English movies in India have been dominated by the likes of Deepa Mehta and Aparna Sen. These movies, although critically acclaimed, haven’t been able to gain commercial success. But that doesn’t mean that they are not good enough. In fact, some of the best Indian movies have had English as their mode of communication with the audience. Sensible, heart-touching, mature, and brilliant. These are some of the words that would describe the movies listed below perfectly. Here’s a list of some of the best Indian English movies that’ll restore your faith in Indian cinema.
Also read: 20 Most Underrated Bollywood Movies Of Recent Times
1. Mr. and Mrs. Iyer
Internationally acclaimed and celebrated, this movie is a masterpiece of Indian cinema. A Tamil Brahmin woman and a Muslim man find protection in each other’s company in a journey amidst communal riots. The movie has several layers, each better than the other. The stellar performances by Rahul Bose and Konkana Sen take this movie to a whole new level of excellence.
2. Delhi Belly
It is difficult to imagine that you can roll on the floor laughing while watching a mainstream gangster movie, that too in the English language. But this movie is far from what one would call mainstream. Misplaced diamonds end up making three weird roommates the target of a powerful gang. What follows is a hilarious ride!
3. Parzania
A Parsi couple loses their 10-year-old son in the racial riots that broke out in the Godhra district of Gujarat and the subsequent train burning incident. Based on a true story, this movie is a poignant portrayal of the rawest and deepest human emotions. It’ll break your heart, turn it into powder, and leave you melting around it trying to hold on to some kind of hope to survive. This movie is a must-watch.
4. The Namesake
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Jhumpa Lahiri, the movie follows the life of Ashoke and Ashima, who soon after their marriage move to Massachusetts and try to build a life for themselves there. This extremely poignant movie traces the life of the couple across three decades and tries to bring forth the struggles of immigrants in a foreign land.
5. Dhobi Ghat
Released internationally as Mumbai Diaries, the movie follows the lives of four people interconnected in the mysterious ways of fate. Aamir Khan, Monica Dogra, Prateik Babbar, and Kriti Malhotra give really engaging performances. This movie is worth the watch.
6. The Japanese Wife
Another excellent movie by Aparna Sen, The Japanese Wife is a treat to watch. A Bengali man falls in love with his Japanese pen pal and even though they have never met in person, they decide to exchange vows with each other through letters. Sighs.
7. Margarita With A Straw
Laila, a rebellious young adult with cerebral palsy moves from India to New York to pursue further studies. In her pursuit of self-discovery, she becomes a little too adventurous and even falls in love. Heartwarming and at times even heartbreaking, this movie is a rollercoaster ride.
8. Monsoon Wedding
Winner of multiple prestigious awards, this movie is one of the most popular Indian movies in the English language. The movie follows an Indian father, Lalit Verma, who organizes a big fat Indian wedding for his daughter. Several NRI families from all over the world attend the event which allows a vibrant and dramatic exchange of dialogue and traditions. And just like every other Indian wedding, this one is also garnished with its own share of drama.
9. 15 Park Avenue
Konkana Sen plays the role of a schizophrenic individual named Meethi who lives with her sister and searches for her imaginary family that she believes can only be found in 15 Park Avenue, Kolkata.
10. Being Cyrus
Centered around a dysfunctional yet interesting Parsi family, this movie is one of the most underrated works of recent times. Saif Ali Khan shines in the role of Cyrus Mistry who is persuaded by Katy to murder her father-in-law in this engaging psychological drama. The movie is overwhelmingly engaging and clever and is seasoned with a delectable dressing of dark comedy.
11. Water
Undoubtedly the best Indian English movie, Water is an important and great cinematic achievement of recent times. Set in 1938, the movie follows the plight and subsequent reaction of an Indian widow who was forced to live in an ashram at the tender age of 8 and was expected to live there for her entire life.
11 able examples of cinematic brilliance! Which of these best Indian English movies is your favourite? Do let us know in the comments section.