The rich cultural, spiritual, and philosophical traditions of Hinduism have long influenced Indian cinema. From stories rooted in mythology to modern-day explorations of faith, these films provide an insightful look into Hindu beliefs, practices, and history. As a fan of movies about Hinduism, I’ve curated a list of the top five Indian films on Netflix that explore this ancient religion. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or a fan of Indian culture, these films offer a unique cinematic experience.

1. PK (2014)

PK, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, is a satirical take on religion, belief systems, and blind faith. The story revolves around an alien named PK (played by Aamir Khan) who lands on Earth and finds himself confused by the various religious customs and practices. In his quest to find his lost communication device, PK asks fundamental questions about the nature of God, challenging societal norms. Through humor and thought-provoking dialogue, the film explores how people interact with religion and the commercialization of faith.

PK is a lighthearted yet meaningful exploration of religious practices in India, questioning dogma and rituals through an outsider’s perspective.

2. OMG: Oh My God! (2012)

OMG: Oh My God! is another thought-provoking film that tackles religious beliefs and the commercialization of faith. The story follows Kanji Lalji Mehta (Paresh Rawal), an atheist shopkeeper whose shop is destroyed by an earthquake. When his insurance company refuses to compensate him, citing an “act of God,” Kanji sues God in court. The film brings into question the roles of religious leaders and organized religion while also delving into spiritual interpretations of Hindu deities.

The film is a blend of comedy and drama that sparks conversations about blind faith, rituals, and the essence of spirituality.

3. Tumbbad (2018)

Tumbbad is a dark and eerie period horror film rooted in Hindu mythology. Set in the 1910s, the film tells the story of a family that discovers the secret of a mythical creature named Hastar, the forgotten son of the Goddess of Prosperity. The film masterfully explores themes of greed, wealth, and the consequences of defying divine order. Tumbbad delves into the relationship between man and the gods, with visuals that bring ancient folklore to life.

For fans of horror and mythology, Tumbbad offers a chilling and visually stunning experience, blending horror with Hindu mythological elements.

4. Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) & Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017)

The Baahubali series, directed by S.S. Rajamouli, is a grand epic rooted in themes of ancient Indian kingdoms, power struggles, and divine intervention. Although not directly about Hinduism, the films are steeped in mythological symbolism, drawing parallels to stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The story follows the journey of Mahendra Baahubali and his rise to power as he battles to reclaim his rightful place in the kingdom of Mahishmati. With larger-than-life visuals, powerful deities, and references to dharma and karma, Baahubali feels like a modern-day myth.

Baahubali is perfect for fans of epic storytelling, heroism, and visuals that echo India’s rich mythological past.

5. Swades (2004)

Swades, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, tells the story of an Indian scientist, Mohan Bhargava (Shah Rukh Khan), who returns to India from NASA to find his childhood nanny. As he reconnects with his roots, Mohan experiences the complex intersections of tradition, faith, and modernization in rural India. While not directly centered on Hinduism, the film delves into the influence of religion and community in shaping India’s cultural landscape. Themes of karma, duty (dharma), and the importance of contributing to society are central to the story.

Why Watch: For those interested in how Hindu values like karma and community are woven into daily life, Swades is an inspiring and emotional journey.

Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood, has long explored themes from Hinduism, including mythology, karma, dharma, and the relationship between gods and humans. These films serve as both entertainment and philosophical exploration, offering viewers a window into India’s rich spiritual traditions. Whether you’re looking for action-packed epics, thought-provoking satire, or deep philosophical narratives, these top five films on Netflix offer an insightful and engaging look at Hindu culture.

From Aamir Khan’s comedic yet poignant critique of religion in PK to the eerie mythological horrors of Tumbbad, these films are sure to captivate anyone interested in the intersection of cinema and spirituality.

Disclaimer on Apple TV+ delivers a gripping psychological thriller, blending mystery with moral complexity. Created by acclaimed director Alfonso Cuarón, this series is based on the novel by Renée Knight, and stars Cate Blanchett as Catherine Ravenscroft, a successful documentary filmmaker whose life is upended when a disturbing novel appears, revealing her darkest secrets.

The series centers around Catherine, who stumbles upon a novel that eerily mirrors events from her past that she believed were long buried. As the book’s existence begins to unravel her personal and professional life, she must confront disturbing truths about herself. What makes Disclaimer intriguing is its delicate balance between psychological suspense and character-driven drama, allowing the viewers to feel empathy, even for morally ambiguous characters.

