SLC-S25/W3- Movie Snapshots |Hidden Gems
🎬 Hello friends!! 🎬
Welcome to Movie Snapshots – Week 3
How time flies… Last week was an absolute blast! We explored movies adapted from books and novels, and your entries were nothing short of amazing. Each one brought a fresh perspective and a touch of creativity.👏
Mention 5 lesser-known or underrated movie you have seen before
![]() |
---|
1. Zinda Bhaag (2013) Pakistani - The desperation of the youth trying to get illegal migration (dunky) is brought out realistically with its grit in this film. The fact that it is made in neo-realist cinematography, rough acting, and Punjabi dialogues make it authentic. Although it was an Oscar entry of Pakistan, this did not make it to the mainstream.
![]() |
---|
2. Udaan (2010) -Hindi - Udaan is the epic of sparseness and intimacy. The haunting score of Amit Trivedi and the direction of Vikramaditya Motwane help make a forceful film about the rebellion of a teenager against a vile father. It is fantastic due to the usage of silence, poetic images, and dramatic screenplay, which unfortunately did not bring the movie enough attention.
![]() |
---|
3. Cake (2018) -Pakistani - This feature film can be characterized as a realistic film with feelings. Handheld camera makes it more intimate, and the maximum scene where the climax is fulfilled is technically a masterpiece. It captures interesting family relationships, family dynamics and maturing parents and unresolved problems.
![]() |
---|
4. Masaan (2015) Hindi - Masaan is a spectacularly moving film. The direction of Neeraj Ghaywan and the point of writing of Varun Grover draw caste, guilt and redemption gently. The Ganges turns out to be a metaphor of death as well as liberation.
![]() |
---|
5. Laal Kabootar (2019) Pakistani - The Indus Valley, a Karachi-based crime thriller, is sharp-edged in editing, tight in its screenplay, and realistic. The chase scenes of the film and the ambience of the streets put about a documentary-like edge to the film.
Discuss your reasons for saying these movies you have mentioned are lesser known or underrated movies.
1. Zinda Bhaag (2013) Pakistani - It did not have extensive theatrical run, or marketing, even though it was the official Oscar submission of Pakistan. Lots of people in Pakistan do not even know it exists. The fact that it used Punjabi dialogue and street level realism made it niche and the fact that it did not play in commercial cinema circuits meant that it remained underrated.
2. Udaan (2010) Hindi - Udaan got released in Cannes and was much favored by the critics but it never had a star power and mass marketing. It was released limited and was smothered by mainstream films. The film was heavily low-key and extremely slow which suited well with film festivals but not with the general population.
3. Cake (2018) Pakistani - Although the film, Cake, was hailed as an example of technical brilliance (particularly the one take scene), it was not commercially successful because it has minimal local cinema culture and no international marketing. It was not shown in streaming services and award circuits and therefore did not become tabloid-focused or widely recognized beyond film enthusiast communities.
![]() |
---|
4. Masaan (2015) Hindi - This movie scooped awards in Cannes and its acting and script were splendid. However, its fine story, the absence of a star- studded cast, and poor publicity made it go unnoticed by most Bollywood followers. It was a hit in academic and indie film circles and not a hit in the popular cinema discourse.
![]() |
---|
5. Laal Kabootar (2019) Pakistani - Although being one of the best thriller movies in the recent history of Pakistan, “Laal Kabootar” lacked marketing and theatre coverage. A lot of individuals did not see it at the time and the word of mouth was sluggish. Its crime storyline set in real-life Karachi made it niche and should not be taken as something that will appeal to family viewers.

What do you think can be done to make these movies better known or valued more.
Ah, the beauty of hidden gems! 🎥✨ These films hold emotions, artistry, and stories that deserve to shine. Yet, they’re often left in the shadows while louder, commercial movies dominate screens. But it's never too late to give them the spotlight they truly deserve. 🌟
To begin with, streaming sites such as Netflix, serving as the primary video streaming platform, Prime Video and Zee5, can advertise such movies on their landing pages. A special section of Hidden Gems would allow viewers to unveil substantial cinema that is not typical. With change of visibility, everything is different! 🔍
Secondly, film critics, bloggers, and YouTubers are free to develop the content devoted to underrated movies. It can be reviews, essays, or even reaction videos that can make people start wondering and be attracted to them.
Third, schools and film schools are to incorporate such films in school curriculum. Theories about themes, direction and cinematography would assist new filmmakers to realize and share their genius.
Those gems can be exposed in retrospectives by means of film festivals and cultural forums. The awards of the panels and talks will remain to make the buzz come back and be appreciated. 🏆📽nieces Share
Lastly, we as viewers can share them in our circles. A small recommendation can create a ripple of recognition. After all, art needs its believers! ❤️
I invite @pandora2010 , @kouba01 , @lirvic and @mikitaly to take participate in the contest 🙂🤠.
Regards
artist1111
Thank you for participating in this challenge of season 25.
Interesting movies you have shared although I am yet to see them. Please for task 3, I think you made a mistake with your heading
Do you think piracy can contribute to a movie loosing its value?
Yeah yeah, thanks 👍🥰.
Updated!
Yes, all of these are interesting, and better with pop corns. Regards.