Here’s a curated list of 5 criminally underrated Hindi films that might not have made it to your watchlist—but absolutely should. These are the kind of movies that stay with you long after the credits roll.
1. Phas Gaye Re Obama (2010)
Directed by: Subhash Kapoor
Cast: Rajat Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Sanjay Mishra, Amole Gupte
Plot in short:
This satirical black comedy takes a witty dig at the 2008 global recession—but with a rural Indian twist. When a bankrupt NRI returns to India to sell off his ancestral property, he finds himself kidnapped by a gang of small-time criminals who have no clue he’s broke. The chaos that follows is hilarious, sharp, and surprisingly relevant.
Why watch:
Smart writing, laugh-out-loud moments, and Sanjay Mishra's unforgettable performance make this a hidden comic masterpiece. It hilariously captures how global economics impact small-town India—and it does so without preaching.
Underrated because:
It lacked the commercial push but shines with intelligent humour and clever socio-political satire.
2. Island City (2015)
Directed by: Ruchika Oberoi
Cast: Vinay Pathak, Amruta Subhash, Tannishtha Chatterjee
Plot in short:
This anthology weaves together three stories set in Mumbai—each dealing with themes of identity, loneliness, and human disconnect in an increasingly digital, automated world. Whether it’s a man obsessed with routine, a woman receiving mysterious love letters, or a family caught in the absurdity of TV dramas—each narrative is strange, moving, and darkly funny.
Why watch:
Stylish, cerebral, and bold in its storytelling, Island City holds up a mirror to urban life’s absurdities and emotional voids. It also won the FEDEORA Award at the Venice Film Festival.
Underrated because:
Its niche tone and layered narrative kept it away from mainstream Bollywood watchers—but cinephiles know it’s a gem.
3. Waiting (2015)
Directed by: Anu Menon
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Kalki Koechlin, Rajat Kapoor
Plot in short:
Two strangers meet in a hospital waiting room—Shiv, an elderly man whose wife is in a coma, and Tara, a young woman whose husband has just had a brain injury. As they wait, hope and despair blur into each other. Despite the bleak setting, the film blossoms into an emotionally uplifting story of resilience, healing, and unexpected friendship.
Why watch:
The chemistry between Kalki and Naseeruddin is magnetic. With minimal melodrama, it delicately explores grief, love, and life’s unpredictability.
Underrated because:
Despite critical acclaim, it didn’t get the wide release or marketing muscle of other 2015 films.
4. Barah Aana (2009)
Directed by: Raja Menon
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Raaz, Arjun Mathur
Plot in short:
Three low-income men living in Mumbai—a driver, a watchman, and a waiter—struggle with money, loneliness, and exploitation. Their lives take a turn when one of them accidentally discovers an easy way to make quick money through petty crime. What begins as desperation slowly spirals into something darker.
Why watch:
It’s a gritty and raw portrait of Mumbai’s underbelly, told with surprising humour and emotional depth. Vijay Raaz is, as always, a quiet powerhouse.
Underrated because:
It came at a time when multiplex audiences weren’t ready for non-glamorous, slow-burn storytelling.
5. The Blue Umbrella (2005)
Directed by: Vishal Bhardwaj
Cast: Shreya Sharma, Pankaj Kapur, Deepak Dobriyal
Based on: A novella by Ruskin Bond
Plot in short:
Set in a sleepy Himachali village, this enchanting fable follows a little girl, Biniya, who owns a beautiful Japanese blue umbrella. When the umbrella becomes the talk of the town, jealousy brews in the heart of the village shopkeeper, Nandakishore. A story about innocence, envy, and forgiveness unfolds in poetic simplicity.
Why watch:
Visually stunning, emotionally rich, and laced with childlike wonder. Pankaj Kapur delivers a masterclass in quiet transformation.
Though it won the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film, its target audience was never just kids. A slow and whimsical film in a fast-paced market meant it was easily overlooked.
In a sea of masala blockbusters, these films dared to be different—subtle, smart, and deeply human. They may not have the dance numbers or 100-crore headlines, but what they do have is lasting impact, brilliant performances, and unforgettable storytelling.
