We’re sure you’ve heard of Mark Twain’s famous quote, “Truth is stranger than fiction” and in India, this has proven to be true time and again. However, even the few times these occurrences are covered by the mainstream media, it’s likely that you will probably not get to see an in-depth analysis of the case at hand. In times like this, documentaries are a great way of getting to know the flesh and bones of an issue.
However, we don’t see a lot of Indian documentaries gaining the same amount of popularity as Bollywood movies. But the times are changing. Now you can watch some great Indian documentaries on Youtube and Netflix. Gain a new perspective on the country, its people, its ideologies and your place in the world. Here are a few Indian documentaries you should watch.
Period. End of Sentence
This Oscar-winning documentary is produced by Guneet Monga. It is centered around the theme of menstruation and the stigma that surrounds it. Its main focus is a group of women who live in rural India where periods are a taboo topic. In such times, these women make their own sanitary pads and take their first few steps towards financial freedom. Out of all the Indian documentaries on Netflix, this is the one you shouldn’t skip.
Placebo
Placebo is a dark and intriguing documentary that shows the other side of the Indian education system and also explores the issues and reasons behind the student suicides in India. This documentary is based on India’s reputed and prestigious medical college AIIMS. A story that shows how competitiveness can take a heavy toll on students and which should be watched by every Indian student, parent, and teacher.
Limitless
If you’re looking to get inspired to get off the couch and work out, this is the documentary you must check out. It features eight Indian women who battle with their self-image and confidence. However, things begin turning around for them when they decide to simply go for a run.
Rubaru Roshini
This documentary is produced by Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan, who also narrate it. It’s an anthology that follows three individuals whose loved ones were brutally murdered. In this documentary, all three of them tell the audience how forgiveness and acceptance gave them the strength to move on.
Beyond All The Boundaries
Cricket is a religion in India. And this documentary just goes on to prove that. It is set against the backdrop of the 2011 Cricket World Cup. However, it revolves around three superfans whose passion for the sport leads to them making a lot of sacrifices in their lives. One of these fans is Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary, who is the biggest fan of Sachin Tendulkar and used to present at all his matches, with the tricolour painted all over his body and waving the national flag. Cricket fans, this one is for you.
Celluloid Man
Celluloid Man is based on legendary Indian archivist ‘P. K. Nair’, who was the founder of ‘National Film Archive of India’ and is known to be the ‘Guardian of the Indian Cinema’. The documentary explores the life and work of P. K. Nair, who grew up to be a great collector of films. 1700 films were made in India during the silent era of which only nine survive, solely because of his efforts. It gives the audience to take a look at the nature and importance of preserving visual arts. This documentary made a huge success and was screened at 50 film festivals.
Ladies First
This Indian documentary on Netflix follows the life of national-level archer, Deepika Kumari. Born in the village of Ratu, Jharkhand, Deepika had to battle poverty and the deep-rooted patriarchy to excel at the sport. While she currently holds the 9th position in the world rankings for archery, earlier, she was the world number one. This documentary will inspire you to beat the odds and achieve your dreams.
Énjoy these amazing Indian Documentaries! Let us know which one you like in the comment section below!
