Upon hearing the phrase “trippy movies,” vivid images, strange plots, and mind warping experiences come to most people’s minds. It is not only in Hollywood with movies about shifting realities such as Inception and Donnie Darko that there are cult films in India as well. Regardless of the time period, Indian film industry has a host of creative rebirths without fail. Beginning from absurdist comedies all the way to psychodramatic thrillers, Indian trippy films genre is as rich and varied as its people. As a result, let’s examine some of the most psychedelic, and outré Indian cinema that offers more than a simple escapism.
What Makes a Film Trippy?
Before delving into the individual films, it is important to first understand the term how it applies to trippy movies. Such films include:
Out-there plots: Very different types of stories that include pot-boilers or strange and unreal situations.
Incredible designs: Ethereal camera work and artistic creativity that enhances the surrealism of the film.
Intriguing ideas: Concepts that touch on the self, the mind, or even culture.
Deliberate silliness: At times, there are cases when the more over-the-top purpose does backfire and provides such enjoyment that fascination becomes cult.
From the stoner comedies to arthouse films, intentional, and sometimes, unintentional “trippy” films are all-terrain, in the Indian film industry. Here’s a look at some must-watch titles.
The Cream of Indian Trippy Cinema
Go Goa Gone (2013): India’s First Zombie Comedy
Combined with a good infusion of humor and a hint of horror, the movie Go Goa Gone traces the journey of three friends who visit Goa- the famous Indian coastal region known for its beaches and nightlife; but on this occasion, the fun filled rave turns out to be a bloody mess as gogo dancers and several other people who attended the rave in Goa turn out to be zombies. In the film, Saif Ali Khan plays the role of Boris, a member of the Russian mafia. Timeless humor in the movie in the form of Boris’s character, the character Brothers who try to find a way to exist in a world full of zombies and no rules, makes such movies a great entertainment. The dialogues and funny scenes in it make it a brilliant and fast Crazy movie for anyone looking forward to a fun and crazy movie picture.
2. Super Deluxe (2019): A Tamil Masterpiece of Complexity
Super Deluxe tends to deviate from the standard Tamil Film. This film however, is an anthology containing four separate yet interlinked tales that address controversial issues such as gender identity, cheating, as well as juvenile delinquency. Kumeraj Thiyagaraj directs a film that presents beautiful images and employs a disorganized way of sequencing the events in order to distort the views of the audience on what is viewed as moral and social order. What a trip, the unexpected plot changes will confuse you.
3. Gulaal (2009): Anurag Kashyap’s Political Odyssey
With its eye-catching cinematigraphy depicting themes of power and treason, Gulaal – the film – addresses the issue of political and individual corruption. Here, Anurag Kashyap directs the film in such a way that every snap is laden with depth, making the film enjoyable yet distressing. It’s suitable for those who enjoy psychological dramas that keep them guessing in a good way.
4. Andaz Apna Apna (1994): The Absurd Comedy Classic
Even if it isn’t in the classic sense trippy, Andaz Apna Apna is noted for its ridiculous sense of humor and the larger-than-life acts. Two goofballs Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, the film focuses on an absurd, thin heiress, who Akshaye Khanna’s character wants to marry. The absurd punchlines, ludicrous movements form a surrealistic experience albeit of unintentional in nature which has been enjoyed by fans across generations.
5. Delhi Belly (2011): Chaos Unleashed
Delightfully bizarre and riotously funny, this movie tells the story of three pals who accidentally land in a gang rivalry. They could not have chosen a more absurd title than ‘Delhi Belly’. There are all manners of hilarity in the epic – subdued and loud, sardonic and blatant, dry and wet…and more. The film is grainy, messed up and noisy but that is exactly this melodrama or rather dark comedy will appeal to those who prefer their humor obscene and disorderly.
6. Miss Lovely (2012): The Dark Underbelly of Cinema
Miss Lovely, a film that takes place in Bombay’s third-rated film industry during the 1980s, explores the depths of ambition in the context of exploitation. With haunting performance from Nawazuddin Siddiqui, this movie takes its own time and uses raw visuals to maintain a striking but dark and disturbing ambience.
7. Gunda (1998): So Bad, It’s Good
There are only a handful of films which are so engrossed in their sheer silliness to achieve a cult status. However, Gunda has proven to be in the elite grouping of such films. Gunda is over the top in a very funny way and because of its cheesy dialogue one can’t help but laugh out loud with a group of friends. This is in fact more trippy comedy than squat propaganda.
Exploring Darker Themes in Trippy Cinema
8. Love, Sex Aur Dhokha (2010): Voyeurism and Reality
This motion picture analyzes the notion of looking into another person’s life, treachery and the modern day concerning relationships in an anthology of three interdependent tales. The employ of the mockumentary technique and unrefined acting adds a disturbing and admirable realism to it.
9. Paanch (2003): Anurag Kashyap’s Unreleased Gem
Anurag Kashyap’s directorial Paanch is one of the first works he created where he examines the drugs, crimes and treachery surrounding a cabal of the down-and-out musical aspirants. Maturity of artistry and content is uncanny in this film despite the fact that it has never been officially released. Nevertheless, this film’s uncut version was pirated, gaining a cult following for its severe narrative and atmospheric imagery.
10. Bandit Queen (1994): A Shocking Biopic
Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen tells the turbulent life story of a woman known as Phoolan Devi, who endures unbearable cruelty and grows up to become one of India’s most feared dacoits. The candid depiction of such violence against women and the strength to overcome it, makes this film very touching yet powerfully visual.
Why Indian Trippy Films Deserve Your Attention
Indian films are commonly and quite easily related to the popular masala films on offer from the Bollywood fraternity. However, there is the other very weird, unique, and imaginative side that is rather equivalent in focus. Such films:
- Pushes the Boundaries of Norms: Tackle Prohibited Subjects and Non-Linear Narratives.
- Show the Range: From the morbid comedy of Delhi Belly to the very personal narrative of Super Deluxe.
- Promote Discourse: A number of such trippy films are social & psychological in nature and provoke healthy discussion among the audience.
How to Enjoy a Trippy Movie Night
- Enhance the Atmosphere: Switch off the lights, prepare some munchies, and find a comfortable place for watching with no distractions.
- Create a Balance: Pair fun-filled movies like Andaz Apna Apna with heavy films such as Miss Lovely for an ideal mix.
- Talk About It Later: These movies are typically thought provoking or even bizarre hence would invite more questions making it suitable for discussions after watching them.
Conclusion
Indian trippy films point to the ingenuity and the audacity of the movie makers who have the courage to go against the norm. Looking for some crazy cheesy antics or some deep, dark, psychological explorations; this list has something for every risky viewer. Therefore, round up the gang, choose a film and get ready for a trip that is definitely not standard!
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