7 Upcoming 'Small' Films That You Should Not Miss At Any Cost

As much as we like the experience and excitement of big-budgeted and commercial films, we also identify the need and importance of more meaningful cinema. Yes, as of late, Indian commercial films have become more content-driven, with better scripts and more commitment from its uber-popular stars but movies made for the sole purpose of making huge amounts of money does put restraints when it comes to creating quality content. 

And this void in the system of Indian is imperfectly -- yet importantly -- filled by the parallel/independent/art-house cinema.

These 'small' films rarely carry big star names and are made with all kinds of restrictions, budgetary and otherwise. But, with the help of that medium, some of the most urgent and well-made movies are being produced.

Read more: These 48 Bollywood Movies Are The Reason 2017 Will Be Awesome

Here are the ones that we are looking forward to the most (and you should too):

1. Mantra

A story of a dysfunctional family in a desperate situation, Mantra boasts some impressive actors like Rajat Kapoor and Kalki Koechlin. The film's larger theme is how globalization sweep is still affecting modern India as one man (Kapoor) tries to save his once-iconic snacks brand from the competition from a multinational giant.

2. Newton

The film, which received a standing ovation at the Berlin Film Festival, is a story about a clerk's effort to conduct to a fair election in a conflict-ridden Central India. The film stars Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi.

3. Raagdesh

The incredibly talented Tigmanshu Dhulia is back with Raagdesh, a story about the Indian National Army (INA) Trials or famously know The Red Fort Trials of 1945. The film, which is in production, stars Kunal Kapoor, Mohit Marwah and Amit Sadh.

4. Autohead

One of the movies that caught everybody's eyes during the Jio MAMI Festival, Autohead is a psychological thriller about an off-the-rails rickshaw driver and his dangerous exploits in Mumbai.

5. Anaarkali of Aarah

After constantly impressing everybody with her performances in the past few years, Swara Bhaskar is all set to star as the lead in Anaarkali of Aarah. Directed by Avinash Das, revolves around a popular erotic singer from Ara in Bihar.

6. Aur Devdas

This upcoming Sudhir Mishra film will star Rahul Bhat, Richa Chadda and Aditi Rao Hydari. Though the name of this political thriller suggests that it will be a new spin on Devdas, but it is in fact inspired by works of Shakespeare.

7. Rukh

Produced by Drishyam Films, Rukh captures the journey of a boy, who is rediscovering his lost familial ties. The film will have Manoj Bajpayee in the lead.