10 Recent Underrated Indian Movies On Netflix That Are Hidden Gems You Must Watch

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10 Recent Underrated Indian Movies On Netflix That Are Hidden Gems You Must Watch

In the vast and ever-expanding library of Netflix, the true cinematic treasures often lie hidden beneath the surface of blockbusters and trending topics. India’s film industry, an epicenter of world cinema, produces thousands of movies yearly, many of which are critically acclaimed, emotionally resonant, and push creative boundaries—but somehow miss the massive mainstream spotlight.

These hidden gems, spanning various languages and genres from powerful regional cinema to nuanced Hindi dramas, offer a refreshing alternative to the typical Bollywood spectacle. If you’re tired of endless scrolling and want to uncover some truly brilliant, recent Indian movies on Netflix, this is your definitive must-watch list.

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The Critically Acclaimed Auteurs: International Festival Darlings

These films gained significant critical acclaim on the global stage but were not major box-office hits, making them true hidden gems on the streaming platform.

1. The Disciple (Marathi/Hindi, 2020)

• Genre: Drama, Musical
• Starring: Aditya Modak, Arun Dravid
• The Hidden Gem Appeal: This is a mesmerizing and meditative character study that won the FIPRESCI Prize and the Best Screenplay award at the Venice Film Festival. Directed by Chaitanya Tamhane, the film offers a rare, deep dive into the world of Indian classical music (Hindustani) in Mumbai, following a dedicated young vocalist who struggles to achieve the artistic purity and discipline demanded by his craft and tradition. The movie is a profound reflection on ambition, mediocrity, and the pursuit of excellence in a dying art form.

2. Eeb Allay Ooo! (Hindi, 2020)

• Genre: Social Satire, Absurdist Comedy
• Starring: Shardul Bhardwaj, Mahendra Nath
• The Hidden Gem Appeal: Often hailed by critics as “India’s Parasite,” this film is an unsettling yet darkly humorous social satire. It tells the story of Anjani, a young migrant worker hired by the government in Delhi for the bizarre job of repelling monkeys from VIP areas by imitating the calls of a langur. The film uses this strange premise as a powerful metaphor to expose the class divide, unemployment, and the humiliating plight of marginalized communities in the capital. It won the Filmfare Award for Best Film (Critics) and is a masterclass in realistic, non-glamorous filmmaking.

3. Axone (Hindi/Nepali/English, 2020)

• Genre: Slice-of-Life, Socio-Comedy, Drama
• Starring: Sayani Gupta, Lin Laishram, Tenzin Dalha
• The Hidden Gem Appeal: Set over the course of a single chaotic day in Delhi, the film centers on a group of friends from Northeast India trying to prepare a special pork dish using the pungent-smelling fermented soybean delicacy, Axone, for a wedding party. The movie is a warm, insightful, and often hilarious commentary on the casual and systemic racism, stereotyping, and cultural alienation faced by people from the Northeast in metropolitan India. Its authentic portrayal of diversity and prejudice makes it an essential watch.

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Engaging Dramas Based on Real Life & Deep Emotion

These films are grounded in powerful, emotionally charged narratives, often based on true events or focusing on intense personal struggles.

4. Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway (Hindi, 2023)

• Genre: Emotional Drama, Courtroom Thriller
• Starring: Rani Mukerji, Anirban Bhattacharya
• The Hidden Gem Appeal: Based on the true story of an Indian couple whose children were taken away by Norwegian child welfare services, this film is an intense, heart-wrenching drama about a mother’s fight against a foreign government’s entire legal system. Rani Mukerji’s powerful performance anchors the movie, transforming it from a mere legal procedural into a deeply personal and universal story about motherhood, cultural differences, and survival. It’s a film that demands to be seen for its sheer emotional weight and its stark social commentary on cultural clash.

5. Ghoomer (Hindi, 2023)

• Genre: Sports Drama, Inspirational
• Starring: Saiyami Kher, Abhishek Bachchan
• The Hidden Gem Appeal: Moving beyond typical sports movie tropes, Ghoomer is a deeply moving story of a young, promising batter who loses her right arm in a tragic accident. A cynical and failed former cricketer takes her under his wing to train her as a one-armed, left-handed spinner. The film is a refreshing take on the sports drama genre, emphasizing mental resilience, unconventional coaching, and overcoming physical trauma. The nuanced performances and the unique concept make it a compelling and uplifting watch that was surprisingly underrated on its theatrical release.

6. Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (Malayalam, 2022)

• Genre: Drama, Psychological Comedy
• Starring: Mammootty, Ramya Pandian
• The Hidden Gem Appeal: A truly unique offering from the acclaimed Malayalam cinema, this film follows a group of tourists from Kerala returning home by bus. Mid-journey, their driver, James, suddenly stops the bus in a small village in Tamil Nadu, walks into a house, and begins behaving like the missing head of that family, who bears a striking resemblance to him. Directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, the film is a surreal, slow-burn masterpiece that explores themes of identity, memory, and existential confusion with stunning cinematography and a masterful, understated performance by Mammootty.

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The Underrated Gems of Social Commentary & Action

These films offer a unique mix of entertainment and thoughtful reflection on contemporary issues.

7. Dhak Dhak (Hindi, 2023)

• Genre: Adventure, Road Trip, Comedy-Drama
• Starring: Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanjana Sanghi
• The Hidden Gem Appeal: Billed as a “chick flick” with a difference, Dhak Dhak is a refreshing take on the classic road trip film, following four disparate women on a challenging bike expedition from Delhi to Khardung La. Each character embarks on the journey for a personal reason, seeking freedom and self-discovery away from the constraints of their everyday lives. It is a genuine, feel-good film that avoids clichés, offering a celebration of female camaraderie and the journey being more important than the destination.

8. Chhatriwali (Hindi, 2023)

• Genre: Social Comedy, Drama
• Starring: Rakul Preet Singh, Sumeet Vyas
• The Hidden Gem Appeal: Tackling the often-taboo subject of sex education and the stigma around contraceptives in India, Chhatriwali is a comedy-drama with a strong, necessary social message. The film follows a quality control head at a condom factory who takes it upon herself to educate her community about safe sex. It uses humor and light-hearted storytelling to address important public health issues, making complex topics accessible without becoming preachy, a rarity in mainstream Hindi cinema.

9. Lakadbaggha (Hindi, 2023)

• Genre: Action, Vigilante Thriller, Comedy
• Starring: Anshuman Jha, Ridhi Dogra
• The Hidden Gem Appeal: If you enjoy grounded, realistic action with a social conscience, this film is for you. Lakadbaggha is the story of a vigilante who hunts down animal poachers and those involved in the illegal animal trade in Kolkata. What makes it a hidden gem is its commitment to sleek, Hong Kong-style martial arts choreography—with the action sequences being a standout feature—and its unique moral premise of an animal-loving hero fighting to protect the voiceless. It’s a stylish and unexpected entry in the Indian action genre.

10. Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case (Malayalam/English, 2023)

• Genre: Docu-Drama, True Crime
• Starring: Various (Real-Life Participants)
• The Hidden Gem Appeal: This is one of the most compelling and chilling true-crime documentaries to emerge from India in recent times. The film investigates the infamous Koodathayi serial poisoning case from Kerala, where a woman named Jolly Joseph was accused of murdering six of her family members over 14 years. The documentary expertly blends interviews, crime scene reconstructions, and expert analysis to unravel the shocking complexity of the case, offering a gripping, real-life thriller that is a must-watch for fans of the true-crime genre.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs

Q: Are all these ‘underrated’ movies available on Netflix?

A: Yes, all ten movies listed—The Disciple, Eeb Allay Ooo!, Axone, Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, Ghoomer, Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Dhak Dhak, Chhatriwali, Lakadbaggha, and Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case—are currently streaming and confirmed to be available on Netflix.

Q: Why are these movies considered “hidden gems” or “underrated”?

A: They are considered underrated because they generally did not receive the massive marketing budget or widespread theatrical release of major studio blockbusters, or they belong to regional cinema (Malayalam, Marathi, etc.). Despite this, they received high critical praise, won awards at international festivals, and offer high-quality, authentic, and unique storytelling that often surpasses mainstream releases.

Q: Are these films only in Hindi, or are there regional language movies too?

A: This list includes a diverse mix of languages to showcase the breadth of Indian cinema:

• Hindi: Eeb Allay Ooo!, Axone, Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, Ghoomer, Dhak Dhak, Chhatriwali, Lakadbaggha
• Malayalam: Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam, Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case
• Marathi: The Disciple (predominantly Marathi with some Hindi) All films are available with English subtitles, and many may also have Hindi or other language dubs on Netflix.

Q: What is the most unique genre on this list?

A: Eeb Allay Ooo! is arguably the most unique, as it is a rare blend of Absurdist Comedy and Social Satire. It uses a very strange, Kafkaesque premise—a man hired to scare away monkeys—to deliver a serious commentary on class and unemployment. Another highly unique film is The Disciple, a rare Marathi film to win major international awards.

