From making films which show people falling in love and dancing around trees to making movies with a strong impact on society, Bollywood has come a long way. While people initially watched movies solely for the sake of entertainment, people watch it today for the kind of impression they leave and how much they make you think. To make your Wednesday better, here is a list of movies which make you think:

1. Dor

Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, Dor tells the story of how widowed women lead their lives in North India. The movie shows how the female lead embarks on a journey to save her husband, who accidentally kills a man.  The film shows how women aren’t just strong and determined, but they can also be extremely forgiving. Apart from this, the movie also shows the amount of power people have if they just forgive and let go.  Dor makes you sit and think long after the credits stop rolling.

2. Taare Zameen Par

Till Taare Zameen Par was made, people refused to take disorders like dyslexia seriously. Director Aamir Khan made it a point to show the way students with disorders like reading abilities were treated. Without blowing the situation out of proportion, the film showed how, with just a little bit of attention from parents and teachers, students with reading disabilities can actually flourish in normal schools!  Moving everyone to tears long after it hit the screens, Taare Zameen Par narrated a story which needed to be told.

3. Jagte Raho

This movie had an intense story to tell and was directed by two people, Sombhu Mitra and Amit Maitra. Telling the story of a peasant who comes to the city in search of bigger dreams and aspirations, Jagte Raho makes you truly understand the pains of the downtrodden. Following the journey of the peasant who is mistaken for a thief, Jagte Raho makes you want to wake up and realise just because a person doesn’t have enough to his name, it doesn’t mean he is a thief.  A wake up call to the extremely evident struggles of class and barriers in society, Jagte Raho makes you want to sit up and listen.

4. No Smoking

Directed by Anurag Kashyap, No Smoking is a neo psychological thriller which shows the true side effects of smoking.  What makes this movie stand out is, it doesn’t talk about why people should quit smoking, but instead talks about the long term damage smoking has on a person. From looking at the way smoking affects the person’s mental health, to looking at the way people who smoke deal with living in fear, this movie is an eye opener. With subtle references, Anurag Kashyap’s No Smoking makes you pause the next time you even think of holding a cigarette.

5. Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women

Directed by Manish Jha, Matroobhoomi tells quite a scary story. The film talks about how the male to female ratio decreases because of an increase in female foeticide. A modern day rendition of Draupadi’s plight in the Mahabharata,  Matrubhoomi talks about how society looks at things with a skewed view. Showing how people are okay with brutality and crude behaviour, this movie makes you want to go and hug every lonely girl child on the road.

Movies like this make you realise there is a lot going on in the world of which you aren’t aware. If you think we missed out on other movies like these, comment and let us know.

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The Rajkummar Rao and Kangana Ranaut starrer Mental Hai Kya has been mired in controversy for a while now.  Apparently, the title of the film did not go well with the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) and mental health experts of the Country who filed a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) for the change of the same.

The trailer of this upcoming film was slated to be released today, but because of the PIL filed by the IPS, the launch of the film’s trailer will be delayed by a day or two.  In the filed PIL, IPS claimed, the title of the film is “stigmatising, degrading and inhuman in projecting mental disorders and persons who suffer from mental disorders.”  The IPS demanded for an immediate change in the title.

With regard to this, the producer of the film, Ekta Kapoor, issued a statement on Twitter, stating, the film is sensitive towards mental issues and the title of the film does not intend to hurt anyone’s sentiments.

DISCLAIMER 😀 film in no way marginalises d mental health community & d title of our film doesn’t intend 2 disregard any1 sentiments. It is sensitive towards d issue of mental illness. A fictional thriller dat encourages you 2 celebrate Ur uniqueness & embrace Ur individuality. https://t.co/DdCpXHraf7

— Ekta Kapoor (@ektaravikapoor) June 18, 2019

Ekta Kapoor is going to attend the meeting, which is going to take place among the members of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the IPS.  A special screening of the film will be arranged, where the officials will review the trailer and title of the film.

All clarifications about the film will be given after the meeting.

Directed by Prakash Kovelamudi, Mental Hai Kya is a dark comedy which celebrates the beauty in imperfections.

Mental Hai Kya will hit screens on 26th July, 2019.

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Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, a Sunny Deol directorial, has a new release date.  Marking the debut of Sunny Deol’s son, Karan Deol, the movie is going to release on 20th September this year.

This movie also marks the entrance of a new face, Sahher Bambba.  While Karan is all set to play the male lead in the film, Sahher is going to play the female lead.

The wait may have become longer but it will be worth it! #PalPalDilKePaas will now release on 20th September #KaranDeol #SahherBambba @ZeeStudios_ @SunnySuperSound pic.twitter.com/ad4P8Ybig2

— Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol) June 18, 2019

Initially scheduled to release on 19th July, Sunny Deol postponed the release of the film because of his political commitments.  The film will now not have a solo release date and will clash with Sonam Kapoor’s The Zoya Factor.

A source working on the film said in a statement, “Ever since his victory in Gurdaspur last month, Sunny has been busy taking stock of the situation and planning various measures that need to be implemented in the city. Knowing the important role that a debut vehicle plays in an actor’s career all too well, Sunny doesn’t want to give divided attention to Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas. So, he thought it best to push the love story by two months.”

