws in India’s judicial system. It’s a slow burn but deeply impactful.
6. A Death in the Gunj (2017)
- Director: Konkona Sen Sharma
- Cast: Om Puri, Tanuja, Vikrant Massey, Kalki Koechlin, Ranvir Shorey, Tillotama Shome, Gulshan Devaiah and Jim Sarbh
- Why Watch It? A psychological thriller set in the 1970s, this film is a haunting exploration of loneliness and human relationships.
7. The Lunchbox (2013)
- Director: Ritesh Batra
- Cast: Lillete Dubey, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Irrfan Khan, Nakul Vaid
- Why Watch It? A heartwarming tale of two strangers who connect through a mistaken lunchbox delivery. It’s simple yet profoundly moving.
8. Gulaal (2009)
- Director: Anurag Kashyap
- Cast: Raj Singh Chaudhary, Kay Kay Menon, Deepak Dobriyal, Mahi Gill, Ayesha Mohan, Jesse Randhawa, Aditya Srivastava, Piyush Mishra, Abhimanyu Singh
- Why Watch It? A gritty political drama with powerful performances and a gripping narrative. It’s one of Anurag Kashyap’s finest works.
9. Kaaka Muttai (2015)
- Director: M. Manikandan
- Cast: Ramesh, Vignesh& Iyshwarya Rajesh
- Why Watch It? A heartwarming Tamil film about two slum kids who dream of tasting pizza. It’s a beautiful commentary on class disparity.
10. Piku (2015)
- Director: Shoojit Sircar
- Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan
- Why Watch It? A quirky comedy-drama about a father-daughter relationship, with stellar performances by Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone.
11. Margarita with a Straw (2015)
- Director: Shonali Bose
- Cast: Kalki Koechlin
- Why Watch It? A touching story of a young woman with cerebral palsy exploring her identity and sexuality. Kalki Koechlin’s performance is outstanding.
12. Ankhon Dekhi (2014)
- Director: Rajat Kapoor
- Cast: Rajat Kapoor, Sanjay Mishra, Seema Pahwa, Taranjeet, Maya Sarao, Namit Das, Brijendra Kala and Manu Rishi Chadha.
- Why Watch It? A philosophical comedy about a man who decides to believe only what he sees. It’s quirky, funny, and deeply introspective.
13. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)
- Director: Madhu C. Narayanan
- Cast: Soubin Shahir, Shane Nigam, Sreenath Bhasi and Fahadh Faasil
- Why Watch It? A Malayalam film that beautifully portrays brotherhood, love, and redemption. It’s a visual and emotional treat.
14. Newton (2017)
- Director: Amit V. Masurkar
- Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Anjali Patil, Raghubir Yadav & Sanjay Mishra.
- Why Watch It? A dark comedy about a government clerk trying to conduct fair elections in a conflict-ridden area. It’s sharp, witty, and relevant.
15. Sairat (2016)
- Director: Nagraj Manjule
- Cast: Akash Thosar, Rinku Rajguru
- Why Watch It? A Marathi romantic drama that tackles caste-based discrimination. It’s raw, emotional, and unforgettable.
16. Qissa (2015)
- Director: Anup Singh
- Cast: Irrfan Khan Tisca Chopra Tillotama Shome Rasika Dugal
- Why Watch It? A haunting tale of identity and obsession, set against the backdrop of Partition. Irrfan Khan’s performance is a highlight.
17. Dhanak (2016)
- Director: Nagesh Kukunoor
- Cast: Hetal Gada, Krrish Chhabria, Rajiv Lakshman, Vipin Sharma, Fllora Saini, Ninad Kamat, Suresh Menon, Vibha Chhibber, Vijay Maurya, Chet Dixon
- Why Watch It? A heartwarming road movie about a sister’s quest to restore her blind brother’s eyesight. It’s a visual and emotional delight.
18. Manto (2018)
- Director: Nandita Das
- Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Rasika Dugal, Rajshri Deshpande
- Why Watch It? A biographical drama about the life of Saadat Hasan Manto, one of India’s greatest writers. It’s a powerful exploration of freedom and censorship.
19. Thithi (2016)
- Director: Raam Reddy
- Cast: Thammegowda S., Channegowda, Abhishek H.N., Pooja S.M.
- Why Watch It? A Kannada film that blends humor and drama while exploring the lives of three generations of men after the death of their patriarch.
20. O Kadhal Kanmani (2015)
- Director: Mani Ratnam
- Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Nithya Menen
- Why Watch It? A modern-day love story that’s fresh, vibrant, and heartwarming. A.R. Rahman’s music adds to the film’s charm.
Why These Underrated Indian Movies Deserve Your Attention
These films may not have had massive budgets or star power, but they shine through their storytelling, direction, and performances. They tackle diverse themes—from love and family to social issues and existential questions—making them a must-watch for anyone who appreciates cinema as an art form.
How to Watch These Movies
Most of these underrated Indian movies are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and ZEE5. Some may also be found on YouTube or other regional platforms.
Final Thoughts
Indian cinema is much more than just Bollywood blockbusters. These 20 underrated Indian movies prove that some of the best stories are often hidden in plain sight. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a hardcore film buff, these films will leave a lasting impression on you. So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and dive into these cinematic masterpieces.
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