Cate Blanchett’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. She portrays Catherine as having a complex mix of strength, vulnerability, and guilt. Kevin Kline, who plays her estranged husband, adds further depth to the story, making their fractured relationship a compelling subplot.

Alfonso Cuarón’s direction is both atmospheric and tense. The series often uses flashbacks, slow reveals, and intricate camera work to keep the audience on edge. The mood is constantly one of unease, leaving you questioning what’s real and what’s imagined.

The disclaimer explores themes of guilt, memory, and the consequences of the past. It dives into the gray areas of moral responsibility, showing how events can be perceived differently by those involved. The series also delves into issues of privacy and identity in the digital age, where our pasts are never truly erased.

Visually, Disclaimer excels in creating a sense of looming dread. From its dark, muted color palette to its sharp contrasts in lighting, every frame adds to the psychological tension. The soundtrack complements the eerie mood, with haunting melodies that amplify the sense of paranoia.

Disclaimer is a masterclass in slow-burn suspense, elevated by outstanding performances and a director who knows how to manipulate tension. It may not be a show for those who prefer fast-paced thrillers, but if you enjoy character-driven narratives that challenge your perception of truth, this is a must-watch.

Final Rating: 4.5/5

Cobweb had limited theatrical release in July 2023 where it was immediately swallowed up by the cultural juggernaut that was the summer of ‘Barbenheimer’. Released onto Netflix in September 2024, presumably in preparation for spooky season. It is an interesting watch. 

Cobweb weaves its creepy tale around Peter (Woody Norman) a reserved eight year old boy. Peter lives with his mum; Carol (Lizzy Caplan), and his dad; Mark (Antony Starr), in a decrepit house. Peter is kept awake by strange knockings on his bedroom wall during the night. Both his parents dismiss this as Peter’s overactive imagination yet Mark enlists Peter’s help to put down poison for suspected rats. 

Peter is quiet at school with no friends which inevitably attracts bullies. We see that Peter’s problems fitting in at school could be attributed to the odd behaviour of his parents. Despite being set in the modern era their house lacks a TV or seemingly any technology bar a landline phone in the kitchen. 

The knocking on Peter’s bedroom wall turns into a female child’s voice asking for help then claiming to be his sister whom his parents have locked away, her name is Sarah. The disembodied voice claims the parents are “evil”. The parents bizarre behaviour turns to abusive when they lock Peter in the basement for drawing the attention of his teacher to their home. 

Peter’s sister in the wall eventually tricks Peter into poisoning his parents with the rat poison and setting her free. Sarah turns out to be an evil spider-like monstrous being. She gleefully rips through people with her elongated nails while taunting Peter. Peter is eventually rescued by his teacher Ms Devine (clearly from the Charles Dickens school of character naming) and Sarah is locked back into her cage in the basement. Sarah warns Peter that the night will haunt him forever and that they are “family”.

But is all as it seems with this twisted tale? The outlandish ending left many scratching their  heads at what began as a pretty grounded movie. Fans and critics alike took to social media to share their theories and thoughts on this underrated horror. 

I enjoyed the story. The acting was superb, particularly Norman who sold his role as an anxious child who slowly begins to understand his own strength and resilience. Special mention of course goes to Antony Starr. His wide smile and Patrick Bateman-esque eyes upped the creepy factor significantly. When Sarah crawled out of her prison behind the wall while talking to Peter in her death rattle,  I had to mute the film because I was so creeped out! 

Many viewers commented that the third act is vastly different from the rest of the movie. Was this simply a rushed production deadline or COVID related problems? Or was the film alluding to something different altogether? There are many fan theories scurrying around the interweb regarding the origin and meaning behind Peter’s, apparently, demonic sibling. 

Here are a few of my favourites:

Sarah is Just a Figment

Throughout the narrative we are reminded that Peter has a big imagination. He’s also lonely,  he has no friends at school and spends recess helping the teacher. It also becomes clear that Peter is being abused by his parents, their behaviour becoming increasingly more erratic. Seeing a young child being locked in a basement is far more terrifying to me than any ghost or ghoul. When he’s finally allowed out of the basement his mum brings him a tray of cupcakes to celebrate his freedom and bathes him. In typical abuser fashion Peter is made to apologise for his behaviour. Is it any wonder this little boy conjured himself an imaginary friend? Maybe even one with a familial bond? He would at least have one family member who doesn’t abuse him.

