Chirag Malani lists down 5 underrated Hindi thrillers that will make an impact, leaving you with food for thought!
Aamir
Raj Kumar Gupta’s directorial debut Aamir is the story of a UK return doctor who becomes a pawn for a bombing plan by an Islamic terrorist group as soon as he lands in Mumbai. Exploring the grey shades of the city, the film unfolds as a personal account of a man on whom hell breaks loose one fine day. His family is in captivity and he must do anything to save them. Not only does the film work as a crisp thriller, it also talks about the choices a man must make in life when loved ones are at stake. With a heartfelt debut by Rajeev Khandelwal in the lead and an impressive soundtrack by Amit Trivedi, the film is an out and out winner.
Madras Café
Shoojit Sircar’s Madras Café, set in the era of the Sri Lankan civil war gives us a dramatized account of Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. What is commendable about the film is its honest approach and attention to detail. Hardly diverting from the plot, this race against time thriller makes for a compelling watch particularly because it tells us a story so important. A word also for the clever casting. Apart from John Abraham, we have Siddhartha Basu and Nargis Fakhri who play their roles with utmost conviction.
Talvar
Based on the distressing Arushi Talwar murder case, Talvar gives you a version so real, you easily buy it. Keeping most facts real, it directly jumps into the story without any plot contrivance. Shot in a docudrama fashion, the film is not just an edge of the seat thriller but also an ultimately disturbing one. The film also talks about the bureaucracy and corruption that hamper our judiciary’s working. It is one of those rare films that set you thinking about right and wrong.
Shaitan
With Shaitan, Bejoy Nambiar gives us a story about five friends from Mumbai, whiling away their time getting drunk, snorting cocaine, partying and ultimately ending up killing two people in a road accident. Their plan to get away doesn’t pay off and they’re in for trouble now that the cops are involved. A sincerely genuine cast and the smart direction help the film. Also, the soundtrack is phenomenal to say the least, particularly the remixed versions of Khoya Khoya Chaand and Hawaa Hawaai. Our protagonists here are amoral people and that’s exactly what makes the film is a brave one. All stories about friendship needn’t be happy ones.
Maqbool
Blending Shakespeare’s Macbeth with the Mumbai underworld is only something Vishal Bhardwaj can do. Irrfan, Tabu, Pankaj Kapoor, Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah & Piyush Mishra. What does one expect from a film with a star cast like this? A tragic love story at the core, the murder conspiracy and getting away with it is what make Maqbool a haunting crime thriller. Supported by Bhardwaj’s storytelling and some powerhouse performances, this one mustn’t be missed.
