Best of 2024: 10 underrated films and shows - Merry Christmas, All India Rank to Barzakh

2024 has been a year of good cinema for the ones with a good observation; but some films still remain underrated and here is a list you must binge right now.

Best of 2024: 10 underrated films and shows

2024 has been a year of nostalgia, reformations, revolutionary content, and a wave of re-releases in Indian cinema. Re-releases have dominated the scene, with cult classics and revered films making a comeback, some celebrating milestone anniversaries while others riding the wave of renewed interest. This trend overshadowed much of what came its way, leaving limited space for other films to gain visibility. Adding to the competition was the release of Stree 2 which further obscured the spotlight for two other commendable releases, Khel Khel Mein and Vedaa. As a result, many well-made commercial films found themselves in the underrated category.

For instance, last month saw the quiet release of a Shoojit Sircar movie, with minimal buzz before or after its arrival—an indicator of shifting audience behavior. However, today’s focus is the increasingly crowded room of underrated films and shows in 2024. With a mix of notable performances, gripping narratives, and innovative storytelling, narrowing down to just ten picks was a challenge. The list includes an Ajay Devgn starrer, a Cannes Film Festival winner, and a Vidya Balan film, along with an indie gem and a Pakistani show that deserves more recognition. Below is the list of the 10 most underrated movies and shows of 2024 arranged in order of release month and not preference.

10 most underrated movies and shows of 2024

Merry Christmas

Cast: Vijay Sethupathi, Katrina Kaif, and ensemble

Director: Sriram Raghavan

Streaming On: Netflix

Christmas came early in January with Sriram Raghavan’s much-anticipated Merry Christmas. This murder mystery, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif, was a rewarding cinematic treat. Katrina delivered her career-best performance, perfectly complementing Vijay’s presence. If you haven’t watched it yet, add it to your list.

Bhakshak

Cast: Bhumi Pednekar, Sanjay Mishra, Aditya Srivastava, Sai Tamhankar, and ensemble

Director: Pulkit

Streaming On: Netflix

Bhumi Pednekar shines once again in Bhakshak a hard-hitting drama about a small-town journalist uncovering a racket targeting young girls. Pulkit’s direction and Sanjay Mishra’s powerful performance make this film an eye-opening experience that deserves more attention.

All India Rank

Cast: Bodhisattva Sharma, Samta Sudiksha, Sheeba Chaddha, and ensemble

Director: Varun Grover

Streaming On: Netflix

Varun Grover made his directorial debut with All India Rank a nostalgic trip to 90s India. The film reflects on the country’s modernization journey through the lens of a young boy navigating societal hurdles. Heartwarming and thought-provoking, this indie gem is a must-watch.

Also Read: Not Today on YouTube: Two strangers, one lifeline; Aditya Kripalani’s poignant tale of healing and hope

Maidaan

Cast: Ajay Devgn, Sharik Khan Jr. Priyamani, and ensemble

Director: Amit Ravindranath Sharma

Streaming On: Amazon Prime Video

Ajay Devgn silenced critics of his commercial choices with Maidaan a poignant sports drama. Directed by Amit Sharma and accompanied by AR Rahman’s music, this film tells a tale of determination without falling into clichés or propaganda.

Do Aur Do Pyaar

Cast: Vidya Balan, Pratik Gandhi, Ileana D'Cruz, Sendhil Ramamurthy, and ensemble

Director: Shirsha Guha Thakurta

Streaming On: Disney+ Hotstar

This refreshing rom-com explores what happens after “happily ever after.” With a stellar cast, Do Aur Do Pyaar delves into the complexities of falling out of love and finding oneself again. A heartfelt story that feels like a breath of fresh air.

Pushtaini

Cast: Vinod Rawat, Rajkummar Rao, Hemant Pandey, and ensemble

Director: Vinod Rawat

Streaming On: NA

This indie drama follows a struggling Bollywood actor returning to his roots in the Himalayan mountains, embarking on a transformative journey filled with unexpected encounters.

I Want To Talk

Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Johnny Lever, Ahilya Bamroo, and ensemble

Director: Shoojit Sircar

Streaming On: Amazon Prime Video (upcoming)

Abhishek Bachchan delivers a career-best performance in Shoojit Sircar’s I Want To Talk. The story revolves around a man battling death and undergoing multiple surgeries while maintaining an unbreakable bond with his daughter. This poignant and inspiring tale is one to look forward to.

All We Imagine As Light

Cast: Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and Hridhu Haroon

Director: Payal Kapadia

Streaming On: NA

Cannes Grand Prix winner Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light is a mesmerizing video essay about immigrant life in Mumbai. Through the stories of three women, it explores themes of sisterhood and survival in a city that offers rewards, albeit with hidden costs.

Barzakh

Cast: Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, Fawad M Khan, and ensemble

Director: Asim Abbasi

Streaming On: Zee5

In Barzakh Asim Abbasi crafts a unique story of love that transcends life and death. Fawad Khan stars as a man determined to reunite with his deceased lover in limbo before the full moon, amidst familial opposition. A deeply imaginative tale worth watching.

Berlin

Cast: Aparshakti Khurana, Ishwak Singh, Rahul Bose, and ensemble

Director: Atul Sabharwal

Streaming On: Zee5

Set in New Delhi in 1993, Berlin follows the arrest of a deaf-mute alleged spy on the eve of the Russian president’s visit to India. With a sign language expert assisting in the interrogation, the film blurs the lines between guilt and innocence, keeping viewers on edge.

Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates on streaming content and films!

Also Read: Barzakh: Alamgir's Dekha Na Tha returns—A pop culture classic's epic revival!

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