Beyond Cinema with Nihita

Lajja (2001)

Story, Direction & Dialogues: Rajkumar Santoshi

Cast: Manisha Koirala, Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, Mahima Chaudhary, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Ajay Devgan, Danny Denzongpa, Suresh Oberoi, Gulshan Grover, Samir Soni, Rohini Hattangadi, Govind Namdeo, Sharman Joshi, Johnny Lever & Farida Jalal

Lyrics: Sameer & Prasoon Joshi

Music: Anu Malik

Background Score: Illaiyaraaja

Written Description:

Released in 2001, "Lajja," directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, is a film that delves into the societal injustices faced by women in India. The movie interweaves the stories of four women, each representing different facets of oppression and resistance within a patriarchal framework.

Story, Screenplay & Direction: Anurag Basu

Producer: Ronnie Screwvala 

Cast: Dharmendra, Shilpa Shetty, Irrfan Khan, Kay Kay Menon, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kangana Ranaut, Sharman Joshi, Nafisa Ali, Shiney Ahuja

Music: Pritam

Lyrics: Sayeed Quadri

Background Score: Raju Singh

Anurag Basu, a director known for his eclectic filmography, ranging from bold thrillers to experimental narratives, brings to life the everyday struggles and dreams of metropolitan inhabitants. "Life In A Metro" is a testament to his ability to craft deep, meaningful stories without losing the commercial sheen that appeals to a broad audience.

Story & Direction: Mohit Suri

Producer: Mahesh Bhatt for Vishesh Films

Cast: Kunal Kemmu, Emraan Hashmi, Smiley Suri, Ashutosh Rana, Amrita Singh, Deepal Shaw, Atul Parchure, Nisha Lalwanil

Music: Anu Malik, Jal Band, Amon Amarth, Soilwork

Background Score: Raju Singh

"Kalyug", directed by Mohit Suri, emerges as a compelling narrative that delves deep into the dark crevices of voyeurism and the illegal pornography trade, a subject matter that was, at the time, both taboo and largely unexplored in Indian films.

Director: Mohit Suri

Writer: Shagufta Rafique

Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Jacqueliene Fernandez, Prashant Narayanan, Sulagna Panigrahi, Sudhanshu Pandey, Bikramjeet Kanwarpal, Shweta Kawaatra

Music: Mithoon, Harshit Saxena, Sangeet Siddharth

Background score: Raju Singh

"Murder 2," a gripping 2011 psychological crime thriller directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Mukesh Bhatt, marked a significant deviation from the conventional roles that Emraan Hashmi had portrayed until then. This film delves into the dark underbelly of Goa, intertwining the lives of a former police officer turned private detective, Arjun Bhagwat (played by Emraan Hashmi), and a psychopathic serial killer, Dheeraj Pandey (portrayed by Prashant Narayanan).

Story, Screenplay & Direction: Nagesh Kukunoor

Cast: Shreyas Talpade, Naseeruddin Shah, Girish Karnad, Shweta Basu Prasad, Yatin Karyekar & Prateeksha Lonkar

Background score: Salim- Sulaiman

In today’s deep dive into the heart of Indian cinema, we explore the 2005 gem "Iqbal," a film that captures the essence of dreams, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. Directed and written by Nagesh Kukunoor, "Iqbal" stands as a testament to storytelling that resonates deeply with its audience, weaving a narrative that is both inspiring and profoundly moving.

Director: Shyam Benegal

Story & Screenplay: Khalid Mohamed

Cast: Karisma Kapoor, Rekha, Manoj Bajpai, Amrish Puri, Surekha Sikri, Lillete Dubey, Rajit Kapoor, Farida Jalal & Seema Pahwa

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

Music: A.R. Rahman

In the array of Hindi cinema, where each film weaves its own unique story, "Zubeidaa" emerges as a rich, intricate embroidery that stands out for its storytelling, character portrayal, and cinematic execution. Directed by the venerable Shyam Benegal, a luminary known for his contribution to parallel cinema in India, "Zubeidaa" is not just a film; it is an exploration of identity, love, and the pursuit of freedom, wrapped in the opulent yet tragic real-life story of Zubeidaa, played with unforgettable grace by Karisma Kapoor.

Writer & Director: Zoya Akhtar

Cast: Konkana Sen Sharma, Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan, Isha Sharvani, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia & Juhi Chawla

Lyrics: Javed Akhtar

Music: Shankar- Ehsaan- Loy

"Luck By Chance," a 2009 Hindi film, marked the debut of the talented writer-director Zoya Akhtar. This cinematic venture offers a unique exploration of the filmmaking world, delving into the intricate processes that bring stories to life on the big screen. From Zoya's distinct perspective, the movie presents a refreshing take on Hindi cinema. At its core, the film follows the aspirations of an up-and-coming actor striving for success in Mumbai, navigating the complexities of relationships and industry dynamics along the way.