Top 10 Best Indian Documentaries to Watch
Indian documentaries have carved a niche in global cinema, bringing forth untold stories and offering profound insights into the country’s rich tapestry of cultures, socio-political issues, and inspiring individuals. From powerful explorations of societal challenges to breathtaking journeys through India’s diverse landscapes, these documentaries not only educate but also provoke thought and action. Here is a curated list of the top 10 Indian documentaries that are a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of India’s multifaceted reality.
Top 10 Best Indian Documentaries to Watch
1. India’s Daughter (2015)
Directed by: Leslee Udwin
Synopsis: “India’s Daughter” delves into the harrowing 2012 Delhi gang rape case, which sparked massive outrage and protests across India. This documentary sheds light on the incident, the cultural attitudes towards women, and the broader implications for gender equality in India. Despite being banned in India, it has been lauded internationally for its unflinching portrayal of systemic issues around gender violence.
2. The White Helmets (2016)
Directed by: Orlando von Einsiedel
Synopsis: While not an Indian documentary by origin, “The White Helmets” resonates with universal themes of bravery and humanity. It follows the Syrian Civil Defense volunteers, known as the White Helmets, who risk their lives to rescue civilians from the rubble of bombed buildings. This documentary is a tribute to human resilience, which finds parallel sentiments in several Indian documentaries that chronicle the spirit of survival amidst chaos.
3. Wild Karnataka (2020)
Directed by: Amoghavarsha and Kalyan Varma
Synopsis: Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, “Wild Karnataka” showcases the astonishing biodiversity of the Indian state of Karnataka. Featuring stunning visuals of the region’s wildlife, from elusive big cats to majestic elephants, this documentary is a visual treat that highlights India’s rich natural heritage and the urgent need for conservation efforts.
4. Period. End of Sentence (2018)
Directed by: Rayka Zehtabchi
Synopsis: This Oscar-winning short documentary focuses on the stigma surrounding menstruation in rural India. It tells the story of women in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, who learn to manufacture low-cost sanitary pads, empowering themselves and breaking taboos. “Period. End of Sentence” is a powerful statement on women’s rights and the need for menstrual hygiene awareness.
5. An Insignificant Man (2016)
Directed by: Khushboo Ranka and Vinay Shukla
Synopsis: Chronicling the rise of Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party, “An Insignificant Man” provides a riveting look into Indian politics from the perspective of a grassroots movement. The documentary captures the anti-corruption protests that galvanized the nation and offers an insider’s view of the trials and tribulations of starting a political revolution.
6. I Am Not Your Negro (2016)
Directed by: Raoul Peck
Synopsis: While focusing on racial issues in the United States, “I Am Not Your Negro” resonates globally, including in India, with its exploration of systemic discrimination. This documentary, based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about race, identity, and equality that are universally applicable, including in the Indian context.
7. Katiyabaaz (Powerless) (2013)
Directed by: Deepti Kakkar and Fahad Mustafa
Synopsis: “Katiyabaaz” explores the electricity crisis in Kanpur, where power theft and frequent outages create a battleground between a local electricity thief and a government official determined to bring change. This gripping documentary highlights the complexities of urban India’s infrastructure challenges and the socio-economic disparities that fuel them.
8. The World Before Her (2012)
Directed by: Nisha Pahuja
Synopsis: This documentary contrasts the lives of women participating in the Miss India beauty pageant with those in a Hindu nationalist training camp. “The World Before Her” is a compelling exploration of the diverse and often conflicting paths available to Indian women today, questioning societal norms and expectations in modern India.
9. Daughters of Destiny (2017)
Directed by: Vanessa Roth
Synopsis: A four-part Netflix series, “Daughters of Destiny” follows the lives of five girls from India’s most impoverished families who attend the Shanti Bhavan school. The documentary captures their journey over seven years, highlighting the transformative power of education and the ongoing struggle against caste-based discrimination.
10. Fire in the Blood (2013)
Directed by: Dylan Mohan Gray
Synopsis: “Fire in the Blood” is an eye-opening documentary that uncovers the international pharmaceutical industry’s role in denying affordable AIDS medications to developing countries, including India. It is a powerful narrative of how Western greed and patent monopolies resulted in millions of preventable deaths, and how activists fought back to save lives.
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