My top favourite 25 Indian Movies of last 25 years (2000 – 2024)

25 years have gone ever since new millennium is born. A quarter of a century has gone. So, here is the list of my top favourite 25 films/film series which I watched between 2000 and 2024. The list is purely based on my favourite choices; the films which directly got connected with me some way or some reason, and some of them are really nostalgic for me. It’s not a critic choice of the best Indian movies of last 25 years, but purely a list of personal choices, based on the commercial movies I watched in all south Indian languages and Bollywood. So, I can’t include any other language in my list. To add, I listed the sequel movies together, and remakes too. It’s my personal choice, after all. It’s a random list, without ranking the films.

1. Baahubali Series (2015 & 2017) directed by S. S. Rajamouli

No doubt, Baahubali: The Beginning will be the popular choice for the best movie of the past 25 years. This Telugu movie, released in different languages was the first south Indian movie to get a wide pan India appeal. The movie became a benchmark in Indian filmmaking, and it’s not that easy to make another movie to this scale. Maybe only Rajamouli can make something better in future. That’s his vision in filmmaking. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion – the concluding part though couldn’t match the standards in storytelling, it was a good sequel. The movie series starred Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ramya Krishna, Sathyaraj, Nassar and Rana Daggubati, playing key roles, and the series chronicles the life of prince Bahubali in two parts. Most probably, it’s the best series ever made in Telugu cinema.

2. RRR (2022) directed by S. S. Rajamouli

Roudram Ranam Rudhiram, shortly called RRR is a deadly combo of three R’s – Rajamouli, Ram Charan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr. The movie was just spectacular to watch, and the way each character was neatly written and presented, hats off to S. S. Rajamouli and his team. The movie’s timeline was pre-independent era, where a fictional friendship story was told about two Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem, though they never met in real time as per records. It was the first Telugu film to receive nominations at the Golden Globe Awards and also the first Indian film to win Best Original Song at Oscars.

3. Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) & Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) directed by Rajkumar Hirani

Though there is no continuity between these two Bollywood films and both can be considered as two entirely different films, there is one thing in common in the lead two characters – Munna Bhai and Circuit, played by Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warshi, their most popular roles up-to-date. Both parts share good social message. Munna Bhai MBBS was the debut work of Rajkumar Hirani. I like both the movies and it’s a hard choice to choose the best. Only thing I can say is Munna Bhai is the best sequels ever made in Hindi cinema.

4. Alai Payuthey (2000) directed by Mani Ratnam

When I look back to last 25 years, this movie can never miss my list. This Tamil movie is so special to me, so is its music by A. R. Rahman-Vairamuthu team. The movie was the first lead role of Madhavan but the last theatre release of Shalini, before she got married to Ajith Kumar and got settled with family life. Train scenes is so common in Mani Ratnam films, and this movie also have some iconic romantic train scenes. The movie is more about how marriage is not the bed of roses as everyone imagine to be, and how to deal with the indifference and conflicts between newly wedded love pair. The movie’s Hindi remake Saathiya was also a commercial hit, with Shah Rukh Khan playing a surprising cameo. Yet the original movie is something special, especially the music.

5. Nandanam (2002) directed by Ranjith

This Malayalam movie is so close to my heart, so is the lead character Balamani, the ardent Krishna devotee. Sometimes I feel I am Balamani, because of my devotion towards Krishna. When I look back to past quarter century, I am not saying Nandanam is a great movie. It’s not necessary that a movie is to be greatly crafted or neatly made without flaws, to find a place in your heart. If you can relate to the characters, events or even their dreams and ambitions, you will feel like it’s a version of yourself playing on big screen.

The movie tells the story of a poor maid, who comes to Thrissur to visit the famous Guruvayur temple but she had to face hurdles every time. When the movie was released, I had not visited Guruvayur temple till then, and it was my desire to visit the temple. That’s why I got connected to its story instantly. Nandanam was the second release of actor Prithviraj though it was the first film he acted. Navya Nair played Balamani’s role. The movie’s end twist was a great surprise for all Krishna devotees. I don’t want to spoil it here. Go and watch the film. You can enjoy some good music too, with most songs dedicated to Krishna.

6. Paan Singh Tomar (2012) directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia

Irrfan Khan’s performance in the titular role directly hit my soul and I am his die-hard fan ever since I watched this Hindi film. Most probably Paan Singh Tomar will find a place in my top 10 list and so is Irrfan’s performance. In my opinion, it’s the performance of the decade. No wonder this Bollywood film won Best Feature and Best Actor at the 60th National Film Awards. Paan Singh Tomar is a biopic of an athlete who wins gold medals at the Indian National Games seven times in a row, but is forced to become a dacoit following the situations arise in his life.

