10 all time great Indian films

Despite being a developing country, India produces almost same number of movies as the USA does. In it's more than 100 years journey, Indian Cinema has evolved from being taboo to an addiction. After scanning history of Indian films, it was difficult to come up with few titles since every individual’s choice is different. I hope that readers would like the final selection. Accepting debates, criticism of choices, and readers’ inputs are welcomed.

Achhut Kanya (1936) – The simple cinematic treatment and natural acting of leading pair make Achhut Kanya classic and the earliest masterpiece from Indian Cinema. Director’s attempt to keep an untouchable girl in the center of film and that’s too during British India, certainly deserved a huge round of applause. 

Pyaasa (1957) – Indian Cinema could never have had the golden age in 50s without films like Pyaasa. Portrait of an artist’s isolation has never been this much glamorous before. With dappled imagery and sensitive stand-in, Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman took Pyaasa to another level. The film has a unique place in Time’s top 100 movies of all times list. 

Mother India (1957) – Mother India was possibly the first Indian film that depicted the power of Indian woman. For bringing best out of Nargis and getting India first Oscar nomination, Mother India reserves a special place among all time great Hindi films. 

Mughal-e-Azam (1960) - The semi-fictional story of Mughal-e-Azam portrays magnificence of Mughal Empire, a prince’s struggle with his father and a dancer’s fearless love. Adjusting depreciation, Mughal-e-Azam is still India’s most expensive film. I am sure that anyone can watch this film again and again for its lavish sets, classic cinematography and memorable dialogues between Anarkali and Akbar. 

Guide (1965) – Based on R.K. Narayan's novel, The Guide, this film is a beyond question, a classic Hindi film. The narrative structure is easy to follow, despite many complex proceedings. All characters from film lack in heroic qualities, being imperfect, just like everybody else. The songs are executed with impressive energy and colors, enhancing the meaning of the story.

(Order by year) 1- Achhut Kanya, 2-  Pyaasa, 3- Mother India,  4- Mughal-e-Azam , 5- Guide, 6- Salaam Bombay

7- Hum Aapke Hain kaun, 8-  Lagaan, 9- Devdas, 10- Rang De Basanti

Salaam Bombay (1988) - No other movie of director Mira Nair could ever come close to this film. Life lost in smoke, street, poverty, pimps and prostitutes, what else one can ask for in the name of realistic cinema. Although the film is meant for immature audience, yet life of street kids displayed in the film, without question is as real as one can imagine.

Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (1994) - A movie that made the world aware of true Indian values and family bonds. Hum Aapke Hain Kaun perfectly showcased how strongly social bonding works out in India. The leading lady, Madhuri Dixit looked her dazzling best, which made famous Indian painter M.F. Husain watch the film 67 times. 

Lagaan (2001) - Lagaan gave Indian patriotic cinema new heights and dimensions. An exceptional attempt to make a fictional patriotic period movie involved a huge risk. With everyone’s surprise, Lagaan received raving reviews and eventually made its way to the Oscars. 

Devdas (2002) - Some movies are great because of their amazing cinematographic treatment. Devdas is certainly one of them. Tragic, but glamorous, cheerless, yet cherish-able, no one can understand human emotions better than director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Devdas tells a classical love story of Dev-Paro, glorified with the contribution of powerful acting from Aishawaya Rai, Madhuri Dixit and Kirron Kher.Simply extraordinary sets, brilliant art direction and flawless cinematography!

Rang De Basanti (2006) - This film is a desired blend of excellent music background, realistic cinematography and outstanding screenplays. Rising Nationalist spirits, Rang de Basanti is loud, yet thought-provoking. For an aspiring young Indian, this film can be a life changing experience.

Films, very close to Best 10 - Do Bigha Zameen (1953), Do Aankhein Baarah Haath (1957), Bandini (1963), Amar Prem (1972), Garam Hawa (1974), Umrao Jaan (1981), Munnabhai M.B.B.S. (2003), Black (2005) and Chak De India (2007).