Not many countries have been depicted in Cinema like India. Since the 1970’s, India has often been depicted in memorable movies. Whether it’s wrestlers, supportive teachers or doomed lovers, the country has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies made in the country, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about India that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Dil Chahta Hai
Friendships are fragile relationships that are rarely meant to last forever. I vividly remember forming friendships with a kid in school I grew up to treasure. We often enjoyed playing soccer creating powerful bonds with each other. Initially, there was no sign to suggest our relationship would face decline. However, our bond suddenly came to tragic closure. No longer the friend I had grown to adore, he became a stranger I didn’t recognize anymore. Few films I’ve seen have captured the roles friends play shaping lives of people as powerfully as “Dil Chahta Hai”. Ever since its release in 2001, Farhan Akhtar’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about India. With the most personal film of his career, Akhtar used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a pair of friends in India facing despair. Akhtar has always excelled at making compelling movies about Indian culture, and “Dil Chahta Hai” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Akhtar effectively uses real-life locations across India to capture the beauty of the country. For instance, the scene in which Akash adopts a silent attitude refusing to interact following a breakup causing a dilemma in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Aamir Khan, who portrayed an Indian man struggling to maintain lasting friendships. Ultimately, what makes “Dil Chahta Hai” my favourite film about India of all-time is its commemorated appeal. Unlike most movies made in the country, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about friendships which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood film about friends experiencing a dilemma struggling to maintain long-lasting relationships in India, it’s a fantastic reminder of a great country that has produced unforgettable movies which attract audiences to the Cinema.
2. Gandhi
Gandhi is a great historical figure that shaped my grandfather’s identity. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that loved a leader with courage. I recall with nostalgia that my grandfather spoke fondly about a political leader in India. My grandfather praised a political leader that changed India forever. In 1982, Richard Attenborough honoured the iconic political figure that changed Indian in his movie “Gandhi”. Attenborough used captivating montages capturing an Indian politician that changed history. For instance, the scene in which Gandhi delivers an inspirational speech towards a crowd of spectators during a political rally taking place in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary role by Ben Kingsley, who embodied the iconic Indian politician that changed history. Ultimately, what makes “Gandhi” a historical masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies about political figures, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Indian history to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. An incredible tribute towards an iconic Indian political leader, it’s an inspiring reminder of a commemorated country that has produced memorable movies that audiences treasure.
3. Monsoon Wedding
Weddings are a process that has shaped my identity. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of weddings that shaped my persona. Growing up in Pakistan, my family has always followed a weddings tradition. I recall the wedding of a cousin that I found inspiring. As someone treasuring memories of my cousin’s wedding, I appreciated “Monsoon Wedding”. Released in 2001, Mira Nair’s incredible movie offered an insightful portrait of weddings in India. Nair has always had an aptitude for making great movies about Indian culture, and “Monsoon Wedding” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Verma seeks to prepare for his daughter’s wedding in India through organizing food is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Naseeruddin Shah, who portrayed a family man seeking to organize weddings in India. Ultimately, what makes “Monsoon Wedding” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the values of weddings which would resonate with everyone. An incredible portrait of an Indian wedding, it’s an inspiring reminder of a country that has made great movies about a strong culture which are worth watching.
4. Slumdog Millionaire
India is a misunderstood country that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. At an early age, I formed bonds with a friend that criticized movies giving India a bad image. Born in Mumbai slums, he was critical of movies depicting his country. He always believed movies were an art form that couldn’t honour a great country holding a precious place in his heart. As someone treasuring a friend that sought to become an Indian millionaire, I adored “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie captured social class in India. Boyle effectively used real-life locations across India to capture the downtrodden lives of impoverished orphans in the country. For instance, the scene in which Jamal is overcome with joy after he wins the game show becoming a millionaire in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Dev Patel, who embodied an impoverished Indian boy seeking to become a millionaire. Ultimately, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” a classic is its depiction of India. Unlike most movies about the country, it does a great job of depicting Indian poverty. It delivers a bold message about inequality in India which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Jamal’s desire to be a millionaire, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre making movies about which audiences care.