7. The Lunch Box (2013) directed by Ritesh Batra

Another Irrfan Khan film I would like to add to my list. This Hindi film is everyone’s favourite. A good feel film, The Lunch Box beautifully tells the tale of how a mistaken delivery in Mumbai’s lunchbox delivery system connects two persons, and how two hearts are exchanged along with lunchbox without seeing each other. Nimrat Kaur played the role of a middle-class housewife which was totally different from the roles she did till then. Here, I would like to mention one more film about lunch box. This movie is also close to my heart, Stanley Ka Dabba. The movie is about a boy who doesn’t carry lunchbox to school, and when the reason is revealed, it breaks my heart. Its climax is heart touching and still stays in my heart.

8. Drishyam Series (2013 & 2021, 2015 & 2022) directed by Jeethu Joseph, Nishikant Kamat and Abhishek Pathak

The movie, originally made in Malayalam has been remade into multiple languages and registered box office success too. Sequel of Mohanlal starrer was released in OTT during pandemic, yet received rave reviews. Here I would like to mention Mohanlal and Ajay Devgn movies only. I haven’t watched any other remakes, not even Kamal Hassan’s Papanasam. The first part was inspired by The Devotion of Suspect X, a Japanese novel written by Keigo Higashino. A Bollywood film has been remade recently based on the same idea, Kareena Kapoor starrer Jaane Jaan. Jeethu Joseph directed both the parts of Malayalam original while Hindi remakes was directed by Nishikant Kamat and Abhishek Pathak. Also read: Top Malayalam movies remade to Hindi.

9. Anniyan (2005) directed by Shankar

This movie was way ahead of times when it was made, and director S. Shankar used the latest technology to produce the film on a large scale. He didn’t compromise with film budget too, and the end result was masterpiece. Anniyan gave super stardom to Chiyaan Vikram, and this movie and the triple kind of role played by him has a separate fan base across India. The movie was a huge hit in Hindi belt when its dubbed version titled Aparichit was aired on television. The story idea of this Tamil-language psychological action thriller was fresh at the time of release. It tells the story of Ramanujam, a calm guy who suffers from multiple personality disorder, yet not aware of it. The movie explores different punishments told in ‘Garuda Purana’ and execute them too. All the songs beautifully film by Shankar were huge chartbusters.

10. 3 Idiots (2009) directed by Rajkumar Hirani

Hirani is the best Bollywood director of past two decades or so, and to meet his standards is not so easy. 3 Idiots which criticizes present education system in a humorous way is everyone’s favourite. The movie is an adapted work of famous book – Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat. It was Bhagat’s first book to be adapted on big screen. The movie starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani, Madhavan and Sharman Joshi shattered all box office records till then.

11. Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012) directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan

If you are a fan of black comedy, you should not miss this beautiful film. In this film you can see grooming Vijay Sethupathy. It was NKPK, which established the career of Sethupathy who was struggling with extra roles till then. This movie along with Pizza and Sundarapandian put his name among A-listed actors of Tamil cinema, and there was no turning back after that. He delivered hits one after another, and now he is doing films across languages and has a Pan India appeal. In fact, I had a small break in watching Tamil films because of busy life, and this movie which I watched with less expectations, brought my interest back to Tamil films once again. Then I started watching all his films one after another, and later other actors’ films as well. I am a regular viewer of Tamil films since then. Thanks to Vijay Sethupathy.

The movie was so funny, and the way Vijay delivered dialogues, I couldn’t stop laughing for hours and days. That time itself I realized, this actor has great potential and he didn’t let go my expectations. This movie was based on a real-life incident happened in the life of the cameraman of this film, when he forgets the past one year of his life when a cricket ball hits his head, and it becomes a challenge for his friends to get his marriage done 2 days later, keeping it as secret. Bagavathi Perumal played his own real-life character in this film, which marked his debut.

12. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) directed by Nikhil Advani

This is the only solo hero Shah Rukh Khan movie which found place in my list. One more film has been featured in this list, where he played an extended cameo. His movies like Veer Zaara, Swades, Devdas, Mein Hoon Naa etc made during the same time period are also my favourites. In fact I love his movies made throughout 1990s till mid-2000s most. Yet this emotional drama film which is philosophical, with a tragic climax has all favours of life, so are its songs. Preity Zinta, Jaya Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan also gave full justice to their roles. This Bollywood film explores the life of a girl who leads a boring life and how a stranger who walks into her life, changing her life forever.

