These documentaries about India show a land of remarkable diversity, rich history, and vibrant culture. From its ancient civilization dating back thousands of years to its modern-day dynamism, India offers a plethora of fascinating stories to explore on film.
Documentaries about India delve into its multifaceted society, unique traditions, awe-inspiring landscapes, and complex issues.
Documentaries About India
Whether it’s shedding light on its spiritual heritage, uncovering social challenges, or showcasing its breathtaking natural beauty, these documentaries about India provide a window into a nation that is as enigmatic as it is enthralling.
The Story of India (2007)
The Story of India is a documentary series presented by the British historian and filmmaker Michael Wood.
This series explores the rich history and culture of India, tracing its origins from the Indus Valley Civilization to the present day. Michael Wood travels across India to tell the story of its people, traditions, and contributions to world civilization.
The series is divided into several episodes, each focusing on different periods and aspects of Indian history.
It provides a detailed and engaging look at India’s ancient past, its diverse cultures, and religions, and the impact it has had on the world.
If you had to watch just one series to get a glimpse into India’s past and present then this really is one of the best documentaries about India you can watch for that.
You can watch The Story of India on Amazon Video.
A short clip from the series:
Born Into Brothels (2004)
Born Into Brothels” is a documentary directed by Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman. It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 77th Academy Awards in 2005.
The documentary follows the lives of children in the red-light district of Kolkata, India. Zana Briski, a photographer, and Ross Kauffman, a filmmaker, spent several years in the area and became close to the children living in the brothels.
They provided the children with cameras and taught them how to take photographs as a means of self-expression and escape from their challenging circumstances.
The film documents the lives of these children, their families, and their struggles in the harsh environment of the red-light district.
It also highlights the power of art and creativity in transforming the lives of these young individuals, providing them with a glimpse of a different world outside of the brothels.
Born Into Brothels is a moving and powerful documentary that sheds light on the issues of poverty, gender inequality, and the potential for change through art and education.
Kumbh Mela: The Greatest Show on Earth (2001)
Kumbh Mela: The Greatest Show on Earth explores the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu pilgrimage festival that takes place in India every 12 years (some variations occur more frequently) and attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
The documentary provides an in-depth look at the Kumbh Mela, its cultural and religious significance, the people who attend it, and the massive logistics involved in organizing such a massive event.
It offers a unique perspective on the spiritual and cultural aspects of the festival, as well as the challenges and experiences of those who participate.
This film captures the grandeur and diversity of the Kumbh Mela and is a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the cultural and religious dimensions of this event.
It also serves as a testament to the power of faith and the human capacity for large-scale communal gatherings and is one of the best documentaries about India.
India’s Daughter (2015)
India’s Daughter examines the 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder case, which sparked widespread outrage and protests in India.
The documentary focuses on the life of the victim, Jyoti Singh Pandey, and includes interviews with her parents and friends, as well as individuals involved in the case, including one of the convicted rapists.
The documentary also features interviews with lawyers, activists, and officials, offering a broader perspective on the issues of gender-based violence, misogyny, and the legal and cultural factors that contribute to such incidents in India.
India’s Daughter explores the societal attitudes and conditions that allow violence against women to persist and the struggles of women and activists in India who are working to bring about change.
The documentary generated significant controversy and was banned in India by the government on the grounds that it could incite public disorder and harm India’s image.
Despite the controversy, the film garnered attention and sparked important discussions about women’s rights and gender-based violence in India and around the world which makes it one of the best documentaries about India.
Children of the Pyre (2008)
Children of the Pyre provides a close and often harrowing look at the lives of young children who work at the Manikarnika Ghat, one of the main cremation ghats on the Ganges River in Varanasi, India.
The ghat is known for being a place where Hindus cremate their dead, and it is a significant location for religious and spiritual activities.
The documentary follows the daily lives of these children, who are often referred to as “Dom Raja” or “children of the pyre.” They are from the Dom community, a marginalized group responsible for cremating bodies, and many of them are orphaned or come from impoverished backgrounds.
These children work in and around the ghat, collecting valuables from the corpses, helping with the cremation process, and facing the challenging and sometimes gruesome realities of their environment.
Children of the Pyre sheds light on the harsh and challenging lives of these children, who are exposed to death and suffering on a daily basis.
The documentary also explores their dreams and aspirations and the efforts of some individuals and organizations to provide them with education and a chance at a different future.
The film is a stark portrayal of the social issues and inequalities prevalent in Indian society, particularly regarding marginalized communities, child labour, and poverty, and is one of the best documentaries about India to watch for that subject.
Rick Stein’s India (2013)
Rick Stein’s India is a television series by the British chef and television presenter Rick Stein.
In “Rick Stein’s India,” Rick Stein travels across India, exploring the diverse and rich culinary traditions of the country.
He visits various regions of India, meeting local chefs, home cooks, and street food vendors to learn about the unique flavours and cooking techniques that define Indian cuisine.
