Bollywood is undergoing a significant transformation in terms of its choice of storytelling. Grand and lavish sets are no longer the primary driving force to impress the audience. Interestingly, films like Missing Ladies, Mimi and others have restored the notion that cinema audiences appreciate authenticity. If you’re looking for movies that capture the essence of small towns, here is a list of some of the best movies available on Netflix.
12 movies and shows on Netflix that take us to small towns in India
1. Missing Ladies
Kiran Rao directed Missing Ladies tops the list for all the right reasons. Led by Nitanshi Goyal, Pratibha Ranta and Sparsh Srivastava, this light-hearted satire redefines storytelling with its originality. This period film offers a glimpse of rural life with meticulous attention to intricate details.
2. mm
Kriti Sanon’s National Award winning film Mimi deserves a place in this list. Based in Rajgarh, Rajasthan, the film authentically portrays the culture and lifestyle of a small town. From having big dreams of becoming an actress to facing judgment for her decisions, Mimi’s character is deeply reflective of her small-town background.
3. Donkey
Next on the list is Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki, which is based on the small town Laltu in Punjab. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film effectively tells the story of Punjabi immigrants, with talented actors like Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal and Boman Irani delivering realistic performances. Because of their proficiency in the local dialect and their authentic portrayal of small-town life, the characters feel grounded.
4. Oh My God 2
Another excellent film, OMG 2, uses the small town setting of Ujjain very effectively to convey its story. Starring Akshay Kumar, Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam, the film addresses the topic of sex education. Through its characters, we see the raw lifestyle of a small town, deep faith in God and spirituality, all of which helps them overcome life’s difficulties.
5. Bareilly Barfi
The 2017 film Bareilly Ki Barfi starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Kriti Sanon and Rajkummar Rao is a unique love story. As the title suggests, the film is based in the small town of Bareilly. From its authentic dialect to the way the characters interact on nearby rooftops and wander through the crowded streets, the film captures an original spirit of the city. The film also portrays a supportive but intrusive community, which makes the storytelling smart and relevant.
6. Swadesh
Ashutosh Gowariker’s 2004 film Swades, with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead, makes one fall in love with their motherland once again. Filled with breathtaking scenes of rural India and some of the finest performances from its cast, Swades offers an exceptionally raw and unique portrayal of life in a small village. The film is a heartfelt exploration of India’s identity, belonging and rural areas.
7. Jamtara
One of the most acclaimed shows on Netflix, Jamtara is based on phishing scam and cyber crime inspired by unemployment. Directed by Soumendra Padhi, this series is based on the small town of Jamtara in Jharkhand. The rural setting serves as a perfect backdrop to tell an authentic and sobering story of the consequences of phishing scams. The show skillfully portrays the economic conditions that give rise to these crimes, making it both relatable and entertaining.
8. Kota Factory
Kota Factory is not just a chain; It has become an emotion for its fans. Directed by Raghav Subbu, the show is set in Kota, Rajasthan, which is known for its many coaching institutes that prepare students for engineering and medical entrance exams. The monochrome theme of the show symbolizes the competitive environment and serious lives of students trying to succeed in this high-pressure environment. It excellently portrays the struggles and challenges of student life in Kota.
9. Udayan
Udaan is a must-watch film directed by Rajat Barmecha, Ronit Roy and Ram Kapoor. Set in Jamshedpur, known as the steel capital of India, the raw and unpolished quality of the film adds realism to its story. The industrial background of the city perfectly reflects the themes of imprisonment and rebellion, with the steel plants symbolizing the protagonist Rohan’s feelings of entrapment. The film is an emotionally compelling exploration of teen angst and yearning for freedom.
10. Pagglait
Released in 2021 and starring Sanya Malhotra in the lead, Pagglait remains one of the most underrated films. Directed by Umesh Bist, the film gently explores the themes of oppression and women empowerment through the story of a young widow. Set in a small house in Lucknow, filled with an extended family grieving a recent death, the film explores complex family dynamics and the tension between tradition and modernity. It is a subtle portrayal of the struggle of women in a patriarchal society.
11. Ramprasad’s thirteenth
Seema Pahwa’s directorial debut film ‘Ramprasad Ki Terhavi’ is also based on Lucknow. The family comedy unfolds during the 13-day mourning period following the death of the head of the family. The film offers a nuanced portrayal of small-town life and family dynamics, making it an engaging watch. Although the basic plot may seem similar to Pagglait, both films are different in their own right, offering harsh yet heart-warming stories.
12. Billu Barber
Billu Barber is one of Priyadarshan’s most beautiful films, with a seamless blend of entertainment, laughter, emotions and drama. Starring Shahrukh Khan, Irrfan Khan and Lara Dutta in the lead, the film is based in the small town of Budbuda in Uttar Pradesh. It explores themes of small-town friendship, loyalty, and social inequality. The film highlights the class differences and simple dreams of its characters, making it a heart-warming and thought-provoking watch.
It is the richness of their authenticity that makes these movies and shows top choices. Which one of these is your favourite?
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