5. Taare Zameen Par
Intellectual disability has shaped my personality. At an early age, my life changed when I was diagnosed with Autism. A devastating condition, Autism affected my abilities to pursue success in education. Autism became a barrier causing me to struggle to cope with a school system. As someone impacted by an intellectual disorder, I identified deeply with “Taare Zameen Par”. Released in 2007, Aamir Khan’s movie captured Dyslexia affecting children in India. Khan’s movie is significant because it was one of the first ever films in India to address issues of intellectual disabilities. Khan used montages capturing hardships kids in India are facing. For instance, the scene in which Ram gives Ishaan’s parents a lecture about Dyslexia affecting their son which they are unaware of in India is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Darsheel Safary, who portrayed an Indian kid with intellectual disability. Ultimately, what makes “Taare Zameen Par” a masterpiece is its message. Unlike most movies made in India, it offered a powerful portrait of intellectual disability. The film delivers a heartwarming message about disability which resonates with everyone. A portrait of disabilities causing Indian children to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a country producing movies which audiences appreciate.
6. Omkara
It isn’t easy to adapt a beloved Shakespeare play in India today. Arguably the most celebrated author in English literature, Shakespeare penned timeless plays changing the world forever. Translating Shakespeare to an Indian setting is often challenging. However, in 2006 Vishal Bhardwaj pulled it off successfully in his movie “Omkara”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Omkara” stand out is its depiction of Shakespeare. Bhardwaj uses captivating dramatic monologues paying tribute towards a legendary Shakespeare play that’s inspiring. Assisted by Saif Ali Khan who is outstanding in the lead role, Bhardwaj honoured Shakespeare’s legacy. An astonishing adaptation of an iconic Shakespeare play, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a country that has made timeless movies that deserve to be celebrated today.
7. The Lunchbox
Few movie-stars in India built a legacy as strong as Irrfan Khan. With his charming presence, sharp humour and wisdom, Khan achieved great stardom. Khan made several unforgettable movies throughout his career but “The Lunchbox” is my favourite. Released in 2013, Ritesh Batra’s movie captured romantic relationships between lunch lovers. Unlike most movies made in India, what makes “The Lunchbox” stand out is its subtlety. Batra uses silence rather than loud musical numbers to capture bonds between Indian lovers. Assisted by Irrfan Khan who is amazing in the lead role, Batra created a powerful romance in working-class India. A powerful portrait of Indian lovers exchanges messages over lunch that are memorable, it’s a remarkable reminder of a commemorated country that has produced movies that are special.
8. Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham
Social class often affects families living in India. India has built an image of being a country that follows a strict social class system causing damage. The way in which the social class system functions in India is beautifully depicted in the movie “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”. Released in 2001, Karan Johar’s movie depicted social class disparity in the country. Unlike most movies made about India, what makes “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” stand out is its depiction of social class. Johar uses captivating musical numbers capturing bonds between lovers torn apart by social class. Assisted by Shah Rukh Khan who is superb in the lead role, Johar created a powerful portrait of India’s social class. A powerful portrait of India’s social class system, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a country that has produced memorable movies achieving stardom.
9. Dangal
When it comes to the most inspiring wrestlers in Indian history, it’s worth discussing Mahavir Singh. A world-famous Indian wrestler, Singh was a famous athlete that changed the world of Indian sports forever. In 2016, Nitesh Tiwari honoured the powerful wrestler in his movie “Dangal”. Unlike most movies made in India, what makes “Dangal” stand out is its depiction of wrestling. Tiwari stages captivating wrestling sequences capturing bonds between Indian sisters. Assisted by Aamir Khan who is extraordinary in the lead role, Tiwari honoured a commemorated Indian wrestler in history. Nearly 40 years after Mahavir Singh trained his strong daughters to become celebrated wrestlers in am Indian competition, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a country that has manufactured memorable movies which deserve appreciation.
10. Dilwale Dulhania Ley Jayenge
Few movies ever made about India are as beloved today as “Dilwale Dulhania Ley Jayenge”. Since its release in 1995, Aditya Chopra’s movie has become an iconic Indian classic. Chopra used captivating musical sequences capturing a pair of lovers eloping. Assisted by Kajol who extraordinary in the lead role, Chopra created a timeless Bollywood romance. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of lovers eloping against the wishes of family disrespecting Indian society has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As memorable as Raj and Simran’s journey in a European country, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies about India which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.
The Film Buff 