8 Spectacular Movies You Need To Watch To Discover The Other Side Of Indian Cinema

Bollywood has over the years given us some great thought-provoking content that seems to address issues that aren't often properly depicted in mainstream Indian cinema, and some of these have flown under the radar when they should be given as much attention as any other work. So, we've curated a list of incredibly thought-provoking and heartwarming films that’ll surely leave an impression. Check them out! 

1. Chittagong

The beautiful directorial debut of Bedabrata Pain - Indian scientist turned film director, Chittagong is a national award-winning film. The story is based upon the events of British India’s Chittagong uprising. The movie made a whopping net gross of Rs 3.1 million at the Indian box office back in 2012. This one’s definitely worth the watch! 

Watch Online Here | Chittagong

2. Udaan

Picture Credits: imdb

Another brilliant directorial debut by Vikramaditya Motwane, this Hindi film is a coming-of-age drama. Udaan even premiered at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival and received a standing ovation. It was the first Indian film represented at Cannes in seven years. This movie is a perfect choice for a sleepover with your cousins! 

Watch Online Here | Udaan 

3. Haider

Picture Credits: netflix.com

A crime drama tragedy, Haider is directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. The movie is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the plot of which revolves around Kashmir’s conflicts of 1995 and the disappearance of civilians. If you are in the mood for a movie that will leave your heart so broken that it will physically hurt you, this is a perfect choice! 

Watch Online Here | Haider 

4. Ankhon Dekhi

Ankhon Delhi was the opening film of the 8th annual Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival (MISAFF) 2014 in Toronto. The director, Rajat Kapoor, dedicated this film to his ideals and teachers. Even though the film was released back in 2014, this is considered a Cult Classic of Indian Cinema. A true eye-opener, it shows the world with completely different spectacles. So add this to your watch list, ASAP! 

Watch Online Here | Ankhon Dekhi 

5. The Lunchbox

Picture Credits: imdb

Did you really think Irfan Khan wouldn’t be mentioned in the list even once? Lunchbox was released back in 2013 and is an epistolary romance film directed by Ritesh Batra. Lunchbox was screened at Cannes Film Festival and later won the Grand Rail d'Or (Critics Week Viewers Choice Award). The movie will pull every string of your heart, so put this on and fall in love with love once again! 

Watch Online Here | The Lunchbox 

6. Masaan 

Masaan debuted as an Indo-French co-production back in 2015 and was screened in the Cannes Film Festival the same year. The bold plot takes a turn into something that explores social stigma and you won't be able to get over the natural, raw and thought-provoking incidents. So grab some popcorn and fire your TV up! 

Watch Online Here | Masaan  

7. Ship of Theseus

Directed by Anand Gandhi, Ship of Theseus is a film based on the Theseus paradox which explores the questions of identity, justice, beauty, meaning and death. This is one of the most beautiful movies about life that one can watch. If you love art, this gem is for you! 

Watch Online Here | Ship of Theseus 

8. Thithi 

A Kanada drama directed by Raam Reddy, Thithi is a film consists of unprofessional actors who star in this light-hearted story about 3 generations of men reacting to the death of their 101-year old patriarch. This gem premiered at Switzerland’s Locarno International Film Festival and might seem like a dry documentary, but this is going to be one of the most amazing experiences of your life. The exquisite screenplay intertwined with the wonderful cast is a philosophical treat and the humour in it is the cherry on top!

Watch Online Here | Thithi 

Those were some of the best and heart-warming movies that Indian cinema has to offer, so go ahead and press play on all of them!