Satya To Tumbbad - Cinema that dares to be different; Here's where you can watch them on OTT

Nowadays, when we watch a film like Superboys of Malegaon or Laapataa Ladies, or even a series like Black Warrant, our first thought is, Wow, this is different. This is risky. This is new. But what we often forget is our history. Bollywood has always been about taking risks, challenging norms, and making films that tackle real issues. Our cinematic history is filled with movies that were ahead of their time, proving that bold storytelling has long been a part of Indian cinema.

Indian cinema has long been a platform for fearless storytelling, bringing some of the most daring and unconventional films to the big screen. These films have risked it all to highlight taboo subjects, blending them with gripping narratives that leave audiences with goosebumps. They have redefined cinematic boundaries—from unexpected twists to powerful performances and unforgettable climaxes. These gutsy films of Indian cinema fearlessly challenge societal norms, proving that bold storytelling can spark conversations and leave a lasting impact. Ranbir Kapoor's Tamasha and 4 other Bollywood films that address mental health struggles and you can watch with your OTTplay Premium Subscription.

From Bandit Queen (1994) to Highway (2014), Indian cinema has served as a platform for daring storytelling, bringing unconventional narratives to the big screen. These films have risked it all…

Bandit Queen - 1994 (Prime Video)

Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen is a groundbreaking Indian film, portraying Phoolan Devi’s life with raw realism. A bold cinematic step, it fearlessly brings her harrowing journey to the screen, exposing societal injustices and sparking intense conversations on oppression and resilience.

Mr. India - 1987 (Zee5)

A poor but big-hearted man takes in orphans, offering them a home. After discovering his scientist father's invisibility device, he rises to the occasion and fights to save his children—and all of India—from the clutches of a megalomaniac. Directed by Shekhar Kapur and starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi, this film remains one of the most experimental movies, not just for its time but even today. A cult classic, Mr. India is iconic and will always be peak cinema.

Satya - 1998 (SonyLIV)

Satya follows the journey of a young man who arrives in Mumbai from South India in search of a job. Falsely accused and jailed, he meets Bhiku Mhatre, an underworld boss who takes him under his wing. As Satya rises through the ranks of Bhiku’s gang, he also falls in love with Vidya, his neighbor. But his criminal life puts their relationship to the test. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma, Satya was a game-changer in Hindi cinema and became a landmark film in many ways.

Also Read: Imtiaz Ali at 53: Look back at the films that shaped Bollywood

Lipstick Under My Burkha - 2016 (Prime Video)

Alankrita Shrivastava’s Lipstick Under My Burkha defied norms with its bold storytelling, portraying women’s hidden desires and struggles in a patriarchal society. Despite facing censorship battles, its fearless narrative on female empowerment and freedom proved that daring stories resonate and spark vital conversations.

Highway - 2014 (ShemarooMe)

Veera Tripathi, the daughter of a wealthy businessman, is abducted by Mahabir Bhati on a highway, just a day before her wedding. Though she initially struggles, she eventually finds herself more comfortable with her captors than she ever was at home. Highway was a daring film in all aspects—from Alia Bhatt choosing it as her second film to Imtiaz Ali crafting a unique road movie.

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Tumbbad - 2018 (Prime Video)

Sohum Shah’s Tumbbad redefined folklore and thriller cinema, blending mythology with psychological horror in an unprecedented way. Its bold, unconventional storytelling broke traditional filmmaking patterns, delivering a visually stunning and thought-provoking narrative. Centered on greed, the film fearlessly explored human desires, proving that daring stories create cinematic masterpieces.

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