10 Underrated Bollywood Movies You Absolutely Need to Watch

As Bollywood buffs, we all know that some gems slip under the radar while the big-budget blockbusters hog the spotlight. But what about those films that quietly release, make an impact on a handful of cinephiles, and then disappear into the background? That’s the beauty of underrated films—they’re the hidden treasures of Indian cinema, waiting to be discovered. So here’s my take on 10 underrated Bollywood movies that deserve way more love than they got.

1. Udaan (2010)

Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
Cast: Rajat Barmecha, Ronit Roy, Ram Kapoor

Okay, if you haven’t seen Udaan, drop everything. Seriously. This film is an emotional gut-punch. It’s about a boy named Rohan who returns home after being expelled from boarding school, only to face his abusive father, played to perfection by Ronit Roy. Udaan is about dreams, rebellion, and the heavy weight of parental expectations. Motwane’s direction makes you feel every bit of Rohan’s pain, and by the end, you’ll be rooting for him to break free. It’s raw, real, and will leave a mark on you.

Why Watch: If you’ve ever had to fight for your own dreams or go against the grain, Udaan will hit home.

2. A Death in the Gunj (2016)

Director: Konkona Sen Sharma
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Kalki Koechlin, Ranvir Shorey

Konkona Sen Sharma’s directorial debut is nothing short of a masterpiece. Set in the 1970s, A Death in the Gunj tells the story of a family vacation gone wrong, but it’s more than that—it’s a slow-burning psychological drama that digs deep into human emotions. Vikrant Massey gives a beautifully nuanced performance as the introverted Shutu, whose internal struggles are heart-wrenchingly relatable. This film is a delicate unraveling of personal trauma, all set against the backdrop of an idyllic holiday that turns dark. It’s haunting in the best possible way.

Why Watch: It’s the kind of film that sneaks up on you, leaving you thinking about it long after it’s over. Plus, Konkona’s direction is just chef’s kiss.

3. Masaan (2015)

Director: Neeraj Ghaywan
Cast: Richa Chadda, Vicky Kaushal, Sanjay Mishra

Masaan is one of those films that quietly burrows into your soul. Set in Varanasi, the film tells two parallel stories—one of a girl shamed for her sexual desires and another of a boy mourning the loss of a loved one. Vicky Kaushal, in his debut role, is simply brilliant. And Richa Chadda shines in her role as a woman who refuses to bow to societal norms. The way Neeraj Ghaywan blends personal tragedy with the quiet chaos of life along the Ganges makes this film incredibly poignant.

Why Watch: For its deeply human stories and the way it deals with life, death, and everything in between, Masaan is unforgettable.

4. The Lunchbox (2013)

Director: Ritesh Batra
Cast: Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui

If you’re in the mood for something that tugs at the heartstrings without being overly dramatic, The Lunchbox is your film. It’s a simple story about two strangers who connect through a misdelivered lunchbox, but it’s so much more than that. The quiet yet powerful performances by Irrfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur make you feel every ounce of their loneliness, their hopes, and their longing for connection. It’s understated, but that’s what makes it beautiful.

Why Watch: If you appreciate love stories that are more about emotions than grand gestures, The Lunchbox will melt your heart.

5. Manto (2018)

Director: Nandita Das
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rasika Dugal, Tahir Raj Bhasin

Manto is one of those films that doesn’t get nearly as much love as it deserves. Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the controversial and fearless writer Saadat Hasan Manto is pure magic. The film beautifully captures Manto’s turbulent life during India’s partition, and Nandita Das does a stellar job of recreating the era and the man’s unflinching honesty. Manto’s stories about society’s ugly truths are still as relevant today as they were back then.

Why Watch: If you love biopics with depth, Manto is a must-watch. It’ll make you think, and Nawaz will leave you in awe.

6. Titli (2014)

Director: Kanu Behl
Cast: Shashank Arora, Ranvir Shorey, Shivani Raghuvanshi

Dark, gritty, and painfully real, Titli is about a young man trapped in a family of criminals who dreams of breaking free. The film isn’t easy to watch—it’s violent, both physically and emotionally. Shashank Arora gives a stellar performance as Titli, a man desperate to escape his toxic surroundings. Ranvir Shorey, as his brutal older brother, is terrifyingly good. Kanu Behl doesn’t sugarcoat anything, making Titli feel like a punch to the gut.

Why Watch: If you’re into films that challenge you and make you uncomfortable, Titli is a brutal, honest gem.

7. Ship of Theseus (2013)

Director: Anand Gandhi
Cast: Aida El-Kashef, Neeraj Kabi, Sohum Shah

Anand Gandhi’s Ship of Theseus is philosophical cinema at its finest. This film explores the age-old question: If all parts of a thing are replaced, does it remain the same? Through three interconnected stories, the film dives into themes of identity, morality, and change. It’s not a light watch by any means, but it’s deeply rewarding if you’re up for something that makes you question everything.

Why Watch: If you love films that make you think and question life’s bigger mysteries, this one is pure gold.

8. Aligarh (2015)

Director: Hansal Mehta
Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkummar Rao

This is a film that should be talked about more. Aligarh tells the real-life story of a professor who was ostracized for his sexual orientation. Manoj Bajpayee delivers one of his career-best performances as Professor Siras, bringing vulnerability and dignity to the role. Rajkummar Rao, as the journalist who takes up his case, is equally brilliant. Hansal Mehta crafts this film with such sensitivity that it’ll break your heart.

Why Watch: It’s a deeply human story about love, identity, and the struggle for acceptance. You’ll be moved to tears.

9. Ankhon Dekhi (2013)

Director: Rajat Kapoor
Cast: Sanjay Mishra, Seema Pahwa, Rajat Kapoor

Ankhon Dekhi is one of those quirky, feel-good films that stays with you long after the credits roll. Sanjay Mishra is fantastic as Bauji, a man who decides to only believe in things he can see with his own eyes. It’s funny, philosophical, and oddly touching. The film takes a deep dive into the absurdity of life’s little truths, and the way Rajat Kapoor directs it is simply delightful.

Why Watch: It’s a wonderfully quirky take on life’s absurdities, and Sanjay Mishra’s performance is an absolute treat.

10. Peepli Live (2010)

Director: Anusha Rizvi
Cast: Omkar Das Manikpuri, Naseeruddin Shah, Raghubir Yadav

This dark satire about the media’s sensationalism of farmer suicides is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Peepli Live exposes the hypocrisy of politics and the media with biting wit and humor. Omkar Das Manikpuri, as the simple farmer caught in the media frenzy, is fantastic, and the supporting cast, including Raghubir Yadav and Naseeruddin Shah, adds depth to this satire. The film’s humor doesn’t dilute its message—it only makes it hit harder.

Why Watch: It’s a sharp critique of the system, wrapped in humor, and the performances are spot-on.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the many underrated Bollywood films that deserve your attention. They may not have been box office hits, but they’re rich in storytelling, acting, and direction. If you’re looking to explore beyond the usual blockbusters, give these gems a shot—you won’t regret it.