8 “Un-Bollywood” films to look for in 2017

Here are eight un-Bollywood Hindi films you should to watch out for this year. It’s a new year, and undoubtedly, our beloved Bollywood is all set to churn out several new films. The 2017 lineup of big releases is already creating a buzz. But while there have been endless discussions about the biggest upcoming blockbusters that tend to grab all eyeballs, we decided to take a look at some non-mainstream films that are worth waiting for. Th Indian film industry is certainly as widespread and extensive as the subcontinent itself, with a plethora of regional films being made every year. Even within popular Hindi cinema, many independent filmmakers are trying to explore with different genres and put forward new ideas and concepts in their creations. Here are eight offbeat movies for your viewing pleasure:

Trapped by Vikramaditya Motwane
Trapped is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, whose previous releases include Udaan and Lootera. Need we say more? Starring Rajkummar Rao, the film had its world premiere at the 18th Jio MAMI Mumbai International Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation. The 105-minute-long film is a survival drama thriller that narrates the story of a man who finds himself trapped in his own apartment in a high-rise building, left with no way to escape. The film was shot in 22 days at real locations around Mumbai. Rajkummar Rao went on a ‘coffee and carrots only’ diet to prepare for his role.

Haramkhor by Shlok Sharma
Written and directed by Shlok Sharma, Haramkhoris yet another interesting film in this year’s lineup. Set in a small village, the film stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Shweta Tripathi (who dazzled us all in Masaan). The film created quite a buzz in the 2015 festival circuit. Nawazuddin bagged the Best Actor award for his performance in Haramkhor at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF). Although the film landed in controversy in the process of securing its certification, it has finally secured a UA certificate. Produced by the makers of Gangs of Wasseypur and The Lunchbox, the film portrays a twisted love triangle between a married school teacher, his student and her classmate. Quite intriguing indeed! Release date: January 13th, 2017.

A Death in the Gunj by Konkona Sen Sharma
Talented actor and daughter of celebrated filmmaker Aparna Sen, Konkona Sen Sharma has turned into a director with A Death in the Gunj as her debut. The film was the opening title at the 18th Jio MAMI Mumbai International Film Festival, which screened releases at the restored Opera House in Mumbai. The film is set in 1969 and revolves around a family vacation gone horribly wrong. Release date: January 13th, 2017

Loev by Sudhanshu Saria
The directorial debut of Sudhanshu Saria is a relationship drama about three Indian men grappling with the boundary between friendship and love. The film has done its rounds within the festival circuit across the world and has won accolades as well as awards. A review in Los Angeles Times describes it as “a love story that could change Bollywood”. Despite having homosexual characters as its protagonists, Loev doesn’t place their sexuality at the centre of the film; instead it portrays characters that are comfortable with themselves and explore their identities through an emotional journey. Lauded for brilliant performances by Dhruv Ganesh, Shiv Pandit and Siddharth Menon, and its restrained storytelling, Loev is bound to be an intriguing watch. Release Date: To be announced

Lipstick Under my Burkha by Alankrita Shrivastava
Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava and produced by Prakash Jha, the film has won accolades in the film festival circuit. The feminist dramedy (a mixture of drama and comedy), has won Tokyo’s Spirit of Asia award. The film is a bold and feisty narrative starring four women between the ages of 18 and 55 from old Bhopal. The protagonists rebel in small ways against the conventional identities the society has allotted them to chase their dreams. Juxtaposing the colourful double lives these women live, the film explores the many shades of female desire. The burkha in the title is a metaphor for all the restrictions placed upon these women by their domineering husbands, possessive boyfriends and a very judgemental society. Release Date: To be announced

Secret Superstar by Advait Chandan
The film’s recently-released teaser starring Aamir Khan created a buzz for all the right reasons. Though it’s a film produced under Aamir Khan’s banner, Secret Superstar falls far from the typicality of Bollywood. The musical drama written and directed by Advait Chandan narrates the story of a teenage girl who dreams of becoming a superstar singer, but is banned from doing anything about it by her strict father. She realises her dream by wearing a hijab and taking to YouTube to upload her songs. The film is said to trace her journey towards fulfilling her dream. The film stars Zaira Wasim, Meher Vij as well as Aamir Khan, whose role is said to be an extended cameo. Release date: August 4th, 2017.

Maroon by Pulkit
Maroon is debut director Pulkit’s psychological thriller shot in a single location. The film captures the protagonist’s descent into a disturbing world of disillusionment after his cheating wife goes missing. The main character of a creative writer has been played by Manav Kaul. The film’s review by Hollywood Reporter lauds the low-budget indie film for its haunting soundtrack and evocative sound-design. Release date: To be announced

Pinky Beauty Parlour by Akshay Singh
Akshay Singh has made his debut into direction as well as production with Pinky Beauty Parlour.The film captures the repercussions of the infamous Indian obsession with fair skin. The film portrays the lives of two sisters, Pinky and Bulbul, who run a beauty parlour in one of the small gullies of Banaras. It captures small town life in a rustic and realistic way. Singh, who would often visit his maternal family as a child, in a small town of Uttar Pradesh, witnessed the colour bias from a close distance. After spending a decade in the industry working as an actor, he decided to make his directorial debut and address the deep-rooted issue of discrimination based on colour through his film. A nationwide release is always a difficult feat to achieve for a small-budget film. The film’s producer is currently running a crowdfunding campaign on Wishberry to make it possible for his film to reach the whole country. Release Date: To be announced