What are the most intense or niche Bollywood movies of all time?

 I have always been a fan of good stories. I remember when I was in school, I would read all the stories from my English literature book and Hindi literature/Reader on the very first day of my session.

While storytelling exists in different forms such as books, movies, and theatre, movie-making holds a unique importance. Movies do not merely convey a plot, they also shape and limit the viewer’s imagination to the filmmaker’s perspective. When we watch a movie, we do not imagine the characters and settings on our own but we experience them through the lens of the maker. This is why movie-making is one of the most challenging and powerful art forms of storytelling.

There have been many great movies made over time, but I will share a few that I felt had compelling plots and were crafted with remarkable articulation.

Bulbbul

This Netflix original was a masterpiece directed by Anvita Dutta and starring Tripti Dimri in lead role. It was not much hyped but the film is a great creative piece. The plot is full of twists and turns and would keep you hooked from the first scene itself.

The story covers the harsh reality of child marriage, patriarchal mindset in the society, and the complications of one sided love.

The lead, Bulbbul is married at a very young age to a rich man. But she develops an emotional connection with his younger brother, Satya. Satya shares an equal emotional connection with Bulbbul, but he never shows any romantic interest in her. Bulbbul, on the other hand, falls so deeply for him that she cannot bear the pain of losing him when he leaves to pursue his studies in London. Her pain is reflected on her face and is noticed by her husband, and what follows unfolds into a different story of betrayal, torture, and a violent pursuit of justice. The main storyline often pulls the reference of a demon-witch ( chudail), whose story was the bonding bridge between Satya and Bulbbul.

Image courtesy: Google Images

The movie did not just have a compelling story but also a cast that did justice to their roles. The background music was perfect for the plot and the theme often turned to blood red when the story went to the track of demon-witch story, making the depiction more artful. The jewellery, mansion, and other stuffs made the set coherent with the Bengali culture and tradition.

Maharaja

Speaking of good stories, another that comes to my mind is the Vijay Sethupati starrer Maharaja.

This movie has an intense storyline, where a Barber named Maharaja goes to the Police station to report a missing dustbin “Lakshmi”. The police officers first mock Maharaja and are not ready to take the case. But seeing his stubborn and eccentric behaviour and a promise of 5 lakhs by Maharaja, they give in.

Later, it is revealed that the dustbin story is a disguise for a darker and a more painful truth. This movie is a combination of a strong storyline and an excellent acting. It requires attention as the movie jumps back and forth into the flashback and main timeline. One may not even realise that those are flashbacks until you reach the end part of the film.

Image courtesy: Google Images

Padmaavat

Another movie that is an example of excellent storytelling as well as articulate presentation is Padmaavat. This Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie is inspired by history and tells the story of the queen of Mewar, Padmaavati.

News of Padmaavati’s beauty reaches the ears of Alauddin Khilji, who was sitting on the throne of Delhi at that time. He desires to get her and his desire soon turns into obsession. Alauddin wages a war to possess Padmaavati. He wins the war but is unable to get Padmaavati as she jumps in fire along with the other women while performing a war ritual called Jauhar.

Image courtesy: Google Images

The story of Padmaavati is a well known tale. Bhansali’s version is a beautiful representation of the epic tale. The visuals and cinematography are amazing and the actors have put their hearts in their role. Ranveer Singh has given one of his best performances while playing khilji.

I am a huge fan of historical tales and folk lores. I grew up hearing the story of Queen Padmaavati, so this one was a visual feast for me. I loved the background music and screenplay. The cultural aspects of both Rajputana and Mughal traditions were well documented.

Which are the top 3 not-so-famous Bollywood movies you recommend watching?

 They are many though but I would like to share top 6 not so famous bollywood movies or so to say these movies didn't get much attention from the audiences.

Top 6 Recommended Bollywood Movies:

1. Karthik Calling Karthik (2010)

Very underrated gem by Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone. This movie will keep you guessing till the climax. Give it a shot for sure.

2. No Smoking (2007)

Anurag Kashyap has potential like Christopher Nolan in terms of imagination. No smoking is a classic example of it. Witness this gem to get my point.

3. Love per square foot (2018)

One of the best performance by Vickey kaushal. Very relatable storyline and fine execution.

4. Love Breakups Zindagi (2011)

I loved the movie just because of it's relatable take on love, breakups and life.

5. Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012)

If you love movie Tamasha then this one is for you. Convincing plot of post jobless life and relationships.

6. Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year (2009)

Ranbir Kapoor is a very fine actor indeed. This movie is a proof of it. Your entrepreneurial skills will get enhanced once you watch this movie.

What are you tired of seeing in Bollywood movies?

 A Hindi movie is going on.

The hero is a Marathi cop and the heroine is also a Marathi. They reside in Goa. They fall in love. What language can they sing in?

• Hindi - Because it is a Hindi movie.
• Marathi - Because they are a Marathi couple.
• Konkani - Because they reside in Goa.

