15 Regional Language Films That Deserve Way More Attention Than Bollywood Movies

Because of their limited distribution, regional movies are not always well received. We tend to stick to conventional Bollywood when it comes to entertainment movies since regional and indie film either doesn’t get enough exposure or doesn’t always get the correct type of attention.

But it’s past time for us to break through the obstacle of captions. The regional film has made us proud around the world with bright, clever, and unique stories.

Here are some significant regional language film releases that merit our focus:

1. Moothon (Malayalam)

The film stars Nivin Pauly, Moothon was a breakthrough in terms of how even an action film could make a plea for ‘letting love be.’ It’s the romantic subtext that makes you feel both happy and sentimental at the same moment. The soundtrack in the movie, particularly the song Bikhre, merits a special note.

2. Aamis (Assamese)

Our films’ depictions of love have been so one-dimensional that themes like platonic love or unspoken wishes are hardly addressed. Aamis, on the other hand, makes an effort to implement just that. Aamis is a genre-defying picture that quickly shifts from romantic drama to horror-comedy to straight horror. Revealing a unique, intriguing journey in its portrayal of two unlikely companions and their obsession for meat.

3. C/O Kancharapalem (Telugu)

This slice-of-life compilation is just what you need if you’re seeking some good old fashion love story. Unlike the significantly bigger romances that rarely feel real, Care of Kancharapalem strives to achieve a very sympathetic story while remaining authentic to the neighborhood in which it is based.

4. Mallesham (Telugu)

Mallesham is a biography that not only tells the narrative of its character, Chintakindi Mallesham, a high school dropout but also tells a hopeful message and resilience. Although Mallesham’s creation altered the lives and way of living of thousands of females, it’s a tragedy that the movie didn’t receive the attention it deserved.

5. Sillu Karupatti (Tamil)

Love is a concept that can be approached in a plethora of ways and yet never seems stale. At least, it tends to be the case with this collection of stories. The film, which earned Halitha the JFW women filmmaker of the year 2020 award, is a sensitive, loving narrative of romance that is a joy to watch.

6. C U Soon (Malayalam)

C U Soon, which was shot exclusively behind closed doors, proves that enormous resources aren’t always required to tell compelling stories. This powerful, emotional thriller, which also claims to be India’s first computer display film, was started by Roshan Mathew, Fahadh Faasil, and Darshana Rajendran.

Recommended read: 11 Best Malayalam Movies On Netflix You Should Not Miss Watching

7. Angamaly Diaries (Malayalam)

This action thriller movie, created by Lijo Jose Pellissery and scripted by Chemban Vinod Jose, may seem to become just another mob picture. However, Jose’s directorial approach is distinct, and the movie is especially noteworthy because of its photography and the jaw-dropping climax scene.

8. Natsamrat (Marathi)

Natsamrat starred Nana Patekar and was the top Marathi movie at the time it was released. It depicts the grief and sorrow experienced by an elderly, veteran stage actor as a result of a failing business and resentful offspring.

9. Court (Marathi)

Chaitanya Tamhane’s breakout role, a very emotional legal drama that earned him the National Film Award, is a truly moving legal drama. At the 71st Venice Film Festival, also awarded the Best Movie in the Horizons category and the Luigi De Laurentiis prizes. The Court is among the most important documentaries released in recent years, as it examines India’s justice system through the eyes of an aging rebel musician.

10. Super Deluxe (Tamil)

Another picture broke through the caption hurdle and became one of the most well-known comedy dramas in living memory. Super Deluxe is amongst the most well-made movies of all time, and it revolutionized what it means to make an enormous movie.

11. Bulbul Can Sing (Assamese)

Bulbul Can Sing, directed by Rima Das and nominated for a National Film Award, is an enlightening look into the lives of three teens that people all around the world can identify with. Apart from its genuine portrayal of first love and companionship, however, the film’s nuanced stance on patriarchal also distinguishes it.

12. Uyare (Malayalam)

Manu Ashokan’s debut film, Uyare, dealt with the horrors of acidic assaults and the pervasive male entitlement in patriarchal culture before Chhapaak. Uyare, featuring Parvathy Thiruvothu, is the kind of inspirational movie you would like to root for.

13. Nagarkirtan (Bengali)

Nagarkirtan is an excellent choice for people who believe Bollywood has only begun to explore when it regards showcasing LGBTQ+ tales. Nagarkirtan, the winner of four National Film Awards, depicts the narrative of a trans woman from rural Bengal, highlighting the challenges of a population that is unfairly marginalized by the community and overlooked in films.

14. Cat Sticks (Bengali)

The Kolkata depicted in Ronny Sen’s Cat Sticks is not quite the same Kolkata that Bollywood brazenly promotes as a hotbed of ‘cinematic techniques.’ But, because of his subtle, tragic, but genuine insight into the lives of addicts, it seems all the more genuine.

It makes no judgments or condemnations; instead, it essentially recounts a story – one that, while fictitious, contains characteristics that most people can connect to.

15. Nathicharami (Kannada)

Nathicharami, a five-time National Film Award winner, poses a question about patriarchal society and behaviors through the eyes and wishes of a widowed woman. Topics like masturbation and women’s sexual cravings may not be discussed openly. However, given Indian society and Kannada movies’ typical offering, the nuanced approach may really be more effective.