Must Watch Hindi Gangster Movies have been capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. Considered as one of the most popular genres, gangster films have a strong narrative and are often loaded with thrills and suspense. A classic gangster film often centers around one or two characters who are on the wrong side of the law, and as the story progresses, their actions cause significant upheaval in society. Through the years, many classic Hindi films have distinguished themselves by exploring the criminal underworld and the corrupt individuals who inhabit it. While each movie carries its own unique story, all are equally captivating and immensely entertaining.
The 1966 classic “Gumnaam” revolves around a young man who meets a gang of gangsters while trying to find his way home. The story follows him as he realizes the extent of the criminal activities of the gang and proceeds to battle against them. “Gumnaam” is a masterpiece that has captivated audiences for decades and is considered a classic by many.
The 2010 release “Once Upon A Time in Mumbai” starring Ajay Devgan and Emraan Hashmi was one of the highest grossing films of the year. The movie deals with the turbulent rise and eventual downfall of an organised crime syndicate in Mumbai between the late 1960s to the early 80s. As the story follows the gang’s operations, it provides a glimpse into the murky underbelly of the city.
The 2003 comic crime drama “Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi” was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. Directed by Sudhir Mishra, the movie is set during the state of Emergency in India and tells the story of three young friends, who in their own ways, fights the oppressive anti-democratic forces which threatens to disrupt their lives. Despite its grim subject matter, the movie delicately balances comedic elements with subtle drama to great effect.
The crime drama ‘Gangs Of Wasseypur’ from 2012 is director Anurag Kashyap’s magnum opus. Spanning two generations, the movie tells the story of two warring gangs in the Wasseypur area of Dhanbad, Jharkhand. The movie is filled with intense moments that explores the ebb and flow of their relationship and provides a unique insight into the criminal underground.
Lastly, the cult classic “Satya” from 1998 is not just one of the must watch Hindi gangster movies but also a movie with a powerful social message and an undercurrent of humanity. The story follows the life of Satya, a man who finds himself in the dark and harsh criminal underworld of Mumbai and his quest to stay alive in the face of all the odds.
The Impact of Hindi Gangster Movies
Must watch Hindi gangster movies have captured the imagination and attention of millions worldwide, and the influence of these films has been significant. Apart from entertaining audiences, these films have often served as a window into society and explored a side of life that is usually kept hidden from view. They have also highlighted the way in which crime and corruption can thrive in the most unlikely corners of society. By exploring the criminal underworld and its various inhabitants, these movies have managed to educate and inform the public of the realities of criminal activity.
Hindi gangster films have also been used to bring attention to social issues. Characters are often portrayed with a sense of morality and are often seen carrying out acts of justice despite their occupation being firmly outside of the law. This storytelling can help to shape attitudes and opinions in a positive way, as viewers are able to draw inspiration from the characters and observe their moral standpoints.
These films have also been an invaluable tool for directors to explore the complexities of the human condition. Crimes and criminals can often be used as a metaphor for the complexities of human behaviour and the resulting emotions. This in turn can help to build empathy and understanding of certain situations and allow viewers to think and interpret the underlying message.
A Brief History of Hindi Gangster Movies
The history of Hindi gangster films trace as far back as the 1950’s with the classic “Awaara” which starred the legendary Raj Kapoor. This movie is considered a seminal work in the genre, and not just in India, but also abroad. After its release, the movie gained so much popularity that it received numerous awards, some of them even from foreign countries. This is an example of how powerful these films could be.
The 1970’s and 1980’s saw the release of many memorable films, such as the classic “Deewar”, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor. Additionally, Manoj Kumar’s “Kranti”, Dev Anand’s “Heera Panna” and Ramesh Sippy’s “Sholay”, all found massive success and achieved critical acclaim. These films set the tone for later films in the genre and often depicted themes such as loyalty, betrayal, loyalty and justice. It is also worth noting that this type of storytelling was highly male-centric, as women were rarely presented as significant characters in these films.
The Rise of New Wave Hindi Gangster Movies
The turn of the century marked the emergence of a new wave of Hindi gangster films. This new wave offered a new perspective and explored themes such as broken dreams and fading ideals. Some of the most notable films from this new wave include Anurag Kashyap’s “Gangs of Wasseypur”, Sudhir Mishra’s “Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi” and, more recently, Abhishek Chaubey’s “Udta Punjab”. These films have opened up dialogues about the problems in our society, which kind of stories have never been explored before.
New wave Hindi gangster films have also served as a platform to represent more female characters. For example, Kashyap’s “Gangs of Wasseypur” showcased several strong female characters, and “Udta Punjab” focused on the struggles of a young woman who is determined to make her way in a society that treats women as second-class citizens. This change in dynamic has been welcomed by many and has opened up a new landscape for these kinds of movies.
The Recent Trend of Hindi Gangster Movies
Today, Hindi gangster movies have become more refined and focused. An increasing number of filmmakers have opted to explore the grey areas between right and wrong, good and evil and explore the complexities of human behaviour. These films demonstrate that crime in reality is often not as black and white as what is portrayed in the cinematic world. Movies such as Vikramaditya Motwane’s “Trapped”, Anurag Kashyap’s “Ugly” and most recently, Kabir Khan’s “83” all demonstrate this newfound exploration of the criminal underworld and the culture and people that inhabit it.
To sum it up, must watch Hindi gangster movies provide an escape from reality and offer a thrilling and mesmerizing exploration into the darker side of society. While these films often portray a side to life that is frowned upon by society, they can also provide a valuable insight into criminal activity and the individuals that exist on the wrong side of the law. These movies are immensely entertaining, thought-provoking and can help to educate and inform audiences of criminal activities and its effects on society.
The Changing Cinematic Style of Hindi Gangster Movies
The cinematic style of Hindi gangster movies has also seen a drastic shift in recent years. Films such as “Ugly” and “Gangs of Wasseypur” are examples of the new wave of cinema that has overwhelming brought in a more unconventional approach to film-making. This new style of storytelling often eschews the traditional narratives of earlier films and presents its story in a more broken and often nonlinear fashion. This helps to create a sense of nostalgia and evoke strong emotions in the viewer, as they are sometimes being thrown into the midst of a chaotic situation.
This unconventional style of filmmaking has also opened up opportunities for more Indian filmmakers to experiment and push the boundaries of what is possible in Hindi cinema. Directors such as Anurag Kashyap, Sudhir Mishra and Neeraj Ghaywan, have all made use of this style to create brilliant masterpieces. By creating such powerful stories, these filmmakers have pushed the envelope and opened space for others to explore more complex and meaningful stories.
Director’s Impact on Hindi Gangster Movies
The impact of a director on must watch Hindi gangster movies cannot be understated. Too often, people forget the importance of a director in any production and it is often their passion and enthusiasm that makes or breaks a movie. Directors such as Anurag Kashyap, Sudhir Mishra and Vikramaditya Motwane have all had an immense impact in the genre, as they have pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling and explored more unconventional subjects in their films.
These directors have all managed to leave their mark on the genre, and have served as an inspiration to many upcoming filmmakers. Their creative and thought-provoking stories have captivated audiences and led to the creation of a new wave of Hindi gangster movies that demonstrate
