Revisiting The Top 4 Underrated Movies by Mohit Suri
It's the perfect time to revisit some of Mohit Suri’s lesser-known gems. These films may not have made big noise at the box office, but they’re what this generation needs to watch.
With Saiyaara releasing on July 18th, there's a renewed stir around director Mohit Suri. Famous for emotional depth, chartbuster music, and flawed but lovable protagonists, Suri's signature is immediately recognisable. Although Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain became blockbusters, some of his hidden gems never received the recognition that they deserved. As we gear up to Saiyaara, here's a spotlight on four underappreciated Mohit Suri movies that need a second glance.
1. Zeher (2005)
Mohit Suri’s directorial debut often gets overshadowed by his later hits, but Zeher is a slow-burn thriller that holds up even today. Starring Emraan Hashmi, Shamita Shetty, and Udita Goswami, the film weaves themes of betrayal, guilt, and redemption with a haunting soundtrack. “Woh lamhe woh baatein..”, continues to remain a fan favourite even today. It wasn’t a massive box office hit, but Zeher hinted at the director’s flair for morally grey stories early on.
2. Kalyug (2005)
A progressive movie in it’s day, Kalyug addressed the seedy underbelly of the renowned taboo industry and it’s effects on innocent lives. Kunal Kemmu's raw and empathetic performance as the wronged hero was convincing. The movie was way ahead of it’s time, showcasing the dark side of society. Suri didn't pull any punches when it came to unpalatable truths, making this a rare Hindi movie that mixed action, sentiment, and social commentary.
3. Awarapan (2007)
Critically appreciated but commercially overlooked, Awarapan is one of Emraan Hashmi’s finest performances, alongside the female leads Shriya Saran and Mrinalini Sharma. Suri’s narrative of a gangster’s search for meaning through love and loss was more philosophical than action-packed. The album of the movie deserves a separate mention because it’s a core reason why this movie is so talked about. With it’s deep-rooted themes of faith and freedom, Awarapan remains an emotional rollercoaster worth revisiting.
4. Crook (2010)
While Crook didn’t resonate with many during it’s release, the film tried to explore racial tension and identity, a subject rarely handled in mainstream Bollywood back then. The pair, Emraan Hashmi and Neha Sharma shared a lovable chemistry. Though imperfect in execution, it showed Suri’s willingness to take risks beyond formulaic romances.
As Saiyaara gets ready to unravel another chapter of love and relationships in a classic Mohit Suri style, it's a suitable moment to look at these underappreciated titles. They may not have gotten the publicity, but they quietly helped define the director's career and they should be given their due attention.