The majority of the story takes place at the family home. Its very noticeable that the outside of the house doesn’t exactly match the layout of the interior (and not just because one is a sound stage). Every shot is so beautiful that we have to believe this was deliberate. Despite the house being colonial in design, the inside is spacious with the use of wide shots. Everything feels so big, is this because we are seeing through a small child’s eyes? In this large, sometimes scary house maybe Peter’s damaged mind build up a fantasy around the sounds of actual rats scratching the walls. Imagining a sister he could run away with and start a new life.

This theory is supported by the almost nonchalant way Peter’s parents treat the whole situation. They have sealed their daughter in the walls of their house, did they not ever think she would maybe try to communicate with their son? Carol doesn’t even seem particularly alarmed when Peter starts talking about hearing sounds coming from inside the walls. 

Maybe an abused little boy would fantasise about his magical imaginary sister tearing his bullies limb from limb. Not only that but his favourite teacher arrives in time to rescue him from the massacre. 

Did Peter invent a fantastical scenario to escape his abusive parents?

Sarah is Peter’s Subconscious 

This is related to the first theory. A Redditor pointed out that in the style of Jungian psychology there are many dream-like ‘hooks’ in the movie. A hook in a dream is something non-sensical to let the dreamer know they are dreaming. There are many of these in Cobweb. The family inexplicably have a beautiful pumpkin patch in their backyard. Very atmospheric but why? Are they selling these pumpkins? They don’t like Halloween. Some viewers think the soup the family ate (every night) was pumpkin soup but looked to me to be the wrong color. Not just the patch but there is a child’s swing hanging from a tree right in the middle. Why would you encourage a child to play in the middle of delicate fruit he could tread on? Or if we lean into the dream theory; the swing in the pumpkin patch could represent Peter’s life from his perspective. Trying to play and be a normal child but with one wrong move he could destroy everything and anger his parents.

Keeping with the narrative Sarah becomes Peter’s subconscious or shadow self, all the repressed thoughts and feelings that are not acknowledged in daylight. The walls of Peter’s bedroom are covered in pictures and drawings except the wall through which he talks to Sarah, which is completely bare. 

Sarah encourages Peter to stand up for himself against his bullies and the next day he pushes one down the stairs injuring the bully. Sarah eventually convinces Peter to poison his parents, she warns him they want to kill him. Even Sarah’s appearance; starts off initially creepy with Sadako’s spiderlike movements, long matted hair filled with spiders, and long lethal nails. When we finally see her face the CGI is admittedly awful. The rest of the film has seemed so deliberate with every shot is the CGI deliberately phony looking? Sarah has a too-wide mouth with sharp teeth and shining eyes, basically how a child would draw a ‘scary face’. Sarah taunts Peter, Evil Dead style, from beneath the grate in the basement saying he is just like her. So are they one in the same? Peter seemingly rejects his shadow self,  leaving her to rot in her cell. But is that enough after he killed his parents? Is cute little Peter a burgeoning psychopath and this is his origin story?

And They Were Demons!

This is a fun one. While Sarah is locked in her cell she pleads with Peter saying that “it is in our blood”. What exactly does that mean? Sarah is not a normal girl if the walking up walls didn’t give you a clue. How could these outwardly normal-looking parents have birthed such a monster? Unless they are monsters too. It would explain Mark’s sinister attributes. During Peter’s nightmare, his mother has shining white eyes just like his sister. 

So is Peter some kind of demonic being? During the movie, Peter shows no outward supernatural abilities. Some have argued he shows super strength when pulling Sarah by her hair or it may just be plot convenience. However, eight-year-old Peter thinks to use the rat poison to poison his parent’s dinner. He even thinks about cutting the phone line so they can’t call 911. That’s extremely evil behaviour to put it mildly. Is this Peter’s demonic genes?

This theory also explains why Peter’s parents are so strict with him. Why did they overreact when Peter pushed the bully down the stairs? They knew what happened with Sarah, she almost got them found out.

Will Peter start to mutate like his sister? Ideas for a sequel maybe?

Even without these theories, Cobweb was a fun ride while it lasted. For an hour-and-a-half film, I personally fell into a virtual world of critiques and fan theories. Perhaps it is best to think of it like a modern fairytale, certainly more Grimm than Hitchcock!