Five remarkable films currently streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, and JioCinema have not just entertained domestic audiences but have earned prestigious international recognition, proving that compelling storytelling transcends geographical boundaries. From the gripping crime drama The Buckingham Murders to the poignant slice-of-life narrative Zwigato, these films represent the new wave of Indian cinema that’s making the world sit up and take notice.
What makes these films special isn’t just their availability on popular streaming platforms, but how they’ve managed to strike a chord with international audiences and critics alike. Each tells a uniquely Indian story through a universal lens, whether it’s exploring immigrant experiences, urban struggles, or human relationships. As we dive into these five cinematic gems, we’ll uncover what made them stand out globally, where you can watch them, and why they deserve a spot on your must-watch list.
Table of Contents
The Buckingham Murders: A Crime Drama That Redefines the Genre
When The Buckingham Murders premiered at the London Film Festival, it did more than just showcase another crime thriller—it presented a nuanced exploration of cultural displacement through the lens of a murder investigation. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the film follows a British-Indian detective (played by the brilliant Kareena Kapoor Khan) returning to her roots to solve a case that forces her to confront her own identity crisis. What sets this film apart is its masterful blending of classic whodunit elements with profound commentary on the immigrant experience, creating a narrative that resonated equally with audiences in London and Mumbai.
The film’s international success can be attributed to its authentic portrayal of multicultural Britain, avoiding stereotypes while presenting complex characters. Its streaming debut on JioCinema brought this global hit to Indian audiences, allowing viewers to appreciate its subtle commentary on racial tensions and cultural assimilation. Critics particularly praised its atmospheric cinematography that turns Buckingham’s streets into a character itself, and Kapoor’s career-best performance that anchors the emotional core of this gripping drama.
Zwigato: Delivering Harsh Realities with Heart
Nandita Das’s Zwigato arrived as a quiet revelation at the Toronto International Film Festival, telling the story of a food delivery rider navigating the brutal gig economy with heartbreaking authenticity. Starring Kapil Sharma in a dramatic turn that surprised critics, the film’s global appeal lies in its universal theme—the human cost of technological progress—wrapped in distinctly Indian contexts. While the story follows Manas struggling to make ends meet in Bhubaneswar, its commentary on precarious employment resonated with audiences from Seoul to San Francisco who see similar struggles in their own cities.
Now streaming on Prime Video, Zwigato gained international recognition for its neorealist approach, drawing comparisons to Italian classics while maintaining an unmistakably Indian voice. The film’s strength lies in its observational storytelling—there are no villains, just systemic challenges faced by ordinary people. Festival juries particularly noted how it balances social commentary with intimate character study, making it both an important film and an emotionally engaging one. Its inclusion in the Criterion Collection’s “World Cinema Spotlight” cemented its status as a modern Indian classic with global relevance.
Gulmohar: A Family Drama That Crosses Cultural Barriers
Disney+ Hotstar’s Gulmohar became an unexpected international darling by turning a family’s move out of their ancestral home into a profound meditation on generational change and LGBTQ acceptance. What begins as a simple premise—a joint family preparing to leave their Delhi home—blossoms into a rich tapestry of intergenerational conflicts, hidden truths, and emotional reconciliations. The film’s universal themes of family, identity, and change made it a standout at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature.
International critics praised how director Rahul V. Chittella handles complex relationships with subtlety and grace, particularly the storyline involving a gay grandson coming to terms with his identity. Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore’s performance as the matriarch grappling with modernity earned particular acclaim, with The Hollywood Reporter calling it “a masterclass in quiet resilience.” The film’s streaming availability has allowed global audiences to appreciate its delicate balance of traditional Indian family dynamics with progressive values, making it a crossover hit that plays equally well in living rooms from New York to New Delhi.
Sanaa: A Psychological Portrait That Speaks Volumes
Sudhanshu Saria’s Sanaa, available on Netflix, made waves at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival for its unflinching portrayal of a career woman’s mental health struggles in urban India. Radhika Madan delivers a tour-de-force performance as a high-achieving finance professional whose perfect life begins unraveling, revealing the psychological toll of societal expectations. The film’s international success stems from its raw honesty about depression and anxiety—subjects often stigmatized in Indian society but presented here with rare sensitivity.
What makes Sanaa stand out globally is its refusal to offer easy solutions, instead presenting mental health as a complex journey. European critics particularly noted how it blends Indian cultural specifics (arranged marriage pressures, workplace sexism) with universally recognizable emotional beats. The film’s visual language—using Mumbai’s urban landscape to mirror the protagonist’s inner turmoil—earned praise for its cinematic sophistication. Now streaming worldwide, Sanaa has become part of important conversations about mental health representation in global cinema.
Shiv Shastri Balboa: An Underdog Story with Universal Appeal
The most surprising global success among these five is undoubtedly Shiv Shastri Balboa, a heartwarming tale of an Indian retiree discovering boxing in America that charmed audiences at the Austin Film Festival. Streaming on JioCinema, this Anupam Kher-starrer transcends its seemingly niche premise to deliver a story about second chances that resonated across cultures. The film’s international appeal lies in its deft blending of Rocky-style sports drama with immigrant experiences, creating something familiar yet fresh for global viewers.
Festival programmers noted how the film uses boxing as a metaphor for the immigrant struggle—constantly getting knocked down but getting back up. Kher’s performance, balancing humor and pathos, earned standing ovations at screenings, with Variety calling it “a career highlight.” The film’s streaming release has allowed this small gem to find its audience worldwide, proving that underdog stories need no translation. Its inclusion in the “Global Spotlight” section of several streaming platforms demonstrates how regional stories can achieve universal appeal when told with authenticity and heart.
Conclusion: Indian Cinema’s Global Streaming Revolution
These five films represent more than just quality entertainment—they signal Indian cinema’s growing ability to tell local stories with global resonance. What makes them special is how they’ve leveraged streaming platforms to reach international audiences while maintaining their cultural authenticity. From crime dramas to family sagas, each proves that universal emotions don’t require dilution of Indian identity.
As streaming services continue to break down geographical barriers, we’re witnessing the emergence of a new golden age for Indian cinema—one where films can premiere at international festivals and reach living rooms worldwide simultaneously. These five titles are just the beginning of a wave that promises to bring more Indian stories to global audiences, proving that great storytelling knows no borders.
Shah Rukh Khan Rs 21 Crore 18K White Gold Wristwatch at Met Gala 2025
FAQs
1. Where can I watch these globally acclaimed Indian films?
The Buckingham Murders and Shiv Shastri Balboa are on JioCinema, Zwigato on Prime Video, Gulmohar on Disney+ Hotstar, and Sanaa on Netflix.
2. Have any of these films won international awards?
Yes, Gulmohar won at Palm Springs, Zwigato was honored at Toronto, and The Buckingham Murders received critical acclaim at London Film Festival.