13. Lagaan (2001) directed by Ashutosh Gowariker

Lagaan is a masterpiece. This Bollywood movie earned numerous accolades including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, though it couldn’t win it. The movie starred an ensemble cast with Aamir Khan playing the lead. Direction, music, screenplay and acting – everything was top notch. Set in the pre-independent era, the movie was a fictionized sports drama where a group of villagers play a cricket match against Britishers to relieve from three years of crop tax called Lagaan.

14. Ratsasan (2018) directed by Ram Kumar

One of the best psychological crime thrillers ever made on Indian screen, the fresh theme of this Tamil film was well praised. Any movie’s success is a powerful villain who stands tall against the hero, and in this film, Christopher’s antagonist role played a magnificent role in the success of the film. He received equal praises like the lead hero, Vishnu Vishal. The movie tells the story of a policeman, who aspires to become a filmmaker of investigation thrillers, but has to join police force and later he uses his investigation skills to track down a psychotic killer who targets schoolgirls.

15. Ohm Shanthi Oshaana (2014) directed by Jude Anthany Joseph

It’s my most favourite Malayalam film, because I could relate very much to the timeline in which the movie is set. Many scenes of the movie give a nostalgic vibe, and in the lead role, Nazriya Nazim played a magnificent role. Her cute looks and expressions literally stole my heart, and in my opinion, she is the best find of the new millennium among Malayalam heroines, and her husband is the most talented male actor of present generation. Ohm Shanthi Oshaana is a coming-of-age romantic comedy film which explores the marriage dreams of a teen girl and how her dreams come true, irrespective of religious barriers.

Though it’s a female centric film, Nivin Pauley as Giri was the perfect casting of the film. After watching him in 1983, Ohm Shanthi Oshaana, Premam and Bangalore Days all released in a row, I became a great fan of Nivin and believed he is the next big thing happening in Mollywood. However, things were not good for Nivin later. But I still believe, one great film will bring him back to track, that’s his talent, and we saw those glimpses in Varshangalkk Shesham most recently. It was only his extended cameo which saved the film from sinking. Ohm Shanthi Oshaana boosted the career of Aju Varghese and his comic sequences sharing screen spaces with both Nivin and Nazriya was well received. For a long time, he did numerous comic roles. It was Jude’s debut film and in 2023, he directed the multi-starrer 2018, which broke all collection records till then.

16. 1983 (2014) directed by Abrid Shine

I was deeply felt after watching Nivin Pauley’s performance in Abrid’s directorial debut, 1983. His character Rameshan, a youngster from a small town who losses himself in his love for cricket, will be etched in my heart forever. He is a next-door boy we come across every day in our life. Though I have watched all his previous performances, his performance as a cricketer touched my heart so deep. I watched this movie on television or online, and very soon I watched Ohm Shanthi Oshaana, Bangalore Days and later Premam in theatre. He literally blew my mind with his impressive performances in all these films, and I started feeling, good time of Mollywood is returning. Mollywood was going through a bad phase for more than a decade, and was fully relying on mediocre hits. Fahadh Fasil was not a great star back then. The movie was a tribute to Sachin Tendulkar, who just retired from international cricket, and for this reason too, the movie was special. I doubt if any other film industry made a film for Sachin as a tribute, at the time of his retirement. 

17. Premam (2015) directed by Alphonse Puthren

I have listed all these three Nivin Pauley films together, as they give a continuity to the reader. The only film which missed my list is Bangalore Days, which is also among my top choices. When I repeatedly filtered 25 films, unfortunately I had to leave it. Needless to say, 2014 was a great year for Malayalam cinema, which spearheaded new generation wave in the industry and so surprisingly, the cycle repeated a decade later in 2024. The craze created by Premam among youngsters was so huge, till now not broken. Maybe Premalu reached somewhere close to it, one decade later. The movie was a huge hit in Tamil Nadu too, was well received across the nation after television premiere, and the character ‘Malar’ became a national crush.

The movie marked the screen debut of three actresses, who later became successful across different languages. Yet Premam was the perfect launch pad for Sai Pallavi who is a very successful actress in Tamil and Telugu cinema present day. Premam chronicles the love life of George starting from teens and ending in his mid-ages where he encounters three relationships, and the movie showcases his two love failures too. It was a beautifully made film and received Pan Indian appeal. It was one of the early Malayalam films of new generation cinema receiving a nation-wide attention.

