Best Indian Movies on Netflix (2023)

Netflix has a large number of movies from India, which makes it a great source, but it's a lot to sift through, even if you have an idea of what to look for. To make it easier for you, whether you're familiar with Indian movies or not, here's a list of gems ranging from romance to action, modern to classic, to add to the top of your list.

Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (Hindi)

In this charming romantic comedy, star Shah Rukh plays Khan Sunil, an energetic young musician who is more interested in having fun than school. A love triangle between Sunil, his boyfriend Chris, and their mutual crush Anna is central to the plot, but the real heart of this film is Sunil's struggle to grow and balance his passion for music with the expectations of his father. he. The emotional and uncomfortable journey of the boy towards maturity and the dreamy atmosphere make this a special experience with more depth than the typical story of boy chasing girl. Filled with catchy songs, beautiful cinematography, bright colors, detailed scenery, and fun '90s fashion (and some gangsters, of course).Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naait's a perfect comfort movie that gets better with every watch.

U-turn (Canada)

However, the mystery of a traffic accident may not sound exciting.Your turnis a bizarre and surprisingly dark thriller about a journalist who sets out to cover illegal drivers and ends up investigating a murder. It's a beautiful, twisted story with some genuine surprises, and it's particularly worth watching for its austere style: immersed in yellow-tinged night lighting, the city streets take on an otherworldly quality and some scenes border on horror territory. . The wild story is anchored by a strong and natural performance from Shraddha Srinath, and the video footage that plays over the credits will give you a chill to remember.

Agneepath (Hindi)

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan delivers a powerful performance in this intense action drama about a gangster who becomes obsessed with avenging the death of his father. Sure, it has plenty of classic Bollywood elements: some comic relief, funny dance numbers, offbeat action, and plenty of melodrama, butAgneepathIt's first and foremost a great thriller, brilliant because it will also break your heart.

Minsara Kanavu (Tamil)

This movie follows a girl who decides to become a nun and the drama that ensues when a guy who has a crush on her enlists the help of a fun-loving friend to try and talk her out of it. With captivating performances by Kajol, Prabhu Deva and Arvind Swamy, the story is sweet and engaging, but the highlight is its achingly beautiful song and dance sequences, which perfectly capture the dreamy thoughts and romantic indecision of youth.

Virata Parvam (Telugu)

A romantic political dramaVirata Parvamcenters on a young woman in 1990s Telangana who falls in love with a communist leader because of his poetry. It works like a little historical piece on the Naxalite movement, but it's more than a history lesson, it's first and foremost a story about love and loyalty and how emotions and ideology intertwine. Directed by the brilliant actor Sai Pallavi, her radiant presence is full of passion and purity that captivates throughout the film. Beautiful photography and music are the perfect backdrop for this suspenseful and heartbreaking story.

Angamaly-Tagebücher (Malayalam)

This slice-of-life drama is an unexpectedly exciting piece of cinematography that was a hit with audiences and critics alike. The loose plot about a close-knit group of boys doing business as butchers and getting involved in crime is a simple enough setting to show a Kerala city, immersed in the extremes of good and evil, bright lights and battles of testosterone are full of young romance. and simple folk music mix with ambient noise. Humor and violence are always perfectly balanced as one, and natural performances from first-time actors combine with expansive sound design and intimate cinematography to create a truly immersive experience: close-ups of food and drink in the opening credits draw you in. in immediately. All that energy erupts into a stunning 12-minute nonstop shot of a late-night street chase that's the perfect embodiment of the film's live fast, dead young heart.

Maya Memsaab (Hindi)

In this surreal adaptation of the novelmadame bovary, Maya is a woman consumed by romantic ideals that lead her to disastrous adventures and eventual disappearance. Deepa Sahi's wonderful performance as the radiant and strange Maya is absolutely perfect, and the cinematography is strange and beautiful, reflecting her fantasies and her feeling of being trapped and deprived of her passion. This abstract, sensual and author proposal is one of the best films in all languages that Netflix has to offer.

Talaash (Hindi)

An atmospheric crime thriller about a police officer investigating the death of a famous actor,Talaschis simultaneously an exploration of grief, depression, and a crumbling marriage as the protagonist (brilliantly played by Aamir Khan) delves into the case and his own personal demons. The melancholy aesthetic of magical realism and the fantastical twist make this a captivating watch, with some moments of poignant emotions stronger than typical crime novels.

