2018 presented us many successful varied mainstream Bollywood fares. Here are some non-mainstream movies that you might have missed but which deserve special mention.

1. Manto – The firebrand Urdu writer Saadat Hassan Manto has been a revered and controversial literary figure. Nandita Sen cleverly melds Manto’s famous stories within the narrative of his turbulent tormented latter years, when he witnessed Partition and the growing religious divide. Manto’s decision to leave his beloved ‘Bombay’ and move to Pakistan, his despairing psychological descent and his fight against authorities to defend his so-called ‘cheap’, ‘corrupting’ ‘vulgar’ writings…Sen portrays the great author’s key life moments to capture the core attributes of his complex persona. Nawazuddin Siddiqi delivers yet another superb performance in the titular role.

     2. Tumbbad – Soham Shah’s visually stunning period film is set in 19th century Maharashtra and highlights the horrors of human greed in an intriguing supernatural story spanning across different generations. The atmospheric first half features some of the scariest scenes.

3. October – Shoojit Sircar’s film about a wayward, happy-go-lucky hotel-management trainee getting obsessively attached to his coma-stricken female colleague may be too morbid for many. But it is a visual treat and a languid emotional ’Coming of age’ tale. Varun Dhawan gives his all to the difficult central role.

4. Karwaan – A courier company mix-up; two dead bodies going to wrong receivers; a motley group going on an unplanned South India road-trip to correct the confusing situation and finally death giving new meaning to life. Cleverly written plotline, great situational/conversational humor and wacky characters make this film a hidden gem. Irrfan, Mithila Palekar and Dulquer Salman deliver excellent performances.

5. Mulq – A thought-provoking film based on true events. A Banaras-based sexagenarian Muslim lawyer and his family become hate targets when his misguided nephew is identified as one of the perpetrators of a heinous terrorist act. Overnight, the lifelong friends turn foes; respect turns into hatred and doubts cast on the family’s patriotism. A multi-layered plot raises uncomfortable questions about typically narrow-minded perceptions about religions and nationalism. Rishi Kapoor shines amongst a host of fine performances.

6. Pihu – A terrifying tragic tale of a cute toddler trapped in a house and caught up in a situation far beyond her comprehension. Marketed as a social thriller film, Pihu subtly points out the isolating nature of today’s self-absorbed urban society. To know that the plot was based on real life events makes you shudder! The child actress playing the title role is simply superb.

7. Missing – A couple visiting a resort finds their infant daughter missing in suspicious circumstances. The police investigation into the incident starts revealing new facets, making the situation murkier. An interesting mystery thriller with Tabu and Manoj Bajpai in central roles.