Suppose you read the names Shyam Benegal, Basu Chatterjee, Basu Bhattacharya, Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Girish Karnad, and Govind Nihalani in a single breath. In that case, it’s something to do with the Indian parallel cinema movement of the 1970s to 1990s. The process started in the 1950s in West Bengal as an alternative to the then commercial or mainstream film industry.
It focused on realism, serious content, and social-political changes of the time. It produced many brilliant and internationally acclaimed filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Aparna Sen, Ritwik Ghatak, and Govind Nihalani. It further spread everywhere, and in the 1960s and 1970s, more mainstream actors and filmmakers started getting involved in making movies which were a sharp contrast to the melodramatic mainstream Bollywood movies.
As India witnessed enormous social and political changes, they were reflected in the parallel cinema because the people involved wanted to give a message or make a point rather than provide entertainment. As a result, the period churned out some of the most iconic and classic art house movies.
Below are 16 movies from the era which still resonate among the audience for the strong influence they created. Every film mentioned below has tried to reflect the challenges and conflicts in India at the time it was made.
- Ek Ruka Hua Faisla (1986)
One of the most unconventional films where a group of 12 jury members decide the fate of a boy accused of murdering his father. Directed by Basu Chatterjee, this is a story of one single day and was shot in one closed room.
- 36 Chowringhee Lane (1981)
The directorial debut of Aparna Sen and a debut of Jennifer Kendal is a story of an old Anglo-Indian teacher and her lonely life in Calcutta’s 36 Chowringhee Lane. It’s one of a kind movie which was made in the English language.
- Party (1984)
Shot in real-time, lasting most of an evening, this film directed by Govind Nihalani had an ensemble cast from the parallel Indian cinema, and it showcased the life of rich, urban elite people and their apathy towards society.
- Sparsh (1980)
Directed by Sai Paranjape, this is a subtle love story about how a blind Naseeruddin Shah and a widow Shabana Azmi fall in love and overcome their complexes to understand the natural “touch” of love.
- Ankur (1974)
Debut by Shyam Benegal as a director and Shabana Azmi, and Anant Naag as actors, this is a complex tale which explores human emotions and desires along with other social issues like casteism, alcoholism, trust, sexual drives and religious differences. The movie was shot entirely at an actual location on a meagre budget.
- Paar (1984)
Paar is an exceptionally intense and sensational film again starring Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi. This is a story of how the low caste Naurangia and his pregnant wife Rama agree to drive a herd of pigs to the other end of the river to get enough money for their survival.
- Diksha (1991)
Starring Nana Patekar, this film tries to portray the hypocritical and rigid system of the Brahmanical Indian society, where a Guru of scriptures performs the last rights of his widowed daughter when she gets into a relationship with a teacher.
- Sardari Begum (1996)
Sardari Begum is a film starring the versatile Kirron Kher in the lead role of a courtesan/singer who leaves her conservative Muslim home to learn music from a concubine. The film explores the desires and emotions of the woman through different people who come into her life at different stages.
- Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa (1998)
Throwing light on the Naxalite movement of 1970s West Bengal, this film explores the emotions of an aged mother who comes to terms with the death of her young son, who gets killed by the police for being a part of the Naxalbari movement.
- Jane Bhi Do Yaro (1983)
A humorous, dark political satire on the rampant corruption in Indian politics, bureaucracy, media and business. This film stars Naseeruddin Shah and Vivek Vaswani and is considered a cult movie in the humour genre.
- Aakrosh (1980)
The directorial debut of Govind Nihalani, this film was the starting point for the dark and frighteningly realistic movies he made later on. Starring Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil and Om Puri, the film was a derisive satire on the corruption in the judicial system and the victimization of the underprivileged by the able and the powerful.
- Ardha Satya (1983)
The second film by Govind Nihalani is a landmark in Indian film history and can also be claimed as the best performance by Om Puri. It explores the journey of the police officer when he experiences the corruption, mal-practices and power games in his feeble, grass-roots occupation.
- Mandi (1983)
Mandi means a market, and this film starring Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi, boldly depicted the widespread yet underground flesh trade and prostitution rackets in India. It was directed by Shyam Benegal and marked the beginning of the films created on prostitution.
- Arth (1982)
Directed by Mahesh Bhatt and starring Shabana Azmi and Raj Kiron, this was the first film which openly and brazenly showcased the intricacies of married life and extra marital affair. It was also popular for the memorable music by maestro Jagjit Singh.
- Bhumika (1977)
One of the most memorable roles by Smita Patil, this film marked the coming together of Shyam Benegal, Girish Karnad and Satyadev Dubey – three icons of the Indian parallel cinema movement. It was based on the life of the Marathi actress Hansa Wadkar who led a vivid life in the 1940s and unabashedly carried her sexuality on her sleeves.
- Ek Doctor Ki Maut (1990)
Based on the life of an Indian, Dr Subhash Mukhpadhyay, who pioneered the IVF treatment, this film shows the apathy, negligence and insult the doctor faces during his research. It was directed by Tapan Sinha and starred the talented and versatile Pankaj Kapoor.
There are some more notable mentions which you can watch after you are done with the above list:
- Swami (1977)
- Ashadh ka ek din (1971)
- Thodasa rumaani ho jaye (1990)
- Salim langde pe mat ro (1989)
- Mirch Masala (1987)
- Gaman (1978)
- Pestonjee (1988)