Nirjher Kumar Patel
Most of us love movies. But in the era of OTT, there are releases every single day and not all the films get attention, and many remain unnoticed. Maybe most of them are not even worthy of the attention that they get… Therefore, in most cases, it is word-of-mouth that helps them to find their audience and get the praise that they deserve, if they do deserve it of course. It also helps the people associated with such films to remain motivated even if they fail to earn big bucks. So here are five underrated movies of recent times, that might not have received the attention they deserved.
Bhakshak
This crime thriller starred Bhumi Pednegar in the lead as a local journalist. She investigates a series of abuse cases at a shelter home for girls. The movie focuses on her fight against powerful people and her efforts to expose the truth, overcoming numerous obstacles. The film also features Sanjay Mishra, Aditya Srivastava, and Sai Tamhankar. The movie was based on the horrific Muzaffarpur shelter home case of 2018 that shook the nation. The movie gives us the impression that the creatives have done some basic homework to keep the urban audience invested. Produced by Red Chillies it creates an awareness and compassion among the audience about an important issue. The performance of all the actors is on point especially Bhumi shines in the entire film. The movie can be watched on Netflix.
Swatantra Veer Savarkar
A biopic starring Randeep Hooda in the lead of Veer Savarkar didn’t get the attention it deserved, because of the politics of the country. Whether you agree with Savarkar’s ideology or not, no one can deny that the film was the labor of love, and the script was quite well-researched. Randeep gave his sweat and blood to the film. His transformation for the role of Savarkar was insane. All the aspects of the film be it cinematography, editing, dialogues, and setting were top-notch.
The biographical drama explores the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, who played a prominent role in India’s fight for freedom. The movie’s intense setting and noteworthy performances by supporting actors like Ankita Lokhande and Rajesh Khera, make it a must-watch for all cinephiles. The movie also marks Randeep Hooda’s directorial debut. The film can be watched on Zee 5.
Maidaan
This movie starring Ajay Devgn is a compelling sports drama that captures the spirit of Indian football in the 1950s and 60s. Directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, the film is inspired by the true story of Syed Abdul Rahim, the legendary Indian football coach and manager, who had played an important role in shaping Indian football. The movie found very few takers in the cinema despite being a well-crafted emotional sports drama done with full authenticity. Sports lovers should definitely give it a try.
The film excels in its cinematography, and it captures the essence of the era with vibrant visuals that enhance the emotional and dramatic arcs. Devgn delivers a powerful and nuanced performance. He effectively shows us the passion and dedication of his character. Supporting him is a talented cast that makes the movie even more entertaining. The film manages to balance personal struggles with broader themes of resilience and teamwork. The movie is presently available on “Prime video” for streaming.
Rebel Ridge
Directed by Jeremy Saulnier is a gripping crime thriller that combines elements of social commentary with intense action. The film follows the story of a former cop who is drawn into a web of conspiracy and corruption while investigating a series of violent events in a rural community.
The plot follows a former cop who gets involved in a series of violent events while conducting an investigation. The performances can be said to be quite compelling; the cast delivers strong portrayals that add emotional depth, driving viewers into the story. The movie was surely underrated like many other, and didn’t get the recognition it deserved.
Wicked Little Letters
This Hollywood movie on the list was initially released in 2023 and in 2024, it released in the US. Starring Olivia Coleman (Oscar winner) along with Timothy Spall, Joanna Scanlon, Lolly Adefope (Kitty from ‘Ghosts’), Hugh Skinner (William from ‘The Windsors’) and Dame Eileen Atkins, is based on a true story of how Edith Swann wrote awful letters to herself and tried to frame her neighbor Rose. (That is not a spoiler as this is not a who done it, but rather a HOW it was done.)
The film’s charm lies in its embrace of simplicity, which is fresh as people might be tired of more and more Marvel movies and shows come week after week. The comedic timing of the cast is truly exceptional. Olivia Colman, in particular, delivers a scene-stealing performance, her sharp wit and adept use of colorful language proving to be a comedic highlight. In conclusion, “Wicked Little Letters” is a thoroughly engaging film that manages to blend humor with its thoughtful social commentary. The movie can be streamed on Zee5.
So, all these five films of different genres, can turn your weekend into a delight, so take a pause, enjoy with friends and family for a refreshment whenever you need it!
