Why Indian Movies Deserve Your Attention
Indian cinema is so much more than Bollywood: It’s a kaleidoscope of culture, storytelling and emotion across languages and regions. Whether you are a sucker for romance or enjoy spending an evening behind the edge of your seat, you’ll find the best Indian movies of all time are sure to meet all your needs as an ardent cinephile. In this article, we’re breaking down the storylines of must-see Indian films in various genres to give you ideas for what to watch now and to help you appreciate why they’re so powerful.
Romance – Stories That Stir the Soul 💞
Tamasha (2015)
Language: Hindi | Director: Imtiaz Ali Synopsis: Ved lives a routine life until he meets Tara in Corsica. Their no-names, no-strings-attached vacation romance changes them both. But when Tara meets the real Ved in Delhi, the man she fell in love with seems to have vanished into a corporate shell. Tamasha delves deep into identity, love, and self-discovery through an unconventional romantic lens.
Premam (2015)
Language: Malayalam | Director: Alphonse Puthren Synopsis: This coming-of-age romantic tale follows George through three stages of life—each marked by a different woman and a different kind of heartbreak. Premam stands out for its naturalistic storytelling, music, and character arcs that feel intensely real.
Thriller – Mind-Bending Plots and Twists 🕵️♂️
Andhadhun (2018)
Language: Hindi | Director: Sriram Raghavan Synopsis: A blind pianist (or is he?) becomes entangled in a murder involving a washed-up actress and her much-younger lover. Andhadhun masterfully blurs the lines between illusion and reality, keeping viewers guessing till the very end.
Vikram Vedha (2017)
Language: Tamil | Director: Pushkar–Gayathri Synopsis: A cat-and-mouse game between a righteous police officer and a gangster with a moral code. Each encounter forces the cop to reconsider the black-and-white nature of crime and justice. Inspired by the Indian myth of Vikram-Betaal, this neo-noir is a cerebral treat.
Drama – Real Lives, Real Emotions 🎭
Court (2014)
Language: Marathi | Director: Chaitanya Tamhane Synopsis: A folk singer is tried in court for allegedly inciting a man’s suicide through his lyrics. But the film is less about the singer and more about the archaic, bureaucratic Indian legal system. A stark portrayal of how justice can be anything but just.
Masaan (2015)
Language: Hindi | Director: Neeraj Ghaywan Synopsis: Set along the ghats of Varanasi, this film interweaves two stories—one of a girl caught in a sexual scandal and the other of a boy from a lower caste yearning for love. Masaan is poignant, poetic, and an honest reflection on social norms and redemption.
Comedy – Laughs with Substance 😂
Piku (2015)
Language: Hindi | Director: Shoojit Sircar Synopsis: What happens when a headstrong daughter, her hypochondriac father, and a reluctant cab driver embark on a road trip? Piku is a heartwarming blend of quirky humor and emotional depth, driven by powerhouse performances from Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan.
Jathi Ratnalu (2021)
Language: Telugu | Director: Anudeep K.V. Synopsis: Three small-town guys get embroiled in a political conspiracy after moving to the city. Jathi Ratnalu is a laugh riot, offering slapstick comedy while subtly critiquing systemic dysfunction.
Action – High Stakes, High Octane ⚔️
Baahubali: The Beginning & The Conclusion (2015, 2017)
Language: Telugu | Director: S.S. Rajamouli Synopsis: This two-part epic follows the journey of Shivudu, who learns about his royal heritage and the injustices committed against his family. Featuring massive battles, betrayal, and grandeur, Baahubali became a pan-Indian phenomenon that redefined scale in Indian cinema.
Pathaan (2023)
Language: Hindi | Director: Siddharth Anand Synopsis: An exiled spy returns to save India from a rogue terrorist group. Shah Rukh Khan’s return to action in Pathaan brought Bollywood back to the blockbuster spotlight with slick choreography and global settings.
Historical – Time Travel Through Film 🕰️
Lagaan (2001)
Language: Hindi | Director: Ashutosh Gowariker Synopsis: In colonial India, villagers challenge British officers to a game of cricket to avoid paying unfair taxes. Lagaan merges history with sports drama, all while highlighting resilience and unity against oppression.
Sardar Udham (2021)
Language: Hindi | Director: Shoojit Sircar Synopsis: Based on the life of revolutionary Udham Singh, who assassinated British officer Michael O’Dwyer in retaliation for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The film offers a haunting and immersive view of India’s freedom struggle.
Regional Gems – Beyond Bollywood 🌍
Super Deluxe (2019)
Language: Tamil | Director: Thiagarajan Kumararaja Synopsis: A transgender woman reconnects with her family, a boy hides a dead body, a couple deals with infidelity—and all stories collide in darkly humorous, genre-defying ways. Super Deluxe challenges norms with bold storytelling.
The Great Indian Kitchen (2021)
Language: Malayalam | Director: Jeo Baby Synopsis: After marriage, a woman is confined to the monotonous routine of cooking and cleaning. The film subtly builds rage and resistance, revealing the silent suffering within patriarchal households.
A Cinematic Journey Worth Taking
Whether you’re a die-hard movie buff or are just coming into Indian cinema, if there’s one thing you will not regret, it’s delving into these narratives from genres that excite you. Every film here is more than just another movie it’s a deep dive into Indian society, culture, and the human psyche. Some of these must-watch Indian movies make you laugh, cry, smile, and think that there is something more to the subcontinent’s cinema when it comes to telling tales.
So next time you’re wondering what to stream, revisit this list—and unpack the plot that speaks to you.
FAQs
❓ What makes Indian movies unique across genres?
Indian films often blend multiple genres, have strong emotional cores, and reflect rich cultural diversity. They also excel in music, visual storytelling, and symbolism.
❓ Where can I watch these Indian movies?
Most of these films are available on popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, Zee5, and regional OTT platforms such as Sun NXT, Aha, and ManoramaMAX.
❓ Are Indian regional films different from Bollywood?
Yes. While Bollywood refers to the Hindi film industry, India has thriving regional cinemas—Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, etc.—each with its own unique voice and style.
❓ What Indian movies are best for beginners?
Start with genre-defining films like Lagaan, Andhadhun, Piku, and Baahubali. They’re accessible yet rich in content and style.
❓ Why are synopses important for choosing a movie?
Synopses offer a quick glimpse into the storyline, helping viewers decide what resonates with their mood or interest without spoilers.