Beyond Cinema with Nihita

Director: Shoojit Sircar

Writer: Juhi Chaturvedi

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone & Irrfan Khan

Cinematography: Kamaljeet Negi

Music: Anupam Roy

Writer & Director: Mani Ratnam

Cast: Arvind Swamy, Manisha Koirala, Nassar 

Cinematography: Rajiv Menon

Music: AR Rahman

Bombay (1995), directed by Mani Ratnam, is a love story of Shekhar, a Hindu boy, and Shaila, a Muslim girl, who elope to Bombay amidst societal disapproval. Raising twin sons, their world shatters during the 1993 Bombay riots, as communal tensions threaten their family. Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala deliver nuanced performances, enhanced by A.R. Rahman’s evocative music, notably the iconic "Bombay Theme." A powerful film, Bombay explores love, resilience, and hope amidst the devastating reality of religious violence.

Director: Abhishek Chaubey

Screenplay: Sudip Sharma & Abhishek Chaubey

Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan & Diljit Dosanjh

Cinematography: Rajeev Ravi

Music: Amit Trivedi

Background Score: Benedict Taylor

*Udta Punjab* is a bold 2016 film that tackles the drug crisis in Punjab through the intertwined stories of a rockstar (Shahid Kapoor), an immigrant worker (Alia Bhatt), a cop (Diljit Dosanjh), and a doctor (Kareena Kapoor Khan). The film, directed by Abhishek Chaubey, earned critical acclaim for its raw realism, powerful performances, and unflinching portrayal of addiction and corruption. Despite facing censorship battles, it succeeded commercially and garnered several awards. The film’s edgy soundtrack and intense storytelling pushed Bollywood’s boundaries, making it a landmark film in socially relevant cinema.

Screenplay & Direction: Pankaj Kapur

Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Supriya Pathak, Anupam Kher, Manoj Pahwa 

Music: Pritam

Lyrics: Irshad Kamil

Cinematographer: Binod Pradhan

“Mausam” (2011), directed by veteran actor Pankaj Kapur, is a poignant love story that takes its audience on a journey spanning years and continents, touching on love, separation, and longing. Starring Shahid Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles, the movie is a romantic drama frozen in time, rooted in old-world charm that stands in stark contrast to the fast-paced love stories we often see today.

Writer & Director: Anurag Kashyap

Based on: Hussain Zaidi’s book “Black Friday: The True Story of the Bombay Bomb Blasts”

Cast: Pavan Malhotra, Kay Kay Menon, Aditya Srivastava, Gajraj Rao, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Pratima Kazmi, Imtiaz Ali, Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Cinematography: Natarajan Subramaniam

Music: Indian Ocean

Director: Madhur Bhandarkar

Screenplay: Mohan Azaad

Dialogues: Mohan Azaad & Masud Mirza

Cast: Tabu, Atul Kulkarni, Ananya Khare

Cinematography: Rajeev Ravi

Music: Raju Singh

Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar in 2001, Chandni Bar is a film that doesn’t just tell a story; it makes a statement. Through its raw, gritty portrayal of the lives of bar dancers and the world they inhabit, it forces the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths about society. The performances, particularly by Tabu and Ananya Khare, elevate the film, making it not just a cinematic experience but a deeply emotional journey.

Director: Omung Kumar

Producer: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Screenplay: Saiwyn Quadras

Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Darshan Kumar & Sunil Thapa

Cinematography: Keiko Nakahara

Songs: Shashi Suman & Shivamm Pathak

Background Score: Rohit Kulkarni

Released in 2014, "Mary Kom" is a film that transcends the boundaries of a conventional sports drama. It is a powerful and moving portrayal of a woman's relentless pursuit of her dreams, despite the numerous obstacles in her path. With its compelling story, strong performances, and inspiring message, "Mary Kom" stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the extraordinary achievements of one of India's greatest sports icons.

Director: Kabir Khan

Story: Aditya Chopra

Screenplay: Sandeep Shrivastava

Cast: John Abraham, Katrina Kaif, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Irrfan Khan & Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Cinematography: Aseem Mishra

Songs: Pritam

Background Score: Julius Packiam

Producer: Yash Raj Films

The 2009 Hindi film New York, directed by Kabir Khan, is a raw, unflinching narrative that delves into the traumatic aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The film explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the far-reaching consequences of terrorism. It is a balanced yet emotionally charged portrayal of how lives are irrevocably altered by global events, especially for those who find themselves wrongfully accused due to their ethnicity or religion.

Writer & Director: Prakash Jha

Screenplay: Prakash Jha & Anjum Rajabali

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Nana Patekar, Manoj Bajpayee, Arjun Rampal, Katrina Kaif, Naseeruddin Shah, Chetan Pandit, Sarah Thompson & Shruti Seth

Cinematography: Sachin K Krishn

Background Score: Wayne Sharpe

Raajneeti (2010), directed by Prakash Jha, is a compelling political thriller that delves into the complexities of Indian politics, drawing inspiration from the Mahabharata. The film features an ensemble cast with standout performances by Ranbir Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar, and Manoj Bajpayee. Jha’s direction skillfully captures the power struggles, ambitions, and moral dilemmas within a political family. The screenplay, impactful dialogues, and strong social commentary on gender roles and dynastic politics make Raajneeti a significant film that offers a realistic and thought-provoking portrayal of the political landscape.

Director & Producer: Yash Chopra

Story & Screenplay: Honey Irani

Dialogues: Rahi Masoon Raza

Cast: Sridevi, Anil Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman & Anupam Kher

Cinematography: Manmohan Singh

Music: Shiv- Hari

Yash Chopra's 1991 film 'Lamhe' is a bold and timeless love saga that was initially controversial but has since gained cult status. It tells the story of Viren (Anil Kapoor), who falls in love with Pallavi (Sridevi), and later with her daughter Pooja (also played by Sridevi). Sridevi's dual role and Anil Kapoor's nuanced performance are standout elements. The film features beautiful cinematography of Rajasthan and London, and a memorable soundtrack by Shiv-Hari. Despite its initial mixed reception in India, 'Lamhe' is now celebrated for its groundbreaking narrative, emotional depth, and Yash Chopra’s masterful direction.