Bollywood produces more than 1,000 films a year, making it the largest film industry in the world in terms of the number of annual releases. Yet, most moviegoers only hear about a handful of these—the ones with big budgets that cast A-list actors, spend millions on promotions, and secure massive theatrical releases. But beyond these blockbuster hits, there’s a treasure trove of films that have won National Awards, multiple honors at film festivals, and critical acclaim, yet have failed to gain widespread recognition from mainstream audiences.
While there’s a lot of love for the masala films that are iconic and deeply ingrained in Bollywood’s identity, Hindi cinema also has a soft corner for movies that don’t chase box office numbers but are all heart—with their strong storytelling, compelling narratives, and thought-provoking themes. Let’s explore some of these underrated gems that deserve a watch. Check out JustWatch's guide to discover 10 such underrated Bollywood movies that deserve more love and attention!
Masaan
Vicky Kaushal is one of the biggest actors in the Hindi film industry, and while he shot to fame for his stellar performance in Uri: The Surgical Strike, he first made his mark as a leading man in the 2015 independent film, Masaan. The movie follows two protagonists from different walks of life—one, a young woman grieving the death of her boyfriend, and the other, a small-town boy burdened by caste and societal expectations, as their paths converge. While Masaan was an indie production, it received wide national and international acclaim. The movie was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the FIPRESCI Prize and Un Certain Regard award, and was praised by The New York Times for its authentic portrayal of India's evolving realism in cinema. To prepare for his role as a Banaras-based lower-caste youth struggling to break free from social constraints, Vicky Kaushal immersed himself in the city for months, perfecting his mannerisms and dialect. His raw, heartfelt performance in Masaan opened doors for him, leading to mainstream roles in films like Raazi and Sanju soon after. If you’re looking for a poignant, deeply moving film that stays with you long after the credits roll, add Masaan to your watchlist.
B.A. Pass
If you're a fan of thriller films, check out B.A. Pass. The movie follows Mukesh, a teenage orphan who is seduced into the world of escort services and exploitation by a cougar. Desperate to gain some financial freedom and provide for his orphaned sisters, Mukesh finds himself falling deeper and deeper into the hole that fate—and his choices—have dug for him. Think The Graduate with the whole Mrs. Robinson angle, but a much darker, crime-ridden, and emotionally unsettling version. With twists unfolding at every turn, this film promises to keep you on edge throughout. B.A. Pass carved a space for itself in the Indian neo-noir erotic thriller niche, gaining cult status for its bold storytelling. The film was even followed up with a sequel —B.A. Pass 2.
Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women
Probably one of the most hard-hitting films to tackle the imbalance of gender politics in India at the time of its release, Manish Jha’s Matrubhoomi is set in a fictional near-future where women have nearly disappeared due to rampant discrimination and the deeply ingrained cultural preference for male children. The movie casts a light on what society would look like without women, serving as a chilling wake-up call for viewers, policymakers, and social reformers alike. It forces audiences to question deep-seated patriarchal norms and the horrifying consequences of gender imbalance. Despite releasing in 2003, Matrubhoomi remains just as relevant today, continuing to strike a nerve with modern viewers. The film marked the directorial debut of indie screenwriter and director Manish Jha, who went on to win the FIPRESCI Award at the Cannes Film Festival for his gripping and socially charged storytelling.
Dasvidaniya
Amar Kaul is thirty-seven years old, single, living with his mother, and stuck in a mundane corporate job that he absolutely loathes. He’s disappointed with where his life has ended up in every possible way—until he’s diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and given only three months to live. With a ticking clock hanging over his head, Amar finally musters the courage to quit his soul-sucking job and start living like the main character in his own story—armed with a list of ten long-overdue dreams to chase before time runs out. The movie is deeply moving yet wildly entertaining—one that’ll have you reaching for the tissues in one moment and falling off your chair laughing in the next. A poignant, funny, and life-affirming take on regrets, second chances, and what it truly means to live.
