Documentaries are an easy way to entertain ourselves while also learning about new things and being informed about the happenings in the world that we live in. Along with several box office hits that Indian cinema delivered this year, there were also a few documentaries that went unnoticed. Better late than never, take a look at a few of the best Indian Documentaries of 2022 that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Why I Killed Gandhi
The documentary is a short biographical drama based on the book of the same title. As the title suggests, the documentary looks into the reasoning behind why Nathuram Godse assassinated the Father of our Nation- Mahatma Gandhi in Godse’s own words. The movie is available for free on YouTube.
2. Indian Predator: Butcher Of Delhi
The Indian Predator documentaries produced by VICE India are a delight for true crime lovers and draw attention to Indian serial killers without glorifying them.
The first docuseries deals with the gruesome killings of Chandrakant Jha and the police investigations that ensued. It is thrilling and will give you the chills.
3. Indian Predator- Murder in a Courtroom
A strong yet chilling story about what the public can do if the system fails them, this docuseries deals with the killing of Akku Yadav- a mobster and rapist whose criminal activities were enabled by police officers. He was lynched and killed by a group of women right in a courtroom.
4. Indian Predator: The Diary of a Serial Killer
Secrets are revealed as the diary of a suspect is discovered, secrets about cannibalism and 13 other victims. Follow the story of notorious Raja Kolander who was active in Uttar Pradesh and watch the docuseries to know some spine-chilling details about his methods.
5. Beast of Bangalore: Indian Predator
Get to know about a serial killer from Bangalore, dubbed as the Beast of Bangalore that was the cause of many sleepless nights for women in Karnataka. A horrifying story with cinematography that adds to the experience, it is one of the best Indian documentaries of 2022.
6. Legends of the Ramayana with Amish
It is a family-friendly mythological and historical documentary. Legendary writer Amish Tripathi sets out to visit places mentioned in the Ramayana while discussing details that we could have missed out on. It is an informational documentary that we can watch on a quiet Saturday evening over tea with our grandparents.
7. Ranveer vs. Wild With Bear Grylls
Indian actor Ranveer Singh and British adventurer Bear Grylls take on the Serbian wilderness. You know a show is going to be packed with entertainment if it has Ranveer Singh in his natural element. That combined with the craziness that Bear Grylls is makes this documentary episode worth a watch. It is available on Netflix
8. Sahebs Who Never Left – Part 1: The Origins
It is an eye-opening documentary about the reality of the freedom struggle in India. The British officials in India were called the Gora Sahebs (white masters). They left the country after it gained independence but some Sahebs were left behind. Follow all the 10 parts of the docuseries to know more.
9. All that breathes
Amidst the growing environmental concern in Delhi, two brothers rush to rescue the black kites that are dying in large numbers. The ‘kite brothers’ run a bird hospital to nurse these injured black kites to health since they are integral to Delhi’s ecosystem. Directed and internationally co-produced by Shaunak Sen, this documentary movie has been shortlisted for Oscars 2023.
10. Secrets of the Kohinoor
India’s greatest mined gem- the Kohinoor which is currently a part of the British Queen’s crown was not originally a British possession. It has had several owners and for some reason has always borne an infamous title. Follow Manoj Bajpayee as he divulges the secrets of the quest for Kohinoor.
11. My Daughter Joined a Cult:
Cults in India are a huge deal, we just don’t call them cults. This documentary is about the very famous fraudster ‘Swami Nithyananda’ who took on the role of a religious leader to abuse and take advantage of his followers. It involves first-hand accounts of his ex-followers who have been deprogrammed now. The documentary acts as a pioneer in opening up an explicit conversation about cults in India and the problems that it creates.
12. Barefoot Empress
Barefoot Empress is an inspiring short documentary sending a very strong message to the public that it’s never late to start working on your dreams. It is about 96-year-old Karthiyana amma who returns to school after having lived a life of sweeping temples. The documentary has been directed by Chef Vikas Khanna and is available on several online streaming platforms.
Whether I am bored or need a change from the regular Bollywood masala, these documentaries are a got to on my watchlist. These were a few of the best Indian documentaries of 2022 that I came across. Let us know in the comments if we missed out on something!
Also read: 10 Best Historical Documentaries On Discovery Plus That Will Not Bore You