5 Indian Films That Were a Flop in India But could Have Made India Proud at The Oscars

To say that Indian films have come of age would be an understatement of the century. In the last few years Indian movie goers have proved that more than stars and glossy dance numbers, they want honest and unpretentious content. However, there are many hidden gems that didn’t get their deserved recognition or appreciation. With Oscars 2018 at our doorstep, these are 5 underappreciated Indian films that we think could have made us proud at the biggest celebration of cinemas in the world.

Aligarh

It is plain unfortunate how under rated this gem of a film is. Whether it’s the plot, the performance or the execution, there are very few movies that get the nuanced understanding of homosexual relationships and India’s reaction to it way this movie did. The movie would have been the perfect representative of changing narratives in Indian movies at the Oscars.

Dor

The movie probably came and went from the theatres without most of us noticing, and the only reason we know of this movies is because of the song ‘Yeh Honsla’. But the movie is definitely much more than that. This directorial venture by Nagesh Kukunoor is a sensitive portrayal of two women bonding over common tragedies in the backdrop of barren and rough Rajasthan. It is a cinematic and emotional experience that is difficult to explain words.

Jaane Bhi Do Yaroon

The movie was definitely light years ahead of its time, but even then it being a major flop is something that many movie lovers have a hard time digesting. This black comedy meets scathing satire is one of the finest examples of directorial and storytelling brilliance and would have definitely made India proud at the Oscars.

I Am Kalam

I am Kalam managed to strike a balance that most movies get wrong. It was inspirational, relevant and substantial without being preachy and was thoroughly entertaining. The performance by child artist Harsh Mayar is something that has stuck with the few that watched the movie, forever.  Again, it would have been a shining example of what Indian movies are truly capable of without being garish and mindlessly entertaining.

Aankhon Dekhi

This movie can be best described as sheer cinematic brilliance. It not only had a story that was unique, but the honesty with which it was made shines through in every frame. Sanjay Mishra giving perhaps his life’s best performance so far, is the biggest asset of the movie, part from its direction and screenplay. Had Aankhon Dekhi been to Oscars it would have received the respect it so convincingly deserved.