A small-budget film that earned critical acclaim for its raw storytelling.

: Salman Khan’s high-octane action film was the second biggest hit, known for its "Devil" persona and chart-busting music like "Jumme Ki Raat".

However, 2014 was also the year of the thriller and the gritty realism that Bollywood had been trying to master for years. Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider , an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet , showcased the artistic heights the industry could reach. Set in the volatile landscape of Kashmir, it was dark, brooding, and visually stunning. On the other end of the spectrum was NH10 , a film that proved Anushka Sharma’s mettle as a producer and actor, delivering a taut, edge-of-the-seat thriller that mirrored the harsh realities of Indian society. For users frequenting sites like Okhatrimaza, these films were often sought after for their rewatch value and intense performances by actors like Shahid Kapoor and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

While the platform you choose to watch on is your personal choice, the content remains sacred. If you are curating a collection of modern Bollywood classics, prioritize these five films. They represent the best of Hindi cinema in a year that told Indian filmmakers: Take risks, or go home.

Satire / Sci-Fi Comedy Why it’s the best: Starring Aamir Khan as an alien who questions religious dogmas, PK was a box office juggernaut. It was bold, controversial, and hilarious. While it released in December 2014, its run bled into 2015, but it remains a 2014 property.