Here then is my third installment of entertainers and truly outstanding productions from Bollywood.  Strictly speaking, these are not all Bollywood films but they are by Indian directors, wherever in the world they may be. Some of these films go back in time. But, I am convinced that in spite of that, they have survived the dating well and continue to be relevant, thought-provoking or simply entertaining. I think that it is because one has to search through a lot of chaff to find the true treasures, that I tend to appreciate them even more.

So, here goes –

• Delhi Belly (2011) – This one is currently top of mind since it has not been long since I saw it. A non-stop laugh riot, this has to be the most audacious Bollywood movie I have ever seen. Deservedly rated “A” for Adults, this is a must-see. Released in both English and Hindi (dubbed), this is another gem from Aamir Khan. Who stars in it really doesn’t matter, it’s about the story, screenplay, dialog, music, the attention to detail and absolute creativity. A hilarious winner! Watch the trailer here, then go see it!!

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And here are some more movie recommendations for your discerning tastes –

• I am Kalam (2011) – On the lines of Stanley Ka Dabba, this story is of two boys in the deserts of Rajasthan. One, an underprivileged and ambitious child laborer, the other a well-to-do boy with no friends. It’s about their bonding, the people and conditions they have to deal with it and how they overcome their individual challenges. The best thing about it is how natural and unassuming the boy actors are.

• Fire (1996) – This Deepa Mehta film broke new ground, I would say not just in India, but globally. It is the first in her trilogy (the others follow immediately below). Spectacular performances by Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das, who play co-sister-in-laws, and have to turn to each other for love and compassion when neglected by their husbands. While it won some 14 international awards, it also sparked riots across India when it opened. Years before Brokeback Mountain hit the screens and caused strong emotions, dare I say it – this film broke new ground? What an understatement!

• Earth (1998) –  The second in the trilogy by Deepa Mehta, this brilliant film showcases the time of India’s partition in 1947, the division between Hindus and Muslims, and the story of real people on the ground. Aamir Khan as never seen before, along with a stellar performances by Nandita Das and Rahul Khanna. This is one of those films that lingers on your mind long after you have watched it.

• Water (2005) – Deepa Mehta ended her trilogy with this stirring film focused on the life of widows in Varanasi. As with the others, this issue-based film roused strong emotions as well as huge controversy in India. A moving story of very young, middle-aged and elderly widows and their second-class (or worse) status in society, this brought to light some of the injustices done to humans, women especially, in the name of religion.

• Mississippi Masala (1991) – one of the better films of Mira Nair, juxtaposing the Indian and American approach to race and relationships. Shot in the deep south of US, and starring Denzel Washington, this movie gave desis in Amerias a reality check on their lives while giving Indians a peek into what it was like to live in the US. 

• Kaminey (2009) – Who knew Shahid Kapoor could give such a glorious performance (or two)? One as a good twin who stutters, and the other the “bad” twin who can’t say the letter “s”. It obviously takes a director. Vishal Bhardwaj (again!) came out with this brilliant movie about identical twins born and raised in Mumbai’s slums.

• The Blue Umbrella (2005) – Another jewel by Vishal Bhardwaj, this film is based on a novel by Ruskin Bond. With Shahid’s dad and actor extraordinaire Pankaj Kapur as the main character; the shopkeeper jealous of the blue umbrella that is gifted to a village girl by a Japanese tourist. This film is set in picturesque Himachal Pradesh and can be seen just for the beauty of the surroundings, but wait! This is a Vishal Bhardwaj film, so there’s so much more to delight in!

• Arth (1982) – This goes way back in time; I probably saw it a few years after its initial release but the power-packed performances of Shabana Azmi and  the late Smita Patil are not easily forgotten even now. The allegedly true story of a Bollywood film maker and his extra-marital affair with an actress entailed all the drama you would expect. But the real winners were the soul-stirring performances by the wife (Shabana) and the high-strung actress (Smita). 

I end with this trailor for the Blue Umbrella.  Enjoy!