There are good films which amuse and entertain, and there are very good films that make us sit up and take notice, compelling us to introspect and act. Often regarded as a universal teacher, cinema often holds a mirror to society, reflecting the gaping holes in our social fabric. It has the ability to conjure up powerful images of society in ways conventional academic media cannot. As we celebrate the victory of good over evil on Dussehra today, hitlist gives you a lowdown on films, which have addressed social ills and tugged at the audience’s heartstrings...

Rang De Basanti (2006)
This well-crafted story directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra was based on the educated generations of independent India, which have brought the country to its current crisis of moral and political corruption. The biggest contribution of the film was inspiring the young generation to raise its voice against injustice through candlelight marches.

Rang De Basanti threw light on moral and political corruption

Prem Rog (1982)
Focussed on the sensitive topic of widow remarriage, the film explored the privations of widows in conservative India when they were boycotted from the community and pushed into a life of misery. The movie advocated for wiping out aged old traditions and customs in the favour of widows.

OMG -Oh My God (2012)
In a country where religion is like opium for the masses, the film, without being preachy, showed common man’s faith being exploited for commercial purposes. In spite of touching on a sensitive subject, the film starring Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar received a great response from the audience as well as critics.