Raincoat
Two estranged lovers who never got over each other meet again years after their separation, leading to unexpected events that alter their lives in ways they never imagined. The movie forces both of them to reflect on their past choices and confront the emotional void they’ve been living with. This bittersweet romantic drama, starring Aishwarya Rai and Ajay Devgn, is a beautiful exploration of love, longing, and second chances. It even won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi in 2005. One of the most fascinating aspects of the movie is that it was filmed in just sixteen days, an impressive feat given its emotional depth and storytelling finesse. While both Aishwarya Rai and Ajay Devgn are mainstream Bollywood stars, this film often remains hidden in their filmographies, overshadowed by their blockbuster hits like Devdas, Singham, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Golmaal.
Unlike traditional Bollywood romances, this film forgoes extravagant dance sequences, high-energy song routines, and over-the-top melodrama. Instead, it captivates with its subtle storytelling, raw emotions, and quiet yet profound charm.
Ek Hasina Thi
If you like movies like Gone Girl and 7 Khoon Maaf, you’ll probably enjoy Ek Hasina Thi. This 2004 neo-noir thriller follows a woman who is framed for a crime she didn’t commit and sets out to clear her name—while plotting cold-blooded revenge on the ex-lover who betrayed her. Starring Saif Ali Khan in a role that was a complete departure from his usual charming, romantic persona, the film showcased his versatility and depth as an actor early in his career. His performance as a manipulative and ruthless antagonist remains one of his most underrated. Even though Ek Hasina Thi doesn’t get as much recognition as Omkara, Dil Chahta Hai, and Race from Saif Ali Khan’s filmography, it’s still a gripping, dark, and intensely thrilling watch—one that keeps you hooked till the very last frame.
Mithya
Mithya might not have the same A-list star cast as Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., but it delivers a similar dose of laughs, bizarre situations, and unexpected twists. This 2008 comedy-drama follows a struggling actor who agrees to impersonate a notorious gangster to earn some quick cash—only to find himself in way over his head. What starts as a simple con spirals into chaos, with hilarious and unpredictable consequences that blur the line between reality and performance. With its dark humor, sharp writing, and offbeat storytelling, Mithya is a hidden gem in Bollywood’s black comedy genre—one that keeps you laughing while keeping you on edge.
Kya Dilli Kya Lahore
There are plenty of films about India’s Partition, focusing on the wars, conflicts, and deep scars that followed. But few highlight the shared histories, cultural similarities, and the possibility of friendship between people separated by a man-made border. Veer-Zaara was one such mainstream Bollywood film that broke the mould, exploring love across borders in a grand, emotional way back in 2004. Exactly a decade later, filmmaker Vijay Raaz took a different approach with Kya Dilli Kya Lahore—a light-hearted yet deeply moving story about two enemy soldiers stationed at the India-Pakistan border, who, against all odds, form an unexpected but heartwarming friendship. While Kya Dilli Kya Lahore never made it to the mainstream spotlight, it offers a rare blend of humor and heartbreak, presenting the Partition’s very real impact on both countries in a different light.
Dil Dosti Etc.
There’s something about films like Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Main Hoon Na, and Student of the Year that invoke nostalgia, and make viewers reminisce about the good old days of college—friendships, first loves, and youthful ambitions. If you’re yearning for more films that capture the essence of navigating life as a young adult, the thrill of rebellion, and the search for identity, add Dil Dosti Etc. to your watchlist. This underrated coming-of-age drama offers a raw, unfiltered take on college life, exploring the clash of ideologies, ambitions, and personal choices that define one’s formative years.
Margarita with a Straw
Kalki Koechlin is constantly pushing the boundaries of storytelling and performance, and challenging herself with every role she takes on. Her portrayal of Laila in Margarita with a Straw is no exception. This coming-of-age drama follows a bisexual woman with cerebral palsy as she navigates love, identity, and self-acceptance while studying abroad. A must-watch for anyone looking for a raw, beautifully told story about self-discovery, courage, and the pursuit of love in all its forms.
Find Out Where to Watch These Hidden Bollywood Gems Streaming Online
Many of the movies in this list are hard to come by, making it difficult to figure out where to watch them legally and conveniently. That’s why we’ve put together this handy and comprehensive guide—so you can quickly find out where to stream, rent, or buy each movie in India without the hassle of endless searching. Click on the title to see all available platforms, cast details, plot summaries, and even viewer ratings—helping you decide which hidden gem to watch next and ensuring you never miss out on a great film.
