7 Essential Films Of Indian Cinema

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Naalu Pennungal (2007) 

This is an anthology film directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan based on four short stories written by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai. The film tells the stories of four women who interact and negotiate their space within a small community in Kerala's Alappuzha district. 

Lagaan (2001) 

This iconic film directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, is the story of a small village in India and how they won a bet over the British Raj. Bhuvan, a young local accepts the challenge of Captain Andrew Russell to beat his team in a game of cricket on the terms that his village would be exempted from paying taxes for the next three years.

Harishchandrachi Factory (2009) 

This is a biographical film written and directed by Paresh Mokashi. It tells the story of  Dadasaheb Phalke, who made the first Indian feature film Raja Harishchandra (1913) and the struggle and the story behind its production.

Mahanagar (1963) 

This is a drama film written and directed by Satyajit Ray, based on the short story Abataranika by Narendranath Mitra. It tells the story of a housewife who takes up the job of a door-to-door saleswoman to help provide for their family’s budget in the city.  

Bulbul Can Sing (2018) 

This is a drama film directed by Rima Das, about a young girl and her friends who are finding their identities in a patriarchal Assamese village. They face an unforeseen situation which helps them grow, and learn to deal with love and loss. 

Bombay (1995) 

This is a romantic drama film, written and directed by Mani Ratnam. The film tells the story of a Hindu man and Muslim woman who fall in love. They move to Bombay and unfortunately get involved in the riots during the demolition of the Babri Masjid. 

Swades (2004)

This is a drama directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, telling the story of  Mohan, a NASA scientist. Mohan returns to India after many years to track down his childhood caretaker, Kaveri Amma. During his stay in the village, he finds himself feeling the push to get involved with his country and its people.

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