Best Underrated Movies Bollywood Fans Must Watch
Last Updated on 1 hour ago by Kashif Rahman
Bollywood is famous for its exciting storytelling, but some movie gems often slip under the radar. These underrated movies offer rich plots, stellar performances, and compelling themes—yet they never got the box office glory or mass recognition they truly deserve. Discovering these films means enjoying unexpected brilliance and untold stories.
Let’s explore a curated selection of must-watch Best underrated movies Bollywood that promise quality entertainment and provoke thought.
Best underrated movies Bollywood List
| Serial No | Underrated Movie Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Phas Gaya re Obama |
| 2 | Dev.D (2009) |
| 3 | Paan Singh Tomar (2012) |
| 4 | A Wednesday (2008) |
| 5 | Masaan (2015) |
| 6 | Ankhon Dekhi (2013) |
| 7 | Shahid (2012) |
| 8 | Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008) |
| 9 | Bheja Fry (2007) |
| 10 | Salaam Bombay |
10 Best underrated movies of Bollywood
1. Phas Gaya re Obama
Phas Gaya Re Obama is an ironic Bollywood comedy that smartly blends humor with social commentary. The film follows an NRI businessman who returns to India after losing all his wealth due to the US recession, only to get abducted by a group of small-time criminals hoping for a hefty ransom. As the abductors discover he is completely broke, anarchy and witty twists unfold. With loud dialogues, quirky characters, and a funny take on economic struggles, the movie delivers smart comedy while highlighting the impact of recession on every level of society.
2. Dev.D (2009)
Dev.D, a modern version of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s classic novel, reimagines Devdas in contemporary India. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the film tackles themes of heartbreak, self-annihilation, and redemption. The characters of Dev, Paro, and Chanda are layered and flawed, reflecting real emotions. With a ground-breaking music score and visual style, Dev.D remains a milestone in alternative Bollywood storytelling.
3. Paan Singh Tomar (2012)
This movie showcases the remarkable journey of Paan Singh Tomar, a national foot race champion who becomes a feared dacoit after retirement. Irrfan Khan’s powerful portrayal and Tigmanshu Dhulia’s direction blend sports drama with real-life crime. Critically acclaimed but overlooked by mass audiences, the film stands as a poignant story about circumstances pushing a good man to the edge.
4. A Wednesday (2008)
A Wednesday is a taut thriller that centers around an ordinary citizen challenging the system. Led by gripping performances from Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher, the movie’s suspenseful narrative questions the boundaries of justice and vigilantism. The film won audience praise for its engaging screenplay and emotional resonance.
5. Masaan (2015)
Masaan, set on the ghats of Varanasi, weaves together tales of love, loss, and caste prejudice. It follows Devi and Deepak, two young adults grappling with societal judgment and personal grief. The subtle storytelling, profound dialogues, and memorable music make Masaan a rare Bollywood masterpiece that earned accolades at Cannes but deserves a wider Indian audience.
6. Ship of Theseus (2012)
Described as a philosophical drama, Ship of Theseus explores identity and ethics through intertwining stories: a blind photographer, an ailing monk, and a young stockbroker. The film questions what makes us who we are and how our choices impact others. It’s visually stunning and intellectually stimulating—a film for deep thinkers and lovers of nuanced cinema.
7. Ankhon Dekhi (2013)
Featuring Sanjay Mishra’s best performance, Ankhon Dekhi presents the journey of a middle-aged man who decides to only believe what he personally experiences. The story is both humorous and profound, offering reflections on life, truth, and family. Rajat Kapoor’s direction brings out the quirky realities of Old Delhi with emotional depth and comic relief.
8. Shahid (2012)
Shahid narrates the inspiring real-life story of Shahid Azmi, a lawyer who fought for human rights and justice despite deadly obstacles. Rajkummar Rao delivers a committed performance, while Hansal Mehta ensures a realistic portrayal of legal battles, communal tension, and courage under fire. This film’s impact lies in its humility and honesty.
9. Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! (2008)
A crime comedy with Abhay Deol in the lead, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! rolls through the escapades of a charming thief. The film dazzles with its unique screenplay, witty dialogue, and subtle social commentary wrapped in humor. Not a huge hit in theatres but immensely popular among those who crave content-rich comedy.
10 Bheja Fry (2007)
A delightful comedy starring Vinay Pathak and Rajat Kapoor, Bheja Fry is about an eccentric tax inspector who inadvertently brings chaos into the life of a music producer. The movie’s simple premise, character-driven humor, and superb acting make it endlessly watchable. It’s a must-watch for fans of lighthearted yet clever Bollywood cinema.
11. Firaaq (2008)
Directed by Nandita Das, Firaaq delves into the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots through several interconnected stories. The film’s honest portrayal of trauma, loss, and hope makes it a powerful watch. It’s a social drama that prioritizes emotion and hard-hitting realism over commercial gloss.
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Why These Films Remain Underrated
- Because of relatively small promotions.
- Complex themes or unconventional narratives that didn’t appeal to mainstream audiences.
- Limited theatrical runs or release timing overshadowed by bigger blockbusters.
- Recognition by critics and film festivals but little viewership traction initially.
Watching Recommendations
If you’re looking to watch these films, most are available on popular OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar. Seek out these gems for fresh, thought-provoking entertainment and vivid Indian storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Friends, These Best underrated movies Bollywood prove that box office numbers often hide truly exceptional works. By watching and sharing such films, audiences can reward creativity and depth—a vital pursuit for anyone passionate about cinema. Add these to your movie nights and discover why underrated Bollywood is worth exploring.
All these films are quite good, but for some reason, they have received quite underrated reviews. After watching these best underrated Bollywood movies, do let us know what you think about them.
I am Kashif Rahman, a dedicated blogger and content creator with a keen interest in technology, mobiles, computers, internet,and the Entertainment.Enjoys sharing insightful and engaging content to keep his readers informed and inspired
