Director: Shoojit Sircar

Writer: Juhi Chaturvedi

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone & Irrfan Khan

Cinematography: Kamaljeet Negi

Music: Anupam Roy

Writer & Director: Mani Ratnam

Cast: Arvind Swamy, Manisha Koirala, Nassar 

Cinematography: Rajiv Menon

Music: AR Rahman

Bombay (1995), directed by Mani Ratnam, is a love story of Shekhar, a Hindu boy, and Shaila, a Muslim girl, who elope to Bombay amidst societal disapproval. Raising twin sons, their world shatters during the 1993 Bombay riots, as communal tensions threaten their family. Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala deliver nuanced performances, enhanced by A.R. Rahman’s evocative music, notably the iconic "Bombay Theme." A powerful film, Bombay explores love, resilience, and hope amidst the devastating reality of religious violence.

Director: Abhishek Chaubey

Screenplay: Sudip Sharma & Abhishek Chaubey

Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan & Diljit Dosanjh

Cinematography: Rajeev Ravi

Music: Amit Trivedi

Background Score: Benedict Taylor

*Udta Punjab* is a bold 2016 film that tackles the drug crisis in Punjab through the intertwined stories of a rockstar (Shahid Kapoor), an immigrant worker (Alia Bhatt), a cop (Diljit Dosanjh), and a doctor (Kareena Kapoor Khan). The film, directed by Abhishek Chaubey, earned critical acclaim for its raw realism, powerful performances, and unflinching portrayal of addiction and corruption. Despite facing censorship battles, it succeeded commercially and garnered several awards. The film’s edgy soundtrack and intense storytelling pushed Bollywood’s boundaries, making it a landmark film in socially relevant cinema.

Screenplay & Direction: Pankaj Kapur

Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Supriya Pathak, Anupam Kher, Manoj Pahwa 

Music: Pritam

Lyrics: Irshad Kamil

Cinematographer: Binod Pradhan

“Mausam” (2011), directed by veteran actor Pankaj Kapur, is a poignant love story that takes its audience on a journey spanning years and continents, touching on love, separation, and longing. Starring Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles, the movie is a romantic drama frozen in time, rooted in old-world charm that stands in stark contrast to the fast-paced love stories we often see today.

Writer & Director: Anurag Kashyap

Based on: Hussain Zaidi’s book “Black Friday: The True Story of the Bombay Bomb Blasts”

Cast: Pavan Malhotra, Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastava, Gajraj Rao, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Pratima Kazmi, Imtiaz Ali, Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Cinematography: Natarajan Subramaniam

Music: Indian Ocean

Director: Madhur Bhandarkar

Screenplay: Mohan Azaad

Dialogues: Mohan Azaad & Masud Mirza

Cast: Tabu, Atul Kulkarni, Ananya Khare

Cinematography: Rajeev Ravi

Music: Raju Singh

Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar in 2001, Chandni Bar is a film that doesn’t just tell a story; it makes a statement. Through its raw, gritty portrayal of the lives of bar dancers and the world they inhabit, it forces the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths about society. The performances, particularly by Tabu and Ananya Khare, elevate the film, making it not just a cinematic experience but a deeply emotional journey.

Director: Omung Kumar

Producer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Screenplay: Saiwyn Quadras

Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Darshan Kumar & Sunil Thapa

Cinematography: Keiko Nakahara

Songs: Shashi Suman & Shivamm Pathak

Background Score: Rohit Kulkarni

Released in 2014, "Mary Kom" is a film that transcends the boundaries of a conventional sports drama. It is a powerful and moving portrayal of a woman's relentless pursuit of her dreams, despite the numerous obstacles in her path. With its compelling story, strong performances, and inspiring message, "Mary Kom" stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the extraordinary achievements of one of India's greatest sports icons.

Director: Kabir Khan

Story: Aditya Chopra

Screenplay: Sandeep Shrivastava

Cast: John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Irrfan Khan & Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Cinematography: Aseem Mishra

Songs: Pritam

Background Score: Julius Packiam

Producer: Yash Raj Films

The 2009 Hindi film New York, directed by Kabir Khan, is a raw, unflinching narrative that delves into the traumatic aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The film explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the far-reaching consequences of terrorism. It is a balanced yet emotionally charged portrayal of how lives are irrevocably altered by global events, especially for those who find themselves wrongfully accused due to their ethnicity or religion.

