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. Slumdog Millionaire
India is a misunderstood country that’s rarely depicted accurately in movies. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a friend that would criticize any movies that gave India a bad image. Born in poverty-stricken slums of Mumbai, he was always critical of dark movies that depicted his country. An Indian without fear, he once had big dreams of being a famous millionaire. He would argue movies were an art form that could never capture the beauty of a great country that had held a precious place in his heart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the beauty of a country where millionaires appear as powerfully as “Slumdog Millionaire”. Ever since its release in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about India. With the greatest film of his career, Boyle used innovative cinematic techniques to capture an impoverished Indian boy’s journey to become a successful millionaire. Boyle has always had an aptitude for making engaging movies about Indian culture, and “Slumdog Millionaire” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Jamal is overcome with joy after he miraculously 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 a great performance by Dev Patel, who portrayed an Indian boy seeking to become a millionaire. Ultimately, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” my favourite film about India of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies set in India, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Nearly 20 years after the release of a classic film about an Indian orphan seeking to be a millionaire, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making commemorated movies about which audiences care.
2. Taare Zameen Par
Intellectual disability has shaped my personality. At an early age, my life changed when I was diagnosed with the disease of Autism. A devastating condition, Autism affected my abilities to pursue success in my education. Autism became a big barrier causing me to struggle to cope with a tough school system. As someone impacted by a grim 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 great role 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 bold 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 commonly appreciate.
3. Monsoon Wedding
Weddings are ceremonies that are often common in India. India has built an image of being a country that always places great importance on marriage. Wedding ceremonies have always been a part of the culture of country that’s inspiring. Families often go through great lengths to organize wedding ceremonies in the country. The roles that stunning weddings play in Indian culture are beautifully depicted in the movie “Monsoon Wedding”. Released in 2001, Mira Nair’s movie offered a powerful portrait of Indian weddings. Nair used captivating montages capturing an India family that participates in a wedding that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Lalit seeks to prepare for his daughter’s wedding ceremony causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Naseeruddin Shah, who embodied a devoted father seeking to organize his daughter’s wedding in India. Ultimately, what makes “Monsoon Wedding” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the disastrous consequences faced by dysfunctional families which would resonate with everyone. An insightful portrait of weddings in India, it’s an incredible reminder of a genre making movies attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.
4. 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 commonly treasure.
5. 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. 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. As someone treasuring memories of a friend that changed my life in a positive way, I adored “Dil Chahta Hai”. Released in 2001, Farhan Akhtar’s movie depicted friendships between Indian friends facing adversity. Akhtar used captivating montages capturing tensions that a pair of close friends in India are facing. 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” a Bollywood masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about value of friendships which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of friendship, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about a legendary country audiences worship.
6. The White Tiger
Housekeepers facing trauma are often common in India. India has built an image of being a country following social inequality causing housekeepers to face tragedy. The class struggles of housekeepers that are treated in an unfair manner in India are beautifully depicted in the movie “The White Tiger”. Released in 2021, Ramin Bahrani’s movie captured housekeepers in India. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The White Tiger” stand out is its depiction of India. Bahrani uses captivating narration capturing hardships housekeepers in India are facing. Assisted by Adarsh Gourav who is amazing in the lead role, Bahrani created a portrait of India. A powerful portrayal of Indian housekeepers whose lives crumble, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies audiences consider special.
7. The Lunchbox
Irrfan Khan is a legendary Bollywood movie star that built a lasting legacy. 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 food, it’s a riveting reminder of a country that has produced memorable movies which audiences have commonly valued.
8. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie 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 immense 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 bold 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 definitely deserve utmost appreciation.
10. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Few movies ever made about a hotel in India are as beloved as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Released in 2011, John Madden’s movie captured tourist hotels in the country. Madden used captivating locations in India to capture the beauty of a country tourists love visiting. Assisted by Judi Dench who is extraordinary in the lead role, Madden captured the beauty of the country. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s use of negative stereotypes to depict commemorated hotel managers in the country has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As beautiful as the Marigold Hotel where seniors stay, it’s an incredible reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies celebrating the traditional way of a legendary country which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking today.
The Film Buff 