Oscar-nominated Indian filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has turned 58 today and he is the man behind some really fine films of Indian cinema. The list includes Aamir Khan starrer cricket drama ‘Lagaan’ (obviously), ‘Swades’ starring Shah Rukh Khan, and Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai starrer historical drama film ‘Jodha Akhbar’.
However, for this article, we have compiled for our readers a list of three underrated films helmed by Ashutosh Gowariker which you can stream/rent on Indian OTT platforms.
What’s Your Raashee? (Streaming on Netflix)
It’s a romantic comedy film featuring Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja in the lead roles. Based on Madhu Rye’s Gujarati novel Kimball Ravenswood, the film’s plot revolves around a Gujarati NRI Yogesh Patel (Harman Baweja), who must find the right bride in just ten days to save his family from getting into serious trouble. One of the film’s highlights was Priyanka Chopra’s performance who had adeptly essayed the roles of all twelve prospective brides with different astrological signs.
Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (Rent on Google Play, YouTube, Apple iTunes)
This underrated film was based on the Chittagong uprising that happened in the year 1930. It follows a schoolmaster and revolutionary (Abhishek Bachchan) and his ambitious attempt to raid an armory with the help of a group of teenagers. Despite being a well-made film by Ashutosh Gowariker, it failed to attract audiences to theatres. Nevertheless, a must-watch film for ardent cinephiles.
Panipat (Streaming on Netflix)
Set in 18th century India, the underappreciated war drama is based on the third battle of Panipat which happened on 14th January 1761 between the Maratha Empire and the invading Afghan army under Ahmad Shah Abdali, the king of Afghanistan. Sanjay Dutt played the role of Ahmad Shah Abdali while Arjun Kapoor stepped into the shoes of the brave Commander-in-Chief Sadashiv Rao Bhau.