The Indian film industry had a remarkable year in 2024, showcasing its diversity and storytelling skills like never before. For the first time in many years, global audiences are beginning to recognize that Indian cinema is more than just colorful musicals. This year, several smaller films made their mark at prestigious international festivals, proving that Indian filmmakers can tell compelling stories beyond the usual action-packed dramas or religious epics. Despite this success, many acclaimed films struggled to find distribution within India, while mainstream Bollywood films often played in empty theaters. Independent filmmakers frequently depended on foreign funding to bring their projects to life. This situation is bittersweet but suggests that the industry may evolve as it faces challenges from within.
Director Kiran Rao’s film Laapataa Ladies kicked off a significant shift in late 2023, leading to the release of other notable films like Santosh, Girls Will Be Girls, and the acclaimed All We Imagine as Light. Payal Kapadia’s film not only made it to the main competition at Cannes but also won the festival’s second-highest award. These films provided a refreshing contrast to the outdated themes often seen in mainstream cinema. They focused on everyday people, exploring their dreams and aspirations while reflecting on societal issues and changes. Here are the ten best Indian films of the year, listed in alphabetical order.
Director Anand Ekarshi’s film Aattam takes a bold look at the film industry’s response to the #MeToo movement, while also highlighting the complicity of those who enable such behavior. The story revolves around a group of men in a theater troupe who gather to discuss whether one of their own should face consequences for inappropriately touching the only woman in their group, Anjali. This intense drama serves as a powerful commentary on social injustice and cleverly misleads the audience. It’s rare for a film to reveal that its entire setup is a distraction. Aattam is now available for viewing on Prime Video.
Director Sarvnik Kaur’s powerful documentary Against the Tide explores the challenges faced by a fishing community in Maharashtra, focusing on themes like climate change and corporate exploitation. The film follows two friends from the Koli fishing community whose differing beliefs about fishing methods lead to tension in their friendship. As they navigate a deteriorating environment, the documentary highlights the struggle between traditional practices and modern technology.
This film powerfully highlights the strength of individuals who stand up against significant challenges. In a year Indian cinema has gained international recognition, Against the Tide emphasizes the vital role of documentary filmmakers in telling important stories. It is currently available for streaming on MUBI.
Payal Kapadia’s award-winning film All We Imagine as Light explores the theme of loneliness in a bustling city through the lives of three working-class women in Mumbai. The film is beautifully shot and tells a poignant story, featuring a standout performance by Divya Prabha, who brings depth to her character, embodying both sorrow and hope. This narrative delves into the ambitions of Indian women and the sacrifices they make to achieve their dreams. Ultimately, it focuses on themes of rediscovery and redemption, which resonate deeply in cinema. Currently, All We Imagine as Light does not have a streaming platform.
Director Imtiaz Ali’s captivating biopic Amar Singh Chamkila features a standout performance by Diljit Dosanjh, bringing to life the story of the renowned Punjabi folk singer who was tragically killed. The film is creatively structured as a musical, blending elements of traditional Hindi cinema with the vibrant flair of Broadway. Through this unique format, Ali addresses significant issues like censorship, social inequality, and the impact of storytelling on society. Amar Singh Chamkila is now available to stream on Netflix.
The Malayalam horror film Bramayugam, directed by Rahul Sadasivan, draws inspiration from various filmmakers, including Andrei Tarkovsky and Christopher Nolan, as well as Gothic horror from the 1940s. Shot in striking black and white, the film pays homage to classics like Nosferatu and the Universal Monsters. Despite its vintage influences, the film addresses pressing contemporary issues such as caste conflict and the moral decay caused by humans in the name of religion.
The narrative centers around a fishing community in 17th-century Kerala, where two friends navigate their struggles against societal injustices. The film effectively blends traditional horror elements with a deeper commentary on social issues, making it both visually captivating and thematically relevant. Bramayugam is currently available for streaming on SonyLIV.
In her debut film Girls Will Be Girls, director Shuchi Talati skillfully balances different tones to create an unconventional coming-of-age story. The film features a standout performance by Preeti Panigrahi as Mira, whose journey shifts from a sweet love story to a darker narrative. Set in a strict boarding school in the Himalayas, it explores complex themes like parent-child dynamics, the challenges of growing up, and the loneliness many women face, similar to All We Imagine as Light. This thought-provoking drama will be available for streaming on Prime Video.
Director Vasan Bala’s film Jigra offers a fresh take on familiar Hindi cinema themes, but it has received mixed reviews and struggled at the box office. Starring Alia Bhatt in a standout role, the movie blends Bollywood’s sentimental storytelling with Bala’s unique style. The plot follows a young woman named Satya, who devises a daring plan to free her brother Ankur from prison after he is wrongfully convicted.
The film culminates in an impressive jailbreak sequence, showcasing both action and emotion, while Manoj Pahwa delivers a memorable supporting performance. Despite its challenges, Jigra has the potential to become a cult favorite among audiences. It is now available on Netflix.
Director PS Vinothraj’s film Kottukkaali takes a bold stance against the oppression of women, contrasting sharply with many mainstream filmmakers who often contribute to this silence under the guise of progressive storytelling. The narrative follows Meena, a young woman portrayed by Anna Ben in an outstanding performance, who is taken by her family to an exorcist because they believe she is possessed for loving a man from a lower caste.
Meena serves as the moral center of the film, embodying silent resistance and simmering anger against societal norms. Her character speaks only one line throughout the movie, which emphasizes her defiance rather than her victimization. The film delves into the complexities of parent-child relationships and the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society.
Director Chidambaram’s Malayalam film Manjummel Boys has become a massive success, marking a historic milestone as the highest-grossing film in the industry. The story revolves around brotherhood and the idea that people should help each other instead of waiting for divine intervention. This survival drama is expertly crafted, with exceptional performances, writing, and cinematography that showcase the creativity of the Malayalam film industry.
The plot follows a group of friends from Manjummel who embark on a trip to Kodaikanal. Their adventure takes a dangerous turn when one of them falls into a deep pit known as the Devil’s Kitchen while exploring restricted areas of the Guna Caves. The film highlights their determination to rescue their friend, demonstrating the strength of their bonds. Manjummel Boys is now on Disney+ Hotstar.
Dibakar Banerjee’s film Tees is arguably his most ambitious project to date. Spanning multiple generations, it tackles issues like the marginalization of minorities, the subtle dangers of censorship, and the influential role of art. This genre-blending narrative is a fable that deserves all the support it can get to be seen. The film showcases a remarkable performance by Manisha Koirala, alongside a talented ensemble cast, and embodies a spirit of resilience akin to that of a cockroach.
Tees explores the intersection of integrity and indignation, reflecting Banerjee’s commitment to these themes. Unfortunately, despite its potential, the film remains unreleased after being dropped by Netflix, leaving its future uncertain.
