Mumbai’s Hidden Gems: ‘October’, ‘Maqbool’, ‘Lootera’ – Bollywood’s Underrated Masterpieces Revealed!
Sylvie 
Bollywood has gifted us many blockbusters, but some films, despite their brilliance, remain underrated and remain away from mainstream appreciation. Today, we shine the spotlight on three such gems – ‘October’, ‘Maqbool’, and ‘Lootera’ – movies that Bollywood fans in Mumbai and beyond deserve to celebrate.
‘October’
Starting with Shoojit Sircar’s ‘October’, this film stands out as a subtle and unique love story. Featuring Varun Dhawan in one of his most restrained and heartfelt performances, ‘October’ explores themes of love, loss, and compassion with a delicate touch. Unlike typical Bollywood romances, this film approaches its narrative in an out-of-the-box angle, focusing more on emotions and human bonds. Unfortunately, its profound emotional depth didn’t quite connect with the mainstream audience during its initial release. However, ‘October’ has since evolved into a cult classic, winning the hearts of true cinema lovers who appreciate storytelling beyond commercial cinema.
‘Maqbool’
Next up is ‘Maqbool’, a brilliant and gritty adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, set in the Mumbai underworld. This Vishal Bhardwaj directorial showcase features powerhouse performances by Irrfan Khan, Tabu, and Pankaj Kapur. The film’s dark and intense narrative, combined with haunting music and exceptional acting, makes it an unmatched cinematic experience. ‘Maqbool’ brilliantly portrays the complex psychology of its characters and the brutal realities of crime and betrayal, yet it did not receive the widespread recognition it deserved at the box office.
‘Lootera’
Lastly, ‘Lootera’ brings a beautiful and classic love story to the screen, beautifully captured by director Vikramaditya Motwane. Starring Ranveer Singh and Sonakshi Sinha, this period romance is celebrated for its exceptional cinematography, evocative soundtrack, and vintage charm. The film’s blend of melancholy and romance creates a poignant tale that tugs at the heartstrings. Despite critical acclaim, ‘Lootera’ flew under the radar for many Bollywood fans at the time of its release.
Together, these films represent the beautiful variety and depth Bollywood has to offer beyond the commercial hits. Whether it’s the heartfelt realism of ‘October’, the intense tragedy of ‘Maqbool’, or the poetic romance of ‘Lootera’, each movie highlights exceptional storytelling and performances.
If you missed these films earlier, now is the perfect time to revisit them and appreciate their artistic brilliance. These underrated Bollywood films from Mumbai’s vibrant film industry remind us that true cinema is often more than just box office numbers – it’s about stories that touch your soul.
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