Before Parallel Cinema Was Cool, Shyam Benegal Was Redefining It 10 Movies You Can't Miss:

If you are a true fan of meaningful cinema, the name Shyam Benegal definitely rings a bell. He wasn't just a director; he was a storyteller who looked at the raw, unfiltered reality of India and brought it to the silver screen with grace. Although the legendary filmmaker is no longer with us, his movies continue to be a masterclass for aspiring directors and cinema lovers alike.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at 10 of his most iconic films that changed the face of Indian cinema.

1. Ankur (1974): The Explosive Debut Imagine winning over 40 national and international awards for your very first film. That’s exactly what Ankur did. This movie introduced us to the brilliant Shabana Azmi and tackled deep-rooted social issues with such honesty that it put Benegal on the global map instantly.

2. Mandi: A Mirror to Society With a powerhouse cast including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, and Naseeruddin Shah, Mandi was a satirical take on a brothel and the hypocrisy of the "respectable" society surrounding it. It remains a National Award-winning gem.

3. Kalyug: The Modern Mahabharata Benegal took the epic themes of the Mahabharata and placed them in the ruthless world of corporate business. With actors like Raj Babbar and Rekha, Kalyug showed us that family feuds and power struggles are timeless.

4. Zubeidaa: A Heartbreaking Love Story One of his most visually stunning works, Zubeidaa featured Karisma Kapoor in a career-defining role. It’s a soulful story of love, royalty, and a woman's search for her own identity.

5. Bhumika: The Price of Fame Based on the life of a famous Marathi actress, Bhumika explores the complex relationships Smita Patil’s character has with the men in her life. It’s a deep dive into the psychological toll of stardom.

6. Nishant: The Fight Against Oppression Set in a rural backdrop, Nishant vividly portrays how the powerful elite exploit the common folk. This film won the Golden Plaque at the Chicago International Film Festival and featured an ensemble cast that defines the "Parallel Cinema" era.

7. Mujib: The Making of a Nation (2023) One of his final gifts to cinema was this biopic on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It’s a detailed, historic look at the life of the man who led Bangladesh to independence.

8. Junoon: Passion in the Time of War Set during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Junoon is a gripping tale of obsession and war. Shashi Kapoor and Naseeruddin Shah delivered performances that still give us chills.

9. Saaransh: A Struggle for Meaning A poignant story of an elderly man trying to find a reason to live after the tragic death of his son. It’s a movie that doesn't just show grief—it makes you feel it.

10. Manthan: The Power of the People (Often cited as his most unique project) Manthan was crowd-funded by 500,000 farmers who donated 2 rupees each. It’s a classic tale of the White Revolution in India and the power of collective effort.

Shyam Benegal didn’t just make movies; he made us think. Whether it was the struggle of a farmer or the silent pain of a queen, his lens never blinked. If you haven't seen these yet, you're missing out on the very soul of Indian cinema.