From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir, India’s rich culture and diverse landscapes have served as a stunning backdrop for many notable films. These movies, through their unique storytelling and portrayal of Indian culture, provide a fascinating glimpse into the country’s vibrant ethos. Here is a curated list of the top ten best movies about India that beautifully encapsulate the country’s essence, history, and diversity.
Most of these best Bollywood movies have Aamir Khan as the star. After all, he has established himself as one of the best actors in Indian cinema in the last 30 years.
Bride and Prejudice (2004)
A Bollywood Spin on a Classic Tale
A unique blend of Indian cinema and classic English literature, Bride and Prejudice is a delightful Bollywood adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” The film transports viewers to the vibrant city of Amritsar, where the Bakshi family is in search of suitable husbands for their four daughters.
The Indian movie, primarily in English, offers a fascinating glimpse into Indian traditions, arranged marriages, and the culture clash that ensues when East meets West. It is one of the best Hindi movies with a global appeal, combining the charm of Bollywood with a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of India’s diverse cultural tapestry.
PK (2014)
A Comedy Extraterrestrial’s Guide to India
PK is a heartwarming comedy about an alien stranded on Earth, specifically in India. As he navigates the complexities of Indian culture and societal norms, he forms an unlikely friendship with a journalist.
The movie is a humorous critique of societal norms, religious dogmas, and superstitions in India, seen through the innocent eyes of an extraterrestrial. It offers a refreshing and funny take on Indian culture, making it an entertaining and thought-provoking movie about India.
The Jungle Book (1994)
A Wild Adventure in the Indian Jungles
Based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic stories, The Jungle Book is a captivating tale of a young boy, Mowgli, who grows up in the wilderness of India.
While the Hollywood movie may not present an accurate representation of modern India, it does capture the country’s diverse fauna, landscapes, and the essence of its jungles. The film offers a magical and adventurous journey into the heart of India’s wild, making it one of the best movies about India for nature and adventure lovers.
Gandhi (1982)
An Epic Biography of India’s Father of the Nation
Gandhi is a biographical film portraying the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi, an iconic figure in India’s struggle for independence. The film beautifully captures Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and his efforts to secure India’s independence from British rule.
This historical epic offers viewers a deep understanding of India’s struggle for freedom and the immense role that Gandhi played in shaping the nation’s destiny. It’s an essential watch for anyone interested in understanding the historical and political landscape of India.
A Passage to India (1984)
A Journey into the Heart of Colonial India
Based on E.M. Forster’s novel, A Passage to India is a dramatic portrayal of British colonialism in India. The film explores the cultural and racial tensions between the British colonizers and the Indian locals during the British Raj era.
Through its nuanced storytelling, the film paints a vivid picture of India during the colonial period, offering viewers an in-depth understanding of the country’s historical and socio-political context.
Monsoon Wedding (2001)
A Colorful Indian Wedding Saga
Monsoon Wedding is a heartwarming film that revolves around a typical middle-class Indian family preparing for a grand wedding. The film beautifully captures the chaos, drama, and emotions that are synonymous with Indian weddings.
The film provides a realistic depiction of modern Indian families, their dynamics, and the cultural ethos that governs their lives. It’s a great movie about India that presents the country’s contemporary realities and complexities in a relatable and engaging manner.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
A Tale of Love, Hope, and Destiny from the Slums of Mumbai
Slumdog Millionaire is a compelling narrative about a young boy from the slums of Mumbai who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” Despite its gritty and sometimes controversial portrayal of India’s underbelly, the film is a captivating tale of hope and resilience.
While it showcases the harsh realities of life in India’s slums, the Hollywood movie also highlights the country’s vibrant spirit, making it one of the best movies about India that offers a balanced perspective of the country’s complexities.
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
A Quirky Train Journey Through India
Directed by Wes Anderson, The Darjeeling Limited is a delightful film about three estranged brothers who embark on a journey across India to reconnect with each other and their spiritual roots.
The film presents a unique and humorous perspective of India, showcasing its cultural diversity and the transformative power of travel. It’s a great movie about India that offers a whimsical and endearing portrayal of the country’s charm and allure.
Lion (2016)
A Heart-wrenching Search for Home
Based on a true story, Lion is a poignant Bollywood movie about a young Indian boy who gets separated from his family and is later adopted by an Australian couple. Years later, he embarks on a journey to find his lost family in India.
The film is a moving exploration of identity, heritage, and the deep-rooted connections to one’s homeland. It’s a heartfelt film that resonates with the emotions of longing and belonging, making it one of the best movies about India that delve into the country’s diverse social fabric.
Final Words
These Hindi movies, in their unique ways, provide a cinematic journey into the heart of India, capturing the country’s vibrant culture, rich history, and complex societal dynamics. Whether it’s through the lens of romance, comedy, drama, or history, these films offer a captivating glimpse into the essence of India and its people. So, sit back, grab some popcorn, and embark on a cinematic journey through the mesmerizing landscapes, cultures, and stories of India.
