For a long time, MUBI was my trusted destination for discovering hidden gems of world cinema. I’ve had the opportunity to watch films by Krzysztof Kieslowski and Agnès Varda, primarily because I discovered them on the platform. However, over time, I’ve realized that it’s not just a treasure trove of international films—there’s also a fantastic selection of Indian films that deserve attention too.
This year, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring some remarkable Indian films on the platform, each offering unique stories, diverse genres, and fresh perspectives. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or new to Indian cinema, this list can be a decent guide to get a deep dive into the works of Indian directors who are working in the independent space.
1. Jaggi (2022)
Directed by Anmol Sidhu, Jaggi is a raw and unflinching portrayal of a young schoolboy (played by Ramnish Chaundhary) from rural Punjab whose life is turned upside down when he faces a deeply personal and distressing medical condition—impotence. Misunderstood by his community, he is wrongly branded as gay, a label that shatters his reputation and plunges him into a vicious cycle of societal alienation and stigma. The film offers a stark, unapologetic look at the darker side of rural Punjab, where traditional values and toxic masculinity reign supreme.
Jaggi is not a story for the faint-hearted. It exposes the brutal consequences of a society that values outward appearances and narrow definitions of masculinity over empathy, understanding, and compassion. At its core, the film delves into the complexities of human vulnerability. The film’s raw drama unearths the chilling reality of what happens when the necessary process of healing—both physical and emotional—takes a backseat to a distorted, harmful form of machismo.
2. And, Towards Happy Alleys (2023)
This film is a love letter to Iranian cinema, which has produced iconic filmmakers like Asghar Farhadi, Abbas Kiarostami, and Jafar Panahi. Debutante director Sreemoyee Singh’s And Towards Happy Alleys offers a rare and insightful glimpse into the complexities of contemporary Iranian life, blending personal curiosity with a nuanced exploration of the cultural and political tensions that define the nation.
Rather than merely documenting the sights and sounds of Iran, Singh actively seeks to understand the layers of complexity that lie beneath the surface. Her camera lingers on moments of quiet defiance, such as a discreet, yet powerful, act of resistance when a group of women covertly sing in a private setting, fully aware that public performances of female voices are strictly forbidden. Singh’s sensitivity to these micro-moments of repression imbues the narrative with authenticity, emphasizing how even small acts of cultural expression can be fraught with risk under Iran’s restrictive regime.
Through candid interviews and intimate interactions, Singh provides a window into the lives of those who resist conformity, finding small ways to push against societal constraints. Yet, the film is not purely about defiance; it’s also about the resilience of a culture that continues to thrive despite years of suppression.
3. My Mother’s Girlfriend (2021)
My Mother’s Girlfriend is a tender, 15-minute short film by Arun Fulara that offers a quietly powerful exploration of same-sex love, capturing the dynamics of a relationship between two mature women in a way that feels refreshingly ordinary. The film skillfully de-glamorizes the notion of LGBTQ+ love, portraying it in a simple, heartfelt, and relatable manner, set against the backdrop of India’s evolving yet still conservative society.
The story begins with Mangesh (Suhas Sirsat), a middle-aged Marathi cab driver, leading what seems to be a routine life. However, his world is shaken when he unexpectedly spots his mother, Renuka (Sushama Deshpande), with another woman, Sadiya (Anju Alva Naik), who comes from a different religious background. For Mangesh, this revelation is both absurd and shocking.
The film doesn’t burden the audience with an overly elaborate backstory. Instead, it subtly suggests that, from the very first frame, we already know these characters and can easily imagine their lives before the camera starts rolling.
Despite the emotional conflict that erupts between Mangesh and Renuka — a volatile clash rooted in generational and ideological differences — the film refrains from painting Mangesh as an outright antagonist. There’s no heavy-handed judgment of his character. Instead, My Mother’s Girlfriend recognizes that Mangesh, shaped by a heteronormative society, is a product of his circumstances.
The film’s premise is as fresh and unique as its title. While many same-sex love stories tend to focus on young people — college students or adolescents discovering their identities — Fulara shifts the lens to middle-aged individuals. His film invites us to reflect on the lives of people who, until now, may not have had the “permission” to love someone freely, without societal judgment or fear.
4. Pokhar ke Dunu Paar (2022)
Director Parth Saurabh’s Pokhar Ke Dunu Paar is undeniably one of the best Hindi films of the year. Released on Mubi, it weaves the poignant story of an eloped couple, Priyanka (Tanaya Khan Jha) and Sumit (Abhinav Jha), as they return to their hometown of Darbhanga, grappling with the financial fallout of the pandemic and the fading echoes of their once-passionate romance. As practicality begins to creep in, the film captures how the idealism of youthful love is slowly suffocated by harsh realities.
The film explores the tension between love and responsibility, particularly as Sumit is forced into the role of the provider. However, he is far from equipped for this responsibility. A naïve and entitled young man, Sumit has no sense of accountability for his actions, and his lack of situational awareness only exacerbates the struggle. He spends his time reconnecting with his old friend Nihal, while Priyanka, the more pragmatic and self-assured of the two, tries to navigate the painful task of convincing her conservative father to accept her choice of a life partner. Their relationship becomes a series of missed connections — Priyanka nags, Sumit retreats into himself, lighting a cigarette; she talks about their financial troubles, and he storms out, only to return in tears.
In Pokhar Ke Dunu Paar, Saurabh doesn’t just depict love’s disillusionment; he shows the slow, painful death of youthful idealism when confronted with the weight of adult responsibilities. The film captures the delicate balance between personal dreams and societal expectations, illustrating how, in the end, even the most passionate rebellions can fade into the harshness of everyday survival.
5. Against the Tide (2023)
A film I eagerly anticipated for a long time, Against The Tide is Sarvnik Kaur’s sensitive and poignant documentary that delves into the lives of two fishermen and lifelong friends from Mumbai’s Koli community, who pursue their livelihoods in dramatically different ways. Ganesh is a charismatic and ambitious figure, leading a large crew and utilizing the latest technology to venture far out into the sea.
He is the embodiment of modernity in the fishing world. In stark contrast, Rakesh, who lives with his wife Devyani, their young son, and his mother-in-law, follows traditional Koli methods, relying on the wisdom of his ancestors. He restricts himself to shallow waters and a modest boat, holding onto a way of life that has been passed down through generations.
The film reveals the cultural and economic divide between the two men through intimate, nocturnal conversations that punctuate the narrative. The strength of Against The Tide lies in its measured, even-handed approach. Kaur doesn’t romanticize one way of life over the other; instead, she emphasizes that both men are ultimately at the mercy of the same broader forces: the ruthless tides of capitalism and the looming ecological catastrophes that threaten their very existence. The film captures these challenges with an intimate, almost observational lens, depicting the environmental devastation facing these fishermen in a way that is both personal and universal. In doing so, Kaur invites the viewer to see the interconnectedness of their struggles — not just as individuals but as part of a larger, increasingly unsustainable system.
List Courtesy of Anjani Chadha
Feature Image Credit to ‘And, Towards Happy Alleys’ via IMDb
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