Introduction
Bollywood is known for its big-budget blockbusters, but many hidden gems don’t get the attention they deserve. These films may have received critical acclaim or developed a cult following over time, yet they remain underrated. If you’re looking for quality content beyond mainstream cinema, here’s a list of the top 10 underrated Bollywood movies currently available on OTT platforms.
1. Sonchiriya (2019)
- OTT Platform: ZEE5
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Why Watch? A gripping dacoit drama set in the Chambal valley, Sonchiriya features outstanding performances by Sushant Singh Rajput, Manoj Bajpayee, and Bhumi Pednekar. The film’s gritty realism and intense storytelling make it a must-watch.
2. Tumbbad (2018)
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
- Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Thriller
- Why Watch? A visually stunning horror fantasy, Tumbbad blends mythology with a dark, eerie atmosphere. The film’s cinematography, storytelling, and unique plot make it one of Bollywood’s best horror movies.
3. Mukkabaaz (2018)
- OTT Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Sports, Drama
- Why Watch? Directed by Anurag Kashyap, Mukkabaaz tells the powerful story of an underdog boxer fighting against caste oppression and corruption in Indian sports. Vineet Kumar Singh’s performance is outstanding.
4. Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016)
- OTT Platform: ZEE5
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Psychological
- Why Watch? A chilling film inspired by a real-life serial killer, Raman Raghav 2.0 features a spine-tingling performance by Nawazuddin Siddiqui as a psychotic murderer, making it a gripping psychological thriller.
5. Bhavesh Joshi Superhero (2018)
- OTT Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Action, Superhero
- Why Watch? A vigilante superhero film that offers a refreshing take on justice and corruption in India. The film is packed with realistic action sequences and an intriguing storyline.
6. Trapped (2016)
- OTT Platform: ZEE5
- Genre: Survival, Thriller
- Why Watch? Trapped is a survival thriller starring Rajkummar Rao, about a man accidentally locked inside an apartment with no food, water, or way to escape. The film keeps viewers at the edge of their seats with its intense and minimalist storytelling.
7. Masaan (2015)
- OTT Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Drama
- Why Watch? A deeply emotional film that explores themes of love, loss, and social taboos in India. Featuring Vicky Kaushal and Richa Chadha, Masaan is a beautifully crafted film that leaves a lasting impact.
8. Ugly (2013)
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Why Watch? An intense thriller directed by Anurag Kashyap, Ugly is a raw and unsettling portrayal of human nature, corruption, and crime. It’s one of the most underappreciated thrillers in Bollywood.
9. Shahid (2012)
- OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
- Genre: Biography, Drama
- Why Watch? Based on the real-life story of lawyer Shahid Azmi, Shahid is a powerful film about justice and human rights. Rajkummar Rao’s performance won him a National Award.
10. No One Killed Jessica (2011)
- OTT Platform: Netflix
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Why Watch? Inspired by true events, this gripping courtroom drama starring Vidya Balan and Rani Mukerji showcases a journalist’s fight for justice in a high-profile murder case.
Conclusion
If you’re tired of mainstream Bollywood films and looking for thought-provoking, intense, and engaging cinema, these underrated Bollywood movies should be on your watchlist. Each film tells a unique story and features incredible performances that deserve more recognition.
Which of these movies have you watched? Do you have any other underrated Bollywood films to recommend? Let us know in the comments!