The Best Films About India

A visit to India can be a harsh assault on all senses; the colour, noise, sights and smells are overwhelming and hard to take in. As such, when visiting for a short amount of time it can be hard to feel really connected to the country and as though you fully understand the culture and the people. For those looking to delve deeper into everyday life in this incredible country a number of films have been made that depict what it’s been like to live in different eras, areas and throughout India’s history.

Lion – Lion explores the poignant, heart wrenching true story of a child from Kolkata who falls asleep on a train and get separated from his family. The story follows the child’s life as he grows up follows the unexpected path his life follows. A personal favourite! Watch it on Amazon Prime.

Ghandi – Probably the most famous Indian film of all time. Ghandi depicting the carnage and violence that occurred during the struggle for Colonial independence and after affects once it was achieved. Available on Amazon Prime.

Lagaan – Rated in the 100 best movies of world cinema and the first Indian film to win an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Movie in 2002. Lagaan follows the story of the inhabitants of the small Gujarati town who find themselves burned by unfairly high taxes imposed by the British Captain at the local cantonment. When the arrogant British officer wagers a game of cricket to avoid the taxes for the following three years, Aamir Khan accepts on behalf of the entire province. The story follows the next three months as, with the help of the Captain’s sister, the locals train to win the game. Watch it on Netflix.

Slumdog Millionaire – Directed by Danny Boyle this is the British drama and love story based on true life events that revealed the reality and horrors of living on the streets of Mumbai to millions of English people. Slumdog Millionaire won 8 Oscars and despite depicting a horrific portrayal of Indian slums it’s also an evocative story of rags to riches, love and hope.

Deewaar – one of the most quoted Indian Bollywood films of all time. Watch it on Amazon.

Passage to India - The Passage to India tells the story of the misunderstanding over an attempted rate. Filmed in 1983 and directed by David Lean, (The Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia) this is a hard-hitting, thought-provoking drama. Watch it on Amazon Prime.

 The Lunch Box – a charming and unique love story set amid the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. Watch it on Amazon Prime.

The Namesake - a touching and emotional movie based on the Pulitzer prize-winning book of the same name written by Jhumpa Lari. The Namesake is about a man who returns to Kolkata to discover the meaning and truth behind his family’s surname in order to feel more connected to his Indian origins. Available to watch on Amazon Prime.

Barfi – Predominantly filmed in the stunning hillsides of Darjeeling, Barfi is an uplifting and optimistic film based on the character Barfi, who despite being born def only ever sees the good in people. A wonderfully positive, feel-good watch. Watch it on Amazon Prime.