5 Hindi Films That Challenged Norms And Shaped New Narratives

1. Acharyachakit! By Samit Kakkad

Directed by filmmaker Samit Kakkad, Ascharyachakit that released on Netflix was one that pushed the boundary on multiple levels. Bold both in it's content and the manner it was filmed, the film followed ideas of desire and greed. Filmed in Mumbai, across real locations, the film offered a glimpse of the city like never seen before. Coupled with strong performances from Priyanka Bose and Santosh Juvekar, the film is set to be loosely inspired by the writings of Sadat Hasan Manto.

2. The Lunchbox by Ritesh Batra

Starring Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Nimrat Kaur, The Lunchbox directed by Ritesh Batra earned it's cult status almost immediately post it's release. Having premiered in Cannes in the critics week section of the festival, The Lunchbox set in Mumbai earned rave reviews and collected top dollars from across the globe. The film was among the highest grossing foreign language features in the USA. In India the film opened to rave reviews and turned to being a commercial hit, proving that Independent cinema can also make commercial successes and paving the way forward for many more Indian Indie features.

3. Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani by Hardik Gajjar

While opening to mixed reviews, Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani presented a unique and commercial lens to LGBTQIA+, crafting a story where the issue did not lie in acceptance but a hilarious clash of cultures. Filmed in a full blown 'Bollywood' movie style, the film explored the subject in a manner that was suitable for family audiences, further championing the conversation across all age groups. Also celebrated for it's music, Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani offered soulful music from singers such as Arijit Singh and Javed Ali among others.

4. Kapoor & Sons by Shakun Batra

Directed by Shakun Batra, Kapoor & Sons is a groundbreaking film in the landscape of contemporary Hindi cinema. Delving into the complexities of modern family dynamics, addressing themes of dysfunction, mental health, and sexuality, which were often brushed aside in mainstream Bollywood films prior to its release. The broke taboos by sensitively handling themes of sexuality. The film also shifted the paradigm of family-centric Bollywood films, It presented the reality of familial tension, generational conflict, and the burden of unspoken truths, allowing the audience to identify with the flawed characters rather than offering them idealised portrayals.

5. Laapataa Ladies by Kiran Rao

Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, is a poignant and boundary-pushing film that explores themes of independence, identity, and the complexities of women's lives in contemporary India. What makes Laapataa Ladies boundary-pushing is its fresh, nuanced approach to portraying women's agency and desires in a way that challenges traditional narratives. The two protagonists are not defined by the conventional roles of daughter, wife, or mother but are presented as individuals on their journey of Growth, womanhood and personal fulfilment.