With the ever-growing content libraries of Indian OTT giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus Hotstar, SonyLIV, and Zee5, etc., you may have already seen most of the recent Indian films streaming on these platforms.
But alongside well known post-2k Indian films, there are many movies streaming on Indian OTT platforms which were released during the 1990s period and yet they remain underrated. In the follow-up to our last week’s article, we have compiled another list of five such relatively underrated yet brilliant Indian movies from the 90s which you can watch on various Indian OTT platforms.
Zakhm, 1998 (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video)
Helmed by Mahesh Bhatt, the hard-hitting drama revolves around a son Ajay’s (Ajay Devgn) dilemma after he learns that her mother (Pooja Bhatt) has been fatally injured during religious riots in Mumbai. While remembering in flashbacks about the struggles that her single mother endured while raising her children, Ajay decides to fulfil her mother’s last wish and also pacify his enraged brother (Akshay Anand).
Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, 1998 (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Shemaroo Me, Yupp TV)
A relatively underrated gem directed by veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan. A wealthy boy Inder (Akshaye Khanna) meets a beautiful girl Pallavi (Jyothika) in college and the two fall in love with each other. Their biggest hindrances are Pallavi’s three over-protective brothers (played by Paresh Rawal, Mohnish Behl and Tej Sapru). They confront and humiliate Inder which causes the two lovers to elope. But soon they begin to reconsider their decision and its repercussions.
Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, 1994 (Streaming on Google Play, YouTube, iTunes – Rent)
The coming-of-age rom-com featured Shah Rukh Khan as an ordinary but good-hearted boy next door Sunil who is madly in love with a beautiful girl named Anna (Suchitra Krishnamurthy). But Anna considers Sunil as just a friend and has romantic feelings for their common friend – the affluent Chris (Deepak Tijori).
Sunil desperately tries to create a rift between Anna and Chris and uses his talent as a gifted musician to impress the love of his life. Helmed by Kundan Shah, KAKN is still regarded by many as Shah Rukh Khan’s best performance ever.
Virasat, 1997 (Streaming on Zee5)
Another well-made Priyadarshan film on this list. When an educated man (Anil Kapoor) returns to his native town, he finds it difficult to adjust to the rugged lifestyle in a place brimming with animosity and belligerence.
However, his life suddenly takes a U-turn when his father (Amrish Puri) dies, leaving him at the helm of his familial and business affairs. He takes up the challenge in an attempt to continue his father’s legacy. During the process, he must make some selfless sacrifices.
Kareeb, 1998 (Streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video)
Although the movie is generally not regarded amongst Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s best directorial films, it’s nevertheless a watchable and enjoyable venture. Set amidst the backdrop of a small hill town in Himachal Pradesh, the film’s plotline follows a carefree man Birju (Bobby Deol), who is the son of a well-off textile merchant (Saurabh Shukla).
Birju’s life takes an interesting turn when he falls madly in love with a beautiful woman Neha (Neha Bajpai) who lives with her single mother (Moushumi Chatterjee). But an unfortunate incident threatens to ruin their relationship forever. Will the two lovers reunite despite unfavourable circumstances.