10 Indian Indie Movies That Prove Less is More
In a cinematic landscape like that of India, which is often dominated by star power and commercial spectacle, independent films are like a breath of fresh air—raw, unfiltered, and profoundly moving. Indian indie movies, in particular, have carved a niche for themselves with their ability to tell deeply personal and culturally rich stories, often with limited budgets but unlimited creativity. These films embrace unconventional narratives, challenge norms, and reflect realities we often overlook. Here are 10 remarkable Indian indie films, redefining storytelling that you need to watch.
1. Uljhan: The Knot (Hindi, 2021)
Director: Ashish Pant
A layered drama that explores the complexities of class divide and human morality, Uljhan follows a married couple who accidentally hit a man with their car, leading to a series of unsettling events. The film shines a spotlight on the invisible yet pervasive boundaries of privilege, guilt, and systemic inequities. What makes Uljhan truly unforgettable is its silence—moments where words fail, but the tension speaks volumes. It’s a story that will leave you questioning the choices we make when we’re pushed into a corner.
Watch the film here: Uljhan-The Knot
2. Aunty Sudha, Aunty Radha (2019)
Director: Tanuja Chandra
This heartwarming documentary captures the daily lives of two spirited sisters in their 80s and 90s, Radha and Sudha, living in a quiet North Indian village. Director Tanuja Chandra (known for her mainstream films) ventures into a deeply personal space here, documenting her aunts with love, humor, and sensitivity. The film is as much a celebration of aging and independence as it is an ode to simpler times. Through their quirks and unfiltered conversations, the film reminds us of the quiet joys often lost in our fast-paced lives. Aunty Sudha Aunty Radha is one of the best Indian indie movies you will see today.
Watch the film here: Aunty Sudha Aunty Radha
3. Not Today (2021)
Director: Aditya Kripalani
This bold and sensitive film tackles the delicate subject of suicide prevention with surprising gentleness and power. Not Today follows a young woman working at a suicide prevention helpline as she connects with a man who’s contemplating ending his life. The beauty of the film lies in its restraint—no melodrama, no sweeping resolutions, just raw, honest conversations that explore loneliness, hope, and the human need for connection. It’s a film that doesn’t just tell a story; it ignites a conversation we all need to have.
Watch the film here: Not Today
4. Village Rockstars (2017)
Director: Rima Das
Shot, edited, and directed almost entirely by Rima Das herself, Village Rockstars is the ultimate indie success story. Set in a remote Assamese village, the film follows Dhunu, a young girl who dreams of owning a guitar and starting a rock band. With its stunning visuals and minimal dialogues, the film captures childhood innocence, resilience, and the beauty of rural life. Every frame feels like a painting, yet its story is universal—about dreams that soar high, even when resources are scarce.
5. A Death in the Gunj (2017)
Director: Konkona Sen Sharma
Konkona Sen Sharma’s directorial debut is a masterclass in slow-burn storytelling. Set in the 1970s, the film unravels the fragility of a sensitive young man, Shutu, as he navigates a family vacation that turns increasingly hostile. One of the nest Indian indie movies out there, A Death in the Gunj is not just a film; it’s an experience—one that builds tension with quiet precision and lingers with an aching poignancy. With its haunting atmosphere and standout performances, it’s a must-watch for those who appreciate subtlety and depth in cinema.
6. Mukti Bhawan (Hotel Salvation) (2016)
Director: Shubhashish Bhutiani
Few films explore life and death with the grace and dignity that Mukti Bhawan does. The story follows an elderly man who insists on traveling to Varanasi to attain salvation, accompanied by his reluctant son. What unfolds is a deeply touching meditation on family, mortality, and letting go. The film is a reminder that endings, however inevitable, can be beautiful. With its minimalism and emotional depth, Mukti Bhawan becomes a universal story of love and reconciliation.
7. Chola (2019)
Director: Sanal Kumar Sasidharan
If indie cinema had a rebellious heart, Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s Chola would be its pulse. This dark and unsettling Malayalam film follows the harrowing journey of a young couple whose day trip spirals into a nightmare. The film explores themes of power, violence, and consent with a discomforting rawness that’s hard to shake. Sasidharan’s unflinching storytelling and atmospheric cinematography make Chola an uncompromising work of art that demands to be felt as much as watched.
8. All We Imagine as Light (2024)
Director: Payal Kapadia
The first Indian film to compete at the Cannes main competition in decades, Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light is a poetic, meditative exploration of womanhood and companionship. Kapadia’s unique storytelling blurs the lines between fiction and reality, much like her earlier documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing. The film immerses viewers in quiet moments—ones that reflect longing, love, and the silent struggles of everyday life. It’s a testament to the power of Indian indie cinema on the global stage.
9. Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam (2021)
Director: Senna Hegde
With its humorous yet biting portrayal of small-town Kerala, Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam feels effortlessly relatable. The film revolves around the chaos surrounding an arranged marriage but cleverly uses this simple setup to comment on family dynamics, gender roles, and societal expectations. The dialogues are sharp, the characters feel like people you know, and the humor is refreshingly grounded. This is indie cinema at its finest—low budget, high impact.
10. Dhobi Ghat (2010)
Director: Kiran Rao
Often overlooked, Dhobi Ghat is a beautiful mosaic of Mumbai’s many lives—its dreams, struggles, and relationships. This Indian indie movie by Kiran Rao interweaves the stories of four individuals whose lives intersect in subtle yet profound ways. With its raw, documentary-like aesthetic, the film feels intimate and immersive. It’s less about plot and more about moments—the fleeting kind that define who we are. With Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai becomes not just a setting but a character, pulsing with life and emotion.
Why Indie Matters
These films challenge norms, give voices to the unheard, and tell truths that commercial cinema often shies away from. What makes Indian indie cinema so special is its heart—beating quietly beneath layers of powerful storytelling, visual poetry, and unpolished beauty.
For those who crave cinema that moves beyond entertainment to reflection, this list is a starting point. Because sometimes, the stories that cost the least to make leave the deepest impression.
Which of these indie gems will you watch first? Or better yet, which one will you rewatch to find the layers you might have missed the first time?
I can’t stop talking about films, so I blog!
I started The FourthWall, my film blog, to share my thoughts on films and shows with fellow movie buffs, and over the years it has become my happy place. Come join in for some interesting conversations on cinema… and sometimes books and fashion!
