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Parallel cinema in India paved the way for showcasing realistic and serious content to the audience which managed to shed light on the sociopolitical climate of different time periods. These films also had a general rejection of inserted song-and-dance routines that have been typical of commercial Indian movies. This movement started in the pre-independence era with the movies like 'Savkari Pash' (1925) and 'Duniya Na Mane' (1930).

It became more prominent in the late 1940s by the pioneers like Satyajit Ray, Bimal Roy, Guru Dutt, and Chetan Anand, among others, and it became the 'Golden Age' of Indian cinema. Ahead of Independence Day, take a look at five movies from parallel cinema which raised important issues in society.

1. Do Bigha Zamin

Directed by Bimal Roy, 'Do Bigha Zamin' stars Balraj Sahni, Nirupa Roy in lead roles. Based on Rabindranath Tagore's Bengali poem 'Dui Bigha Jomi', the movie is considered an important film in the early parallel cinema of India. It revolves around a poor farmer, Shambu, who fails to repay his debts and a zamindar threatens to seize the land owned by his family. Shambu starts working as a rickshaw puller in Calcutta to earn money. The movie is available on YouTube.

2. Garm Hava

Directed by MS Sathyu, 'Garm Hava' deals with the plight of a North Indian Muslim businessman and his family, in the period after the 1947 partition of India. The movie is based on an unpublished short story by noted Urdu writer Ismat Chughtai and stars Balraj Sahni in the lead role. The movie is available on YouTube.

3. Ankur

Directed by Shyam Bengal, 'Ankur' revolves around a childless yet happily married Dalit couple Lakshmi and Kishtayya. Things in their life take a different turn when Surya, the village landlord's son, seduces Lakshmi. Starring Anant Nag and Shabana Azmi in the lead roles, the movie won three National Film Awards and was nominated for the Golden Bear at the 24th Berlin International Film Festival.

4. 27 Down

Starring Raakhee and MK Raina, '27 Down' is based on the Hindi novel 'Athara Sooraj Ke Paudhe', by Ramesh Bakshi. The movie revolves around Sanjay, who sacrifices his most cherished dream of becoming an artist in order to provide for his family. Later, he falls in in love with a woman but his father stands against their union. The movie won National Award for Best Feature Film In Hindi and Best Cinematography.

Also Read | Independence Day 2023: 6 Movies Based On Real Heroic Events That Will Awake The Feeling Of Patriotism In You

5. Arth

Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, 'Arth' stars Shabana Azmi and Kulbhushan Kharbanda in lead roles with Smita Patil, Raj Kiran and Rohini Hattangadi in supporting roles. The movie revolves around Inder, an ambitious director, who gets involved with a successful actress, Kavita. He deserts his wife, Pooja, who then embarks on a journey to find her true identity. 'Arth' is reportedly a semi-autobiographical film about Mahesh Bhatt's extramarital relationship with Parveen Babi.