We need to understand that the Indian cinema is not just limited to Bollywood or Hindi movies. This stereotype is being served to us for quite a long time and now it is the time to break this myth. And the responsibility of breaking this stereotype is taken by the movies churned in regional languages that are garnering positive critique. There are some regional movies that not just impressed the audience but overshadowed the Hindi movies in the mainstream. Here we bring you a list of the top 10 regional movies that left an indelible mark on the mainstream:
1. Jai Bhim: An unconventional movie by south Indian superstar Surya turned the mainstream culture upside down. Based on a real-life story, the movie showed a court case on a man of backword class. In the movie, Surya played the role of a lawyer who fights the whole system to give justice to that man.
2. Village Rockstar: There is the reason why this was the official entry by India for Oscar, and that reason came out when it won the Best Feature Film ‘Swarna Kamal’ Award at the 65th National Awards. This movie is a tale of a young girl who aspires to be a rockstar and conquer every social hurdle to get to her destiny.
3. Mandela: If you like political satires that accurately portray the current state of politics, Mandela is a must-watch for you. The story follows a local barber whose vote becomes a deciding factor in the village elections.
4. Loktak Lariembee: Focusing on the trials and tribulations of the fishing community in northeast India, this fact-based drama, revolves around a fisher named Tomba, who surprisingly finds a gun in his pond and uses it to protect itself.
5. Court: This revolutionary movie depicts the life of a social activist who uses the power of his music to spread his message among the local. But later, he gets arrested by officials in the charges of inciting a sewage worker's suicide and this case goes to the exposition of a bigotry that runs rampant in the judicial system.
6. Aalorukkam: Directed by debutant V. C. Abhilash and starring Indrans as the protagonist, the movie won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues for its sensitive yet bold take on a father's search for his missing son, and the shocking (for him) result he encounters. The movie managed to avoid stereotypes and present a heartwarming story, especially because of Indrans' flawless performance as the grieving father.
7. Super Delux: This movie is perfectly weaved outcome of 4 stories that captures 4 life trying to setting down in the society and fight their demon. Super Delux explored the whole new site of south India cinema.
8. Chhello Show: This movie is one of the finest coming age Gujarati movie and was even considered as official entry of India in Oscars. The film revolves around the magic of cinema and is told from the viewpoint of a nine year old boy who gets introduced to the world of cinema through his friendship with a projectionist.
9. Master: Starring Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi in the lead roles, Master revolves around an alcoholic professor at a juvenile school wh fights off a gangster who is using children for illegal and criminal activities. The film is a blockbuster.
10. Nagarkirtan: The movie that won 4 National Awards, including the Special Jury Award for Feature Film, represented an issue that many mainstream movies shy away from - the traumatic lives of the gender non-conforming communities. The movie starred Riddhi Sen, who also won the National Film Award for Best Actor.