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10 Recent Underrated Indian Movies On Netflix That Are Hidden Gems You Must Watch

In the age of streaming, the sheer volume of new content can be overwhelming. While Netflix prominently features blockbuster Bollywood hits, a vast library of recent, critically acclaimed Indian cinema from various languages—often low-key, high-concept, and original—gets lost in the shuffle. These films, often praised for their raw storytelling and powerful performances, are the true hidden gems.

If you’re tired of the typical formulaic spectacles and are hunting for movies that will genuinely surprise, challenge, and move you, look no further. We’ve unearthed ten recent (2018–2024) underrated Indian movies currently streaming on Netflix that deserve a spot at the top of your watchlist.

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The Hidden Gems of Recent Indian Cinema

1. Amar Singh Chamkila (Hindi, 2024)

Genre: Biopic, Musical Drama

Director Imtiaz Ali’s 2024 biographical film on the slain Punjabi folk singer Amar Singh Chamkila is a masterful, non-linear deep dive into the complex life of a revolutionary artist. Diljit Dosanjh delivers a knockout performance as the musician who rose to unprecedented fame with his provocative yet immensely popular music in the 1980s. The film boldly uses a musical theatre style to explore the power of music, the suffocating grip of social censorship, and inequality in Indian society. It manages to be both a colourful, energetic watch and a sombre exploration of an artist tragically silenced. Though a star vehicle, its non-traditional format and complex themes make it a rewarding watch for those seeking depth beyond a simple biopic.

2. Anweshippin Kandethum (Malayalam, 2024)

Genre: Police Procedural, Investigative Thriller

A rare departure from the overly dramatic and hyper-stylised cop movies, Anweshippin Kandethum is a grounded and pragmatic police procedural drama. The film, which translates to “Seek, and you shall find,” stars Tovino Thomas as SI Anand Narayanan, an honest officer determined to solve two unrelated, challenging murder cases that have baffled the state. The narrative is a meticulous, two-part investigation that places emphasis on realism, teamwork, and forensic detail, instead of just the hero’s power. Released in early 2024, its availability on Netflix makes it a must-watch for fans of authentic, slow-burn investigative thrillers from the Malayalam industry.

3. Vadh (Hindi, 2022)

Genre: Domestic Crime Thriller

Vadh is a dark and morally ambiguous thriller that flew under the radar despite featuring stellar performances by veterans Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta. The movie centers on an elderly, middle-class couple living in the shadow of the financial debt left by their absentee son. When the retired schoolmaster (Sanjay Mishra) commits a shocking crime against his ruthless, local loan shark, the film shifts into a gripping cat-and-mouse game as the couple tries to cover up the murder. The movie is a commentary on the isolation and desperate circumstances faced by parents neglected by their children and is often compared to the emotional weight and tension of the Drishyam franchise. It began streaming on Netflix in early 2023.

4. Jogi (Hindi, 2022)

Genre: Period Drama, Survival Thriller

Set against the devastating backdrop of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, Jogi is an intense and emotionally charged survival thriller. Diljit Dosanjh plays the title role of Jogi, who, with the help of his friends—a police officer and a Muslim compatriot—vows to evacuate and save his entire Sikh community over a terrifying three-day period. As a Netflix Original, the film faced mixed but generally positive reviews, with praise particularly directed at the lead performances and its fast-paced, entertaining narrative that serves as a meaningful step in educating the audience about the toll of hatred. It’s a gripping, heart-wrenching, and fast-paced piece of cinema that turns a dark chapter of history into a story of interfaith courage and resilience.

5. Mimi (Hindi, 2021)

Genre: Comedy-Drama, Social Satire

While Mimi achieved significant success upon its direct-to-OTT release on Netflix, its status as a content-driven movie, rather than a star-studded cinematic spectacle, positions it as a hidden gem of the comedy-drama genre. Starring Kriti Sanon and Pankaj Tripathi, the movie revolves around Mimi, a young woman from a small town who agrees to be a surrogate for an American couple for a large sum of money. What follows is a chaotic, emotional, and often hilarious journey when the couple backs out, leaving Mimi to navigate an unexpected and scandalous pregnancy. The film manages to handle a sensitive subject like surrogacy with humour and heart, making it a highly engaging and well-performed watch.

