Bandit Queen (1994) : A really brutal story
Based on the life of dacoit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi, Bandit Queen, directed by Shekhar Kapur, does not stop at portraying violence and the harsh reality of life. The film faced heavy opposition from the Censor Board due to its excessive violence and aggressive depiction of rape. The fact that all of this is actually happening and that it’s probably worse than what you’re portraying will make you feel a little down. Phoolan Devi’s life is a series of traumatic events from childhood, and Bandit Queen is not shy about sharing her brutal journey. The film depicts her kidnapping, repeated sexual assaults, and transformation into a feared bandit leader. Seema Biswas, who plays Phoolan, gives a powerful performance that leaves a lasting impression. The strength of the film, combined with the unflinching look at the violence that Phoolan does and does, makes it a standout in the genre.
Satya (1998): The birth of the gangster genre
Satya, directed by Ram Gopal Varma and released in 1998, is a cornerstone of the Bollywood crime genre. The film tells the story of Satya, an immigrant who comes to Mumbai in search of work and is drawn into the underworld by his friendship with gangster Bhiku Mhatre. Satya is known for its gritty realism and vivid depiction of Mumbai’s criminal underbelly. The film’s success paved the way for a new wave of Bollywood crime films that unashamedly showed the brutal reality of life on the streets. With outstanding performances by JD Chakravarthy, Manoj Bajpayee, and Urmila Matondkar, Satya remains a must watch for fans of the genre.
Gangs of Wasseypur (2012): An epic saga of blood and betrayal
No discussion of Bollywood films would be complete without mentioning Anurag Kashyap’s masterpiece, Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). This two-part epic crime saga takes us through the coal mafia war in Dhanbad, spanning more than seventy years. With a large cast including Manoj Bajpai, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Richa Chadha, the film is a brutal tale of revenge, power struggles, and the relentless pursuit of control. The film spanned 68 years, from 1941 to 2009, and starred an ensemble cast including Manoj Bajpai, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pankaj Tripathi, and others. Known for its dark humor, experimental soundtrack, and raw and realistic depiction of violence, Gangs of Wasseypur has gained a cult following. The understated depiction of gore and brutality is balanced by well-developed characters and a complex story. If you have the stamina for a cinematic marathon, this is one series you shouldn’t miss.
Nh10 (2015): A modern edgy thriller
Nh10, directed by Navdeep Singh and written by Sundip Sharma is an action thriller starring Anushka Sharma in the lead. The film tells about. A young couple whose road trip goes awry after meeting a group of violent criminals. Anushka Sharma’s performance as the protagonist who fights the attackers is very impressive. The title refers to the National Highway 10, which connects Delhi to the city of Fazilka in Punjab. The film’s portrayal of the brutal reality of honor killings and rural crime is eye-opening and disturbing. The tense atmosphere, combined with the realistic depiction of violence, makes NH10 an outstanding thriller.
Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016) : A real gore fest
With a film that truly embodies the essence of psychological horror. Raman Raghav 2.0, directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a neo-noir psychological crime thriller that sinks its teeth into you right from the start. Inspired by the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav, who terrorized Mumbai in the 1960s, the film is a thrilling cat-and-mouse game between the crazed Ramanna (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui) and the unscrupulous cop, Raghavan (Vicky Kaushal). The film unfolds in eight chapters, each one peeling back another layer of Ramanna’s twisted psyche. Premiering in the Directors’ Fortnight section of the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, Raman Raghav 2.0 garnered critical acclaim for its depiction of violence and psychological terror. If you’re looking for a movie that doesn’t shy away from gore and delves deep into the darkest corners of the human mind, this is it.
These films prove that Bollywood is more than just songs and dances. It can delve into the darkest corners of human nature and tell stories that are as thrilling as they are disturbing. So, if Kill left you craving more blood-curdling thrills, this underrated gem won’t disappoint.
