Regional films often show local traditions, social issues, and unique cultural contexts. Malayalam cinema has gained international attention with films like Jallikattu and Kumbalangi Nights, known for their nuanced narratives and unique design. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar have been instrumental in bringing regional films to a global audience. Subtitled versions allow viewers worldwide to access and appreciate diverse Indian stories, breaking down language barriers and expanding the reach of regional cinema.
Regional films have made significant strides on the international stage. The Telugu blockbuster not only captivated audiences globally but also won the Oscar for Best, and as Light, a Malayalam film, won the Grand Prix at Cannes, marking a significant milestone in visual effects and cinematography, producing some of India’s most expensive and highest-grossing films.
1. The Disciple [Marathi] (2020)
The Storyline
It follows Sharad Nerulkar, a vocalist who is summoned into the world of Indian classical music. he devoted his life to Indian Classical Music, he has an aim to achieve his aspiration of excellence, and finally he triumphed as an Indian classical music performer.
The Characters
Nerulkar is excellently portrayed by Aditya Modak. Sharad is a Hindustani classical vocal student of his Guruji (Arun Dravid). Sharad is the perfect ‘disciple’ to his beloved Guruji,
The Unique Part
It takes its time in setting up frames lovingly, making sure every moment within its frame of reference is captured and at once available to the viewer. Sharad’s absolute need to scale those heights of purity, where he can become one with the creator, puts him at constant loggerheads with some of those around him who seem to make progress much more easily in his story. Available on Netflix
IMDb Rating – 7.1/10
2. Jallikattu [Malayalam ](2019)
](https://newsslash.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Jallikattu-Malayalam-2019-1024x683.jpg)
The Storyline
In a village that wakes up at dawn, people wake up to their daily chores. Varkey, played by Chembam Vinod, is a butcher. He walks to the slaughterhouse, kills a buffalo, and it is sold to the villagers. He is helped by Antony, played by Antony Varghese. Meanwhile, you are introduced to too many other people in the village. The story happened the other day as Varkey went to the slaughterhouse and tried to kill the buffalo.
The Characters
Special mention and their strong roles. Antony Varghese and Chemben Vinod are strong and insane.
The Best Part
It’s a tradition where humans fight the bull to publicise masculinity. And the movie itself falls into the same discipline. Well, not actually. Instead of advertising masculinity, it highlights the vulgar and wild caveman side of human beings, and the movie does that in such a profound way that it becomes so obvious after a certain time. Available on Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating – 7.3/10
3. RRR [Telugu] (2022)
The Storyline
RRR was built around the 1930s. The Britishers will take Malli (a good tribe girl) along with them during their visit to Adilabad, and NTR will come for her rescue, and Ram Charan will be appointed in charge to catch NTR. Will Ram Charan catch NTR or will NTR save Malli is something that has to be seen in the movie. The friendship between RamCharan and NTR is beautifully portrayed on the screen. Whether responsibility wins over friendship is something that has to be witnessed in the movie.Â
The Characters
Olivia Morris got a good role, and she looked gorgeous and performed well in all her scenes. Ajay Devgn performed well in the action-packed role. Shriya is ok in the role of Ajay Devgn’s wife. Rahul Ramakrishna played an important role. Samuthirakhani did his job as the subordinate of Ram Charan. Ray Stevenson and Alison Doody appear as Scot Duxton and Catherine Duxton, respectively.
The Oscar-winning Part
Every beat was spot on, and the songs continue to tell the story rather than cutting off one’s focus for an unnecessary dance number. The balance of volume was brilliant and we can see how Rajamoulis understands the emotional power that sound AND silence have. He lets shots linger silently whenever apt and helps us breathe with Bheem and Ram. Films like this make you feel proud of Indian Artistry. Rajamouli has created yet another Landmark Cinema in Indian Film History, taking two real-life revolutionaries and designing a fictional story with overarching themes of Friendship & Patriotism. Available on NetflixÂ
IMDb Rating – 7.8/10Â
Also Read…
4. Village Rockstars [Assamese] (2017)
The Storyline
The movie teaches how to live life with a positive approach & shows “Power of Women “. It tells real-life challenges & culture of Assam, India. It shows how people fight against floods every year to survive, and some people die, and the dreams of poor children in this state.
The Characters
Rima Das reveals women’s empowerment through the character Dhunu and her widowed mother.
The Best Part
The slice of life of a young girl who believes in her dreams despite all odds. It is reflective of a time gone by, and in the process, the audience is treated to an age of innocence, of a languid idyllic village life, of fables and moral stories, of adversity and life’s hard lessons. But most of all HOPE. It’s not a film for everybody. But for the patient audience and lovers of honest cinema, it is a visual and aural treat. Each frame is a moment frozen in time, filled with lush verdant greens, scarlet sunsets. Available on Netflix
IMDb – 7.2/10
5. Kumbalangi Nights [Malayalam] (2019)
The Storyline
It’s the story of 4 brothers who can hardly tolerate each other, have strained relationships with each other because of unresolved issues and their pasts. But slowly, slowly, they built warm moments of love, guilt, helplessness, and finally being for each other when it matters the most.
The Characters
Soubin Shahir performs his career-best performance for the big brother role, whereas Srinath Bhashi, Shane Nigam and Mathew Thomas play the roles of the other three brothers respectively
The Best Part
Director Madhu C Narayan has done a fantastic job in the visual narration of the story, and every scene and emotion is a treat in itself. The cinematography is really good, and I’d say it’s another feather in the cap for Shyju’s stellar career. There are so many good things to say about this movie – particularly the feel-good emotions, natural characters, fresh scenes, a light-hearted storyline and the underlying power of love that stands above all. Available on Amazon Prime Video
IMDb Rating – 8.5/10
Written by Nilesh Shiv