18. Dear Zindagi (2016) directed by Gauri Shinde

I started admiring Alia Bhat after watching her breakthrough performance in this film. After her incredible acting in Highway, she exhibited a matured acting in Dear Zindagi. Shah Rukh’s extended cameo role did wonders for the film. His role as Jug brought reminiscences of his romantic roles of the past, something which has been missing in his films last 1 decade or so. His last few films also didn’t impress me that much, though they were blockbusters. Coming back to Alia, Dear Zindagi is my personal favourite. The movie tells the story of a girl, who is suffering from insomnia and past relationship traumas, and how a psychologist, the character played by Khan brings her out of her troubles and gives her new hopes of future. I found Dear Zindagi as an inspirational movie for women helping them to find themselves, which is rare in Bollywood cinema.

19.’96 (2018) directed by C. Prem Kumar

How can a debutant director make such a masterpiece film? He repeated his magic in his second film as well – Meiyyazhagan, though he took a long break. The movie starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha Krishnan connected with a majority of audience and same is the case of mine as well, especially with the timeline. Absolutely no doubt, ’96 is my most favourite film of both these stars. Vijay who was doing comedy and action films till then, totally surprised me in his romantic avatar. The way his character is mesmerized when Trisha’s character touches his chest, his character and acting deeply touched everyone’s heart who watched him onscreen exactly the same. The movie expresses at its best, the happiness, pain, agony and excitement of reunion of two lovers in the past after a long time through a school reunion function, something most audience can relate themselves with. The well-crafted film had some songs giving goosebumps too.

20. Tumbbad (2018) directed by Rahi Anil Barve

I am a crazy fan of folklore and fantasy tales, and Tumbbad is the best film I watched ever, belonging to this genre. Never have I seen such a fantasy tale, and its climax was breath taking. When I watched the film, all the actors were new to me. Sohum Shah as Vinayak Rao and Mohammad Samad as Vinayak’s son took us to a fantasy world never seen before. How can a debutant director visualize so much new things in his brain? Through Barve has directed one film before named Manjha, Tumbbad was his first full-length feature film. Tumbbad was a flop at the time of release, but later became a cult classic. Its re-release was well received, and its sequel was also announced in 2024.

The story is set in a rural village, where the ancestral treasure is guarded by Hastar, a monster. The story is all about how Vinayak retrieves the treasure little by little as gold coins and how his son’s greed ruin everything. I would like to refer one more movie here. In 2024 I watched one black & white Malayalam horror folk film, Brahmayugam, starring Mammootty, which remined me of Tumbbad. Many people shared the same opinion.

21. Kishkindha Kandam (2024) directed by Dinjith Ayyathan

This Malayalam mystery film, especially the climax is terrific. The content is so fresh, yet reminds of movies like Memento and Shutter Island, dealing with memory loss. The movie revolves around just three characters, Ajay Chandran, Appu Pillai and Aparna, terrifically played by Asif Ali, Vijaya Raghavan and Aparna, and noted supporting roles by Jagadeesh and Nishan. The movie is all about the story of a missing boy and a mission gun, and how the events are connected to each other. When the film reaches the climax, which was so unpredictable, we feel empathy for Ajayan and Appu Pillai. 2024 was a golden year for Malayalam cinema, and Kishkindha Kandam was the best, in my opinion. Read my interesting article about Kishkindha Kandam, where I tried to decrypt the climax.

22. Maharaja (2024) directed by Nithilan Saminathan

It’s the second 2024 film which got into my most favourite 25-films list of last 25 years. Like Nithilan Saminathan’s debut work Kurangu Bommai (2017), Maharaja also falls into the category of non-linear storytelling, and was a thriller. There were references of Kurangu Bommai in this film. Maharaja is a man’s search of a stolen dustbin named Lakshmi, and what comes out in the climax will shock you to core. I don’t want to add spoilers here. This Tamil movie starring Vijay Sethupathy and Anurag Kashyap was a Pan Indian hit, soon after it was released in OTT. The movie’s heart wrenching climax stole away our hearts. Also read: My top 10 Indian films of 2024.

23. Andhadhun (2018) directed by Sriram Raghavan

This black comedy thriller is a masterpiece, especially for its tricky ending. A powerful script and terrific performances by Tabu, Ayushmann Khurrana, Radhika Apte and Anil Dhawan, make it a must-watch film. The movie tells the story of a piano player pretending to be visually-impaired, who witnesses the murder of a yesterday’s actor, how he pretends not to see it and how it affects his life after that. It was a good experiment from Bollywood cinema, which met with critical and commercial success. 