The show and book offer a glimpse into the regional diversity of Indian food, from the spicy curries of the south to the tandoori dishes of the north and the vegetarian delights of Gujarat.
Rick Stein’s India was well-received for its exploration of Indian cuisine and the way it introduces viewers and readers to the cultural and culinary diversity of the country. It’s one of the best documentaries about India that explores the food of the country.
You can watch Rick Stein’s India on Amazon Video.
Clip from the series:
Writing With Fire (2021)
Writing with Fire focuses on the lives and work of the journalists at Khabar Lahariya, India’s only newspaper run by Dalit women (members of India’s lower-caste communities).
The documentary follows the journey of Meera, Shyamkali, Suneeta, and the other women who work for Khabar Lahariya as they report on issues affecting their rural communities, such as corruption, gender inequality, and social injustice.
The film provides a glimpse into the challenges these women face, both as journalists and as members of marginalized communities.
Writing with Fire is a powerful exploration of the role of journalism in empowering marginalized voices and bringing about social change.
It highlights the determination and resilience of these women as they fight for their right to be heard and for justice in their communities.
The documentary received critical acclaim and was nominated for and won several awards, including the Sundance Film Festival’s World Cinema Documentary Audience Award.
Supermen of Malegaon (2008)
Supermen of Malegaon provides a fascinating and humorous look into the world of low-budget filmmaking in Malegaon, a small town in Maharashtra, India.
The documentary focuses on the enthusiastic and passionate filmmakers and actors of Malegaon who create their own DIY versions of popular Bollywood movies.
These local filmmakers often have limited resources and budgets but are driven by their love for cinema. They produce and act in these films, sometimes parodying popular Bollywood films or creating their unique interpretations.
Supermen of Malegaon explores the process of making these films, the dedication of the local talent, and the challenges they face.
It provides insight into how creativity can flourish even in the most constrained circumstances. The documentary also highlights the role of cinema in Indian culture and the impact of cinema on the lives of ordinary people.
The film is a celebration of the indomitable spirit of these local filmmakers and their love for cinema. It showcases their unique approach to filmmaking and their ability to tell stories that resonate with their community.
Supermen of Malegaon has received critical acclaim and is a heartwarming and entertaining documentary that provides a window into a lesser-known aspect of Indian cinema.
Gandhi’s Children (2008)
Gandhi’s Children offers an intimate and contemplative look at the lives of children living in a hostel in the Himalayan foothills of India.
The documentary primarily focuses on the children of the Gandhi Memorial Trust, who are, in many ways, the spiritual and ideological successors of Mahatma Gandhi. These children live in a hostel established to uphold Gandhian principles and values.
The film explores the daily lives, experiences, and thoughts of these children, who are being raised with a strong emphasis on non-violence, self-reliance, and simplicity—values that Gandhi himself advocated.
Gandhi’s Children is a poignant and thought-provoking documentary that reflects on the relevance and challenges of upholding Gandhi’s philosophy in the modern world.
It offers a unique glimpse into the lives of these young people who are being raised in the shadow of one of India’s most influential figures and explores the tension between the ideals they are taught and the realities of the world they must navigate.
The World Before Her (2012)
The World Before Her provides a thought-provoking exploration of the contrasting experiences of young women in India through two distinct avenues: the world of beauty pageants and the activities of a Hindu nationalist camp.
The documentary offers a dual narrative, with one part of the story following contestants in the Miss India pageant and their aspirations to achieve success in the world of fashion and entertainment.
The other part of the story delves into the activities at a training camp for the Durga Vahini, a nationalist organization that aims to instil traditional Hindu values in young women.
The World Before Her highlights the cultural and societal tensions in India, particularly the clash between traditional values and modern aspirations.
It raises questions about gender roles, beauty standards, and the ways in which women navigate their identities and dreams in a complex and evolving society.
The film provides a thought-provoking and often controversial look at the experiences of young women in India, and it offers a window into the broader discussions surrounding gender, culture, and modernity in the country.
One Extra:
Lakshmi and Me (2007)
Lakshmi and Me offers a unique and intimate perspective on the life of a domestic helper named Lakshmi who works in the filmmaker’s own home in Mumbai, India.
The documentary delves into the lives of two women: Nishtha Jain, an independent filmmaker, and Lakshmi, her housemaid.
It explores the complexities of their relationship, the power dynamics between them, and the stark differences in their lives and social statuses. The film sheds light on the challenges and hardships that domestic helpers face in India, as well as the social and economic disparities in the country.
Lakshmi and Me offers a personal and emotional portrayal of the domestic worker, Lakshmi, and provides a thought-provoking commentary on issues related to class, labour, and human dignity.
India
These documentaries about India offer a diverse and thought-provoking view of the country’s history, society, and culture, making them a great starting point for exploring the complexities of this vast and multifaceted country.
If you’re planning to travel in India then Lonely Planet India is one of the best guidebooks to take.
For more on the region take a look at the 10 best documentaries about Pakistan.
Interested in travelling in India? Then also take a look at my guides to India.
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