Movies that remain

This post is about films that are not-so-well-known, but that were, imho, great pieces of cinema nonetheless.
If you have an opinion about these films, or have any of your own to add, will be great!

Sadly, the list only has Hindi films, and it will be a treat to hear about your favorite films from your own country, esp. if you are not from India.

Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayi: From the Mahesh Bhatt stable, this film is great for its songs, dialogues and cinematic treatment. The songs haunt, even after all these years.

Main Azaad Hoon: This is an Amitabh Bachchan starrer, and has a song that goes “Itne bazoo itne sar…”. I remember watching this film 4 times, one after the other, and crying every single time, at the climax. I’m not sure if the cause is by itself worth identifying with, but the way an entire population is mobilized, is very heartening.

Filhaal: This was a film by Meghna Gulzar. The movie explored the subject of surrogate motherhood at a time when few people even understood the concept. I loved the delicate handling of the characters, the fact that the characters were so credibly etched, and so delicately portrayed.

Monsoon Wedding: I LOVED this film and had a huge crush on Rajat Kapoor and Shefali Chhaya for their acting in this film. The way the whole wedding scene is turned around at the end, to talk about a problem that everyone sweeps under the carpet, was awesome! I will never forget the scene where Kulbhushan Kharbanda asks Rajat Kapoor to leave.

Do Aankhein Barah Haath: For ages, “Ae maalik tere bande hum”, was also my personal prayer. I am told the movie was based on a true incident. It was also a known classic in my growing years, but so few people seem aware of the film today.

Mitr: This was a simple movie about a 40-ish woman who suddenly finds herself in a house with a husband and a daughter, both of whom do not care. Its about the way she re-creates her own identity, and has an affair. It’s a must watch for all women.

Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahati hoon: This Antara Mali-Rajpal Yadav film about girls from small towns who want to make it big in Bollywood, was an enchanting experience. I loved the song and dance sequences that she managed in the film. The best shot of the film? When Rajpal Yadav is going home briefly and Antara Mali asks him “Tum vaapis aaoge na?” . The look he gives her.

Tango Charlie: No wait, this film should be somewhere near the top of this list. In one movie, using a soldier’s diary, the director takes us to 4 disturbed parts of India, and what our armed forces have to face in these parts. I loved the narration, the acting(all superlative) and the fact that so much was told without making it a documentary.

Maachis: To me, especially in our times, this film is a must watch, because it puts the problem of terrorism in perspective, and the vicious cycle of lack of trust-breach of trust-lack of trust is applicable across the world. No one has illustrated it better than Gulzaar in Maachis.

Astitva: Yet another woman oriented film, but from Mahesh Manjrekar. Tabu's character makes this film worth its while. Needless to add, she plays it well. This film has a song - Kitne Kisse hain bas tere mere. It continues to haunt and ring true. Very true.