Nope. They sing in Punjabi, because it is Bollywood.

Wait! What?

Completely illogical right?

There are too many Punjabi songs in Bollywood movies, way too many. And mostly, these songs are beaten and bruised versions of popular Punjabi songs.

The couple goes to a pub, there’s a Punjabi song.

The couple is sad, there’s a Punjabi song.

A group of friends go to a pub, there’s a Punjabi song.

It is a marriage, there’s a Punjabi song.

There are just too many Punjabi songs!!

And another issue is the horrendous rap and the fact that the composers brutally murder English in these songs.

Promise water never coming down from your eye.

That is a line taken from Badshah’s latest song. If Shakespeare would have heard that line, he’d take a rebirth again only to commit suicide.

Bad English is never an issue, but brutally bad English is a problem.

And the fact that these so-called ‘rappers’ have reduced Punjabi songs to drugs, drinks, cars and shoes is criminal. Not to mention the objectification of women.

One of my friends who is a native Punjabi always sends me the original song whenever a Bollywood Punjabi remix is released. And the original is actually good, why spoil it?

What am I tired of seeing in Bollywood movies?

• Too many Punjabi songs in Bollywood.
• Killing some really good Punjabi songs for Bollywood.
• Horrendously picturising these Punjabi songs.
• Those useless Punjabi rappers.

What are the worst movies of Khans?

 Salman Khan :

Suryawanshi was literally a headache to watch. It had a very unusual casting of Salman, Sheeba and Amrita Singh.

Based on the theme of reincarnation the script was weak with no good performance by any of the actors and even the music of the film was below average.

Shahrukh Khan:

English Babu Desi Mem starring Shahrukh and Sonali Bendre in lead roles was also unbearable. Shahrukh plays a triple role in the film.

The two roles were of short duration but the main role makes you annoy as he speaks in a tremendous accent which makes you feel irritated.

Aamir Khan:

Aatank Hi Aatank is a Hindi version of The Godfather. Aamir fails to do justice with the role. Not able to carry the role of the don and above that wearing formal suits in summer season in the tremendous heat of Mumbai which makes no sense.

Many more such flaws can be seen in the film. It starred Juhi Chawla in the female lead.

Image(s) Courtesy: Google

Which is the greatest disaster movie made in the Hindi film industry, Kala Pathar, The Burning Train, or some other?

 Actually nobody wants to make a disastrous movie and the movies that you have mentioned above are not that bad. They were an attempt to try something different and there is always a risk in doing so. Yash Chopra who is mainly known for his romantic musical movies also tried his hand in the thriller genre with Itefaq starring Rajesh Khanna which did not had a single song.

He tried something different with Kala Pathar. A lesser known fact is that Kala Pathar was based on a real incident Chasnala mining disaster that took place in 1975 in Dhanbad, Bihar (now known as Jharkhand.)

There was an explosion in the mine followed by flooding which killed more than 300 miners. The film did average business at the box office but was critically acclaimed and received several nominations at the Filmfare Awards.

It attained a cult status and is considered a classic in Indian cinema. Besides this the IMDb rating of the film is 7.7 which is quite good so it will not be fair to call it a disaster.

Similarly Ravi Chopra tried something different in 1980 by making The Burning Train which was inspired by a Japanese disaster film The Bullet Train. Though the film is considered a flop it was the seventh highest grosser of 1980. It can be said that the movie was some 5 to 10 years ahead of its time.

The Burning Train shows the struggle to live when you are trapped in the clutches of death. It was a different movie which did not work at that time probably might have done better if released later because the special effects in the film were quite normal.

The length of the film is a matter of concern still the film has a good repeat value. The IMDb rating of the film is 6.8 which is not that bad. Therefore these two films cannot be given the tag of being the most disastrous film of Hindi cinema.

Its my personal opinion that trying something different should not be termed as a disaster because it requires a lot of courage to go against the wind and try something different rather than follow the trend. If IMDb rating is considered as the parameter then Sadak 2 is the most disastrous film which has a rating of 1.1 otherwise it is very difficult to pick out one film and term it as the most disastrous movie of Hindi cinema.

Image(s) Courtesy: Google

Which Bollywood actress has given bold scenes in movies but never gave onscreen kiss?

 Sridevi

Sridevi-"i am not comfortable in doing revealing scenes"

She had never done any kiss scene

Tamanna Bhatia:

Tamanna:Kiss scene! No problem,but I required 1 billion Dollars per a kiss.

Producer:What is the budget of our film?

A voice:1.5 M Dollars sab.(sir)

Producer:Change the director immediately…1 billion…!!!!!????.

Asin

Asin:Asin means sinless,if you wanted only sin pay me in advance.

Producer: Change the writer immediately.

Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa:Kiss!…ha..ha..ha..actually I don’t know what is it? Ask my mom(mummy) for it.

Producer:Directed to mom…..

Mom of Shilpa:…….This much.

