Three Of Us, Goldfish, to Kohrra – 10 underrated Hindi films and shows of 2023

After what felt like the time had come to a halt, the world had come to a standstill, and life paused while the problems only kept multiplying, all of us, in some way or another, entered 2023 like we were about to live a completely new life. Having spent almost three years with a pandemic in multiple lockdowns, it felt like 2023 was the year to breathe and heal. The same was true for Indian cinema, which tried and bounced back massively. While the Pathaan, Jawan, and Tiger got to roar, there were also heartfelt stories that didn’t just make us shed a tear or two but also celebrate life again. 

Cinema was breathing again, and there was room for everyone. While Ranveer Singh as Rocky introduced a new ‘man’ to cinema, Manoj Bajpayee taught us all a thing or two about blind belief. So in a year that was so warm and welcoming for films without segregation, there weren’t many that went unnoticed. Today we talk about some films and shows that were brilliant but the buzz wasn’t as intense as others. 

They had an audience but not enough to appreciate the art that went into making them what they are. Read on and let us know in case we missed any. Even if the writer is a human, AI hasn’t replaced him yet. 

Also Read: Best of 2023: From The Glory, Doctor Cha to A Time Called You, here are 10 Korean dramas that impressed us 

Goldfish

Director: Pushan Kriplani

Cast: Kalki Koechlin and Deepti Naval

Available On: TBA. (To Be Announced)

A daughter returns to her mother only to find her fighting dementia. The battle is rigorous and the daughter has to make peace with her past, when the mother wasn’t good to her. An aching tale of acceptance and ageing that go hand in hand, Goldfish is a movie that will leave you with a thought that will linger for a long time. The music album is so precious that the climax song will make you shed a tear or two. 

Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain

Director: Apoorv Singh Karki 

Cast : Manoj Bajpayee 

Available On: Zee5

One man is up to fight a system headed by a god-man who has blinded a massive number with his words. When a girl dares to speak against the wrongdoings of the god-man, his followers pounce on her like vultures. Bajpayee plays a lawyer who enters the scene to deliver justice. Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain is not just a moving film but an alarming one that reminds you of the strength each one of us possesses. This was a rare digital release that then went to theatres.

Shiv Shastri Balboa

Director: Ajayan Venugopalan 

Cast: Anupam Kher and Neena Gupta

Available On: Amazon Prime Video

Is there an age to dream? Does an old man aspiring to be Rocky Balboa for a moment cost a fortune? Starring the brilliant Anupam Kher and an amazing Neena Gupta, Shiv Shastri Balboa is a movie for dreamers and cinephiles who live for that one moment and walk towards it for a lifetime, but sometimes don’t even get to live it. Does Shiv Shastri fulfil his? Watch the heartwarming movie to find out. 

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Tarla

Director: Piyush Gupta 

Cast: Huma Qureshi and Sharib Hashmi

Available On: Zee5

Food is the way to a man’s heart. Which means Tarla had a golden pass to all our hearts. The movie that stars Huma Qureshi as the sweet Tarla Dalal was cooked on a slow flame and delivered with a sprinkle of sass because the woman at the centre of it was such an entertaining figure. 

8 A.M Metro

Director: Raj Rachakonda

Cast: Gulshan Devaiah and Sayami Kher

Available On: TBA

Some poetries begin with a spark and end with a tragedy no one could see coming. With Gulzar Sahab’s soul-piercing words, 8 A.M. Metro is a story you cannot put into a genre. It is a human drama that talks of loneliness, the pain of losing someone, the blankness of living in oblivion, and much more with a very subtle voice. The nuances of this movie are meant to be observed and rejoiced. 

Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga

Director: Ajay Singh

Cast: Sunny Kaushal and Yami Gautam

Available On: Netflix

Some people may not agree with this Netflix movie being on this list. But trust me, even I was on the other side before watching this film. The movie is clever with crisp execution of a thrilling heist. It has a surprise packed for you at every juncture. The screenplay is one of the most rewarding among the movies made in this genre. 

Three Of Us

Director: Avinash Arun 

Cast: Shefali Shah, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Swanand Kirkire 

Available On: TBA

A woman travels to her roots in search of closure. She meets her childhood crush with her husband and they set out to talk about life and what led to the crossroads where the three stand. Avinash Arun simmers with emotions and his performance hits you hard. For a filmmaker who finds his rhythm in silences, Arun builds a movie that is both cathartic and moving. 

Trial By Fire

Creators: Kevin Luperchio and Prashant Nair

Cast: Rajshri Deshpande and Abhay Deol 

Available On: Netflix

A mother cannot accept the death of her children, who were burnt in a fire in a cinema hall. She wants to take down the system that led to the fateful day when she lost everything. A husband watches his wife succumb to the void that can never be filled. With two of the most brilliant performances by Rajshri and Abhay in recent times, Trial By Fire is a must-watch. 

Kaala Paani

Creators: Sumit Saxena and Amit Golani 

Cast: Mona Singh, Vikas Kumar, Sukant Goel, and Amey Wagh

Available On: Netflix

What happens when greed wipes out an entire settlement? What happens when the indigenous communities are made to go through tough times? The line between them and the city dwellers is invisible but also very clear. Kaala Paani is a haunting show that delves into multiple storylines, all haunted by a disaster that is about to wipe everyone out. The show that belnds genres and is so much more than just a thriller. 

Kohrra

Creators: Gunjit Chopra, Sudip Sharma, and Diggi Sisodia

Cast: Barun Sobti and Suvinder Vicky

Available On: Netflix

The Avengers of the Indian violent genre unite to make a show that is violent in a very lucrative way. There is a lot to observe and absorb in this show that is about a layered investigation. Each layer tells a different story that leads to a common thread. Kohrra is a must watch and you must not miss it. 

Stay tuned to OTTplay for more on this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.

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