Mumbai’s Hidden Gems: ‘October’, ‘Maqbool’, and ‘Lootera’ – Bollywood’s Underrated Masterpieces
Sylvie 
Bollywood has gifted us numerous cinematic treasures, yet some films didn’t receive the acclaim they truly deserved at the box office. Among these undervalued masterpieces are Shoojit Sircar’s ‘October’, Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘Maqbool’, and Vikramaditya Motwane’s ‘Lootera’ – each offering a unique narrative and exceptional cinematic brilliance.
‘October’
This film stands out as a subtle and soulful love story, breaking away from the typical Bollywood mold. Directed by Shoojit Sircar, it features Varun Dhawan delivering one of his most nuanced and restrained performances. Unlike his usual energetic roles, Varun provides a quiet portrayal filled with gentle vulnerability. The story explores deep themes of love, loss, and compassion through a delicate lens. Upon its release, the slow-paced narrative and understated emotions didn’t immediately resonate with mainstream audiences. However, over time, ‘October’ has secured a cult following among cinephiles who appreciate its sincerity and mature storytelling.
‘Maqbool’
An intense, dark adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, ‘Maqbool’ delves into the Mumbai underworld. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film features stellar performances by Irrfan Khan, Tabu, and Pankaj Kapur. Its gripping screenplay, haunting music, and layered characters make it a remarkable entry in Bollywood’s crime genre. Despite critical acclaim, ‘Maqbool’ remained under the radar for many mainstream viewers. Nevertheless, it continues to be celebrated as a masterpiece of Indian cinema.
‘Lootera’
A poetic blend of romance and tragedy set in the 1950s, ‘Lootera’ is helmed by Vikramaditya Motwane. The film stars Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha, both delivering career-best performances. Featuring gorgeous cinematography and evocative music, the film beautifully elevates its nostalgic yet poignant story. Though it did not achieve blockbuster status, ‘Lootera’ is hailed as a romantic classic and praised for its artistic vision.
These films, initially underrated within Mumbai’s vibrant film scene, have since earned recognition for their storytelling, performances, and cinematic artistry. They serve as a reminder that Bollywood’s treasure trove is vast, and sometimes, genuine gems are appreciated only with the passage of time.
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