6. The Disciple (Marathi, 2020)

Genre: Art-House Drama, Musical

The Disciple is arguably the most artistically accomplished film on this list and a true masterclass in non-commercial cinema. Directed by Chaitanya Tamhane, the movie is a meditative look into the life of Sharad Nerulkar, a young Marathi classical music student in Mumbai, who diligently pursues the art form while struggling to find his voice. The film won the FIPRESCI Prize and the Best Screenplay award at the Venice Film Festival. Its slow, authentic pacing and dedication to portraying the reality of pursuing high art in a commercial world make it a profound viewing experience for those seeking depth and introspection. Its release as a Netflix Original in 2020 exposed this international gem to a wider Indian audience.

7. Axone (Hindi/Northeast, 2019)

Genre: Comedy-Drama, Slice-of-Life

Axone is a charming, bittersweet comedy that takes place over a single frantic day as a group of friends from Northeast India living in Delhi prepare a traditional wedding dish—Axone—known for its pungent smell. Starring Sayani Gupta and Lin Laishram, the film uses this simple, chaotic premise to explore the everyday casual racism, prejudice, and difficulties faced by migrants from the Northeast in metropolitan India. It’s a culturally rooted, witty, and authentic narrative that maintains a delicate balance between levity and the sting of social commentary, making it a necessary and unique addition to the Indian streaming landscape.

8. Uyare (Malayalam, 2019)

Genre: Social Drama, Inspiration

Hailed as one of the best Malayalam movies of its year, Uyare (transl. Aloft) is a powerful and inspiring story about survival and determination. The film stars Parvathy Thiruvothu as Pallavi, an aspiring pilot whose dreams are brutally shattered after she becomes the victim of an acid attack orchestrated by her possessive former boyfriend. Instead of succumbing to the trauma, Pallavi reclaims her life and identity, fighting social stigma to find a new path to her dream. It’s a heart-touching film that showcases a fantastic lead performance and delivers an uplifting message against the backdrop of domestic abuse and social prejudice.

9. Badla (Hindi, 2019)

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Directed by Sujoy Ghosh and starring the powerhouse duo of Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu, Badla (transl. Revenge/Change) is an official remake of the Spanish film The Invisible Guest. While commercially successful, it often gets overlooked in the grand scale of Hindi blockbusters, making it an underrated gem in the thriller category. A successful entrepreneur hires a renowned defense lawyer to prove her innocence after she is accused of murdering her lover. The film’s claustrophobic setting, rapid-fire dialogue, and constant barrage of twists and turns make it a tightly wound, highly engaging whodunnit that keeps you guessing until the very end.

10. C/O Kancharapalem (Telugu, 2018)

Genre: Slice-of-Life, Drama

This Telugu-language film is a heartwarming, slice-of-life drama that perfectly captures the mundane yet profound existence of residents in a small neighbourhood in Andhra Pradesh. C/O Kancharapalem weaves together four distinct yet interlinked love stories across different ages, castes, and religions. The film is notable for using real residents of Kancharapalem as actors, lending an unparalleled authenticity to the narrative. It won a Filmfare Award for Best Film and is celebrated for its sincerity, simplicity, and ability to bring a genuine smile to your face. It is a perfect antidote to high-octane cinema and an absolute gem for lovers of honest storytelling.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs

Q1: What makes an Indian movie a “hidden gem” on Netflix?

A: A “hidden gem” typically refers to a movie that received high critical praise and positive word-of-mouth but did not achieve the widespread commercial success or mainstream visibility of major star-driven films. On Netflix, these are often regional-language movies or Hindi films with non-traditional themes, powerful storytelling, and exceptional performances that are easily missed among the top-trending content.

Q2: Are the underrated Indian movies on Netflix only in Hindi?

A: No, the true hidden gems often come from various regional Indian film industries, including Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, and Marathi cinema. For example, the list includes the Malayalam investigative thriller Anweshippin Kandethum (2024) and the Telugu slice-of-life drama C/O Kancharapalem (2018), showcasing the diversity of Indian filmmaking.

Q3: Which underrated Indian movies on Netflix are the most recent?

A: The most recent underrated Indian movies on this list are the musical biopic Amar Singh Chamkila (Hindi, 2024) and the police procedural Anweshippin Kandethum (Malayalam, 2024).

Q4: Are there any good underrated Hindi thrillers on Netflix?

A: Yes, Vadh (2022) is an excellent, underrated Hindi domestic crime thriller starring Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta. Another acclaimed option is Badla (2019), a tightly scripted mystery starring Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu.

Q5: What is the best underrated Indian movie for social awareness on Netflix?

A: Uyare (Malayalam, 2019) is a powerful, inspiring social drama about an acid attack survivor who defies societal expectations to reclaim her dreams of becoming a pilot. Axone (2019) is also highly recommended for its comedic yet sensitive portrayal of the discrimination faced by North Eastern migrants in Delhi.