A romantic movie shot extensively in Manali and Mumbai, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas will be presented by Dharmendra and is produced by Zee Studios.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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Remember how Hrithik Roshan grew up and joined the Indian Army to inspire the rest of us in Lakshya?  As today marks 15 years since the release of this film, here is taking a look at some war movies which were not just about the lives of Indian soldiers but also about war and what the soldiers went through:

1. Lakshya

Directed by Farhan Akhtar, Lakshya told the story of Lieutenant Karan Shergill, who leads his squad to victory by capturing a territory taken over by Pakistan.  While war does play a crucial role in this movie, the other issue with which this film deals is how people grow when faced with responsibility.  From facing real life issues head on, to understanding the discipline and time which goes into becoming an adult, Lakshya is a true tribute to war and soldiers.

2. Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyo

Directed by Anil Sharma, Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyo tells the story of how terrorists attacked the holy temple of Kedarnath.  Apart from the story about this attack, the film also talks about how a man joins the Indian Army for a few years before moving to the United States. However, after he joins, he realises the amount of effort which goes into being a soldier and from then on, everything about his life changes.  Everything about this movie is heartwarming and shows how much people can do when pushed into a corner.

3. LOC Kargil

Based on the Kargil War fought between India and Pakistan, LOC Kargil was directed by J.P. Dutta.  A step by step account of everything which happened during the Kargil War, the film brings to the fore the hardships of war and what soldiers go through on a daily basis.  A multi layered story, LOC Kargil talks about the soldiers who made the entire operation a success.  Everything about this movie made you not only respect the amount of effort soldiers put into the war but also how much personal sacrifices they make for their country.

4. Airlift

Unlike the other films, Airlift tells the story of how a businessman helps evacuate Indians in Kuwait who are stuck there during the invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein.  While this is one of the primary issues about which this movie talks, Airlift also looks at how the lead puts his personal life aside to help his fellow countrymen when in need.  A true patriotic movie, Airlift makes you fall in love with how far people can go to help their countrymen when required.

5. Border

Director J.P. Dutta’s shot to fame, Border was based on the Indo Pakistan War of 1971.  Touted to be one of the best war films to have been released, this movie showed what our soldiers went through to make our country a safe place.  From night patrols to killing men at gunpoint, Border makes you realise how deep the spirit of patriotism runs in a soldier’s blood.

If you think we missed out on any other great movies about war and soldiers giving their lives to protect their motherland, comment and let us know!

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If you thought you were excited about the massive win India had against Pakistan at the ICC World Cup 2019 on the 16th of June, then think again.  Actor Ranveer Singh made a splash by jumping onto the field and taking pictures with his favourite players!

The actor joined players Sunil Gavaskar and Virendar Sehwag, amongst other cricket legends, in the commentators box.  From entertaining fans with his lively speeches to hugging Virat Kohli, the Captain of the Indian Cricket Team, after India won the match, Ranveer Singh definitely stole the show.  Check out the pictures here!

COME ON INDIA, COME ON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 @StarSportsIndia @ICC @cricketworldcup pic.twitter.com/kupOy8CkCY

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) June 18, 2019

I’ve been a die-hard fan of Indian cricket since childhood. Invested so much emotion into our beloved team. Willing and wanting them to be the undisputed best in the world. And then, there was VIRAT KOHLI. pic.twitter.com/tXPNw0le60

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) June 18, 2019

Eat.
Sleep.
Dominate.
Repeat.
The name is Hardik. Hardik Pandya. 🏏✌🏾✊🏾 @hardikpandya7 ma boi #unstoppable pic.twitter.com/B5oRzedTg3

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) June 17, 2019

A beacon of positive energy! A true exemplar of the champion mindset and gentlemanly conduct! Always invigorating to meet him! 😍❤🙏🏽 Saari duniya jise GABBAR ke naam se jaanti hai! @SDhawan25 🏏👊🏽 wish you a speedy recovery, Shera! pic.twitter.com/9AazuMPppj

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) June 17, 2019

BIGGG DAWGGG!!! BOHT HARDDD!!! @klrahul11 🏏💥💥💥 That’s how you step up and make a statement!☝🏾
(dat Technique doe 🥶🥶🥶 ufffff) pic.twitter.com/PJc8IcRkeh

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) June 17, 2019

THE MASTER BLASTER !!! 🏏🌟@sachin_rt 😍❤🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/I7leLaPqsr

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) June 17, 2019

Prince of Calcutta! 👑
God of the off-side! 🙏🏽 Bengal Tiger! 🐯 @SGanguly99
DADA AMI TOMAKE BHALOBASHI ! ❤ pic.twitter.com/xABeSw6oHT

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) June 17, 2019

Cricketing Royalty 🏏👑 BRIAN CHARLES LARA @BrianLara pic.twitter.com/udMaEKIHEO

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) June 17, 2019

Arguably the most destructive batsman the world has ever seen! 🏏💥 VIRU PAAJI DA JAVAAB NAHI! 🌟@virendersehwag pic.twitter.com/TMQukC2ilm

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) June 17, 2019

THE TURBANATOR! 🏏💥 #singhisking @harbhajan_singh pic.twitter.com/xDEmBLB4Wc

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) June 17, 2019

Interestingly, Ranveer Singh’s presence on the cricket field was in relationship to his upcoming film, ’83.  Directed by Kabir Khan, the film tells the story of how Kapil Dev led the Indian team to victory in the historic Cricket World Cup match of 1983!

While Ranveer Singh will don the role of Kapil Dev in ’83, Deepika Padukone will play the role of Kapil Dev’s wife, Romi Bhatia.

Stay tuned for more details about the film!

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