24. Jai Bhim (2021) directed by T. J. Gnanavel

This legal drama film is a must watch for all cinegoers who love court room dramas. Despite getting highly favourable reviews, it came as a big shock for me when Jai Bhim didn’t win even a single award at National film awards. The previous year Suriya and his Soorarai Pottru, won numerous honours. Soorarai Pottru was also a great inspirational and emotional drama. Yet I rank Jai Bhim above it. The movie tells the heart wrenching story of a falsely accused tribal person in police custody and an activist-lawyer’s fight for justice. This Tamil film was based on a real-life incident.

25. Hera Pheri (2000) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) directed by Priyadarshan

I was a little confused, whether I should list them separate or together. As both films were remakes, directed by the same director, and I was struggling to filter out more films to make this list short featuring 25 entries only, I decided to keep both these films together. To be honest, being a Malayali who grew up watching Ramji Rao Speaking and Manichirathazhu, it’s not easy to review its remakes. After all, Manichirathazhu, which won multiple national awards has become a part of Kerala’s culture and is Malayali’s pride. When we watch a remake, even if well made, our perspectives totally change, and it’s not that easy to convince us, especially if, the original has influenced us so much & if the script is woven around lifestyle and culture of ours. It’s not that easy to fix the same story in another canvas or culture and convince us. That’s the problem with remakes. But no doubt, Drishyam series, Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa are the best Malayalam films remade to Hindi & interestingly these three films featured in my list too.

Hera Pheri is a heist comedy drama, where all events are plotted around a phone call which happens through a cross connection, and the actors – Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty delivered their career-best performances in their most popular film indeed. Bhool Bhulaiyaa is a psychological comedy horror film which deals with the medical condition of dual personality, played by Vidya Balan and how this condition is cured by Dr. Adi Shrivastav, the character played by Akshay Kumar. Read my interesting article about less-known facts of Hera Pheri’s original, published most recently.

Vijay Sethupathy and Nivin Pauley tops my list my 3 films, Irrfan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan (which includes one extended cameo role), Madhavan (which includes one supporting role) and Aamir Khan with 2 films, and actors like Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar, Vikram, Suriya, Prithviraj, Asif Ali, Ayushmann Khurrana, N. T. Rama Rao Jr., Ram Charan and Ajay Devgn with single entry. But some of these films were women-centric, where heroines like Nazriya Nasim, Alia Bhat and Navya Nair played the female lead. I liked many of the works of Amitabh Bachchan, Mammootty, Hrithik Roshan, Fahadh Fasil, Dhanush, Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkumar Rao, Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Karthi, Kunchakko Boban etc, though they didn’t feature in my list. But some of their movies will feature in my list of 50 best movies of last 25 years.

When I am scrolling this list once again, I am surprised by the quality of films made by Bollywood a decade back. Though Hindi films top my list with 10, none of the Bollywood films I added to my list were released post pandemic, while several South Indian films added to this list were released after lockdown. Though Drishyam 2 is added, it’s a remake of a south Indian film.

Sorry to say this, but Bollywood has lost its way and not willing to explore new ideas and themes. Now solely relaying on successful sequels or remakes, how long will it run. I just hope, it’s just a bad phase of Bollywood just like 1980s and a good era will come.

Some good films which narrowly missed my Top 25 list

Koi Mil Gaya, Black, Dangal, PK, Swadesh, M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Haider, Taare Zameen Par, Stanley Ka Dabba, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, A Wednesday, Once Upon A Time in Mumbai – Hindi

Visaranai, Hey Ram, Meiyyazhagan, Asuran, Chithha, Vikram Vedha, Vaaranam Aayiram, Super Delux, Enakkul Oruvan, Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru, Kuttram 23, Soorarai Pottru, Soodhu Kavvum, Subramaniyapuram, Viduthalai, Por Thozhil, Kurangu Bommai – Tamil

Maheshinte Prathikaram, Bangalore Days, Brahmayugam, Minnal Murali, Aavesham, Anjaam Pathiraa, Joseph, Ennu Ninte Moideen, Anarkali, Sudani From Nigeria – Malayalam

My consolation list of some good films which I highly recommend to watch

If I have not missed any, here is the list of some of the best movies which I watched in the last 25 years. This list includes a few Bollywood and South Indian Films. The list is long, but will definitely introduce you to some of the best Indian films across the languages. I have forgotten many of the films I watched long back. Yet it’s my sincere effort to recollect some of the best films, from my memory. There are many more films which I liked a lot, but excluding from the list as the list is too long.

