Discover the Top 10 Indian Movies You Must Watch From The Last Decade!

I’ve always admired the grandeur of Indian cinema, as a supporter who appreciates its unique charm. The over-the-top dialogues, flamboyant characterizations, grandiose musical sequences, melodramatic romantic scenes, and unrealistic action sequences are not just elements but the heart and soul of this vibrant industry. This is why so many films have left an indelible mark on our culture, creating an enduring legacy that continues to captivate us. Take Sholay, for instance, a cinematic masterpiece turning 50 this year. Often regarded as one of the best Asian Western movies and the biggest Indian action blockbuster, its influence remains strong, with lines from it still frequently quoted today.

In India today, action films are the most popular genre, captivating audiences with stunning visual effects and death-defying stunts that make action scenes more thrilling than ever. Movies like “Kalki 2898”, “Bahubali 2: The Conclusion”, and the upcoming “Pushpa 2” have dominated the Indian box office. However, in recent years, some truly exceptional and underrated Indian films have also emerged. These films often stand out from the crowd of formulaic movies produced by other entertainment industries, as innovative producers seek to replicate success rather than simply following a tried-and-true blueprint.

10. Girls Will Be Girls (2024)

Directed By Shuchi Talati

Indian cinema has traditionally shied away from openly discussing sexual attraction and romantic desires, instead subtly hinting at them through suggestive language and symbolic imagery. This subject is often controversial, and while iconic dance sequences in Indian films touch upon it, there’s been a noticeable shortage of tasteful portrayals, particularly from a female-centric viewpoint. However, there’s been a growing trend of such films recently, especially within independent cinema. For example, Shuchi Talati’s Girls Will Be Girls focuses on female sexual desire and the journey of maturity.

This story revolves around a teenage girl’s life during her last year of high school, where she discovers love for the first time and has her initial sexual experience. The narrative offers a unique female perspective, focusing on pleasure rather than distorting it, and showing empathy towards the characters while maintaining a balanced view of their relationships without portraying anyone as the villain. Kani Kusruti delivers an outstanding performance as the protagonist’s mother, and with her remarkable lead role in “All We Imagine as Light,” we can only anticipate her career to expand even further.

9. Aavesham (2024)

Directed By Jithu Madhavan

In Indian cinema, larger-than-life gangsters are known for their captivating personas, dramatic dialogue, and a penchant for excessive violence. They frequently serve as the boss of criminal organizations, commanding actions from afar. However, they occasionally display heroic acts that contribute to the widespread belief in them as heroes or even deities. These instances of heroism reach their climax in joyous celebrations, further solidifying their status as powerful figures.

Aavesham delves into how a character like this might be impacted by such a lifestyle, portrayed brilliantly by Fahadh Faasil. This character, who is a mob boss and instills fear, experiences loneliness in his existence. He chooses not to engage in violence personally but spends time interacting with people and helping those in need, even dabbling in creating Instagram reels as a pastime. Yet, when cornered, he shatters his vow of non-violence and triumphantly repels an onslaught of hostile mobsters in an unusually poignant fight sequence.

8. Three Of Us (2022)

Directed By Avinash Arun

In 2024, Celine Song’s film “Past Lives” was nominated for both Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars. The movie tells a poignant story of the complex bond between a man and a woman spanning many years, as they intermittently reconnect and drift apart due to their incongruous romantic feelings towards each other. The film masterfully conveys this emotional turmoil through their numerous encounters over the decades.

The surprising fact that a 2022 Indian movie titled “Three Of Us,” featuring Shefali Shah and Jaideep Ahlawat, didn’t gain more attention despite its narrative similarity to popular “Past Lives” films, feels almost unfair. This film beautifully portrays the emotional tie between friends who reconnect after many years. As children, they had a profound bond, and some of that connection is reignited; however, their present situations prevent them from fully exploring it further. With a minimalistic yet sensitive approach, the movie subtly explores their camaraderie during this brief reunion.

7. Kishkindha Kaandam (2024)

Directed By Dinjith Ayyathan

2024 saw the blockbuster success of Director Dinjith Ayyathan’s second film, a gripping amnesia thriller that captivated audiences and topped the box office charts. Reminiscent of films like ‘Ghajini’ and ‘Memento’, this movie is widely regarded as the best thriller of 2024.

In simpler terms, “Kishkindha Kaandam” is a thoughtful, character-centric thriller that emphasizes personal relationships and drama over action or suspense. The film progresses at a deliberate pace, subtly suggesting a dark secret while delving into the enigmatic life of an elderly man who appears confused and performs mysterious rituals. His family, particularly his daughter-in-law, worry about his behavior due to his amnesia, which could potentially endanger him. However, it’s the bond between this old man and his son that truly captivates the audience, adding depth to the heart-wrenching climax that leaves viewers emotionally moved.

6. The Great Indian Kitchen (2021)

Directed By Jeo Baby

As a movie critic, I’ve noticed an uptick in Indian movies exploring feminist themes, but I can’t help but express my concern over the persistent issues of sensationalism and melodrama when portraying patriarchal oppression. Instead of delving into the intricacies and subtleties of everyday patriarchal struggles, it seems that only extreme instances of female suffering such as acid attacks, domestic violence, and sexual assault get the attention they deserve on screen. It’s disheartening to see so few films that tackle the widespread influence and effects of patriarchy in women’s daily lives, even outside of these sensationalized events.

