If you’re drawn to the vibrant world of Indian cinema or seeking fresh viewing experiences, look no more! This article is your treasure trove, showcasing some exceptional movies and TV shows set in India. Our curated list spans various genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Dive in without delay, and let’s embark on an exciting cinematic journey through the heart of India! Enjoy the ride!
1. Munna Bhai M.B.B.S (2003)
Kick off our compilation of outstanding Indian films and series by introducing Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., a hilarious production set in bustling Mumbai. The story revolves around a gangster named Munna, who deceitfully poses as a physician to win over his father’s approval. However, his ruse is exposed, leading to family embarrassment. Driven by vengeance and a genuine desire to become a doctor, Munna embarks on a journey that eventually leads him to fall for a girl whose father initially unmasked his deception.
2. Kabhi Khushi Kabhei Gham (2001)
In this musical film with romantic undertones, we find Rahul – once cherished by a prosperous Indian household as an adopted son – estranged from his father due to his marriage to a woman of moderate means named Anjali. As time passes, Rahul settles in the United States, but his younger sibling becomes resolved on mending family rifts and laying old grievances between Rahul and their late father to rest.
3. Rang De Basanti (2006)
Rang De Basanti is a thought-provoking film that revolves around the theme of political awakening. In this story, a British filmmaker named Sue embarks on a project to create a movie about historical freedom fighters. Enlisting the help of six energetic young Indians, she successfully completes her endeavor. However, in the process, these individuals are inspired and transformed into modern-day revolutionaries, rekindling their sense of national pride.
4. Mary Kom (2014)
The movie “Mary Kom” is a biographical action drama, inspired by real events, that tells the captivating tale of Mangte Chungeijang Mary Kom, an Indian Olympic boxer who was born to a farmer and defied her father’s disapproval to pursue her dreams. She manages to convince a renowned coach to mentor her and together they nurture a shared passion for boxing. The film showcases Mary’s relentless determination as she overcomes numerous challenges, making it an empowering story about chasing your aspirations and triumphing over adversity. Notably, Priyanka Chopra Jonas portrays the title character in this inspiring production.
5. Jodha Akbaar (2008)
The movie “Jodhaa Akbar” is a historical romance set in India during the sixteenth century. This film tells the story of the Mughal emperor, Akbar, and Rajput princess Jodha. Their union was initially arranged due to a political alliance between their respective states. However, as they grow to understand each other better, they overcome initial misunderstandings and develop a deep love for one another. The movie conveys an inspiring message of mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s cultures.
6. Swades: We, the People (2004)
Swades: We, the People is inspired by real-life events, narrating the journey of Mohan, an accomplished NASA scientist, who escorts his nanny Kaveri back to America. During their travels, he becomes aware of local struggles faced by the people in his native country. Caught between his professional commitments at NASA and his devotion towards his village and homeland, Mohan must make a difficult choice.
7. Chak De! India (2007)
Titled “Chak De! India,” this sports movie is a product of Indian cinema with its narrative centered around the sport of hockey. Previously a member of the Indian national team, Kabir Khan experienced the team’s loss under his leadership, which led to accusations against him. Additionally, religious tensions forced both Kabir and his mother out of their hometown. Seven years later, Kabir embarks on coaching the Indian Women’s National Hockey Team as a way to express his patriotism and achieve his long-held aspiration of bringing the World Cup in hockey back to India.
8. Bajirao Mastani (2015)
Bajirao Mastani tells a grand, vibrant tale of Peshwa Bajirao and his second spouse, a valiant Muslim princess named Mastani. This narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the early 18th century. Though Peshwa is married to Kashibai, he finds himself deeply in love with Mastani. Confronted by numerous hurdles and hardships, including resistance from their traditional families, they triumph over adversity. Their unforgettable love story continues to resonate in the hearts of the people across generations.
9. Hindi Medium (2017)
This movie is a humorous take on societal challenges, focusing on Raj and Mita, residents of the historic Chandi Chowk area in Delhi. Despite facing numerous hurdles, they strive for their five-year-old daughter Pia to attend an elite English Medium school. Along their journey, they meet Shyam and Tulsi, who share a similar goal – securing admission for their child through the RTE quota system that provides educational opportunities to children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This story sheds light on a pressing issue and offers valuable insights.
