Films 

Slumdog Millionaire 

Slumdog Millionaire follows the story of 18-year old Jamal Malik from the Dharavi slum, Asia's largest slum, as he is a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? This film really captures the extreme socioeconomic inequality that characterises Indian society.  

Kanchivaram 

Kanchipuram or Kanjivaram Silk is a type of silk sari made in the Kanchipuram region in Tamil Nadu, India. These saris are worn by brides in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh. This Tamil-language film depicts the struggle and exploitation of silk-weavers in Southern India, and portrays the emergence of the communist cooperative movement that emerged to fight for silk-weavers' rights. We think it is an important film in bringing to light the plight of garment workers throughout the country. 

Dangal 

Dangal is in part a sports drama after Indian Olympic wresting, but also a social commentary on female oppression in India. Based on a true story, the films serves as a role model for young women pursuing male-dominated industries. 

Bandit Queen 

This film is based on a true story. It is about a woman who was divorced and disowned, later becoming the leader of a group of bandits. While it doesn't end well, it is a powerful portrayal of the harsh realities faced by many women living in India.

Lion 

When 5-year old Saroo gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of miles across India away from home and family, he must learn to survive alone in Calcutta, before ultimately being adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty-five years later he sets out to find his lost family and finally return to his first home.

Gandhi 

This biopic is an epic three hours long, during which we see Gandhi age 50 years. A must-see for anyone interested in Indian Independence and the incredible life of Mahatmas Gandhi. 

Monsoon Wedding 

This film follows a modern and global sprawling extended family reunited for a wedding in Delhi. Indian weddings are huge and spectacular! And this is a funny and nuanced portrayal of a particularly chaotic one. 

Outsourced 

This sweet romantic comedy makes an important observation about modern life! When an American businessman is told his company is moving its operations to India, he is told that he will be moving there to lead the project. While initially baffled by Indian culture, he eventually begins to appreciate his new surroundings and learn a lot about himself along the way. 

More Bollywood films...

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time In India 

English Vinglish 

Magalir Mattum 

Ethir Neechal 

2 States 

Devdas

Maine Pyaar Kiye 

36 Vayanthinale

Documentaries  

True Cost 

Filmmaker Andrew Morgan travels around the world to meet the people behind our clothes, exposing the human and environmental costs of the global fashion industry. This is a really important documentary to us all at Secret Projects, as a fair and sustainable fashion industry is a central goal of ours. 

Born Into Brothels 

Photographer Zana Briski journeys into Kolkata's red light district. She teaches the children of prostitutes the basics of photography so that they can document their own lives on the streets of one of the world's poorest cities. This documentary is a testimony to the transformative power of art! 

The Price of Free 

Follow the utterly inspirational Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi on his journey to liberate all children from slavery. This documentary reveals the devastating extent of child slavery in the twenty-first century, but also shines light on a global movement of ardent activists fighting against it.