Jeo Baby’s “The Great Indian Kitchen” is an exemplary demonstration of crafting a powerful drama that subtly tackles the deeply ingrained issue of misogyny within India, without resorting to extreme portrayals. The story revolves around a woman who finds herself subjected to unjust restrictions on her behavior imposed by her husband and in-laws post marriage. Their expectations of how she should act as a wife significantly curtail her personal freedom, and despite her tireless efforts to meet their demands, she encounters ingratitude.

5. Laapataa Ladies (2023)

Directed By Kiran Rao

In 2024, Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies is India’s nominated film for the Academy Awards, standing out as one of the most captivating romantic comedies in recent memory. The story revolves around two women who find themselves in each other’s lives due to a peculiar mix-up – they both happen to wear identical bridal gowns and veils on their wedding day. By delving into various engaging characters, the film ensures that the world portrayed feels authentic and inhabited while making its people appear genuine and relatable.

In the series “Laapataa Ladies”, the female characters are distinct and support each other during tough times, fostering a strong bond. This stands out because it’s set in an unusual context, using everyday life to delve into how patriarchy impacts their stories without resorting to sensationalism. The show also examines how men can contribute to dismantling this oppressive system. A feeling of tranquility permeates the film, yet it doesn’t shy away from darker moments. Instead, it accentuates instances of profound happiness.

4. Masaan (2015)

Directed By Neeraj Ghaywan

In recent times, Vicky Kaushal has risen to stardom in Bollywood, with his most recent appearance being in the Netflix hit “Chhava”, which made it to the top 10 streaming movies. About a decade back, Kaushal made his mark in the industry by landing his debut leading role in the independent romance drama “Masaan”. In this movie, he shared screen time with Richa Chadha, who also got her first leading role there.

Masaan portrays the lives of two individuals, both grappling with hardships in the city of Varanasi. The protagonist, Devi (played by Chadha), finds herself embroiled in a scandal and is offered a large bribe to avoid prison time. This predicament drives her father towards gambling, desperate to amass the required sum. Deepak, portrayed by Kaushal, belongs to a caste that traditionally burns corpses on the riverbank, but his father encourages him to pursue a different line of work. His unconventional romance unfolds amidst social injustice within a harsh environment. In essence, Varanasi itself becomes a significant character, reflecting the harsh realities of the storyline.

3. 12th Fail (2023)

Directed By Vidhu Vinod Chopra

3 Idiots, directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is frequently hailed as one of the greatest Bollywood films ever made. This movie follows the adventures of three friends at the fictional Imperial College of Engineering, where their mischievous antics cause quite a stir across campus. Fourteen years after 3 Idiots revolutionized the Indian film industry, Vidhu Vinod Chopra delivered another hit with a distinctly new flavor, captivating audiences just as quickly.

12th Fail, a film inspired by the true tale of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma, follows his journey from failing his 12th grade final exam twice to eventually passing the UPSC and becoming a civil servant, portrayed remarkably by Vikrant Massey. Despite facing severe financial difficulties and needing to work part-time while studying for the test, his resilience keeps him pushing forward. Unlike many rags-to-riches films that either exaggerate or pity their protagonists, 12th Fail maintains the character’s dignity throughout the narrative.

2. Kumbalangi Nights (2019)

Directed By Madhu C. Narayanan

Over the years, Malayalam cinema has produced some outstanding independent films, and it seems that Kumbalangi Nights might just be the pinnacle of these gems. The story revolves around the four Napoleon brothers residing in the village of Kumbalangi, who were left behind after their mother abandoned them following their father’s demise. As they navigate through life without parental guidance and grapple with the stigma of their mother’s past actions, the brothers find a way to stick together as a family.

In “Kumbalangi Nights,” silence becomes just as powerful as dialogue, creating an engaging blend of everyday life and suspenseful storytelling. Though the four brothers often lead separate paths due to their individuality, the film masterfully apportions screen time for each character. The cinematography and background music exude a comforting warmth that envelops the narrative in a hopeful embrace. The portrayal of how rigid adherence to society’s idealized form of toxic masculinity can cause harm is noteworthy.

1. RRR (2022)

Directed By S. S. Rajamouli

Without a doubt, among the most globally significant Indian movies in recent years is the extraordinary film RRR. Notably, its song “Naatu Naatu” secured the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2023 and was showcased during the award ceremony. The movie has garnered universal praise due to its dynamic storytelling and filmmaking techniques, leaving viewers captivated and eager to join in the applause as one breathtaking scene follows another.

RRR‘s narrative centers around two companions transforming into revolutionaries during their nation’s struggle for independence from British rule in the 1920s. Their bond undergoes a transformation throughout the years, earning them legendary esteem within their community. The film was highly acclaimed for its intricate action sequences brimming with pulse-pounding stunts that captivated cinema audiences. Though the political aspects of the movie are debatable at times, it’s undeniable that its grandeur reaches an impressive pinnacle during the climactic scenes.

2025-04-21 00:49