Hindi cinema isn't only about big hit movies and glamorous love stories. There are many interesting real-life stories to discover in documentary films.
Amazon Prime Video has a lot of these documentaries. They explore different parts of Indian cinema and society. We have curated the best 10 documentaries you can watch on Amazon Prime Video this weekend.
1.The World Before Her is a documentary that contrasts the lives of women in modern India, focusing on two contrasting paths: beauty pageant contestants and members of a Hindu fundamentalist camp. Directed by Nisha Pahuja, the film explores the challenges and opportunities faced by women in Indian society, shedding light on issues of gender, tradition, and modernity. Through interviews and intimate footage, it offers a thought-provoking examination of the complexities of womanhood in India.
2. Bollywood: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told is a documentary celebrating the cultural phenomenon of Indian cinema, known as Bollywood. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Jeff Zimbalist, the film explores the history, impact, and global influence of Bollywood films. Through interviews with industry insiders and captivating footage, it showcases the magic of Indian cinema and its universal appeal.
3. My Name Is Salt is a documentary that follows the lives of a family of salt farmers in the Little Rann of Kutch, India. Directed by Farida Pacha, the film portrays their challenging yet captivating existence as they toil under the scorching sun to extract salt from the desert. It offers a mesmerizing glimpse into their traditions, struggles, and resilience amidst the harsh landscape.
4. An Insignificant Man (2016) is a documentary that follows the political journey of Arvind Kejriwal, from an anti-corruption activist to the Chief Minister of Delhi, India. Directed by Khushboo Ranka and Vinay Shukla, the film provides a behind-the-scenes look at Kejriwal's rise to power, capturing the challenges and controversies he faces along the way. Through interviews and archival footage, it offers a nuanced portrayal of Indian politics and the dynamics of grassroots movements.
5. Becoming Who I Was (2017) is a documentary film directed by Moon Chang-yong and Jeon Jin. It follows the remarkable journey of a young boy named Padma Angdu, who is believed to be the reincarnation of a high-ranking Tibetan monk. The film documents Padma's life as he travels with his mentor from Ladakh to Tibet, facing numerous challenges along the way. Through stunning visuals and intimate storytelling, "Becoming Who I Was" explores themes of identity, faith, and the bond between teacher and student.
6. The Argumentative Indian (2017) is a documentary based on the book by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. Directed by Suman Ghosh, the film explores India's rich intellectual tradition and diversity through Sen's insightful commentary. It delves into various aspects of Indian society, including politics, culture, and identity, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the nation's complex social fabric.
7. Rough Book (2016) is a film directed by Anant Mahadevan, centered on the Indian education system's challenges. It portrays a teacher's unconventional methods to inspire her students. Through realistic storytelling, it sheds light on issues like rote learning, exam pressure, and societal expectations. The film advocates for a more holistic approach to education, emphasizing critical thinking and creativity.
8. Katiyabaaz is a documentary film released in 2013, directed by Deepti Kakkar and Fahad Mustafa. It explores the issue of electricity theft in the Indian city of Kanpur. The film follows the lives of Loha Singh, a local electricity thief, and Ritu Maheshwari, the new electricity supply chief tasked with cracking down on illegal connections. Through their stories, the film sheds light on the socio-economic realities of power distribution in India.
9. Supermen of Malegaon (2008) is a documentary directed by Faiza Ahmad Khan that follows a group of amateur filmmakers in Malegaon, India, as they create their own low-budget version of the Superman movie. The film offers a humorous and heartfelt look at their passion for cinema and the challenges they face in realizing their creative vision in a small town setting.
These top documentary movies on Amazon Prime Video offer diverse and captivating insights into Indian society, culture, and politics. From the complexities of womanhood in "The World Before Her" to the magic of Indian cinema in "Bollywood: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told," each film provides a unique perspective worth exploring. Whether it's the mesmerizing portrayal of salt farmers in "My Name Is Salt" or the behind-the-scenes look at Indian politics in "An Insignificant Man," these documentaries invite viewers to see the film industry and society from new angles.
So, if you're looking for something beyond the usual Bollywood blockbusters, these documentaries are a must-watch, celebrating the diversity and complexity of India's cinematic and social landscape.
