The wave of indie cinema continues to surge with films like Anuparna Roy’s Songs of Forgotten Trees, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, and Nidhi Saxena’s second feature, among others. While some of these works garnered attention at Sundance and Cannes earlier this year, ongoing festivals in Toronto and Venice are still spotlighting remarkable cinematic talent and creativity. Indian films have been an integral part of these lineups. Here’s a shortlist of must-see films to watch for.
Songs of Forgotten Trees by Anuparna Roy
Anuparna Roy was awarded the prestigious Best Director Award in Orizzonti Section at the Venice Film Festival for this moving tale of two girls sharing an apartment. It is a drama set in Mumbai, following the two women whose unexpected living arrangement blossoms into a quiet, tender kinship amid the chaos of the city. The film offers a delicate portrait of survival and intimacy, as each woman's struggles and longing gradually shape a fragile bond beyond friendship. Stay tuned for an exclusive conversation with the filmmaker about her inspiring journey in our September EZ, out soon.
Secrets of a Mountain Serpent by Nidhi Saxena
Backed by Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha, this movie is Nidhi Saxena’s second feature that stirs some deep emotional reactions within you. The movie unfolds in a remote Himalayan village during the Kargil War, where the arrival of a mysterious outsider stirs forbidden desires and awakens ancient local folklore about a serpent waiting for unkept promises. Part mythical, part poetic, part haunting, Nidhi has created magic with this one.
Vimukt by Jitank Singh Gurjar
Premiered at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival, Vimukt or In Search of the Sky is Jitank Singh Gurjar’s debut film about a 26-year-old mentally unstable son of a poverty-stricken elderly couple. They become the reason for constant mockery in a village where they have lived their entire life because of their son. The couple decides to travel to the Maha Kumbh, once in a 144-year pilgrimage, the largest human gathering on the planet, to find answers. Will this journey bring them the healing they hoped for? Or will their lives be changed forever?
Read our conversation with the filmmaker here.
Don’t Tell Mother by Anoop Lukkur
Anoop Lokkur’s debut Kannada feature, Don’t Tell Mother will be making its World Premiere at the prestigious Busan Film Festival.
When tragedy strikes, 9-year-old Aakash, secretly enduring school violence, forms unbreakable bonds with his strict but loving mother and younger brother in 1990s Bangalore.
Homebound by Neeraj Ghaywan
Homebound, Neeraj Ghaywan’s second film, premiered with standing ovations at Cannes and continued an impressive festival run through Melbourne and Toronto. Set in rural North India, it follows two childhood friends, one Dalit, one Muslim, as they chase the dream of becoming police officers to escape the indignities rooted in caste and poverty. The story is a powerful, sensitive portrait of friendship strained by ambition and social barriers, painting a deeply human tableau of longing, resilience, and the harsh realities of marginalized lives.
Shape of Momo by Tribeny Rai
Shape of Momo has made a strong mark on the festival circuit, premiering in the Vision Section at Busan International Film Festival and earning a spot in competition at San Sebastián, after its journey began with awards and market screenings at Cannes and Hong Kong. The story follows Bishnu, a young woman returning to her Himalayan village, as she grapples with family expectations and her own longing for independence against the backdrop of a matriarchal household.
Sabar Bonda by Rohan Kanawade
A festival favourite this year, Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears) made history by becoming the first-ever Indian fiction feature to win the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film, written and directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, is set to release in theatres across India on 19th September 2025. In this film, Kanawade showcases a unique narrative that bridges rural and urban experiences, offering a fresh perspective on queer lives in India. The film stands as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the resilience of independent filmmakers.
Read our interview with Rohan here.
I, Poppy by Vivek Chaudhary
I, Poppy, directed by Vivek Chaudhary, has had a powerful festival journey, winning the Best International Feature Documentary jury prize at the 2025 Hot Docs Festival in Toronto. This makes Vivek Chaudhary, who previously made the National Award winning documentary, Goonga Pehelwan a definite name to watch out for.
I, Poppy intimately follows a Dalit family in Rajasthan, focusing on Vardibai, an elderly poppy farmer, and her son Mangilal, a schoolteacher and activist fighting systemic corruption that threatens their livelihood. It offers a deeply moving portrayal of resilience, injustice, and the harsh realities faced by marginalized farmers caught between tradition and oppressive bureaucracy.
Pinch by Uttera Singh
Pinch, directed by Uttera Singh, had its world premiere in competition at the Tribeca Film Festival, marking a significant debut for the filmmaker on the international stage. The story of the film springs from a quirky family story, inspired by her Nanu’s tales of a mischievous cousin, yet the film wields humour as a way into complex, urgent conversations about assault and healing.
We spoke to Uttera at length about her process and the journey with this film. Stay tuned for the conversation coming out in our November Bookazine.
Words Hansika Lohani
Date 10-9-2025