10. Devdas (2002)
The movie derives its plot from a 1917 novel sharing the same title. In their youth, Devdas and Paro were inseparable friends who found themselves deeply in love. However, due to her lower social status, Devdas’s affluent family disapproved of their union, leading him away from his beloved. This rejection plunged him into a life of alcoholism as a means to cope with the anguish. Yet, his love for Paro remained unchanged and he was determined to defy all odds in a desperate attempt to win her back.
11. Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022)
Gangubai Kathiawadi – A Biographical Drama
In essence, this movie portrays the life story of Ganga Jagjivandas Kathiawadi, a real-life figure from Kathiawad. Originally a simple girl with dreams of becoming a Bollywood starlet, her world crumbles when her boyfriend deceives her and sells her into the clutches of a brothel owner, compelling her into prostitution.
However, Ganga finds the courage to rise above her circumstances and leverages her connections within the underworld to safeguard the well-being of other women working in the same profession. Eventually, she becomes an inspiration for her community as a role model.
12. Shershaah (2022)
Shershaah is a movie that tells the true tale of Indian soldier, Vikram Batra, who tragically lost his life during the Kargil War. A budding officer candidate finds himself smitten by a woman named Dimple, yet her father rejects their union due to differences in social standing. Despite this, Vikram joins the army and swiftly climbs its ranks. Eventually, he plays a crucial role in securing India’s victory during the Kargil conflict.
13. Rajneeti (2010)
A captivating Indian film that combines political drama with a retelling of the Mahabharata’s themes, this movie follows Samar, a young man from a prominent political family who had originally planned to live in the USA. However, his father compels him to delay those aspirations and instead immerse himself in the gritty realm of politics. The story underscores how political strife permeates multiple facets of life and personal relationships.
14. Mughal-E-Azam (1960)
This movie is a historical Indian production that narrates the romantic tale between 16th-century figures – Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir) and court dancer Anarkali. Their union is disapproved by Emperor Akbar, Salim’s father, leading to tension within their relationship.
15. Sacred Games (2018-2019)
In the Netflix action-drama series, the plot revolves around Sartaj Singh, a tenacious Mumbai police officer, as he works tirelessly to unravel the mystery of a ruthless terrorist who menaces to detonate the city. It’s up to Sartaj to exert all his efforts to prevent Mumbai from meeting its doom.
16. Dil Wale Dulhanya Lejayenge (1995)
In this heartwarming film, we get a glimpse of a traditional Indian wedding. The story revolves around characters named Raj (played by Shahrukh Khan) and Simran (Kajol), where the latter is traveling to Europe for her first time before returning to India to marry her cousin as per her childhood arrangement. As their paths cross, they develop feelings for one another. However, it’s not just about their budding romance; Raj also needs to win over Simran’s family, particularly her father who takes immense Indian pride in his heritage and values.
17. Life of Pi (2012)
This thrilling film adaptation, titled “Life of Pi,” is derived from Yann Martel’s captivating novel. The plot centers around a resourceful 16-year-old named Pi Patel, who along with his family, was journeying on a merchant ship from India to Canada. However, their voyage was disrupted by a fierce storm, causing the shipwreck. Pi miraculously survived and found himself stranded at sea in a lifeboat accompanied by four wild creatures – Richard Parker, a Bengal Tiger, an orangutan, a zebra, and a hyena. The narrative unfolds as an older Pi recounts the events, revealing that things may not be as they initially appear. Highly recommended for viewing, and it’s worth watching multiple times.
18. Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
In the bustling city of Mumbai, eighteen-year-old Jamal residing in a slum finds himself competing on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” known as Kaun Banega Crorepati. His life has been fraught with hardship, and the experiences he’s endured have equipped him with an astonishing knowledge of the questions posed in the game. When asked how he knew the answers, Jamal shares his extraordinary tale that is nothing short of incredible. The reasons behind Jamal’s decision to participate in Kaun Banega Crorepati can be encapsulated by four words: love, friendship, honor, and betrayal – embodying the essence of the entire movie, which is one of India’s most beloved films.
19. Laal Singh Chaddha (2022)
The film titled “Laal Singh Chaddha” is a comedic-dramatic production from India. The protagonist, Laal Singh, has weak legs that require braces for support. Fate separates him and his close friend Rupa, as Laal enlists in the Indian Army while Rupa pursues her dream of becoming a successful model in Mumbai. Throughout their separate paths, they encounter various highs and lows, but eventually reconnect when their lives intersect once more.