Writer & Director: Prakash Jha

Screenplay: Prakash Jha & Anjum Rajabali

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Arjun Rampal, Katrina Kaif, Naseeruddin Shah, Chetan Pandit, Sarah Thompson & Shruti Seth

Cinematography: Sachin K Krishn

Background Score: Wayne Sharpe

Raajneeti (2010), directed by Prakash Jha, is a compelling political thriller that delves into the complexities of Indian politics, drawing inspiration from the Mahabharata. The film features an ensemble cast with standout performances by Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar, and Manoj Bajpayee. Jha’s direction skillfully captures the power struggles, ambitions, and moral dilemmas within a political family. The screenplay, impactful dialogues, and strong social commentary on gender roles and dynastic politics make Raajneeti a significant film that offers a realistic and thought-provoking portrayal of the political landscape.

Director & Producer: Yash Chopra

Story & Screenplay: Honey Irani

Dialogues: Rahi Masoon Raza

Cast: Sridevi, Anil Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman & Anupam Kher

Cinematography: Manmohan Singh

Music: Shiv- Hari

Yash Chopra's 1991 film 'Lamhe' is a bold and timeless love saga that was initially controversial but has since gained cult status. It tells the story of Viren (Anil Kapoor), who falls in love with Pallavi (Sridevi), and later with her daughter Pooja (also played by Sridevi). Sridevi's dual role and Anil Kapoor's nuanced performance are standout elements. The film features beautiful cinematography of Rajasthan and London, and a memorable soundtrack by Shiv-Hari. Despite its initial mixed reception in India, 'Lamhe' is now celebrated for its groundbreaking narrative, emotional depth, and Yash Chopra’s masterful direction.

Director: Vishal Bhardwaj

Screenplay: Vishal Bhardwaj, Robin Bhatt, Abhishek Chaubey

Based on “Othello” by William Shakespeare

Cast: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Konkana Sen Sharma, Naseeruddin Shah, Deepak Dobriyal, Bipasha Basu

Cinematography: Tassaduq Hussain

Dialogues, Music & Background Score: Vishal Bhardwaj

Lyrics: Gulzar

"Omkara," a 2006 crime drama directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s "Othello," set in rural Uttar Pradesh. The film features a stellar ensemble cast and stands out for its authentic portrayal of rustic life, powerful performances, and a gripping storyline. The film’s music, especially the song "Bidi Jalaile," and its numerous awards and accolades cement its legacy in Hindi cinema.

Dor (2006)

Director: Sriram Raghavan

Writer: Sriram Raghavan & Pooja Ladha Surti

Producer: Ram Gopal Varma

Cast: Urmila Matondkar, Saif Ali Khan, Seema Biswas, Aditya Srivastava, Pratima Kazmi

Cinematography: C.K. Muraleedharan

Music & Background Score: Amar Mohile

"Ek Hasina Thi" is a 2004 Hindi neo-noir thriller directed by Sriram Raghavan, starring Urmila Matondkar and Saif Ali Khan. The film follows Sarika, a simple woman whose life is shattered when she falls in love with the charming but deceitful Karan. Wrongly imprisoned due to his machinations, Sarika endures brutal prison conditions and transforms into a vengeful force. The film is noted for its gripping screenplay, strong performances, especially Matondkar's and Khan's, and its realistic depiction of betrayal, prison life, and the pursuit of justice.

Dor (2006)

Screenplay & Direction: Nagesh Kukunoor

Based on the Malayalam film “Perumazhakkalam” by Kamal

Cast: Ayesha Takia, Gul Panag, Shreyas Talpade, Girish Karnad, Uttara Baokar & Prateeksha Lonkar

Music & Background Score: Salim- Sulaiman

In a cinematic landscape dominated by commercial blockbusters, the 2006 Hindi movie "Dor" stands out as a beacon of nuanced storytelling and emotional depth. Nagesh Kukunoor's masterful direction, combined with stellar performances by Ayesha Takia, Gul Panag, and Shreyas Talpade, makes "Dor" a film that is both timeless and poignant. It is a film that deserves to be revisited and celebrated for its artistic merit and the powerful messages it conveys.

