Bandit Queen (1994) : A truly brutal story
Based on the life of dacoit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi, Bandit Queen, directed by Shekhar Kapur, doesn’t hold back on depicting violence and the harsh realities of life. The film faced severe resistance from the Censor Board due to its excessive violence and aggressive depiction of gang rape. The fact that all of this actually happened in reality and could have been much worse than portrayed will send a chill down your spine. Phoolan Devi’s life was a series of traumatic events from a young age, and Bandit Queen doesn’t shy away from showing her brutal journey. The film portrays her abduction, repeated sexual assaults, and eventual transformation into a feared bandit leader. Seema Biswas, who plays Phoolan, delivers a powerful performance that leaves a lasting impression. The rawness of the film, combined with its unflinching look at the violence Phoolan endured and perpetrated, makes it a standout in the genre.
Satya (1998) : The birth of the gangster genre
Satya, directed by Ram Gopal Varma and released in 1998, is a cornerstone of Bollywood’s crime genre. The film follows the story of Satya, an immigrant who arrives in Mumbai in search of a job and is drawn into the underworld by his friendship with the gangster Bhiku Mhatre. Satya is notable for its gritty realism and stark portrayal of Mumbai’s criminal underbelly. The film’s success paved the way for a new wave of Bollywood crime films that didn’t shy away from showing the brutal reality of life on the streets. With standout performances by J. D. Chakravarthy, Manoj Bajpayee, and Urmila Matondkar, Satya remains a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Gangs of Wasseypur (2012): An epic saga of blood and betrayal
No discussion of Bollywood gore movies would be complete without mentioning Anurag Kashyap’s magnum opus, Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). This two-part epic crime saga takes us through the coal mafia wars in Dhanbad, spanning over seven decades. With a sprawling cast including Manoj Bajpai, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Richa Chadha, the film is a brutal tale of vengeance, power struggles, and the unrelenting pursuit of control. The film spans 68 years, from 1941 to 2009, and features an ensemble cast including Manoj Bajpai, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Pankaj Tripathi, and more. Known for its dark humour, experimental soundtrack, and raw, realistic portrayal of violence, Gangs of Wasseypur has garnered a cult following. Its unflinching depiction of gore and brutality is balanced by its richly developed characters and intricate storytelling. If you have the stamina for a cinematic marathon, this is one series you shouldn’t miss.
Nh10 (2015) : An edgy modern thriller
Nh10, directed by Navdeep Singh and written by Sundip Sharma is an action thriller movie starring Anushka Sharma as lead. The film tells the story of. a young couple whose road trip goes awry after an encounter with a group of violent criminals. Anushka Sharma’s performance as the protagonist who fights back against her attackers is intense and gripping. The title refers to National Highway 10, which connects Delhi to the town of Fazilka in Punjab. The film’s portrayal of the brutal realities of honour killings and rural crime is both eye-opening and disturbing. The tense atmosphere, combined with the realistic depiction of violence, makes NH10 a standout thriller.
Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016) : A real gore fest
With a film that truly embodies the essence of psychological horror. Raman Raghav 2.0, directed by Anurag Kashyap, is a neo-noir psychological crime thriller that sinks its teeth into you from the get-go. Inspired by the real-life serial killer Raman Raghav, who terrorised Mumbai in the 1960s, this film is a chilling cat-and-mouse game between the deranged Ramanna (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui) and a morally ambiguous cop, Raghavan (Vicky Kaushal). The movie unfolds in eight chapters, each one peeling back another layer of Ramanna’s twisted psyche. Premiering at the Directors’ Fortnight section at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, Raman Raghav 2.0 earned critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of violence and psychological terror. If you’re looking for a film that doesn’t shy away from gore and delves deep into the human mind’s darkest corners, this is it.
These films prove that Bollywood is more than just song and dance. It can delve into the darkest corners of human nature and tell stories that are as thrilling as they are disturbing. So, if Kill left you craving more blood-curdling thrills, these underrated gems will not disappoint.