Unveiling the Gems: 30 Most Underrated Indian Movies You Need to Watch
Introduction: Indian cinema has a rich and diverse history, producing a multitude of films that cater to various tastes and sensibilities. While some movies achieve blockbuster status and gain widespread acclaim, others often slip under the radar despite their exceptional storytelling, performances, and unique perspectives. In this article, we'll shine a spotlight on the 30 most underrated Indian movies that deserve more recognition and appreciation.

1.           Ship of Theseus (2012): Directed by Anand Gandhi, this thought-provoking film explores philosophical themes through three distinct storylines, raising questions about identity, morality, and the interconnectedness of life

2.           Aankhon Dekhi (2013): Rajat Kapoor's film follows the journey of a man who decides to believe only what he sees with his own eyes, leading to humorous and poignant situations that challenge conventional wisdom.

3.           Masaan (2015): Neeraj Ghaywan's debut film delves into the lives of characters navigating love, loss, and societal expectations in the culturally rich city of Varanasi, offering a poignant and emotionally resonant narrative.

4.           Court (2014): Chaitanya Tamhane's National Award-winning film explores the Indian legal system through the trial of a folk singer accused of abetting a sewer worker's suicide. The film critically examines societal structures and justice.

5.        Titli (2014): Kanu Behl's directorial debut tells the gritty tale of a young man's struggle to break free from his dysfunctional family's criminal activities, providing a raw and unfiltered look at life on the fringes of society.

6.           Talvar (2015): Based on the Noida double murder case, Meghna Gulzar's film presents multiple perspectives on the investigation, highlighting the complexities and flaws within the Indian criminal justice system.

7. The Lunchbox (2013): Ritesh Batra's heartwarming tale revolves around a mistaken lunchbox delivery that sparks an unusual friendship between a lonely office worker and a neglected housewife, beautifully capturing the essence of Mumbai.

8.   Killa (2014): Avinash Arun's Marathi film delicately explores the challenges faced by a young boy when he relocates to a new town, portraying the universal themes of friendship and self-discovery.

9. Ankhon Mein Tum Ho (1997): Despite being a commercial failure upon release, this romantic thriller directed by Ashim Samanta has gained a cult following for its engaging storyline and memorable soundtrack.

10. Newton (2017): Amit Masurkar's dark comedy offers a satirical take on Indian democracy and bureaucracy, following a principled election officer's journey in a conflict-ridden area.

11.  Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016): Alankrita Shrivastava's film provides a bold and unapologetic portrayal of the secret desires and struggles of four women in a conservative society, challenging societal norms.

12.  Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017): Tanuja Chandra's romantic comedy takes an unconventional approach to love, exploring the unexpected connection between two mature individuals on a journey to rediscover life.

13. A Death in the Gunj (2016): Konkona Sen Sharma's directorial debut unfolds a haunting tale during a family vacation, exploring the nuances of human relationships and the impact of unspoken emotions.

14.   Manorama Six Feet Under (2007): Navdeep Singh's neo-noir thriller is a gripping narrative that cleverly blends elements of suspense and social commentary, featuring an outstanding performance by Abhay Deol.

15.  Ugly (2013): Anurag Kashyap's intense psychological thriller delves into the dark side of human nature as a young girl goes missing, unraveling the hidden secrets of those involved.

16.   Dhanak (2015): Nagesh Kukunoor's heartwarming tale follows two siblings on a journey to meet Shah Rukh Khan, showcasing the innocence of childhood and the power of determination.

17.  Andhadhun (2018): Sriram Raghavan's black comedy thriller offers a rollercoaster of suspense and twists, featuring an outstanding performance by Ayushmann Khurrana as a visually impaired pianist.

18.   Drishyam (2015): Nishikant Kamat's gripping thriller revolves around a common man's attempts to protect his family, skillfully navigating the complexities of morality and justice.

19. Margarita with a Straw (2014): Shonali Bose's film breaks barriers by sensitively portraying the journey of a young woman with cerebral palsy as she explores her sexuality and seeks independence.

21. Tumbbad (2018): This fantasy horror film, directed by Rahi Anil Barve and Anand Gandhi, combines stunning visuals with a gripping storyline, drawing inspiration from Indian mythology.

22.    Mukti Bhawan (2016): Shubhashish Bhutiani's film delicately tackles the concept of death and redemption as a son accompanies his father to Varanasi, exploring the emotional complexities of familial bonds.

23.         Killa (2014): Avinash Arun's Marathi film delicately explores the challenges faced by a young boy when he relocates to a new town, portraying the universal themes of friendship and self-discovery.

24.   Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015): Sharat Katariya's romantic comedy challenges conventional beauty standards as it unfolds the love story between an overweight man and his unconventional wife.

25.     Mithya (2008): Rajat Kapoor's dark comedy blurs the lines between reality and illusion as a struggling actor becomes entangled in the world of the underworld, delivering a unique cinematic experience.

26.         Island City (2015): Ruchika Oberoi's anthology film weaves together three distinct stories set in Mumbai, offering a satirical commentary on urban life and its impact on individuals.

27.         Dhanak (2015): Nagesh Kukunoor's heartwarming tale follows two siblings on a journey to meet Shah Rukh Khan, showcasing the innocence of childhood and the power of determination.

28.         Angamaly Diaries (2017): Lijo Jose Pellissery's crime drama is known for its hyper-realistic portrayal of life in the small town of Angamaly, featuring a gripping narrative and impressive ensemble cast.

29.         A Billion Colour Story (2016): Directed by N. Padmakumar, this film explores the challenges faced by a young boy growing up in contemporary India with a Muslim father and a Hindu mother.

30.      Piku (2015): Shoojit Sircar's heartwarming drama explores the relationship between an independent woman and her aging father, featuring stellar performances by Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan.

Conclusion: Indian cinema is a treasure trove of diverse stories and these 30 underrated