As we sit at our homes during the lockdown, most of us are taking #DreamEscapes to our favourite destinations via movies and shows on OTT platforms. Today, we are listing up a few shows that sum up the essence of Mumbai. By Kumar Shree
1. 102 Not Out on Amazon Prime Video
Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor, two veterans of the Hindi cinema industry have come together to weave magic in the movie 102 Not Out. Their performances are on-point and Mumbai has been beautifully shot in this film, which makes it worthwhile. Expect some gorgeous views of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and Marine Drive.
2. Breathe on Amazon Prime Video
One of the very first series to amass massive popularity in India, Breathe, is a twisted tale of a father-son relationship. It has some encapsulating shots of Mumbai, that plays a central part in driving the narrative ahead.
3. Gully Boy on Amazon Prime Video
The movie celebrates the slums of Dharavi and the thriving rap culture there. The beautifully woven story takes pointers from the lives of Naezy and Divine. This is one of the few Bollywood movies that walk on the fine balance between a blockbuster hit (which it became) and an art film. The portrayal of slums and of Mumbai in this one is beautiful.
4. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron on YouTube
If you wish to see how Mumbai used to be before all the hustle-bustle that defines it now, this should be your go-to movie. The movie takes you back in time and showcases the ‘Bombay’ of its time before it transformed into the modern-day Mumbai.
5. Mumbai Meri Jaan on Netflix
While this one is based on one of the gloomy incidents that shocked Mumbai–the 2006 train bombings, it is a fine work that deserves your attention. The film navigates through the lives of five different characters and manages to reveal the good and the bad of how Mumbai functions.
6. Photograph on Amazon Prime Video
One of the latest films on Mumbai, this one is a romantic comedy about a struggling street photographer, portrayed by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who convinces a stranger, played by Sanaya Malhotra, to play his wife. As the film traces their journey, it beautifully weaves in Mumbai into the narrative.
7. Sacred Games on Netflix
This one became an overnight rage when it launched on Netflix. People were talking about the series left, right and centre, and rightfully so. A captivating story, compelling performances, a stellar cast, and seamless transition between Bombay and Mumbai — this series has it all.
8. Salaam Bombay! On YouTube
Helmed by the Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair, this one delves deep into the lives of Mumbai’s slum kids. It won’t be wrong to say the movie dissects the darker side of Mumbai and serves it for you to digest. It’s a must-watch.
9. The Lunchbox on Netflix
Mumbai is so dynamic, and it has so many facets to it that it’s nearly impossible to sum it all up in one package. The Lunchbox focuses on the dabbawalas of Mumbai, and how a misplaced lunchbox creates a ripple effect that cooks up a rare and delicious love story.
10. Wake Up Sid on Netflix
This is one of the best coming-of-age movies made in India. It narrates the journey of two artists, played by Ranbir Kapoor (photographer) and Konkona Sen Sharma (writer) who stumble upon each other and help each other in realising their dreams.
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