Regional films offer windows into the lives, dialects, landscapes, and dreams of people from all corners of our vast nation. Whether you’re in it for powerful performances, lyrical visuals, or slow-burn narratives, here are some regional masterpieces that will change the way you see Indian cinema.
Village Rockstars (Assamese)
Director: Rima Das
Where to watch: Netflix & Mubi
Shot in the filmmaker’s village with non-professional actors, Village Rockstars is an ode to childhood dreams in rural Assam. It follows Dhunu, a spirited 10-year-old girl who wants to own a guitar and start a rock band. With its handheld camera work and poetic realism, the film radiates authenticity and raw charm. It won the National Award for Best Feature Film and was India’s official entry to the Oscars in 2018, a milestone for Assamese cinema. The sequel to this movie also came out recently in 2024.
Killa (Marathi)
Director: Avinash Arun
Where to watch: Zee5
Set along the misty Konkan coast, Killa is a tender portrait of a boy navigating grief after the loss of his father. The story captures the discomfort of moving to a new town and the bittersweet beauty of finding connection amidst loneliness. It’s a coming-of-age tale rich in mood, atmosphere, and childhood nuance, perfect for anyone who loves introspective storytelling.
Nagarkirtan (Bengali)
Director: Kaushik Ganguly
Where to watch: PrimeVideo
A sensitive and layered love story, Nagarkirtan centers around a transwoman and a flute player in the heart of Kolkata. The film fearlessly explores themes of gender identity, caste, and marginalization, while still maintaining an intensely personal emotional core. Riddhi Sen’s performance as the lead earned him the National Award for Best Actor — a performance both vulnerable and revolutionary.
Koozhangal / Pebbles (Tamil)
Director: PS Vinothraj
Where to watch: SonyLIV
India’s Oscar entry in 2022, Koozhangal is a minimalist masterpiece. The plot is deceptively simple: a father and son walk across a scorched landscape to bring back the boy’s mother. But in its silences, barren frames, and oppressive heat, the film explores toxic masculinity, generational trauma, and survival. It’s the kind of film that speaks volumes without needing to speak much at all.
Mallesham (Telugu)
Director: Raj Rachakonda
Where to watch: Netflix
Based on a true story, Mallesham chronicles the life of a young man who devises a machine to ease his mother’s labour-intensive saree weaving process. The film is a celebration of grassroots innovation, set in rural Telangana, and rooted deeply in empathy and ingenuity. Anchored by Priyadarshi’s understated performance, it’s a love letter to unsung heroes of India’s artisan communities.
Hellaro (Gujarati)
Director: Abhishek Shah
Where to watch: Shemaroome
In a drought-stricken, patriarchal village where women are forbidden from dancing, Hellaro plants a revolution with the beat of a drum. When a group of women discover freedom through Garba, what unfolds is part folk tale, part feminist anthem. Visually rich and emotionally resonant, it won the National Award for Best Feature Film in 2019.
Attam (Malayalam)
Director: Anand Ekarshi
Where to watch: Prime Video
Set in the world of a small theatre troupe in Kerala, Attam (The Play) is a slow-burning psychological drama about group dynamics, guilt, and the performative masks we all wear. What begins as a tightly knit circle unravels when one member is accused of sexual assault, forcing each character to confront their loyalties and fears. Thoughtful, layered, and haunting, Attam is one of the boldest Malayalam indies in recent years.
Words Harita Odedara
12.06.2025