Interest in parallel cinema was strong in the 70s and 80s, maybe it still is. But the difference is we saw many movies from this genre, which were also called Art Films make it to the mainstream and theaters. Compared to that we have very few similar movies that have made it to the multiplexes in the last decade.
While these movies may not have the routine song and dance sequences or high octane action scenes, the intensity of the actors and the depth of characters will keep you engaged throughout the movie. This is the kind of Cinema that will make you think and leave a lasting impression on your mind. Most of these movies deliver a strong social message. This is no doubt the kind of art that you will want to watch. The kind of movies that will leave you speechless.
Best Bollywood Art Movies
Zee Classic brings you movies that mark the debut of icons like Irrfan Khan, Pankaj Kapur, Naseeruddin Shah and many more. Starting 16th July, at 10 PM ever Saturday, Zee Classic will show masterpieces like Mirch Masala, Ek Doctor ki Maut, 27 Down and Salaam Bombay amongst many other such gems from the NFDC library under its ‘India’s Finest Films’ property. Make sure you don’t miss these fine examples of Indian Cinema.
Mirch Masala
For some Ketan Mehta will always remain the man who made Mirch Masala. Mirch Masala rotates around the gender divide in the society.
It is the story of Sonabai (Smita Patil) and her struggle to protect her sanctity from the evil Subedar (Naseeruddin Shah) and a village full of sexist men. The dusty and dried surroundings of Kutch shown in the movie probably are an illustration for the values of a male and class-dominated Indian culture. Catch Mirch Masala on 23rd July at 10 PM on Zee Classic
Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro
Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro is an attempt to showcase the dilemmas faced by urban Muslims thoughtfully but boldly. Salim Langda (Pawan Malhotra) is a confident petty thief. Salim earns his livelihood by doing odd jobs for the big bosses of Bombay’s underworld. His final ambition is to ape these underworld kings whose status he envies.
Saeed Mirza, the director, has a long history of making films which have ridiculed stereotypes to which minorities are subject to in popular Hindi films and this movie is one of his finest creations. The film won the 37th National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and the National Film Award for Best Cinematography in 1989.
Ek Doctor Ki Maut
An award winning film by Tapan Sinha, the movie depicts ostracism, bureaucratic negligence and insult of a doctor and his research, instead of recognition and credit. It is loosely based on the life of Dr. Subhash Mukhopadhyay, an Indian physician who pioneered the IVF treatment just around the same time when another leading scientist, Dr. Robert Edwards was conducting separate experiments in England.
The film won the 38th National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film, National Film Award for Best Direction and National Film Award – Special Jury Award awarded to the male lead, Pankaj Kapoor.
Ardha Satya
After Aakrosh, Ardh Satya was the second film made by Govind Nihalani. It is brutally honest in the depiction of the trials, tribulations, character and conflicts of its protagonist. In times when everything and everyone has a price, it is a hard hitting journey of an honest man.
The film is based on a short story by D.A. Panvalkar and the script is written by Vijay Tendulkar. It has Om Puri, Smita Patil, Amrish Puri, Naseeruddin Shah and Sadashiv Amarpurkar in lead roles. It is the story of Anant Welankar, son of a retired constable in Maharashtra Police, who is forced to let go of his dream of pursuing an MBA and join the Police force.
Gangoobai
Most of you will be familiar with this recent movie. Directed by Priya Krishnaswamy, Sarita Joshi is the main protagonist in Gangoobai. The story revolves around an elderly maid who strives to accomplish her dream of buying a costly Gara sari and changes the lives of individuals she comes in contact with while in Mumbai to purchase the sari.
Mammo
Mammo (1994), a film by Shyam Benegal, is the first film in the series of Muslim trilogy including Sardari Begum (1996) and Zubeidaa (2001).
The film portrays the flinching truths frequently confronted by the powerless, post-partition. Even though the motion picture is named after Mammo, the film tells two stories, one of Mammo, obviously, and other of youthful Riyaaz. His life and companions, his trysts with cigarettes, adult films, his shame that he is not as affluent as his companions, him trying to find himself, his bothering on seeing a stranger trying to be a part of his family and his ambition of turning into an author in the future.
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