Hansal Mehta didn’t break out early in his career but since the 2010s, he has emerged as one of Bollywood’s most prolific directors and TV showrunners. If you’re a fan of Hansal Mehta’s movies and OTT shows, here’s a ranking of his best works along with a guide on where to stream them.
Where can you watch Hansal Mehta’s movies and TV shows?
Most of Hansal Mehta’s movies are available to watch on leading streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. His TV shows are exclusive to particular OTT services. So, while you can stream Scoop on Netflix, the two seasons of Scam are available to watch on the Sony LIV app.
The Films of Hansal Mehta
Hansal Mehta has carved a niche for himself through his thought-provoking narratives, realistic storytelling, and nuanced character portrayals. Mehta began his career in the entertainment industry as a television director before transitioning to feature films. His journey as a director is marked by a diverse filmography that explores a wide range of themes and subjects with depth and sensitivity.
Mehta made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film Jayate in 1997, which garnered attention for its bold portrayal of corruption and social issues. However, it was his 2002 film Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar!! that brought him widespread recognition. The film, set against the backdrop of Mumbai's underbelly, received praise for its gritty realism and memorable performances.
Mehta's breakthrough came with the 2013 biographical drama Shahid, based on the life of human rights lawyer Shahid Azmi. The film received widespread acclaim for its compelling storytelling, sensitive portrayal of its protagonist, and Mehta's deft direction. Shahid not only earned Mehta the National Film Award for Best Direction but also marked a turning point in his career, establishing him as a filmmaker of substance.
Following the success of Shahid, Mehta continued to explore socially relevant themes in films like City Lights (2014), a poignant drama about a migrant family struggling to make ends meet in Mumbai, and Aligarh (2016), a sensitive portrayal of a gay professor's fight for dignity and acceptance in a conservative society. Both films received critical acclaim and further solidified Mehta's reputation as a director unafraid to tackle taboo subjects with sensitivity and empathy.
In recent years, Mehta has continued to push the boundaries of storytelling with films like Omerta (2018), a biographical crime drama based on the life of terrorist Omar Saeed Sheikh, and Chhalaang (2020), a sports comedy-drama set against the backdrop of small-town India. While Omerta showcased Mehta's ability to delve into dark and complex narratives, Chhalaang demonstrated his versatility in handling light-hearted and entertaining subjects.
The TV Shows of Hansal Mehta
Masterminding the sleeper hit Scam 1992, Mehta made his presence felt in the Indian streaming space. With its breakout star Pratik Gandhi playing real-life scamster Harshad Mehta, the series spawned a spiritual sequel with Scam 2003: The Telgi Story. Mehta also helmed a Netflix original, yet again dramatising real-life events. In Scoop, Mehta explored the unjust arrest of an investigative journalist after the criminal underworld organised a hit on her fellow reporter. Scoop went on to trend for weeks and became one of Netflix India’s most popular titles of 2023.
Why is Aligarh Hansal Mehta’s best movie to watch?
Aligarh is one of the boldest portrayals of sexuality and homophobia in contemporary Bollywood, thanks to Mehta’s empathetic direction that leaves no space for any forced preachiness or fetishisation. With Manoj Bajpayee offering a career-defining performance as a professor facing injustice for his identity, Aligarh is a movie that continues to be relevant even after a decade since its release. The movie perfectly sums up Mehta’s commitment to use his craft to undo the wrongs of a conservative society.
