Bollywood has always been a reflection of the Indian society but there have been some movies that were way ahead of their time. These films not only entertained the audience but also introduced very bold ideas and narratives, which were quite unconventional for their era.
Here's a list curated by ChatGPT of the top 5 Bollywood films that were far ahead of their time, both in theme and treatment:
Swades
This magnificent movie released in 2004 and explored grassroots development, brain drain and social responsibility long before such conversations became mainstream. This film is subtle, realistic and deeply impactful.
Also Read | Breakout performances that defined Bollywood cinema in 2025
Dil Se...
This movie tackled terrorism, emotional trauma and unrequited love with a non-linear narrative and bold ending which was far too complex for its time. Released in 1998, this movie is a cult classic.
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro
This movie was released in 1983 and is a razor-sharp satire on corruption, media and politics. Its dark humour and fearless commentary feel even more relevant today.
Tamasha
This movie came into theatres in 2015 and spoke about identity crisis, societal pressure and mental health years before these topics became openly discussed. The film was massively re-evaluated by audiences later.
Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year
This movie showed ethical entrepreneurship and corporate burnout in a refreshingly honest way, something Bollywood rarely explored back then. The movie was released in 2009
These are some of the gems that were much ahead of their times and challenged the mainstream narratives besides offering new perspectives to the audience. Till date, these films enjoy the cult status. Which among these have you watched already?
