Bollywood is not just about the glam-sham and masala-entertainment dramas but also serious celluloid commenting on the society and portraying real issues. There are filmmakers who are known for their upbeat, off the usual track films not merely just amusing but also contributing to our thought-process’, and Hansal Mehta is definitely one of them.
Starting his directorial career with 1993’s Sanjeev Kapoor’s Khana Khazana, Mehta turned out to be one of the finest filmmakers in the industry today! After directing several real-time television serials like Amrita (1994), Highway (1995), Yaadein (1995), Lakshya (1998) and Neeti (1998), Hansal Mehta marked his feature film directing debut with …Jayate (1999-2000). It is his birthday today and team Bollywood Bee wishes him a very happy one. On his birthday, here’s presenting a list of Hansal Mehta‘s must-watch films. Check it out right away:
Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!! (2000)
It was Mehta‘s second film which was a satirical migrant tale set in Mumbai. Written by Saurabh Shukla, the film also starred Manoj Bajpayee and Tabu apart from Saurabh Shukla. The film was critically acclaimed and though not a huge box-office success, Mehta was appraised for the film’s exploration of life on the fringes of Mumbai.
Shahid (2013)
This Rajkummar Rao starrer Hindi biographical film hit us all really hard. It is based on the life of lawyer and human rights activist Shahid Azmi, who was assassinated in 2010 in Mumbai. The film garnered much appreciation from critics and even won two national awards including best actor for Rajkummar Rao and Best Director for Hansal Mehta.
CityLights (2014)
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha starrer this drama film was a remake of BAFTA-nominated British film Metro Manila (2013). It tells the tale of a poor farmer from Rajasthan coming to Mumbai in search of livelihood and immediately won rave reviews from most critics. In spite of releasing in just 350 screens, CityLights became a success due to its low cost of production and consistent collections at the box office.
This Rajkummar Rao and Manoj Bajpayee starrer biographical drama left us all stunned. Commenting on the truth of Ramchandra Siras‘s story, the film took everyone through various high and low points of society. In spite of some controversy, the film garnered strong and positive reviews. It was definitely a contributing attempt towards highlighting the injustice that happens based on one’s sexual orientation and morality.
Once again, A Very Happy Birthday To Hansal Mehta!