Dil Chahta Hai, Aashique 2, Stree, Barfi, Devdas, Jab We Met, Queen, Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty, Hungama, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Krishh, Zindagi Na Milegaa Dobaara, Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, Oh My God, Hum Tum, Johny Gaddar, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Detective Byomkesh Bakshy, Don, Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, Manorama: Six Feet Under, Bheja Fry, Dev D, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Udaan, Do Dooni Chaar, Dhoom, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Ankhon Dekhi, Jodha Akbar, Phir Hera Pheri, Rang De Basanti, Phobia, Chhichhore, Badhaai Ho, No Smoking, Wake Up Sid, Kai Po Che, Kahani, Kedarnath, Chak De India, Tere Naam, Jolly LLB, Special 26, Jagga Jasoos, Article 15, Wanted, Manjhi – The Mountain Man, Main Hoon Na, Humraaz, War, Badlapur, New York, Masaan, Raazi, English Vinglish, Ishaqzaade  – Hindi

Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Charlie,  Meesa Madhavan, Manjummel Boys, Memories, Ayyappanum Koshiyum, 2018, Urumi, North 24 Kaatham, Action Hero Baiju, Thallumaala, Virus, Operation Java, Kumbalangi Nights, Iratta, Classmates, Njan Prakashan, Neram, Salute, Anweshippin Kandethum, Ustaad Hotel, Traffic, Kurup, Philips & The Monkey Pen, Su Su Sudhi Vathmeekam, Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, Oru Indian Pranayakadha, Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam, Kaazhcha, Sapthamashree Thaskaraha, Kalyana Raman, Oppam, Neru, Pranayam, Evidam Swargamanu, Ustaad Hotel, Thanmathra, Devadoothan, Ananthabhadram, Oru Murai Vanthu Paarthaya, C U Soon, Premalu, Jana Gana Mana, Artist, Thenkasipattanam, Night Drive, Pranchiyettan & The Saint, Spirit, Amen, Take Off, Level Cross, Aadujeevitham, Ee Ma Yau, Mumbai Police, Udayananu Tharam, Ividam Swargamaanu, Indian Rupee, Nna Thaan Case Kodu – Malayalam

Kannathil Mutthamital, Maanagaram, Anbe Sivam, Ok Kanmani, Madharasapatnam, Yavarum Nalam, Vikram, Kakka Kakka, Kaaviya Thalaivan, Pannaiyarum Padminiyum, Pizza, Gargi, Thani Oruvan, Kaithi, Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru, Vinney Thandi Varuvaaya, Kaadhal Kondein, Monster, Thadam, Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal, 8 Thottakkal, Aaranya Kaandam, Raja Rani, Thiruchitrambalam, Jigarthanda, Mark Antony, Merry Christmas, Maanadu, Sarpatta Parambarai, Paiyaa – Tamil, Ghajini (Tamil/Hindi), Singham, Minnale/RHTDM (Tamil/Hindi), Neram (Tamil/Malayalam)

Seeta Ramam, Jersey, Eega, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, Mahanati, Lucky Baskar, Shyam Singha Roy, Karthikeya 2, Kalki 2898 AD, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire, Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya – Telugu

KGF Series, Sapta Sagaradaache Ello – Side A & B, Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana, Kanthara, Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare – Kannada

Sairat – Marathi

It seems like I have made a good list of Vijay Sethupathy and Prithviraj Sukumaran films. Fahadh Fasil also scored well in my list. Over the years, Indian cinema has evolved so much. Length of movies have decreased, so are number of songs, and realistic themes explored on main screem have been widely appreciated. Cliché scenes and misogyny are slowly disappearing from screen, which is a good sign of overall evolution of the industry. Indian cinema produces maximum movies a year, comparing other film industries, and we get opportunity to see different styles of filmmaking. Now Indian cinema is being watched across the globe, and language barriers within the industry is also slowly diminishing. Now, Indian cinema is more like a pool of artists and they belong to different industries who often come together for a single film, which is a good sign. Also, with the OTT boom, content gets more exposure irrespective of languages.

Here I conclude my post. It took a lot of efforts and research work to compile this article. Hope you will like it. Please share your comments. Also share your movie recommendations; no language barriers.