As a cinephile with a heart for meaningful cinema, I must say that each of these films has left an indelible impression on me and resonated deeply with my beliefs about societal change.
This year, the Indian film industry churns out a variety of movies, from laugh-out-loud comedies to pulse-pounding action flicks, heart-stopping horrors, and more. Each one is designed purely for entertainment, but some not only offer an enjoyable experience, but also spark thought-provoking conversations. In this article, we delve into seven remarkable films on Netflix that have left a lasting impression.
7 best films on Netflix that gave the audience food for thought:
1. Pad Man
- Star cast: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
- Movie genre: Comedy/Drama
- Year of release: 2018
- Director: R Balki
The film “Pad Man” tells the true story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, a social activist and entrepreneur, who bravely challenged societal norms and taboos surrounding menstruation to create affordable sanitary pads. These pads aimed to improve the health and safety of women in rural communities. The movie, starring Akshay Kumar, was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, and it even received the National Film Award for Best Film on social issues.
2. Laapataa Ladies
- Star cast: Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam, Ravi Kishan
- IMDb rating: 8.4/10
- Movie genre: Comedy/Drama
- Year of release: 2023
- Director: Kiran Rao
Following in this list of impactful Netflix films that resonated deeply is Kiran Rao’s second directorial work, titled “Laapataa Ladies.” This captivating story follows the misfortunes of two newlywed brides, delving into themes such as education, a woman’s pursuit of her aspirations, the authenticity of rural life in India, and society’s archaic views on women. After this Oscar 2025-nominated masterpiece became available for streaming on OTT platforms, viewers worldwide were spellbound and left pondering: What direction are we moving towards today?
3. Darlings
- Star cast: Alia Bhatt, Shefali Shah, Vijay Varma, Roshan Mathew
- IMDb rating: 6.61/0
- Movie genre: Dark comedy/ Thriller
- Year of release: 2022
- Director: Jasmeet K. Reen
Under the patronage of Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, Darlings tells the story of two women navigating through abusive relationships and discovering love in unexpected corners. In a heartwarming finale, we witness these women successfully letting go of the weight of their troubled marriages, which they had been trying to salvage due to societal expectations. The radiant smiles on their faces at the end speak volumes!
4. Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
- Star cast: Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar, Divyendu Sharma, Anupam Kher
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
- Movie genre: Comedy/Romance
- Year of release: 2017
- Director: Shree Narayan Singh
“Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” is another movie that tackles social issues, focusing on eliminating open defecation and enhancing sanitation in rural communities. The film effectively stirred discussions about the importance of having toilets at home by telling a heartwarming story of a man standing up against traditional obstacles to provide his wife with a toilet at their home.
5. Mimi
- Star cast: Kriti Sanon, Pankaj Tripathi, Sai Tamhankar, Manoj Pahwa, Supriya Pathak
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
- Movie genre: Comedy/Drama
- Year of release: 2021
- Director: Laxman Utekar
Kriti Sanon’s performance as Mimi, a surrogate, showed a U.S. couple that motherhood encompasses more than just genetic connections. Furthermore, it depicted how a woman alone chose to embrace her son, who was expected to be born with disabilities, even before his birth, when everyone else rejected him. This heartwarming drama resonated deeply with viewers and eventually earned two National Film Awards.
6. Gangubai Kathiawadi
- Star cast: Alia Bhatt, Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz, Indira Tiwari, Seema Pahwa, Jim Sarbh, Ajay Devgn
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10
- Movie genre: Biography/Crime
- Year of release: 2022
- Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Alia Bhatt’s character in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s epic portrayal, Gangubai Kathiawadi, tells the tale of a madam who ran a brothel, eventually transforming into a powerful figure in the underworld as circumstances forced her to stand up for justice for her fellow women. Having been tricked and sold into prostitution herself, this young woman bravely strives to assert control over society to prevent others from experiencing the same fate she endured.
7. A Wednesday!
- Star cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Sheirgill, Aamir Bashir, Deepal Shaw
- IMDb rating: 8.1/10
- Movie genre: Suspense, Mystery
- Year of release: 2008
- Director: Neeraj Pandey
On a typical Wednesday, the film depicted an ordinary citizen’s incredible impact when he refuses to be swayed by governmental influence. In this movie, a police officer on the verge of retirement recalls an extraordinary day that still lingers in his thoughts. He emphasized that although he recognized the identity of the mysterious caller, he was astonished by the resilience and determination of the common man, which served as a profound reminder to him about the power one person holds to reform society.
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2024-10-15 13:09