Producer:….!!!!!?????.Oh! My God,Etana amount me my 10 Bhojpuri films banalega , udhar kiss,biss sab free…( I make 10 Bhojpuri films within this amount!,Kiss and everything is free there.)

Shilpa is defiled by our bro… keeping her some time for comic…

What are some flop movies in Bollywood but performances were super hits?

 Khamoshi - The Musical :

Khamoshi truly shows what Sanjay Leela Bhansali is capable of and that is extracting performances from actors and having a great sense of music. He dared to cast Nana Patekar as a deaf and dumb character. An actor who is known for firing dialogues.

Besides this Khamoshi has one of the purest performance by Salman Khan as the bridge between sound and silence. A musical masterpiece which failed miserably at the box-office, later gained a cult status has mindblowing performances by Nana Patekar, Salman Khan, Manisha Koirala, Seema Biswas and great music by Jatin-Lalit.

Silsila : Silsila can be termed as poetry on celluliod. It has a very special casting and the treatment given by Yash Chopra is truly appreciable.

Every character is given equal importance. Amitabh, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha were able to keep their personal issues aside and do justice with the role.

Yash Chopra was a visionary director and Silsila was ahead of its time. Therefore the movie gained a cult status later.

Dil Se: What more you can ask for? Brilliant performances by Shahrukh Khan and Manisha Koirala, bubbly Preity Zinta, Malaika dancing on

the top of a train, cinematography by Santosh Sivan, music by A. R. Rahman, lyrics by Gulzar and all this under the direction of Mani Ratnam. Set in the background of insurgency in Assam, Dil Se is a complete package.

It has all the shades of love like passion, aggression, compassion, attraction, obsession etc. People term it as a flop due to its unusual ending but made with a budget of 11 Crores, it collected some 26 Crores at the box-office. 60 Lakhs units of the album's soundtrack were sold at that time. 2 National and 6 Film Fare Awards.

The film is remembered for remarkable performances by the cast, great music and technical excellence. Really a Masterpiece.

Jaagte Raho:

Raj Kapoor did not direct Jaagte Raho but he delivered a memorable performance onscreen. A humble villager comes to city in search for a better life, enters a building to quench his thirst, is assumed to be a thief and gets trapped in the web of middle - class greed and corruption.

Released in 1956, you can still relate with the movie even after more than seven decades. In today's fast world you might find the film a bit lengthy but it is a must watch.

The silence of Raj Kapoor throughout the movie and his outburst in the pre - climax depicts the deep message that he wants to give. Finally Nargis in a cameo quenching his thirst of wisdom. Unfortunately it was a commercial failure in India but in 1965 in Soviet Union (USSR) it earned around 4.44 Crores due to the popularity of Raj Kapoor.

One more example of a visionary concept with good performance yet box-office failure.

Image(s) Courtesy: Google

What major movies have the biggest plot holes?

 One of the most stupid films in terms of plot holes is the 1997 Bollywood film Hero no 1 (a fairly enjoyable but utterly illogical movie), a mix of DDLJ and Bawarchi.

So, the heroine tops the college and gets a trip to Europe (which college and University and this in India). The grandfather doesn't allow her. After a lot of persuasion he does allow her to go, but with her Bua (who paid for her expenses. The film showed that out of the three brothers, one is a college lecturer, another a failed Insurance salesman and third a struggling musician, so who exactly paid for her trip).

Now, the girl checks in a private luxury hotel (did University paid for it?) where our hero, the son of a rich man is also staying. The heroine does nothing academic in her whole trip, and we don't know what the trip was about till the end. She ends up romancing the rich hero and the bua facilitates her.

Back in India, there is some misunderstanding among the father of the boy and the grandfather of girl and the proposed alliance is called off. Now our hero plans to win the hearts of the girl's family by pretending to be a cook.

When our heroine decides to pursue further studies she is shut down and sent to her room to cry. Except for the fact that she was shown carrying 3 books with her going to college. When did she get admission for higher studies? Which books are she carrying because she apparently has not taken admission anywhere?

In Bawarchi, there was a reason why the cook knew cooking, mathematics, philosophy, music and dance etc. In Hero no 1 there is no reason and makers gave no reason whatsoever. Nobody even cared to know how their prospective groom looked like so nobody could identify the hero disguised as cook.

He sings with the girl “Main Tujhko bhaga laya hun tere Ghar se tere baap ke dar se” (I have eloped with you away from your home, for the fear of your father) when clearly the girl’s parents died years ago.

Even though the grandfather hated the boy’s father badly he apparently couldn't recognise him when he came in a disguise with a beard (tough competition to Rab ne Bana Di Jodi).

Even though the salesman brother of the family got insurance worth of many lakhs because of boy’s father’s company he didn't care to know why all his clients came from the same company.

Even though the second brother got saved from getting transferred to remote area due to boy's father he never cared to know how and why the education minister recommended him.