When filmmakers choose to leave a story without a clear conclusion, they create a unique experience for the audience. Viewers walk away with lingering thoughts and questions. They find themselves pondering the many possible directions the narrative could take. Bollywood boasts a remarkable collection of such films that master this art of ambiguity.
Four Open-Ended Bollywood Gems You Can Stream Now
If you are in the mood for a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll, this list is for you. We have curated four classic films known for their open endings. Each one offers a different genre and perspective, ensuring there is something for every viewer. Scroll down to pick your next cinematic journey.
No Smoking (2007)
This film follows the story of K, an arrogant chain smoker portrayed by John Abraham. Desperate to save his marriage, K enters a bizarre rehabilitation clinic run by the mysterious Baba Bengali, played by Paresh Rawal. What begins as a simple attempt to quit smoking quickly spirals into a surreal nightmare. K finds himself trapped in a Kafkaesque world where his every effort to break free leads to terrifying and reality-bending consequences. The film brilliantly blurs the lines between addiction, free will, and perception, leaving the ultimate fate of its protagonist open to debate.
Where to watch on OTT:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Zee5
- MX Player
Andhadhun (2018)
A sharp black comedy crime thriller, this film centers on Akash, a talented pianist based in Pune, played by Ayushmann Khurrana. Akash's life takes a dark turn when he accidentally becomes the sole witness to a murder. The victim is a former actor, Pramod Sinha, killed by his wife Simi, portrayed by Tabu, and her lover. The plot twists and turns as Akash navigates this dangerous situation. The film concludes with a major, shocking twist that deliberately avoids a neat resolution. This ending forces the audience to interpret the final events and the true nature of the characters for themselves.
Where to watch on OTT:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
Masaan (2015)
Set against the backdrop of Varanasi, this film weaves together two poignant stories. The narrative follows characters played by Vicky Kaushal and Richa Chadha as they grapple with profound grief, harsh societal constraints, and a fragile hope for new beginnings. Masaan is celebrated for its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of life's complexities. Its ending is famously open and poignant, embracing a beautiful ambiguity. It does not provide easy answers, instead allowing the characters' futures to remain a question mark filled with both sorrow and possibility. The critically acclaimed film has a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes.
Where to watch on OTT:
- Amazon Prime Video
- JioHotstar
Piku (2015)
This heartwarming film delves into the quirky yet deeply complex relationship between Piku, played by Deepika Padukone, and her aging, hypochondriac father Bhashkor Banerjee, portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan. The plot centers on the monotonous yet profound reality of Piku's life as she balances her career with her father's obsessive health concerns. The story beautifully captures the universal challenges of caregiving. The introduction of Rana, a calm and perceptive driver played by Irrfan Khan, brings a new dynamic into their lives. The film's ending is subtle and open, suggesting new beginnings without explicitly defining them. It has a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes.
Where to watch on OTT:
- Apple TV
These four films demonstrate how Bollywood uses open endings to create powerful, lasting impressions. They invite viewers to become active participants in the storytelling process, crafting their own conclusions long after the screen goes dark.
