7 Bimal Roy Movies You Must Watch Before You Call Yourself a Cinephile

Adm Desk Apr 16, 2025

In the realm of Indian cinema, Bimal Roy stands alone as the subtle genius. He is the first innovator of socially conscious cinema and the master of realism, and much more - his films are not mere films but feel deeply cinematic. His narratives are based on humanism and sympathy, and profound simplicity that portrayed a larger changing image of a country.

Bimal Roy movies offer an incredible combination of art and purpose that maintain relevance today, whether you are a film buff or simply enjoy a good story, portrayed well.Let's review a few of the iconic Bimal Roy films that broke records as well as entertained audiences of all ages.

1. Do Bigha Zamin (1953)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Available on: YouTube

Do Bigha Zamin tells the tragic story of a peasant farmer trying to protect his land from a heartless landlord, and is acknowledged as one of the first examples of Indian neo-realism, it is a universal appeal for justice, not simply about poverty.

The film was well-received, and won the International Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and marks one of Balraj Sahni's most powerful performances, to date. Amongst the films directed by Bimal Roy, Do Bigha Zamin, revealed Indian cinema's social conscience, and marked a paradigm shift.

2. Parineeta (1953)

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Available on: YouTube

Parineeta is an elegant tale of love, class differences, and social expectations, based on the book by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. The film was an example of Bimal Roy's ability to tackle emotional subtleties, and featured Meena Kumari in one of her earliest lead roles.

The reason Bimal Roy movies will last forever is because of his ability to convey everyday kindness and tensions quietly. You can't help but be drawn into the poignancy of it all; every glance and every exchange has meaning.

3. Devdas (1955)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Available on: JioCinema

For many devotees, Bimal Roy's Devdas, featuring Dilip Kumar, Suchitra Sen, and Vyjayanthimala, is the ultimate original, so ignore all the kitschy remakes. It is poetic, tragic, and beautifully understated.

Bimal Roy depicts Devdas's decline with empathy and grace, not glorifying it. A film as compelling as this fuses the sound design, the performers, and the ambience. If you have not seen this version, you do not know Devdas.

4. Madhumati (1958)

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Available on: YouTube

Madhumati was a melodramatic film directed by Bimal Roy movies which demonstrated commercial sensibility and the filmmaker's capacity for storytelling by blending the elements of story about reincarnation, a peculiar, ancient, haunted house and music that haunts one's senses. Written by real director Ritwick Ghatak, the movie, which starred Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala as Madhumati, was also a huge box office hit.

Madhumati was a big box office smash, it was a record winner with nine Filmfare Awards. It had memorable music from the great musical genius Salil Chowdhury, it had a solid story, and great imagery making it a classic film.

5. Sujata (1959)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Available on: Amazon Prime Video

Sujata certainly represents the caste, class, and human dignity Bimal Roy movies often investigated through his films. The film scrutinizes the untouchability system through the lens of a young woman, who is adopted by a Brahmin family, and her encounters with discrimination in society.

The film contains Sunil Dutt as her love interest, and Nutan in the title role, and certainly challenges audiences' expectations subtly. This film represents social commentary—deliberalating without being decadent.

6. Bandini (1963)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Available on: Amazon Prime Video

Bandini's strong female protagonist is a unique element of Bimal Roy movies. It focuses on a woman being imprisoned for murder in pre-independence India, and slowly reveals the truth of her crime. With the support of Ashok Kumar and Dharmendra, Nutan gives a stunning performance as the film explores morality, emotional pain and sacrifice.

Music lovers can never forget "Mora Gora Ang Lai Le," an unsettling song. Bandini, one of Roy's most complex films, is hauntingly beautiful.

7. Biraj Bahu (1954)

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
Available on: YouTube

Biraj Bahu, a remake of Saratchandra Chattopadhyay's book (again, a remarkable closeness), depicts the personal turmoil of a loyal wife in an orthodox Indian household. The character of Kamini Kaushal not only gets the audience's attention but also showcases the struggle of a woman in love.
This is Bimal Roy's most subdued feature, but equally important. The film documents a woman's quiet determination to hold on to her morals and dignity amidst society's injustices.

Bimal Roy movies didn’t make “formula films.” He made cinema with conscience. He had a deep understanding of rural life, of people’s struggles, and of the quiet moments that define our existence. His movies didn’t scream—they whispered truths that lingered.

Many of his films were influenced by the Italian Neorealism movement, but they were deeply Indian in their themes. Whether he was talking about untouchability, class divide, love, or sacrifice, he did so with a rare grace.

Roy also had an uncanny ability to discover and nurture talent. The likes of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Gulzar, and even Salil Chowdhury flourished under his mentorship. He was a filmmaker’s filmmaker.

Today, we live in an age of CGI, reboots, and fast-paced storytelling—but Bimal Roy movies remind us of cinema’s truest calling: to reflect life. His stories still strike a chord because they speak a universal language—of longing, of justice, of hope.

Even if you’re not into classic cinema, watching a Bimal Roy film is like flipping through an old photograph album. It’s nostalgic, yes, but it’s also incredibly relevant.

If you’ve never explored the works of Bimal Roy, now is a perfect time. These aren’t just films; they’re integral part of history. They will take you back to a different India—but you’ll also find yourself right there, emotionally invested, moment by moment.

So, whether you start with Do Bigha Zamin or Bandini, take your time. Let the story unfold. Let the characters speak. Because once you’ve experienced a Bimal Roy movies, you’ll understand why his legacy still matters.

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