Writer & Director: Rajat Mukherjee

Producer: Ram Gopal Varma

Cast: Urmila Matondkar, Fardeen Khan, Sonali Kulkarni, Suresh Oberoi & Rajpal Yadav

Cinematography: Sanjay Kapoor

Music: Sandeep Chowta

"Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya" (2001) explores the dark side of unrequited love through Ria (Urmila Matondkar), whose obsession with photographer Jai (Fardeen Khan) spirals into madness, jeopardizing his life and marriage. Directed by Rajat Mukherjee, the film delves into psychological drama, marked by haunting performances and intense visuals.

Director: Jag Mundhra

Writers: Carl Austin & Rahila Gupta

Based on: The Circle of Light (book)

Cast: Aishwarya Rai, Miranda Richardson, Robbie Coltrane, Naveen Andrews,Ray Panthaki & Nandita Das

Cinematography: Madhu Ambat

Music: A.R. Rahman

In this episode, we delve into the gripping 2006 biographical drama "Provoked," featuring Aishwarya Rai in one of her most powerful roles. The film portrays the true story of Kiranjit Ahluwalia, an Indian woman who endures years of domestic abuse before fighting back and reshaping the British legal system. We explore Rai’s poignant performance, the film’s impactful storytelling, and its contribution to raising awareness about domestic violence among immigrant communities.

Director: Pradeep Sarkar

Based on: Parineeta novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay

Producer: Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Vidya Balan, Sanjay Dutt, Dia Mirza, Raima Sen, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty

Cinematography: Natarajan Subramaniam

Music: Shantanu Moitra

"Parineeta" ("The Married Woman") is a 2005 Hindi-language musical romance film adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1914 Bengali novella of the same name. Directed by Pradeep Sarkar in his debut, the screenplay was crafted by the film's producer, Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The movie features Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, and Vidya Balan (making her debut) in the lead roles, with Raima Sen, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty, and Dia Mirza in supporting roles. The film includes several notable references to Indian literature and cinema.

Director: Shakun Batra

Screenplay: Shakun Batra & Ayesha Devitre Dhillon

Producer: Karan Johar for Dharma Productions

Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Fawad Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Rajat Kapoor & Ratna Pathak Shah

Cinematography: Jeffery F. Bierman

Songs: Amaal Mallik, Badshah, Arko, Tanishk Bagchi, Benny Dayal, Nucleya

Background Score: Sameer Uddin

"Kapoor & Sons" is a 2016 Indian Hindi-language drama film that stands out as a masterclass in contemporary cinema. Directed by Shakun Batra and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, the film features an ensemble cast including Rishi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan, Alia Bhatt, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Rajat Kapoor. With a delicate balance of humor, emotion, and realism, "Kapoor & Sons" delves into the intricacies of family dynamics, personal aspirations, and the underlying tensions that often remain unspoken.

Writer, Director & Producer: Shoaib Mansoor

Cast: Humaima Malik, Atif Aslam, Iman Ali, Mahira Khan, Shafqat Cheema, Manzar Sehbai, Zaib Rehman, Amr Kashmiri

Music: Atif Aslam, Shoaib Mansoor, Sajjad Ali, Jafiey, Ahmed Jahanzeb, Hadiqa Kiyani, Ali Javed

Bol, a Pakistani film directed by Shoaib Mansoor, was released in 2011 and quickly garnered attention for its bold and unflinching exploration of social issues in Pakistani society. This film is not just a narrative but a profound statement on the systemic problems that plague many families and communities. It dives into the depths of gender discrimination, economic hardship, and the struggle between tradition and modernity.

Director: Tanuja Chandra

Writer: Mahesh Bhatt, Girish Dhamija

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Preity Zinta & Ashutosh Rana 

Lyrics: Sameer

Music: Jatin- Lalit

"Sangharsh," directed by Tanuja Chandra and penned by Mahesh Bhatt, stands as a hallmark in the genre of psychological thrillers within Hindi cinema. Released in 1999, this film diverged sharply from the conventional narratives prevalent at the time, delivering a chilling exploration of crime, sacrifice, and redemption.