(Updated: December 24, 2019) Dibakar Banerjee is one of the finest and most versatile directors of modern-day Bollywood. Anurag Kashyap may have a sort of messiah status, especially after his critically acclaimed Gangs of Wasseypur, but answer me this. Have you seen a level of consistency with Kashyap that we’ve seen time and time again with Banerjee?
Don’t get me wrong, Kashyap is brilliant, but Banerjee in his decade-long career has gained a sort of indie auteur status which has only grown in reputation. (Fun fact, Kashyap was the one who recommended Banerjee as a co-director for the anthology film, Bombay Talkies).
Today, Banerjee is hailed as a genius of the Indian independent film industry, and one of its leading forces. Here’s a ranking of his 5 best movies, each of which is brilliant in its own right. All of these are streaming on Netflix.
5. Lust Stories (2018)
Lust Stories explores modern relationships in India from the viewpoint of women. Since this was released through Netflix, the filmmakers were given free rein to express their ideas without danger of the Censor Board intervening. From the makers of Bombay Talkies, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar and Anurag Kashyap tell us stories borne out of the desires of the flesh.
Each director brings out a different aspect, a different emotion born out of the same carnal desire. But let’s look on Banerjee, who centres on the theme of fidelity. It’s the story of an affair between a woman and her husband’s closest friend.
Manisha Koirala, Sanjay Kapoor and Jaideep Ahlawat give stunning performances as the lead female protagonist, the cuckolded husband and the lover, respectively. It shows an immense amount of vulnerability and once again, showcases Banerjee’s directorial prowess.
Where to Watch: Netflix
4. Love Sex Aur Dhoka (2010)
Who can forget the time when Banerjee went full on Paranormal Activity mode to tell three stories of love, sex and betrayal? I love the LSD analogy by the way. Not only did he incorporate newspaper headlines into movies, he took a new direction to filmmaking which would inspire other filmmakers to follow suit.
The budget may have been very low, but Banerjee’s returns were ten-fold. His reputation as one of the top indie filmmakers out there, meanwhile, kept on soaring.
Where to Watch: Netflix
3. Oye Lucky Lucky Oye (2008)
Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! was more proof of Banerjee’s ability to create a smart, brilliantly written story with equally well written characters. It may have been a comedy, but it was darker than it was. You just needed to look into the fine print, and uncover the subtext. It expects as much of the audience as the audience expects of the film.
It’s a Catch Me If You Can-esque film, with a Delhi twist. A cool thief, a great soundtrack, and an intelligent film that respects the audience. Can’t ask for much more.
Where to Watch: Netflix
2. Shanghai (2012)
Vassilis Vassilikos’ Z talked of a different time, a different political situation, in Ancient Greece. But the fact that Dibakar Banerjee managed to base his political thriller on this book set in Ancient Greece, is a showcase of his talent in script writing and direction. He truly understands the craft.
With some incredible performances by Emraan Hashmi and Kalki Koechlin, the movie manages to stun, thrill and amuse, as Dibakar’s attention to detail is evident here, in a mature, serious thriller, which ranks as one of his best films.
Where to Watch: Netflix
1. Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006)
Banerjee’s directorial debut turned heads instantly. The film resonated deeply with the Indian (especially Delhi) middle class, as Banerjee, through the masterful performance of Anupam Kher, brings to life the everyday struggles of an ordinary middle class man, with mounting bills.
Banerjee explored the side of the city, capturing its essence and culture, like no filmmaker had done before.
Khosla ka Ghosla is a simple, relatable story executed to perfection.
Where to Watch: Netflix
Special Mention
His co-production Titli was a fine piece of Indian cinema. The film was screened in Un Certain Regard section at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.
Here’s to more great cinema from one of the finest filmmakers our generation will see.
By Aditya Sarma
Recommended: 13 Indian Films On Netflix You Probably Haven’t Seen
