Bollywood Films Social Issues:
Bollywood is a reflection of real-life in many ways. It also acts as a catalyst in bringing about a much-needed change in the age-old stigmas of society. Bollywood films highlighting hard-hitting social issues are the harbingers of change in society.
1. Rang De Basanti
Rang De Basanti released in the year 2006 and addressed a very serious social issue of corruption in government agencies. The movie left a deep impact on the masses especially with the peaceful candle march as a means of protesting.
Starring: Aamir Khan, Siddharth Narayan, Atul Kulkarni, Kunal Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Alice Patten, Soha Ali Khan, Madhavan, Waheeda Rehman
Director: Rakesh Omprakash Mehra
2. Masaan
Masaan released in the year 2015 and won much acclaim at major movie festivals. The movie hit hard on the social issue of casteism, orthodoxy, and many other stigmas.
Starring: Richa Chadda, Vicky Kaushal, Shweta Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra
Director: Neeraj Ghaywan
3. Peepli Live
Peepli Live released in the year 2010 and was a satire based on an issue that has been plaguing Indian society for decades. The movie throws light on the rampant farmer suicides and the subsequent political and media attention that it draws to no avail.
Starring: Omkar Das Manikpuri, Raghubir Yadav, Shalini Vatsa, Malaika Shenoy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Naseeruddin Shah
Director: Anusha Rizvi
4. 3 Idiots
3 Idiots released in the year 2009 and was one of the biggest blockbusters ever in Bollywood. The movie had a fabulous star cast, music that touched the soul and a message that shook the very basis of the education system in the country.
Starring: Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor,
Boman Irani, Omi Vaidya
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
5. Udaan
Udaan released in the year 2010 and touched a topic often left unattended. The movie takes you through the ups and downs that a teenager feels growing up especially in broken families, physical and emotional abuse, and much more.
Starring: Rajat Barmecha, Ronit Roy, Aayan Boradia, Ram Kapoor, Manjot Singh, Anand Tiwari
Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
6. Aligarh
Aligarh released in the year 2015 and won much critical acclaim. The movie touched a tender nerve in the society when it delved into topics like homosexuality, homophobia, and the effect of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.
Starring: Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkummar Rao, Ashish Vidyarthi
Director: Hansal Mehta
7. Pink
Pink released in the year 2016 and has been by far the biggest movie that touches a very sensitive topic. The gender discrimination, harassment, insecurities, and fear face by women in day to day life in a male-dominated society were brought to light in the movie.
Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Andrea Tariang, Vijay Varma, Angad Bedi, Tushar Pandey, Dhritiman Chatterjee, Piyush Mishra, Mamata Shankar
Director: Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury
These Bollywood films highlight hard-hitting social issues with a vengeance hoping that they bring light and help eradicate these social evils.
