Though many Bollywood movies lack originality, there are some great off-beat movies that didn’t shy away from beating the formula. These unconventional movies took the plunge into experimental storytelling and film-making.
1. Aankhon Dekhi (IMDB: 8)
This insightful movie focuses on a very critical topic of existential crisis that affects many of us as we try to fit in what society expects of us, rather than simply live life the way we want to. With an amazing performance by Sanjay Mishra, Aankhon Dekhi is nothing like a conventional Bollywood drama movie.
2. Ship of Theseus (IMDB: 8)
Starring Aida El-Kashef, Neeraj Kabi, and Sohum Shah, Ship of Theseus, is definitely one of the most significant movies created by Indian cinema. This movie attempts the psychological exploration of the famous ‘Ship of Theseus paradox’ and showcases what evocative storytelling looks like.
3. C U Soon (IMDB: 7.8)
Captured entirely on iPhone, this India’s first computer screen movie is an example of true brilliance. With a power-packed performance and a powerful script, this movie is a perfect example for the filmmakers to follow!
4. Super Deluxe (IMDB: 8.4)
Combining elements of fantasy and science fiction, Super Deluxe is one of the most unconventional movies of recent times. With pop-cultural references, the film effortlessly combined black comedy with social commentary, ensuring that the story remains engaging and impactful.
5. Pushpak (IMDB: 8.6)
Kamal Hassan’s 1987 silent-comedy-drama broke the conventional film-making with each movie frame. This silent comedy with no dialogues went on to win the National Film Award and became one of the most entertaining comedies. Today’s movie-makers, who resort to sexist dialogues to evoke laughter, can perhaps take a lesson from this amazing movie.
6. Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (IMDB: 7.4)
Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota is one of the most novel and unconventional movies that Bollywood has created in recent times. With a charming protagonist, an eccentric villain, and many memorable ‘sidekicks’, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota is a real example of what experimental cinema looks like.
7. AK vs. AK (IMDB: 6.9)
This black comedy thriller treads a thin line between a reality show and a fictional thriller. Challenging the conventional notion of film-making, this thriller is intriguing and interesting!
8. No Smoking (IMDB: 7.3)
Kashyap may have gained fame with GoW, but he achieved cult status, as a director, because of his unique perspective on storytelling. John Abraham’s psychological thriller No Smoking is the perfect example of unique and unconventional story-telling. Though No Smoking failed at the box office years ago, it’s definitely the reflection of what the new age cinema should look like.
9. Go Goa Gone (IMDB: 6.7)
Being India’s first zombie movie, Go Goa Gone managed to have its own share of followers. Being unique, engrossing, and a genuine laughter riot, this Saif Ali Khan’s starrer is one of the finest attempts at the genre of zombie comedy.
10. Love Sex Aur Dhokha (IMDB: 7.2)
While everything about Love Sex Aur Dhokha was unconventional, it turned out to be cinematic brilliance. From unconventional music to shooting style, this movie shattered the conventional film-making with each frame. And fortunately, this experimental film turned into a commercial success!
Do let us know how many of these unconventional gems have you watched?
