Recently, Filmmaker Sudipto Sen’s The Kerala Story created a lot of buzz across the country. The movie, which has managed to break multiple records, has now entered the INR 100 Crores Club. Inspired by The Kerala Story, which has sparked intense debates, we have handpicked these gems that will leave you gasping for breath. So grab your popcorn, snuggle up, and prepare for a heart-pounding ride with these unforgettable hard-hitting movies.
Movies Like ‘The Kerala Story’ That Left Us Scared & Shaken Up
1. Lakshmi – YouTube
Get ready to be floored by filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor’s 2014 masterpiece, Lakshmi. This gripping tale, based on true events, follows the harrowing journey of a brave teenage girl (Monali Thakur) thrust into the nightmarish world of prostitution. With stellar performances by Monali Thakur, Shefali Shah, and Ram Kapoor, the movie fearlessly exposes the horrors of human trafficking and child prostitution. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. You can watch it here.
2. Aligarh – Jio Cinema
Embark on a poignant and profound journey with filmmaker Hansal Mehta’s biographical masterpiece, Aligarh. Witness the personal and professional life of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras unravel after a shocking sting operation. Prepare to be moved by the exceptional performances of Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao, as they take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
3. Tahaan – Disney + Hotstar, Youtube
Experience the riveting tale of young Tahaan, whose quest to reclaim his beloved pet donkey takes an unforeseen and harrowing turn. Santosh Sivan’s Tahaan will captivate you with its exploration of how terrorism manipulates innocent minds. Starring the talented Anupam Kher, Sarika, and Rahul Bose, this film will make you ponder the consequences of your own decisions.
4. Qissa – Youtube
Step into the post-partition era with the captivating Indian drama, Qissa. Join a Sikh man’s desperate quest for a son as he raises his fourth daughter as a boy. Directed by the talented Anup Singh, this soul-stirring film features the late great Irrfan Khan, alongside Tillotama Shome, Rasika Dugal, and Tisca Chopra. With every twist and turn, Qissa will hold you spellbound until the very last frame.
5. Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women – Zee5
Prepare to confront the harsh realities of gender inequality, female infanticide, and male chauvinism in Manish Jha’s bold and unflinching drama, Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women. Dive into a woman’s life as she navigates the devastating consequences of marrying five brothers. With a stellar cast including Tulip Joshi, Sudhir Pandey, Piyush Mishra, and Sushant Singh, this powerful saga will leave you questioning societal norms and demanding change.
6. Parzania – Disney + Hotstar
Be prepared to be moved by the stirring true story of a Parsi family’s relentless search for their missing son after the devastating 2002 Gujarat riots. Rahul Dholakia’s Parzania, featuring powerhouse performances by Naseeruddin Shah and Sarika, will tug at your heartstrings and awaken your conscience. Brace yourself for an emotional journey that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
7. Ugly- Amazon Prime
In the gripping film Ugly, directed by Anurag Kashyap, the audience is exposed to the sinister aspects of human nature as it unravels the haunting case of a missing girl who tragically meets her demise. Meanwhile, her father and stepfather, the latter being a cop, find themselves entangled in a web of accusations, suspecting each other of kidnapping. This dark and chilling movie, much like Adah Sharma’s recent release (The Kerala Story), will leave you on edge and immersed in its unsettling narrative.
8. The Kashmir Files – Zee5
In a surprising turn of events, the directorial venture by Vivek Agnihotri took everyone by storm in 2022, surpassing even star-studded films like Radhe Shyam and Bachchan Pandey with its remarkable success at the box office. Starring Mithun Chakraborty and Anupam Kher, this film revolves around the heart-wrenching exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990. Its poignant narrative sheds light on the struggles faced by the community during that time. You can now stream this impactful movie on Zee5, immersing yourself in its powerful storytelling.
9. Jogi – Netflix
Streaming on Netflix, the directorial venture by Ali Abbas Zafar brings together the talents of Diljit Dosanjh and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in a gripping tale. The film delves into the lives of three friends who courageously step up to save and safeguard their community amidst the turmoil of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. With its powerful narrative, this movie sheds light on the resilience and unity displayed during challenging times. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this impactful story unfold on Netflix.
10. Bombay – Netflix
Available for streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, and Voot, the timeless masterpiece directed by Mani Ratnam showcases the exceptional performances of Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala. Set against the backdrop of the 1992 communal riots in Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, this film delves into the poignant story of an inter-religious couple. It beautifully portrays their struggles and challenges, offering a heartfelt exploration of love and resilience amidst societal tensions. Don’t miss the chance to experience this cinematic gem that continues to captivate audiences across streaming platforms.
Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below.