India's Regional Movies Now Winning Hearts Around the World

Post by : Priya

Photo:Reuters

India’s regional cinema has long lived in the shadows of the glitzy and glamorous Bollywood industry. While Hindi-language films have traditionally dominated the conversation at home and abroad, a quiet revolution has been taking place across India’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape. From the lush hills of the Northeast to the coastal towns of Kerala, regional films in languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, and Manipuri are now finding a well-deserved audience beyond India's borders.

Today, these films are being recognised not only at major international film festivals but also on global streaming platforms. They are winning awards, moving international critics, and, most importantly, connecting emotionally with audiences from different corners of the world.

A Rich Cultural Tapestry Comes Alive

India is a land of many languages and cultures, each with its own unique history, identity, and storytelling tradition. Regional films, unlike mainstream Bollywood productions, offer a more rooted and authentic look at these local realities. Whether it is the moral struggles in a Marathi courtroom drama, the cultural identity in a Manipuri family story, or the caste-based injustice in a Tamil social drama — regional films bring forth real-life issues with raw honesty.

This authenticity has become the core strength of regional films. While Bollywood has increasingly leaned into commercial formulas, flashy music, and mass-market appeal, regional filmmakers have often chosen to explore subjects that are deeply emotional, socially relevant, and locally grounded. As the world looks for fresh, real, and meaningful stories, India’s regional filmmakers are rising to the occasion.

South Indian Cinema: Driving the Movement Forward

In recent years, South Indian cinema — particularly Tamil and Malayalam industries — has led the way in breaking into international spaces. Directors like Mari Selvaraj (Karnan), Lijo Jose Pellissery (Jallikattu, Churuli), and Pa. Ranjith (Sarpatta Parambarai) have been praised for their creative bravery and thematic depth.

One notable example is Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, a Malayalam-language film that received critical acclaim at the Rotterdam International Film Festival. Its dreamlike storytelling and exploration of identity impressed global audiences. Similarly, Jai Bhim, a powerful courtroom drama in Tamil, brought the issue of caste-based violence to global attention. It was not only praised in film circles but also sparked real dialogue about India’s social fabric.

Even big-budget Telugu films like RRR have helped introduce international viewers to regional cinema. Though not a small-budget indie film, RRR’s global success — including an Oscar for Best Original Song — has opened doors for many other regional creators.

A New Voice From the Northeast

One of the most remarkable changes in recent years has been the emergence of cinema from India’s Northeast — a region that has long been underrepresented in Indian popular culture. Films from Manipur, Assam, and Meghalaya are now receiving attention from both domestic and global audiences.

Romi Meitei’s Eikhoigi Yum (Our Home), a poignant Manipuri drama, was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival and received standing ovations. It explores the struggles of a family caught in political conflict and showcases the cultural richness of Manipur with sensitivity and grace.

Assamese films like Village Rockstars by Rima Das have also made headlines. Shot with non-professional actors and a handheld camera, the film tells the story of a young girl with dreams of owning a guitar. It won the National Award for Best Feature Film and was India’s official entry to the Oscars in 2018.

These films may be made with small budgets, but their emotional power and narrative honesty have allowed them to transcend regional boundaries.

Bengali and Marathi Cinema: Timeless Storytelling

Bengali and Marathi cinema have long enjoyed a reputation for artistic excellence. The works of Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, and Mrinal Sen in Bengali cinema set the foundation for global recognition decades ago. Today’s filmmakers are carrying that legacy forward.

In 2025, the Bengali film Dabaru (The Player) — about a chess prodigy from a poor family — was selected for Cannes Critics' Week. Its blend of human drama and cultural specificity touched audiences deeply. Meanwhile, Marathi films like The Disciple, directed by Chaitanya Tamhane, have continued to receive praise on global platforms like the Venice Film Festival. This quiet but consistent presence has made Bengali and Marathi cinema pillars of India’s global film representation.

Why Now? The Role of Streaming Platforms

One of the biggest reasons behind the sudden global rise of regional films is the reach provided by digital platforms. Global streaming giants such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and MUBI have begun acquiring regional Indian titles and making them available with subtitles across the world. These platforms have reduced the barrier of language and geography, making it easier for regional stories to travel far and wide.

Today, a viewer in Berlin or Buenos Aires can watch a Tamil film with English subtitles, opening up an entirely new world of Indian storytelling. This exposure not only benefits the audience but also boosts the confidence and creativity of regional filmmakers who now know their work can be seen by a global audience.

Film Festivals and Awards: Global Validation

In the last five years, Indian regional films have become regular entries at major international film festivals. Here are a few recent examples:

• Cannes Film Festival: Indian regional films have been featured more prominently, with many making it to sidebars like Critics’ Week and Directors’ Fortnight.
• Venice and Berlin: Platforms that have embraced regional films like The Disciple and Eikhoigi Yum.
• Toronto and Busan: Offering wide exposure to debut directors from India’s small towns and lesser-known regions.
• Awards and nominations bring not only pride but also vital funding, distribution deals, and visibility to these films.

Government and Institutional Support

Another factor behind the success of regional films is increased support from state governments and film development boards. States like Kerala, Maharashtra, and West Bengal have strong film cultures and institutions that support independent filmmakers. Film festivals at the state and national level also give regional filmmakers a platform to showcase their work.

Film institutes in Pune (FTII), Kolkata (SRFTI), and Chennai (LV Prasad Film Academy) are training a new generation of filmmakers who are deeply connected to their roots but also aware of global standards in cinema. This blend of local insight and professional skill is helping regional cinema grow in quality and ambition.

India regional cinema