If you think of India, Bollywood comes to mind. It produces more films in a year than Hollywood, however, these are only Hindi-language films, there is also the Tamil film industry (Kollywood), Telugu film industry (Tollywood) and films on more regional languages. Even though Indian movies are usually neglected due to very different stories, lots of dancing and singing, there are still many good films that deserve to be seen.
Kal Ho Naa Ho (Tomorrow May Never Come), 2003
This story is about a student Naina who meets her new neighbor Aman. This changes both of their lives and a romance blooms. The plot thickens when we find out that Aman can’t marry Naina, he has a secret following him. Aman is played by Shahrukh Khan, who is one of the most famous Indian actors. This dramatic role makes fim high quality Hollywood drama.
Drishyam (Visuals ), 2013
This Indian thriller will capture your attention from the very first few minutes. As the story follows a family and a mysterious blackmailer who tries to disgrace Anju, daughter of Rani and George Kutty. The events take an unexpected turn and the murder is investigated. Can you guess where the body is and who is the real murder? It’s for you to solve…
My Name Is Khan, 2010
This film was popular not only in India, but also in the US where the story unwraps. The main drama happens in San Francisco where the main character moves from India to join his relatives. He falls in love, gets in trouble and starts a journey to meet the President of the United States. The main role once again was played by Shahrukh Khan who depicted a person with Asperger syndrome very well.
Kannathil Muthamittal (A Peck on the Cheek ), 2002
Indian movies are often described as musical dramas with happy endings. This movie takes the best of both but adds a serious topic – war. The story starts in Sri Lanka where a couple tries to run away from civil war. When arriving to India, the wife has to give up her newborn daughter to a new family to go back and find her husband. The story then follows 9-year old Amudha who tries to find her mother.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (Something… Something Happens ), 1998
Tina and Rahul seem to be in a happy marriage, however, Tina is destined to die while giving birth to their daughter. Before dying, Tina gives 8 letters for her daughter to Rahul’s mother. As time passes by, now 8 year old daughter Anjali tries to make the life of Rahul better. There is drama and there is joy. This movie is still popular even 20 years after its release.
Guzaarish (Wish), 2010
Euthanasia is one of the topics which is recently being discussed in many movies. The main character Ethan is a Radio DJ who’s paralyzed for the past 14 years. On the anniversary of his accident he makes a decision which surprises all of his friends.
3 Idiots, 2009
3 Idiots is a great comedy-drama which follows the life of three engineering students who feel the pressure of society in Indian education. Friends are challenged with personal drama and struggles of graduation. The film has become very popular in India making some social impact on education and becoming one of the most grossing films at the time.
