Prime 5 Bollywood films that it is best to watch on Netflix this month
Stunning cinematography, entrancing music, charming storytelling — Bollywood films have all of it.
RRR/Netflix
Following an elevated curiosity in Asian media, Netflix has been including to its curation of South Asian content material.
On April 21, the streaming large launched the third installment of the favored matchmaking present “Indian Matchmaking,” which has been going viral on varied social media platforms.
The Bollywood movie business can be one of many main movie markets on the planet, with its general income exceeding $2 billion in 2022, per Statista.
Netflix’s assortment of near 400 Bollywood films can depart some viewers spoiled for — maybe even overwhelmed by — alternative.
Identified for his or her charming storytelling and music, Bollywood films are additionally masters of coping with complicated ideas like class struggles and self-discovery.
Listed below are the highest 5 must-watch Indian films on Netflix that it is best to undoubtedly try.
“RRR” (2022)
Netflix
“RRR,” quick for Rise Roar Revolt, is a interval motion movie following two revolutionaries as they combat towards British rule. It is loosely based mostly on actual historic figures.
The movie topped Netflix’s Prime 10 International non-English films chart for 4 consecutive weeks in Could and June final yr, with over 18 million hours seen at its peak, per Netflix.
Directed by S.S. Rajamouli and launched final yr on March 24, the film takes viewers on a roller-coaster journey by means of thrilling scenes of motion and entrancing dance sequences.
That includes N.T. Rama Rao Jr. as Komaram Bheem and Ram Charan as Alluri Sitarama Raju, “RRR” was additionally nominated for greatest authentic track on the 2023 Academy Awards with the observe “Naatu Naatu.” This was the primary track from an Indian film to be nominated for an Oscar, per BBC.
The track grew to become widespread all over the world and even impressed dance tendencies on Instagram.
“The White Tiger” (2021)
Netflix
By means of a gripping story of rising towards energy, “The White Tiger” explores heavy themes of corruption and sophistication battle.
Launched in January 2021, the story follows Balram Halwai, a poor however formidable driver who deftly works his method up the socioeconomic rungs to grow to be a profitable entrepreneur within the fiercely aggressive Indian society.
Directed by Ramin Bahrani and that includes Adarsh Gourav as Balram, the movie adaptation of the 2008 Booker prize-winning novel of the identical title efficiently encapsulates the stress and frustration of surviving in a rigged system.
“Gangubai Kathiawadi” (2022)
Netflix
Launched on 25 February final yr, “Gangubai Kathiawadi” is a criminal offense biopic about an Indian activist who was additionally well-known for being one of many “mafia queens” of Mumbai.
The movie topped Netflix’s Prime 10 International non-English movie chart with over 13 million hours seen worldwide within the week of April 25 final yr, per Netflix.
That includes Alia Bhatt, whose portrayal of Gangubai has been praised by critics and viewers alike, the story delves into themes of betrayal and feminine empowerment.
The movie’s director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was impressed by Hussain Zaidi’s guide “Mafia Queens of Mumbai,” which options tales of ladies who had been concerned in felony actions in essentially the most populous metropolis of India, per August Man, a way of life platform in Asia.
“Swades” (2004)
Netflix
“Swades” is centered on an Indian ex-pat who works at NASA. It is a heartfelt story that illustrates the common emotional journey of self-discovery.
The movie follows Mohan Bhargav, performed by Shah Rukh Khan, touring again to his hometown in quest of his childhood nanny in rural India. He finally ends up discovering a way of function by means of reforming the village throughout his keep.
“Swades” portrays emotions of patriotism in a shifting method that transcends nationalities.
“Lagaan: As soon as Upon a Time in India” (2001)
Netflix
Set within the late nineteenth century, the epic sports activities drama revolves round a small village tormented by excessive taxes — “lagaan” — imposed by the British rulers.
Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the story’s protagonist Bhuvan, performed by Aamir Khan, challenges a British officer to a sport of cricket as a guess. If he wins, the villagers can be exempted from paying taxes for 3 years.
Marrying the nation’s favourite sport and basic Bollywood musical parts, “Lagaan” was nominated for greatest international language movie within the 2002 Academy Awards, per IMDb.
It’s also a long-time favourite amongst Indian audiences, per Vogue India.
Regardless of its runtime of virtually 4 hours, the film has been praised by critics all over the world for charming audiences from starting to finish.
Again in 2002, the San Francisco Chronicle famous the movie as being, “A rippingly good, old school film epic that takes one of the best of Bollywood cinema … and elevates it for a global viewers.”