The Finest Reels: The Top 10 Must-Watch Indian Movies!
1. Dangal
8.4
Dangal is a critically acclaimed Indian biographical sports drama film released in 2016. It is based on the true story of Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat, who become wrestling champions despite societal challenges. The film explores themes of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Pros
- Powerful and inspiring story based on real-life events
- Strong performances by the lead actors, particularly Aamir Khan
Cons
- The pacing of the movie may feel slow for some viewers
- Some portions of the film may seem predictable to avid moviegoers
Conclusion: Dangal is a must-watch film that combines a compelling story, exceptional performances, and important social themes. It deserves its high rating and is highly recommended for those who appreciate inspiring true stories and engaging storytelling.
2. 3 Idiots
8.4
3 Idiots is a Bollywood comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani. It tells the story of three engineering students who form a deep bond during their college years and navigate through the pressures and expectations of society. The film explores themes of friendship, pursuing one’s passion, and the flaws in the Indian education system.
Pros
- Engaging and entertaining storyline that keeps the audience hooked throughout the film.
- Strong performances by the cast, especially Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi, who bring their characters to life.
Cons
- Slightly lengthy runtime, which may test the patience of some viewers.
- Some comedic elements may not resonate with international audiences due to cultural differences.
Conclusion: 3 Idiots is a must-watch film that combines comedy, drama, and social commentary in a refreshing and entertaining way. It not only highlights important issues in the education system but also emphasizes the value of true friendship and following one’s passion. With its heartfelt performances and engaging storyline, this film is a crowd-pleaser that will leave you entertained and inspired.
3. Taare Zameen Par
8.4
Taare Zameen Par, also known as Like Stars on Earth, is a Hindi-language film directed by Aamir Khan. The film tells the story of Ishaan, an eight-year-old boy who struggles with dyslexia and is misunderstood by his parents and teachers. It explores the importance of recognizing and nurturing the unique talents of children, rather than judging them solely based on academic performance.
Pros
- Tackles an important issue: Taare Zameen Par addresses the issue of dyslexia and highlights the struggles faced by children with this learning disability. The film raises awareness about the importance of understanding and supporting children with special needs.
- Emotionally compelling: Through its heartwarming story and powerful performances, Taare Zameen Par manages to tug at the heartstrings of the audience. It offers a touching and emotional journey that resonates with viewers of all ages.
Cons
- Pacing issues: Some viewers may feel that the film’s pacing is slow, especially in the initial portions. The focus on the protagonist’s struggles and his relationship with his art teacher may feel prolonged for some.
- Overly dramatic at times: While the film effectively portrays the emotional journey of the protagonist, it occasionally veers towards melodrama. Certain scenes and dialogues may come across as exaggerated and overly sentimental.
Conclusion: Taare Zameen Par is a compelling and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the issue of dyslexia and challenges faced by children with learning disabilities. It successfully showcases the power of understanding, compassion, and nurturing in helping children reach their full potential. Despite a few pacing and melodrama issues, the film’s heartfelt message resonates with viewers and encourages a more inclusive approach towards education and child development.
4. Andhadhun
8.3
Andhadhun is a critically acclaimed Indian thriller film released in 2018. The movie follows the story of a blind pianist who becomes embroiled in a series of mysterious events after witnessing a murder. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Andhadhun stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, and Radhika Apte in lead roles.
Pros
- Engaging and suspenseful storyline
- Brilliant performances by the cast, especially Ayushmann Khurrana and Tabu
Cons
- The pacing of the movie can be slow at times
- Some viewers might find the plot twists to be too unpredictable
Conclusion: Andhadhun is a gripping thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. With stellar performances and a compelling story, it is definitely worth a watch for fans of suspenseful cinema.
5. Drishyam
8.2
Drishyam is a gripping suspense thriller that tells the story of a man named Vijay Salgaonkar, played by Ajay Devgn, who is an ordinary cable operator leading a peaceful life in a small village with his wife and two daughters. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when his daughter accidentally kills the son of a powerful and influential police officer.
Pros
- Strong and compelling performances by the cast, especially Ajay Devgn, who delivers an impressive performance as a father determined to protect his family at all costs.
- Well-crafted screenplay and tight direction that keeps the audience engaged and guessing until the end. The film successfully maintains a high level of tension and suspense throughout.
Cons
- The pacing of the film may feel slow for some viewers, especially in the first half where the story is being set up. However, it is important to note that this slower pacing contributes to the building of tension and suspense.
- The film’s plot may be predictable for those who are familiar with the genre, as it follows some common thriller tropes. However, the execution and the performances elevate the film and make it a compelling watch.
Conclusion: Overall, Drishyam is a must-watch for fans of suspense thrillers. It is a well-crafted film that keeps the audience engaged with its strong performances, tight direction, and gripping storyline. Despite some predictable elements, it manages to deliver an entertaining and suspenseful cinematic experience.
