Top Comedies from India: Unnoticed Laugh-Riots Worth Your Time
In the vibrant world of Indian cinema, a plethora of comedies often fly under the radar, yet they are brimming with unique humor, fresh storytelling, and social commentary. These underrated comedies, while receiving less attention from mainstream audiences and critics, have a way of captivating those seeking something different.
One such lesser-known comedy is 'Golu Aur Pappu' (2014), a slapstick and timely satire about two naive boys caught in a terrorist plot. Another example is 'Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar', while not traditionally considered underrated, offers elements of fresh storytelling and relatable humor that are appreciated by audiences seeking something new in Indian romantic comedies.
Many of these hidden gems can be found on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and ZEE5. For instance, 'Maheshinte Prathikaaram' (Malayalam, 2016) is a humble photographer's quest for revenge filled with slow burn humor, natural performances, and a refreshing tone.
'Serious Men', though more known for its drama, offers a refreshing blend of comedy and drama. The film, set in Mumbai, explores the life of a manipulative slum dweller who pretends his son is a child prodigy to climb the social ladder.
'Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana' (2012) is a quirky and flavorful story about a man saving his family's dhaba and recovering a secret chicken recipe. On the other hand, 'Serious Men' (2020) is a satirical comedy-drama about ambition, class, and the price of a lie, with dark humor that hits hard and smart.
'Dasvidaniya' (2008) is a film about a man diagnosed with a terminal illness, balancing humor and sentiment beautifully. Most of these films are family-friendly, though some, like 'Serious Men' or 'Yeh Saali Zindagi', are better suited for older teens and adults due to themes or language.
'Quick Gun Murugun' (2009) is a South Indian spoof of spaghetti westerns with absurdity, action, and eccentric one-liners. 'Cheeni Kum' (2007) is an Indian comedy film about a 64-year-old chef falling in love with a 34-year-old woman, featuring subtle humor and a unique storyline avoiding Bollywood cliches.
The article also highlights regional comedy gems in Malayalam, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and Bengali. For example, 'Tere Bin Laden' (2010) is a film about a Pakistani reporter faking a video of Osama Bin Laden to migrate to the U.S., resulting in wild consequences. 'Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!' (2008) is a dark comedy based on a real-life thief and explores Delhi's class divide with dry humor.
'Phas Gaye Re Obama' (2010) is a witty satire set during the global recession, featuring smart political humor and rural characters that break stereotypes. Some films may be on regional apps or YouTube, such as 'Do Dooni Chaar' (2010), a family-friendly Indian comedy film about a humble middle-class family navigating modern India with dreams of owning a car.
'Yeh Saali Zindagi' (2011) is a mix of crime, comedy, and romantic chaos, with dark humor and emotional punch. 'Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi' (Telugu, 2018) follows a group of friends pursuing filmmaking dreams, offering honest storytelling with youthful humor and relatability.
'Sankat City' (2009) is a fast-paced, unpredictable Indian comedy about a car thief, a godman, and a bag of cash. 'Bheja Fry' (2007) is a low-budget Indian comedy film with minimalist setup, brilliant acting, and sharp wit.
Some films have gained popularity only after their digital release, such as 'Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi' and 'Do Dooni Chaar'. As streaming platforms continue to expand their content, it's an exciting time to discover these hidden gems of Indian comedy.
- 'Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar' brings fresh storytelling and relatable humor to the Indian romantic comedy genre, even though it may not be underrated.
- 'Maheshinte Prathikaaram', a Malayalam film, offers slow burn humor, natural performances, and a refreshing tone that can be found on popular streaming platforms.
- 'Serious Men' offers a refreshing blend of comedy and drama, with the film set in Mumbai exploring a manipulative slum dweller's attempt to climb the social ladder.
- 'Dasvidaniya' balances humor and sentiment beautifully, making it a must-watch for audiences seeking unique and family-friendly films.
- 'Yeh Saali Zindagi' has elements of crime, comedy, and romantic chaos, with dark humor and an emotional punch, while 'Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi' offers honest storytelling with youthful humor for fans of Telugu cinema.
