Mumbai’s Hidden Gems: Bollywood’s Underrated Masterpieces ‘October’, ‘Maqbool’, and ‘Lootera’ You Must Watch!
Sylvie 
Bollywood has given us countless memorable films, yet some true gems have flown under the radar, not getting the love they truly deserve. Today, we shine a spotlight on three such underrated masterpieces that captivated critics and cinephiles but didn’t receive the mainstream appreciation they merit.
October: A Subtle Twist on Bollywood Romance
Starting with Shoojit Sircar’s ‘October’, this film is a beautiful twist on the traditional Bollywood love story. Set in Mumbai, ‘October’ stars Varun Dhawan in one of his most restrained and nuanced performances. The film portrays love, loss, and compassion in a subtle and deeply moving way. Unlike typical Bollywood romances, ‘October’ focuses more on emotions and human connections than on grand gestures or melodrama. When it released, it didn’t make a huge splash at the box office but has since achieved cult status among cinema lovers who appreciate its delicate storytelling and quiet intensity.
Maqbool: Shakespeare Meets Mumbai Underworld
Next, let’s talk about ‘Maqbool’, a brilliant adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth set in the Mumbai underworld. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, this film stars Irrfan Khan in the titular role, along with outstanding performances from Tabu and Pankaj Kapur. ‘Maqbool’ expertly blends classic tragedy with the gritty realities of crime and betrayal, showcasing Bollywood’s capability to handle complex narratives with style and substance. Despite critical acclaim, the movie didn’t draw the commercial audience it deserved at the time, but it remains a must-watch for those who love powerful storytelling and exceptional acting.
Lootera: A Visually Stunning Period Drama
Finally, ‘Lootera’ is a visually stunning and emotionally rich period romantic drama directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. Starring Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha, the film is inspired by O. Henry’s short story ‘The Last Leaf’. Set in the 1950s, ‘Lootera’ beautifully captures the essence of lost love and tragic fate with its captivating cinematography, soulful music, and heartfelt performances. While it didn’t become a blockbuster hit, the film’s artistic finesse has earned it a dedicated following.
Why These Films Matter
These three movies—‘October’, ‘Maqbool’, and ‘Lootera’—showcase different facets of Bollywood’s storytelling prowess. From:
- Subtle emotions and artistic visuals,
- Intense drama,
- Classic tragedy adaptations,
these films deserve to be celebrated and revisited by audiences everywhere. They remind us that Bollywood is not just about grandeur and numbers but also about nuanced performances and meaningful stories.
Stay tuned for Flick Bites for more latest updates.
About The Author