6. Rang De Basanti
8.2
Rang De Basanti is a 2006 Indian drama film directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. The movie follows a group of university students who come together to make a documentary about India’s freedom fighters. The film explores themes of patriotism, corruption, and the power of youth in bringing about social change.
Pros
- An engaging and thought-provoking storyline that blends the past and present seamlessly.
- Strong performances by the ensemble cast, including Aamir Khan, Siddharth, and Soha Ali Khan.
Cons
- The film can be emotionally intense and may not be suitable for sensitive viewers.
- Some viewers may find the movie’s ending to be ambiguous or open-ended.
Conclusion: Rang De Basanti is a powerful and impactful film that explores important themes and showcases the power of youth in bringing about change. While it may not be suitable for all viewers due to its intense and emotional content, it is definitely a must-watch for those interested in Indian cinema and social issues.
7. Gangs of Wasseypur
8.2/10
Gangs of Wasseypur is an epic crime movie directed by Anurag Kashyap. It is divided into two parts and spans over several decades, portraying the multi-generational saga of violence, revenge, and power struggles in the small town of Wasseypur in Bihar, India. The story primarily revolves around the rivalry between two families, the Khans and the Qureshis, and their involvement in the coal mafia.
Pros
- The movie has a compelling and gripping storyline that keeps the audience hooked throughout. It explores themes of revenge, loyalty, and family dynamics in a gritty and realistic manner.
- The performances by the ensemble cast, which includes Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Richa Chadda, and Huma Qureshi, are top-notch. Each actor brings their character to life with strong and impactful performances.
Cons
- The movie’s runtime is quite long, with a total duration of more than five hours when combined both parts. This might be a challenge for viewers who prefer shorter films.
- Some scenes in the movie can be quite intense and violent, which may not be suitable for all viewers. The movie contains instances of strong language, gore, and graphic violence.
Conclusion: Gangs of Wasseypur is a must-watch for fans of crime and gangster movies. It has gained a cult following for its engaging storyline, powerful performances, and realistic portrayal of the crime-ridden world of Wasseypur. However, viewers should be prepared for the movie’s long runtime and intense scenes. Overall, it is a memorable cinematic experience that showcases the talents of Anurag Kashyap as a director and the brilliance of the cast.
8. Dil Chahta Hai
8.2/10
Dil Chahta Hai is a 2001 Indian coming-of-age film directed by Farhan Akhtar. The film follows the lives of three close friends – Akash, Sameer, and Siddharth – as they navigate through relationships, career choices, and personal growth. It is a refreshing and realistic portrayal of friendship and the challenges that come with adulthood.
Pros
- The film’s script is well-written, capturing the essence of friendships and the complexities of love and relationships.
- The performances by the lead actors – Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshaye Khanna – are exceptional, bringing their characters to life with depth and authenticity.
Cons
- The pacing of the film may feel slow at times, as it focuses more on the emotional journey of the characters rather than relying on big plot twists or action sequences.
- The film’s music, while enjoyable, may not have the same mass appeal as some other Bollywood movies, as it leans more towards the realistic and introspective nature of the story.
Conclusion: Dil Chahta Hai is a must-watch film for anyone interested in realistic portrayals of friendship and personal growth. With strong performances and a well-written script, it stands as a landmark in Indian cinema.
9. Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India
8.1
Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India is an epic sports drama film directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, released in 2001. The film stars Aamir Khan in the lead role and follows the story of a group of villagers in British-ruled India who are burdened with excessive taxes, but find hope and unity through a game of cricket.
Pros
- Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India features a captivating storyline that combines history, romance, and sports, making it a unique and engaging film.
- The film showcases exceptional performances by the cast, particularly Aamir Khan, who delivers a powerful and memorable portrayal of the protagonist.
Cons
- The runtime of the film is quite long, with a duration of over three hours, which can be a challenge for viewers with a shorter attention span.
- Some viewers may find the cricket match sequences in the film to be too lengthy and repetitive, as they take up a significant portion of the screen time.
Conclusion: Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India is a must-watch film for fans of sports dramas and historical epics. It offers a compelling story, impressive performances, and a unique blend of genres. While its lengthy runtime and cricket match sequences may not appeal to everyone, the overall impact of the film makes it a worthwhile experience.
10. PK Movie
8.2
PK is a Hindi comedy-drama film directed by Rajkumar Hirani. It stars Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, and Sushant Singh Rajput in the lead roles. The movie follows the story of an alien who lands on Earth and questions the religious practices and beliefs of the people. It explores the themes of faith, spirituality, and the power of questioning. PK received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking storyline, strong performances, and social commentary. It was also a commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
Pros
- Powerful social commentary on religious practices and beliefs
- Strong performances, especially by Aamir Khan
Cons
- Some may find the humor too slapstick
- The storyline may be too controversial for conservative viewers
Conclusion: PK is a thought-provoking and entertaining film that challenges societal norms and beliefs. With stellar performances and a powerful social message, it is definitely worth watching for those looking for a thought-provoking movie experience.