1. Swades
This was one of the best movies ever made in Bollywood concerning Non Resident Indian (NRIs) of India. The movie was released in 2004 and was directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar starring Shahrukh Khan in lead. Despite having King Khan as Mohan Bhargava, good music composed by A R Rahman and admiring script and direction alike, the movie failed at the box office because of lack of proper audiences that it deserved. Though the movie couldn't earn much money, it managed to garner praises from every corner. The movie especially aimed at NRIs of India, reminded them not to forget their roots. Wherever you go, wherever you earn, your country and your home will always stay close to your heart. It awakened the dying patriotic spirit of a man which compelled him to return back, to do his bit in the welfare of country and its people. The movie was based on a true story and was regarded as Shahrukh's best performance till date.
2. Andaz Apna Apna
Can you forget this hilarious movie which became a classic cult cinema later? The movie is still highly rated by the Internet Movie Database (IMDb). This movie created its unique and everlasting impression on audiences to that extent that even today people are still delighted to watch it again and again. It has become one of those movies which one can watch over and over and won't get bored. The movie was directed by Rajkumar Santoshi starring Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Paresh Rawal, Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon and Shakti Kapoor in leads. The movie was an average grosser when it was released but over the years, it made its special place in our hearts. The movie belonged to a different genre which was quite new to audiences of that time and thus couldn't stand a chance at the box office. Every scene and dialogue was depicted so well like 'Teja main hoon, mark idhar hai', 'Sorry, galti se mistake hogaya', 'Aap purush hi nahi, Mahapurush hai', that they are still immensely popular and reached out to maximum people over the years. On popular demand, the sequel is also scheduled as informed by the director on the completion of 20 years of Andaz Apna Apna. New actors will reprise the roles of the previous characters.
3. Iqbal
The movie was the perfect epitome of inspiration for aspiring cricketers. It was released in 2005. The story revolves around a young mute and deaf boy named Iqbal who struggles hard to get into Indian cricket team but find himself in middle of corrupt cricketers and politics within the management while selection of players. This movie had powerhouse performances delivered by Naseeruddin Shah and Shweta Prasad. The movie was directed by critically acclaimed director Nagesh Kukunoor. This movie is considered as one of the finest performances of Shreyas Talpade till date. The movie also won prestigious awards including National film award for best film on other social issues. IMDb rated this movie with 8.2 rating. Though the movie was not successful commercially, it was critically acclaimed and gathered appreciation from industry.
4. A Wednesday
A movie without any song, Bollywood number or any masala inputs created impact with its powerful performances by Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher because the content and dialogues of the movie were way too ahead of many overrated movies. The movie was based on common man and his fight with terrorism. It provoked a thought on how a common man can change the face of the nation and better not underestimate the power of an ordinary man.
5. Lunchbox
The movie released in 2014 was simple yet endearing starring Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Nimrat Kaur in leads. The movie won many esteemed awards at Cannes and other film festivals. The story revolves around a housewife who is neglected by her husband and later suspect of him having an affair with another woman. Whereas Irrfan plays a middle aged unmarried man who is extremely fond of his newly found taste in his lunchbox. The story was picturised with absolute dedication. The movie grossed an average amount of money at box office but won hearts and trust of many infinitely.
6. Socha na tha
This romantic movie was released way back in 2005 and was directed by well-known director Imtiaz Ali. This is one of the most underrated movies of all time. The movie showed how arranged marriages become a part of confusion among young and old generation. The family drama depicted in this movie is something we can all relate with. Do your relatives never force you to get married? Do they not indulge you to go looking for a perfect bride/groom? If yes then, this one is a must watch. Two young people, trying to figure out their life, amidst it, their parents want them to marry the person of their choice. Later they do fall in love but what happens in the end, to know that you gotta watch the movie. The movie starred debutant Abhay Deol and Ayesha Takia in leads.
7. Manjhi
Recently released movie Manjhi starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte in leads directed by Ketan Mehta leaked online before its scheduled release and thus commercially could not become much successful yet the lead actor proved his mettle. This movie is something you can only enjoy in theatres and not on laptop or cellphones. The movie is a biopic on life of Dashrath Manjhi and 22 years of his struggle with mountain. Every woman deserves a husband like Manjhi who'd go to any extent to establish his depth of love. The movie is already winning many accolades and praises alike. It proves if a movie and the script is good and has loyal audiences, commercial success hardly matters. The substance of representation is what really matters anyway. If you haven't seen this movie, add it to your must watch list.
8. Pyar Ka Punchnama
This movie is relatable to all those loverlorn youngsters who fall in true love every other month and break up every other week. One can relate easily to the situations that usually occur between complicated couples and their on-off romance was depicted in this movie. Though the movie didn't do well in box office but the dialogues were a hit among young people. The movie had good script and the newcomers also won the best debutants filmfare award.
9. Gangs of Wasseypur
The movie was directed by well-known acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap whose earlier movie Dev D was also critically acclaimed. He is known basically for portraying bold and dark characters onscreen. The movie was released in two parts and both the actors Manoj Bajpayee and Nawazuddin Siddiqui nailed their respective characters. The movie had everything from swearing to sexual scenes and violence. It was highly appreciated for its distinctive content and style, thus became 'hatke' genre and was well received by audiences and yet it managed to earn fair collection on box office however it deserved more applaud and whopping success.
These movies are proof that even if the movie lacks 'masala' subject, item songs, big stars, the movie will still be able to steal the show because content is the king. The above listed movies had fine script, was well directed and fairly performed by actors and that has made all the difference. The acclaimed movies often go unnoticed for instance 'Oye lucky lucky oye', 'Shahid', 'Aamir' and many others because the audience has become used to the movies without proper script, maybe that's why Bollywood is still lagging behind Hollywood. The west values the composition of playscript and the performances alike and not just the stardom of a celebrity or the widespread madness for overrated movies. There are people who watch movies which are selective or class apart and by that we mean entertaining at the same time and inspiring in some way. Bollywood has produced numerous numbers of good movies undoubtedly, which could've done well if only the audiences had chosen them instead of going for a time pass movie which is good but for nothing. Acclaimed movies are not always the 'Serious types and' you can enjoy them as well. What harm can an acclaimed film do to you anyway?, rather it might change your perspective towards Bollywood and it might incite you more towards a particular genre of movies. We advise you to improve your choice of movies. It doesn't matter if the movie doesn't have any big public figure, action stunts or the hot chicks dancing and hovering around as long as it has a great script, it has importance.
So, restore your faith in Bollywood and go for the movies that stir up interest in you the most but most importantly keep your choice classy and selective. Not every movie is worth watching and not every acclaimed movie is slow and wearisome. Don't judge a movie by its promo alone, make sure you go to theatres to watch the movie and spill out your opinions.