Muthu (Tamil)

It wouldn't be a recommended list without superstar Rajinikanth – if you're unfamiliar with the hugely popular Tamil hero, there's no better time than now to meet him. This comedy about a servant and his master who fall in love with the same woman is a goofy and light-hearted introduction to his charms. Packed with wacky antics, over-the-top fantasy musical numbers, and a truly epic horse-drawn carriage race that most likely caused some real injuries, it's impossible not to fall in love with Rajni in this feel-good adventure.

Dil Se... and the Mani Ratnam movies

Popular director Mani Ratnam is one of the few Indian filmmakers to have achieved international critical acclaim and success.Dil Se..it's his most famous, and it's not hard to see why. It is a breathtakingly beautiful drama about politics and colonization disguised as a star-studded crossover love story, featuring some of Bollywood's most memorable imagery and compositions. Several of Ratnam's other films will also be airing - Hindi dramas.YuvaYGuru, just like Tamil classicsBombay,Kannathil Muthamittal, YOh Kadhal Kanmani. All six are worth your time, and if you're new to Indian cinema, his filmography is a good place to start.

Principal Hoon Na y Om Shanti Om de Farah Khan

Two of Farah Khan's four directing credits are available to stream, and both are simply magical. The lifelong choreographer who has helped bring some of Bollywood's biggest stars to fame also has wonderful directing talents and her films are perfect when you need a lift. Khan's standout skill is her deft way of weaving classic references and tropes: full of cameos and meta-jokes, they are the work of someone deeply in love with the art of cinema, her various obsessions fitting effortlessly into Khan's own signature. she. style a.Haupt Hoon Nais the story of an army major who works undercover at a university, andOm Shanti Omis an epic story of romance and reincarnation that follows a young man whose life changes after meeting his favorite actress. Both have plenty of comedy, romance, action, and lightheartedness, and the more you learn about Bollywood, the more rewarding it will be to see them again. Be sure and stay for the credits!

love and death

Ishqiyait has a tone like no other movie: a buddy road trip comedy that's heartwarming without being sugary, funny yet dark and sad.Ishqiyahe is imbued with a love for classical Hindu art and music. Three perfect lead performances by Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi combined with loving photography and clever writing give the film a modern indie vibe.Ishqiya'S Bollywood classic frame. It and the equally brilliant sequel,Dedh Ishqiya, make a fun, sexy and exciting saga.

Dev.D (Hindi)

the bengali novelDevdas, about a man who falls into depression and alcoholism after losing the woman he loves, has had several film adaptations, except for Anurag Kashyap.Developer D.it is a completely different animal. taking place in modern times,Developer D.follows Dev, a spoiled young slacker who turns to drugs after breaking up with his childhood sweetheart and eventually meets a similarly grieving sex worker who turns his life upside down.Developer D.it's a very dark comedy filled with drugs and abuse, with a colorful, wacky energy that almost feels like a parody of its lavish predecessors. The subversive tale defies reverence for its tragic hero, but offers a chance for forgiveness and redemption. This subversive film with a massive cult following still feels fresh and raw more than a decade after its release.

amrapali (no)

A historical play rich in detailed costumes and sets,AmrapaliIt takes place in the year 500 B.C. and it is the story of a voracious king determined to ruthlessly conquer any city he can. Along the way, he meets the dancer Amrapali, played by the radiant actress Vyjayanthimala, who eventually makes him question her values. A huge flop when it was released, this film is filled with the erotic energy of violence, power and hypnotic classical dance that plays beautifully today.

Andhadhun (Hindi)

AndhadúnIt was such a hit when it came out that there are already two remakes, with a third in the works. The story of a blind musician who finds himself drawn into a police thriller with a femme fatale is pure Hitchcock, and this is the rare tribute to the master that blends classic and modern techniques in a way that doesn't feel tired or derivative. Not only is it full of surprises, but it's immaculately shot and acted, with leads Tabu and Ayushmann Khurrana deftly shifting from suspense to dark humor with a depth not typically found in the genre. This will appeal to anyone looking for something offbeat and those who miss the old Hollywood thrillers.

Jodhaa Akbar (Hindi)

Set in the 16th century Mughal Empire, this drama is a true epic and has everything you could want in a big-budget work of the era. Royal intrigue, lavish costumes and sets, great music and action create the perfect backdrop for the heartfelt romance between beautiful stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at the center. They really don't make them that way anymore: the big budget devoted mostly to aesthetic pleasures and the slow burn of both a relationship and an empire in crisis is a treat to dive in and escape for a few hours.