20. 83 (2021)
83 is associated with the Indian cricket team captained by Kapil Dev. In 1983, an extraordinary tale unfolded at Lord’s Cricket Ground that became one of sports history’s most memorable stories. Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, these fourteen men orchestrated India’s greatest sporting achievement by defeating the reigning World Champions, West Indies, not once but twice. This victory re-established India as a prominent force in global cricket. One determined individual, fueled by self-assurance and conviction, steered the team to this historic success.
21. Mirzapur (2018 -)
In the urban landscape of Mirzapur, we find ourselves immersed in a TV series where Akhandanand Tripathi, a prosperous carpet entrepreneur and wealthy magnate, transforms into a ruthless and dominant crime kingpin. His heir apparent, Munna, is a questionable successor, willing to go to any lengths to claim his father’s empire. The story takes an intriguing turn when Munna crosses paths with a formidable lawyer and his brothers, Guddu and Bablu. This sets off a power struggle that revolves around ambition, vengeance, and the pursuit of power, intertwined with desires.
22. Delhi Crime ( 2019 -)
Delhi Crime is a TV series that focuses on a detective squad headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vartika Chaturvedi. This team handles significant criminal cases in Delhi, including incidents like rapes and homicides. The narrative revolves around a horrific gang rape incident that took place in the Munirka district of South Delhi. DCP Vartika is assigned to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime and ensure they face justice.
23. Shakti The Power (2002)
As a cinephile, I must share that Shakti is a reimagining of a 1998 Telugu film, set in the heart of India. In this captivating tale, I find myself immersed in the lives of Shekhar and Nandini, who embark on an expedition to Shektar’s birthplace, a quaint Indian village. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn as they unwittingly entangle themselves in a fierce gang conflict. With resilience and courage, they must navigate through a series of daunting challenges to escape back to the familiarity of their origins.
24. A Wednesday (2008)
On a typical Wednesday, the plot unfolds around a gripping thriller film, focusing on the character of Prakash Rathod, a former police commissioner. As events unfold, we delve into the most remarkable case from his past, when he was alerted about a potential bomb threat in Mumbai by an ordinary citizen.
25. Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki (2000-2008)
Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki is a TV series that explores the lives of the characters Parvati and Om Agarwal. They belong to a Marwadi extended family and are portrayed as an ideal son-in-law and daughter respectively. The narrative encompasses three generations, primarily focusing on Parvati’s journey as a spouse, mother, and grandmother, highlighting her challenges throughout those years.
26. Devon Ke Dev… Mahadev (2011 – 2014)
In this television series inspired by Indian mythology, the narrative primarily focuses on Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. The story unfolds their journey, encompassing their separation and subsequent union, as well as the epic tale of how they collaborated to create the world. The show also features various other divine characters undergoing reincarnations, making it an engaging watch for those captivated by Indian mythology.
27. Gandhi (1982)
This film is a biographical drama, chronicling the life of Mahatma Gandhi, an influential figure in the 20th century who tirelessly advocated for India’s freedom from British rule. Originally a lawyer, he had previously resided in South Africa. Gandhi was a staunch advocate for non-violent resistance and initially faced disregard from English authorities. However, as his message gained traction, both he and his cause became recognized, ultimately contributing to India’s independence. The movie is both enlightening and entertaining to watch.
28. Lion (2016)
In 2016, “Lion” was one of the most beloved films. This biographical drama chronicles the life story of Saroo Brierley, a boy who was adopted by an affluent Australian family. As an adult, Saroo embarked on a personal journey to locate his birth parents in India. During this quest, he uncovers truths about his past and finds the inner tranquility that he required.
29. Thappad (2020)
In this drama film, the married pair, Amrita and Wikram, come across as contented and flawless to the outside world. However, their bond begins to deteriorate once Vikram physically abuses Amrita in public. This incident causes Amrita to doubt her self-worth, leading her to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining her marriage.
30. Dangal (2016)
In this sports biography, we follow Mahavir Singh Phogat, a retired wrestler who once harbored dreams of winning a gold medal for his country but was unable to do so himself. With four daughters instead of the son he had always hoped for, he initially felt frustrated. Yet, when he realizes their potential in wrestling, he decides to train them towards competing in the Commonwealth Games. This decision is met with disapproval and harsh treatment from the villagers, but Mahavir perseveres.
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2025-06-01 03:15