Art Movies: Here are 5 art-house movies that everyone must watch

Art movies have been given a lot of names- independent films, socially relevant films, or festival films. Art movies are usually experimental or financially and emotionally independent films. These films are said to defy the conventions of mainstream cinema. Reportedly dubbed as ‘unpopular cinema’ by Chindanand Dasgupta, here is a list of five art movies:

Pather Panchali

This Satyajit Ray directorial tells the story of an impoverished priest who dreams of a better life for his family. He leaves rural Bengal in search of a livelihood, and the film covers the journey that unfolds covering two generations. This art movie was the first Indian film to win international acclaim. India also reportedly won its first Oscar through Ray in 1992.

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Mirch Masala

This 1987 Ketan Mehta directorial had an ensemble cast of Smita Patil, Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Supriya Pathak, and Ratna Pathak. The film is based in Rajasthan where a group of common folks resist the tyranny of a subedar of the British. The movie was critically acclaimed and is reportedly one of the most important films of Indian cinema. Mirch Masala was released after the death of Smita Patil.

Mandi

The 1983 release Mandi is based on an Urdu classic, Anandi, by Ghulam Abbas. The story revolves a brothel situated in the heart of the city. However, some politicians want this place for themselves because of its prime locality. The story then follows the fate of the people living there. The movie starred Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Nasiruddin Shah, Amrish Puri, and Om Puri in the leads. The Shyam Benegal directorial is a highly acclaimed art movie in Indian cinema.

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Genesis

This 1986 film was directed by Mrinal Sen. Genesis cast Shabana Azmi, Nasiruddin Shah, Om Puri, and MK Raina. The film revolves around the social issue of men exploiting men through the characters of a farmer and a weaver. Genesis was critically acclaimed for its theme and also went to Cannes Film Festival in the year 1986.

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Ardh Satya

Ardh Satya in English translates to ‘Half Truth’. This 1983 release was directed by Govind Nihlani. The film is based on a short story by writer D.A. Panvalkar and the script was developed by Vijay Tendulkar. The film cast Om Puri, Sadashiv Amarpurkar, Smita Patil, Amrish Puri, and Nasiruddin Shah in pivotal roles. It revolves around the life of a son of a retired constable who is forced to let go of his dream of getting an MBA to join the police force. The movie won the Filmfare Award in several categories. Om Puri won a National Award and also a Karlovy Vary International Film Festival award for his role.

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