Best Indian Films that Foreigners Should Not Miss Out – Part 1

Do you love watching movies from different corners of the globe? Well, we all love watching Hollywood movies that are made in the United States and sometimes even in the UK and Canada, but there are some brilliant moviemakers around the world. Let me be very honest here, Indian movies are different from Hollywood flicks in every way. Of course, the budget of Indian films is almost one-tenth or even less than the Hollywood movies, so comparing Hollywood movies with Indian films won’t be the right thing to do. However, there is a lot more difference when it comes to stories and the way movies are made here in India.

Before I focus on the top movies that you should watch, let me first give you a quick outline of what I think about Hindi movies. I am a movie buff, so I watch every movie from old classics of 50s to the latest mainstream Hindi movies. If you have never ever watched a Hindi movie or an Indian movie in your lifetime, let me tell you that a majority of these movies are purely entertainment. Even if the production values are high and some big banner is producing the movie, chances are that the script value is missing. The emphasis is purely on entertainment, so most of the top grossing movies and award winning movies are mindless flicks where hero is chivalrous, protective and over the top guy who can sing, dance, fight, cry, laugh, and protect his loved ones. I believe Indian films back in 50s, 60s and 70s were far superior in terms of script, even though they lack technological advancement. The story would have some social message that was bothering the nation at large and the emphasis was more on the craft and story-telling.

I strongly believe that Indian filmmakers today are more concerned about how much money they make, but there are moviemakers that churn out some extremely good movies that international movies can watch and relate. Since I am a movie maniac and I have friends across the globe, I thought it would be a great idea to bring out a list of movies that my international friends can watch. Some movies that share stories from my part of the world and offering top quality entertainment value in every sense.

Below, I have added posters, trailers which I have hand-picked from different trailers that are available especially for international audience and links to other international reviews, so you can browse further. I would also request readers to experience these videos in full screen to get a better experience or at least click on YouTube logo so that you can switch to YouTube window and watch it over there. Movies are enjoyable on a bigger screen.

Queen – 2014

iMDB Rating – 9/10

Queen Poster

It’s a male dominated world, but Queen that has released just a month ago displays some great maturity in the Indian film industry. It is quite surprising that a women-oriented movie has done so well and has been received positively. Well, Queen is not about Queen Elizabeth, but the story revolves around a local Delhi girl name Rani (Rani means Queen in Hindi language) who hails from a traditional family. The movie starts off with her being nervous and excited about her marriage like every other girl in the world dreaming about how her marriage life would be and what the future holds, but in the middle of all that her marriage dreams are shattered when the guy decides to cancel the marriage. Depressed and utterly disappointed with her life, Rani decides to continue her life, but only after she goes for a solo honeymoon to Paris which she had planned. Life changes when she goes for her solo honeymoon and she meets many people on the way that offer her a new vision and she gradually learns about what life is all about. This coming-of-age movie is a must watch for every girl, not just in India, but universally. The movie is funny, thoughtful and a learning experience not just for girls, but also for male audiences. Don’t miss this out.

English Vinglish

iMDB Rating – 7.9/10

English Vinglish Poster

Another women-oriented movie which I believe should have been nominated at the Oscars for Best Foreign Film Category is English Vinglish. Directed by Gauri Shinde who makes her directorial debut, this film can be watched many times and you still won’t get bored of it. The movie highlights a day-to-day routine of a typical Indian women who plays her role as a mother, wife and daughter-in-law, but becomes an object of ridicule only because she is not fluent in speaking and comprehending English. The film also highlights how educated Indians are obsessed with English and how they look down upon those who are not equally good at English. Sridevi (top reigning actress of 80s and 90s) makes a wonderful comeback with English Vinglish where she displays a character that is so real and true in every sense. The movie protagonist Shashi (Sridevi) is a typical housewife who is fond of cooking, but often endures small slights from her well-educated husband and daughter. When she is called by her sister who resides in New York for her daughter’s wedding, Shashi gets an opportunity to secretly learn English to regain her confidence and to regain her self-respect. The movie not only shows the plight of Indian women in the Indian society who is often ridiculed despite her sacrifices and effort, but also interestingly displays her transformation as a person as she takes small steps and interact with people from different countries and walks of life struggling in New York. Watch out the video that has lot of dialogues in English, plus sub-titles that will make it easier for you.

Part 2