Indian cinema, with its vibrant mix of culture, emotion, and storytelling, has earned a significant place in the global film industry. For decades, the country has submitted films to the Academy Awards, aiming for recognition in the coveted Best International Feature Film category (formerly Best Foreign Language Film). While only a few have earned nominations, each entry represents a unique facet of India’s cinematic excellence. Here’s a look at 10 of the most memorable entries that have left a mark on the world stage.
1. Lapata Ladies (2023)
Director: Kiran Rao
Lapata Ladies is India’s most recent selection for the 2025 Academy Awards. Set in rural India in the 1990s, this film explores the story of two women who go missing on a train. While it has yet to be nominated, it represents India’s ongoing efforts to bring diverse narratives to the global stage.
2. Mother India (1957)
Director: Mehboob Khan
India’s first submission to the Academy Awards remains one of its most iconic. Mother India, a tale of a resilient village woman who faces incredible hardships, became the country’s first Oscar nominee. It showcased the spirit of post-independence India, embodying themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and the rural struggle. The film narrowly missed winning the Academy Award, losing to Federico Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria by just one vote. Yet, its impact as a milestone in Indian cinema cannot be understated.
3. Salaam Bombay! (1988)
Director: Mira Nair
Over three decades after Mother India, Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay! brought India its second Academy Award nomination. A gripping portrayal of street children in Mumbai, the film exposed the harsh realities of life on the city’s fringes. Its raw depiction of survival and youth, combined with stellar performances by non-professional actors, made it an international sensation. Though it did not win, the film brought attention to India’s underrepresented urban stories.
4. Lagaan (2001)
Director: Ashutosh Gowariker
In 2001, Lagaan became the third Indian film to be nominated for an Academy Award. A historical drama set in colonial India, the film revolves around a group of villagers who challenge British officers to a game of cricket to avoid paying exorbitant taxes. With a grand narrative, stunning cinematography, and A. R. Rahman’s music, Lagaan was both a critical and commercial success. The film’s universal appeal and underdog story made it a global favorite, even though it lost to Bosnia’s No Man’s Land.
5. Shwaas (2004)
Director: Sandeep Sawant
Shwaas, a Marathi-language film, is a poignant tale of a grandfather’s efforts to save his grandson’s eyesight. The film’s simplicity and emotional depth earned it a spot as India’s official entry. It stands out as a testament to regional cinema’s ability to tell powerful stories that transcend language barriers. Though it didn’t earn a nomination, Shwaas drew significant attention to Marathi cinema on the global stage.
6. Peepli Live (2010)
Directors: Anusha Rizvi and Mahmood Farooqui
A dark satire on farmer suicides and the media’s sensationalism, Peepli Live was India’s official entry in 2010. Produced by Aamir Khan, the film highlights rural distress in a rapidly modernizing India. While it didn’t make it to the nominations, its bold narrative and unique blend of humor and tragedy made it an important film in India’s Oscar history.
7. Court (2014)
Director: Chaitanya Tamhane
Court is a Marathi film that offers a scathing critique of the Indian legal system and the treatment of marginalized communities. Its unique narrative style, which blurs the line between documentary and fiction, earned critical acclaim at several international film festivals. Though it didn’t receive an Oscar nomination, its social commentary and minimalistic approach garnered appreciation worldwide.
8. Newton (2017)
Director: Amit V. Masurkar
A dark comedy about democracy in rural India, Newton centers on an earnest government clerk trying to conduct fair elections in a conflict-ridden tribal area. Its sharp political satire and Rajkummar Rao’s brilliant performance made it a critical favorite. While Newton didn’t secure a nomination, it was appreciated for highlighting the challenges of India’s democratic process.
9. Jallikattu (2020)
Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
A visually stunning Malayalam-language film, Jallikattu revolves around a village chasing an escaped buffalo. The film is an exploration of human violence and animalistic instincts, set against the backdrop of rural Kerala. Though it didn’t make it to the final nominations, its daring themes and breathtaking visuals made it a strong contender.
10. RRR (2022)
Director: S. S. Rajamouli
Although RRR wasn’t India’s official entry, its global impact was undeniable. The film’s song “Naatu Naatu” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, marking a historic achievement for Indian cinema. The film’s grand scale, combined with patriotic themes, action sequences, and a gripping storyline, cemented its place in cinematic history.
India’s journey at the Academy Awards reflects the diversity and richness of its cinema. From socially conscious films to grand historical dramas, each entry showcases a unique slice of Indian culture and storytelling. While only a few have earned nominations, every submission is a testament to the global relevance of Indian cinema.
