sbcltr lists down the best independent movies so far
Despite censor certificate dramas and the stiff competition from Bollywood, 2017 is starting to look like a good year for Indie films in the country. Movies such as Mukti Bhawan and Lipstick Under My Burkha have proved that, if well made, a film can draw attention to itself without the push of a big banner. While these movies might be stealing the show, there are others that have kept the conversation about independent cinema going. Check out our list of some of the best indie flicks to know more.
LOEV
Although this movie has been doing rounds of the world cinema circuit for a while (2015) , it was only made available on Netflix recently, so excuse our excitement while we treat this like its official India release. Because let’s face it, the censor board was never going to give a certification to a movie that explores a gay love triangle—probably India’s maiden venture into the territory. Perhaps what is most refreshing about Sudhanshu Saria’s film is the normalisation of the idea which could’ve turned dark easily. Refreshing, abashed and completely sincere, a must watch for everybody.
NEWTON
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2h3ZwUbt4A
Director Amit Masurkar of the 2014 comedy, Sulemani Keeda,is back with a political satire starring Rajkummar Rao. The movie which stars Rao in the role of Newton, a government clerk on election duty in central India who is torn between the rebel forces, the security forces and his duty to conduct a fair election. The film is an important one, deep on satire and passion. It has already garnered rave reviews abroad and is going to be released in India soon.
SHREELANCER
The film is a loose autobiographical take on director Sandeep Mohan’s life as a freelance copywriter in Mumbai. The aim of the film is to ‘create portraits of ordinariness.’ While the film premiered at the New York Indian Film Festival, Mohan intends to release his third film (the first two being, Love Wrinkle Free (2011) and Hola Venky! (2014) in theatres as well before making it available online. Since Mohan is known for his good taste, we can barely wait to watch this one.
TRAPPED
Vikramaditya Motwane weaves a tight web in the thriller starring Rajkummar Rao as a man who is stuck in his apartment on the 35th floor in Mumbai. The movie is tight, will keep you on the edge and have you thoroughly engaged. Fun fact, it was made in less than a month on a very small budget, but that will be irrelevant once you get into the immersive experience that is this film. Rent it online pronto.
Sexy Durga
This Mallu indie by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan is a road movie that was shot at night, over a period of 21 days. There was no story or dialogues, it relied on its atmosphere which was dark and disturbing. It is the story of a young couple on the run who hitch hike with two small time gangsters in Kerala and their nightmarish experiences. When it premiered at International Film Festival, Rotterdam, it won major awards and later acquired funding for DI at the Goan, NDFC Film Bazaar. Recently released, the film is now up for viewing
