Ten Underrated Indian Movies on Netflix (2025 Review)

Explore a treasure trove of unique and diverse storytelling with these lesser-known Indian films available on Netflix, often referred to as "hidden gems."

Sir (2018)

This Hindi romance and social drama tells a tender and nuanced story about a relationship between a domestic worker and her employer in Mumbai. The film challenges social hierarchies and has been praised for its heartfelt portrayal of a relationship that transcends boundaries.

C U Soon (2020)

Filmed entirely during lockdown with iPhones, this Malayalam techno-thriller uses screen-based storytelling to keep viewers hooked. The film's innovative production methods and gripping narrative make it a must-watch.

A Death in the Gunj (2016)

Directed by Konkona Sen Sharma, this psychological drama explores masculinity, mental health, and alienation in 1970s India. With its exceptional quality and emotional resonance, this film is a standout in contemporary Indian cinema.

Soni (2018)

This Hindi drama follows two female police officers as they navigate patriarchy within the system. Praised for its realistic, intimate, and minimalist storytelling, Soni offers a powerful and thought-provoking perspective on women in law enforcement.

Bulbbul (2020)

A Hindi horror and fantasy film that stands out in its genre with its feminist reimagining of Indian folklore, stunning visuals, and thematic richness. This film is a must-watch for those seeking a fresh take on traditional storytelling.

Kadaseela Biriyani (2021)

Though details about this Tamil film are sparse, it has been identified as a hidden gem. With its crime comedy genre, it promises to offer a unique and entertaining viewing experience.

Life in a ... Metro (2007)

A Hindi romantic drama set in Mumbai, this film explores the romantic struggles of young people dealing with career, extramarital affairs, and commitment fears. Praised for its realistic storytelling and talented ensemble cast, Life in a ... Metro is a slice-of-life masterpiece.

Thug Life (2025)

Directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan, this multilingual action drama involves a gangster tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Despite flopping at the box office, its big-budget, layered storytelling from a celebrated filmmaker makes it a notable hidden gem.

Blackmail (2018)

This comedy stands out in Indian cinema by mixing sexiness and gender-war themes with a hedonistic, cocky style reminiscent of classic Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee comedies.

Pitta Kathalu (2021)

This Telugu anthology drama features four bold stories exploring female perspectives on love, betrayal, and power. With its focus on female narratives, this film offers a fresh and powerful perspective on contemporary Indian society.

Bhonsle (2018)

This Hindi political drama follows an old Mumbai cop caught between silence and conscience during regional tensions. Manoj Bajpayee's understated performance and the film's slow-paced narrative make it a standout film, offering a deep and powerful exploration of the human condition.

Axone (2019)

A comedy-drama in Hindi and English, Axone explores cultural clashes and identity through the lens of northeastern migrants in Delhi trying to cook a traditional dish. With its humorous and heartwarming portrayal of cultural differences, this film is a delightful and thought-provoking watch.

These films showcase a variety of genres and thematic depth in Indian cinema and can be appreciated for their unique perspectives and narrative styles. Additionally, Netflix's 2025 India slate includes diverse content spanning genres like drama, thrillers, rom-coms, and action, signaling many untapped gems likely to appear soon.

FAQ

Q1: Availability of the films may vary depending on your region. Use your Netflix search bar or a VPN to check if the title is available in your country.

Q2: Yes, most of the hidden gems listed here include English subtitles and sometimes offer multiple audio tracks.

Q3: Many of these titles are indie, regional, or low-budget productions with limited marketing. They often rely on word of mouth and critical acclaim.

Q4: If you prefer emotional stories, try Uyare or Sir. For something edgy, start with C U Soon or Kadaseela Biriyani.

Q5: Yes, titles like Bulbbul, Pitta Kathalu, and C U Soon are Netflix Originals.

The Hindi romance and social drama 'Sir (2018)' tells a tender and nuanced story about a relationship that challenges social hierarchies, garnering praise for its heartfelt portrayal.
'C U Soon (2020)', a Malayalam techno-thriller, uses innovative production methods such as filming entirely with iPhones, keeping viewers hooked with its gripping narrative.
'A Death in the Gunj (2016)', a psychological drama, explores masculinity, mental health, and alienation in 1970s India and has been hailed as a standout in contemporary Indian cinema.
'Soni (2018)', a Hindi drama, follows female police officers navigating patriarchy within their system, offering a powerful and thought-provoking perspective on women in law enforcement.
'Bulbbul (2020)' is a Hindi horror and fantasy film, standing out in its genre with its feminist reimagining of Indian folklore, stunning visuals, and thematic richness.
'Kadaseela Biriyani (2021)', a Tamil film, is a crime comedy offering a unique and entertaining viewing experience, although details about it are currently sparse.