Sometimes great work goes unnoticed. That’s sad. Because most often it goes unnoticed for all the wrong reasons. Censorship, controversy, marketing budgets, or lack thereof. Silly reasons such as these should not keep an audience from enjoying what is truly awesome cinema. Here are 9 offbeat films that I think more people should be talking about. Most of what’s written below is my personal opinion, and in no particular order. If you have a recommendation that you feel should be added to this list, tweet it to me – @scenest3r .
1. Matrubhoomi: A nation without women (2003)
In a weird, dystopian future, an Indian village is down to its last woman because of rampant female infanticide. This daring social commentary will make your blood boil.
2. Om dar-ba-dar (1988)
Famously dubbed ‘The Great Indian LSD Trip’, Om dar-ba-dar is a film that will make any Jodorowsky fan weak in the knees. Don’t judge this film based on the plot summary, that would be completely missing the point.
3. Greater Elephant (2012)
This is a weird, fun film. It’s peppy, even upbeat in places. The story is absurd, the good kind of absurd. It’s about a guy in search of his lost elephant. WTF, IKR? But it soon gets deep, without being preachy. Watch it for the quirky characters, absurd situations, and thought-provoking metaphors.
More: IMDb
4. Right Here Right Now (2003)
Before Anand Gandhi made the National Award-Winning ‘Ship of Theseus’, he was responsible for this underrated gem of a short-film. Be warned, it’s not perfect but it’s very ambitious. This low-budget mini-movie was filmed in two continuous shots. Take about 30 minutes out from your schedule and watch it here. It will make your day much better!More: Part 1 | Part 2 | IMDb
5. Maya (2001)
It’s a movie about a fictitious practice of rape as part of a ritual. It’s not true, non-consensual underaged sex is not okay in any religion, but that’s the premise of this film. It’s all made-up, and not a documentary. Please don’t be butthurt about it, because it’s an interesting (scripted) film. Did I mention that the ritual in this film is completely make-believe? Just making sure.
6. Sulemani Keeda (2014)
It’s the most ‘bro’ indian picture since Dil Chahata Hai. Sulemani Keeda is charming in a very weird way. I’ll just let the trailer describe the feel of this movie, it does a much better job than I ever could.
7. Miss Lovely (2014)
This may be raw, gritty, even difficult to watch in places, but it sure is one of India’s more unique films. It follows the story of two porn filmmakers in 80’s India. No prizes for guessing, things get ugly and crazy illegal very soon.
8. Supermen of Malegaon (2012)
Hollywood, Bollywood, Tollywood, Mollywood are so mainstream. There’s an underground film industry in Maharashtra’s Malegaon district where a local filmmaker is on a mission to make a Superman movie. This is a movie about that movie.
9. The Blue Umbrella (2005)
To say this movie is beautiful would be an understatement. It’s one of the most visually spectacular pieces of cinema from any country. It’s based on the Ruskin Bond story of the same name. Watch it for a serious eyegasm.
Featured image: Greater Elephant
