Indian cinema is a rich tapestry of genres, emotions, and storytelling. From classic dramas to contemporary thrillers, the diversity in Indian films caters to all tastes. Here’s a curated list of 25 Indian movies across various genres that you must see. Each film offers a unique viewing experience, showcasing the best of Indian storytelling.
Drama and Romance
- Moondram Pirai (1982)
- Synopsis: After a car accident, a woman regresses to childhood and is rescued by a lonely teacher who falls in love with her.
- Rating: 8.6
- Pyaar to Hona Hi Tha (1998)
- Synopsis: Sanjana travels back to India to win her fiancé’s heart but finds her fate entwined in unexpected ways.
- Rating: 6.6
- Rajavin Parvaiyile (1995)
- Synopsis: Raja avoids love after a tragic event, but will he change his mind for the wealthy Gowri?
- Rating: 7.1
- Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010)
- Synopsis: An aspiring filmmaker falls for a Christian woman who only wants friendship, leading to a turbulent romance.
- Rating: 8.1
- Naadodigal (2009)
- Synopsis: Three friends go to great lengths to unite one of their old pals with his love, despite facing many obstacles.
- Rating: 7.7
Thriller and Mystery
- Angry Indian Goddesses (2015)
- Synopsis: A photographer’s pre-wedding vacation in Goa with her friends takes a dramatic turn.
- Rating: 6.9
- Anukokunda Oka Roju (2005)
- Synopsis: A woman with amnesia tries to uncover the mystery of a missing day in her life.
- Rating: 7.9
- 16 December (2002)
- Synopsis: Indian intelligence agents race against time to stop a terrorist from detonating a nuclear bomb.
- Rating: 6.9
- Seetharaam Benoy Case Number Eighteen (2021)
- Synopsis: A cop in a remote village tackles a complex case involving a serial killer and local thieves.
- Rating: 6.6
- Lens (2016)
- Synopsis: A chilling tale unfolds as a video chat session turns deadly.
- Rating: 6.6
Action and Adventure
- Poojai (2014)
- Synopsis: A moneylender’s intervention leads to a violent feud with a gang.
- Rating: 5.3
- Temper (2015)
- Synopsis: A corrupt cop’s life changes drastically when he takes on a high-profile rape case.
- Rating: 7.4
- Takkar (2023)
- Synopsis: A young man with a passion for money meets a girl who believes money is the root of all distress.
- Rating: 5.5
- Ravanasura (2023)
- Synopsis: A junior lawyer’s seemingly trivial life hides deeper, more dangerous secrets.
- Rating: 5.7
Comedy
- Thillu Mullu (1981)
- Synopsis: A young man tries to impress his boss’s daughter while hilariously fooling his boss.
- Rating: 8.5
- Pammal K. Sambandam (2002)
- Synopsis: A stuntman tries to save his brother’s marriage from being derailed by a series of comic misadventures.
- Rating: 7.2
- Hera Pheri (1976)
- Synopsis: Two friends uncover secrets about their past, leading to a comedic journey.
- Rating: 6.6
Historical and Biographical
- Harishchandrachi Factory (2009)
- Synopsis: Chronicles the making of India’s first feature film, “Raja Harishchandra” by Dadasaheb Phalke.
- Rating: 8.4
- Dosti (1964)
- Synopsis: The struggles and triumphs of two friends, one blind and the other disabled, as they navigate life’s challenges.
- Rating: 8.5
Family and Drama
- Appa (2016)
- Synopsis: A father supports his son’s dreams, contrasting with other fathers’ perspectives on their children’s futures.
- Rating: 7.9
- Balraju (2022)
- Synopsis: A simple cowherd faces life’s challenges and changes after his marriage.
- Rating: 7.4
- Kailasa Kasidre (2024)
- Synopsis: Deepak’s life turns chaotic when he falls for Anjali and gets entangled with a moneylender.
- Rating: 8.6
Romantic Comedy
- Kolamavu Kokila (2018)
- Synopsis: To save her mother from cancer, a young woman gets involved in drug trafficking.
- Rating: 7.3
- Genius (2018)
- Synopsis: An orphan with a brilliant mind seeks vengeance while navigating complex personal and professional challenges.
- Rating: 5.0
Musical and Inspirational
- Village Rockstars (2017)
- Synopsis: A young girl in Assam dreams of forming her own rock band despite societal norms.
- Rating: 7.2
- Malli Raava (2017)
- Synopsis: The love story of Karthik and Anjali unfolds across different phases of their lives.
- Rating: 7.8
Miscellaneous
- Chakravarthy (2017)
- Synopsis: A young man from Madikeri becomes an underworld don after moving to Bengaluru.
- Rating: 6.3
- Made in China (2019)
- Synopsis: A failed Gujarati businessman seeks a game-changing idea in China to transform his life.
- Rating: 6.2
- Natasaarvabhowma (2019)
- Synopsis: A supernatural force influences a man’s actions as he seeks to complete important tasks.
- Rating: 6.5
- Subramaniapuram (2008)
- Synopsis: The tale of betrayal and friendship in a small town leading to unexpected consequences.
- Rating: 8.2
Each of these films brings something unique to the table, reflecting the richness of Indian cinema. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming drama, a thrilling mystery, or a side-splitting comedy, this list has something for everyone. Enjoy your movie marathon!
Feel free to explore these films and dive into the diverse world of Indian cinema!