Bollywood, India’s vibrating heart, has always been linked with vivid song-and-dance routines, dramatic love stories, and bigger-than-life action sequences. There is, however, a treasure trove of films that have boldly surpassed these conventional genre boundaries, captivating audiences and changing the very spirit of Indian cinema.
In this post, we will travel through 7 Bollywood films that dared break away from the conventional, providing spectators with a thrilling blend of invention, creativity, and departure from the expected.
1) “Andhadhun” (2018)
“Andhadhun” differs from the typical song and dance routine by becoming a psychological thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Sriram Raghavan’s visually breathtaking masterwork revolves around a blind pianist who unintentionally becomes involved in a maze of crime and deception. “Andhadhun” is an example of Bollywood’s shifting landscape, with its engaging storyline and unexpected twists.
2) “Piku” (2015)
With its pleasant narrative and genuine representation of relationships, “Piku” breaks the typical limits of family dramas. The film, directed by Shoojit Sircar, is about the relationship between an independent young woman and her aging father. With excellent performances by Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan, “Piku” explores themes of love, responsibility, and the certainty of change.
3) “Queen” (2013)
“Queen” by Vikas Bahl stands out as a unique twist on the coming-of-age genre. The story follows Rani, a young woman who embarks on a solo honeymoon after her wedding is called off. “Queen” promotes self-discovery and empowerment while sending a strong message about individualism, breaking free from the constraints of society’s expectations.
4) “Dangal” (2016)
Nitesh Tiwari’s “Dangal” defies sports drama conventions by putting women at the forefront of the story. Inspired by wrestler Geeta Phogat’s true tale, the film depicts the difficulties and successes of a father desperate to see his daughters flourish in the male-dominated sport of wrestling. “Dangal” not only reimagines the sports genre, but it also advocates for women’s equality and empowerment.
5) “Gully Boy” (2019)
“Gully Boy” by Zoya Akhtar puts the underground rap movement to the forefront, breaking from the usual Bollywood musical. The film follows an aspiring rapper from Mumbai’s slums, questioning societal standards and providing a raw and authentic representation of the city’s street culture. “Gully Boy” is a breakthrough picture that crosses traditional genre boundaries thanks to its powerful music and fascinating performances.
6) “Barfi!” (2012)
“Barfi!” by Anurag Basu is a charming narrative that combines romance, comedy, and drama uniquely and pleasantly. Ranbir Kapoor’s character, a deaf and mute guy, communicates through actions and expressions, delivering a cinematic experience that spans language barriers. “Barfi!” brilliantly demonstrates how storytelling can extend beyond the boundaries of spoken speech.
7) “Stree” (2018)
“Stree” takes a brave step into the horror-comedy genre, integrating both humor and horror. The film, directed by Amar Kaushik, takes an ironic look at urban folklore and superstitions, questioning the norms of both the horror and comic genres in Bollywood. “Stree” is a refreshing take on the supernatural, thanks to its original technique and clever storytelling.