Space and science fiction are two genres that aren’t seen often in Indian film. But over time, a number of filmmakers—Koi Mil Gaya and Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25, to just a couple—have skillfully told captivating tales in these genres. This is a carefully selected collection of seven such multilingual movies that you may watch on an over-the-top (OTT) platform at home.
1. Cargo (2020)
- Starring: Vikrant Massey, Shweta Tripathi
- Director: Arati Kadav
- Writer: Arati Kadav
- Watch on: Netflix
Cargo is an underrated gem directed by debutant Arati Kadav. The film, starring Vikrant Massey and Shweta Tripathi in the lead, has an engaging storyline that takes place at a spaceship where a scientist helps in recycling dead people for rebirth. Cargo explores the themes of mortality, life, and other important things in an entertaining way. The film is a delightful watch for all sci-fi lovers.
2. Koi Mil Gaya (2003)
- Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Rekha
- Director: Rakesh Roshan
- Writer: Rakesh Roshan, Honey Irani, Robin Bhatt, Sachin Bhowmick
- Watch on: Zee5
Rakesh Roshan’s Koi Mil Gaya remains one of the most iconic sci-fi films from Bollywood. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta in the lead, the film follows the story of a guy whose life turns upside down after an extra-terrestrial being lands on Earth. Filled with amazing performances, strong direction, and a melodious soundtrack, Koi Mil Gaya is hard to miss and a film that made our childhood awesome.
3. Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25 (2019)
- Starring: Suraj Venjaramoodu, Soubin Shahir, Sooraj Thelakkad
- Director: Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval
- Writer: Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval
- Watch on: Amazon Prime Video
Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25 is a Malayalam science fiction film that follows a small-town village guy whose life changes after an AI humanoid starts living with them. The film is a light-hearted tale filled with several emotional and funny moments that will touch your heartstrings. Give it a chance and you won’t be disappointed for sure.
4. Mission Mangal (2019)
- Starring: Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha, Taapsee Pannu
- Director: Jagan Shakti
- Writer: Jagan Shakti, R.Balki, Saketh Kondiparthi
- Watch on: Disney + Hotstar
Jagan Shakti’s Mission Mangal is loosely inspired by a group of scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) who led the Mars Orbiter Mission. The film stars an ensemble of Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, and Sonakshi Sinha among others, and is an engaging tale of India’s first interplanetary expedition. Upon release, Mission Mangal became a critical and box-office success.
5. Mr. India (1987)
- Starring: Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Amrish Puri
- Director: Shekhar Kapur
- Writer: Salim-Javed
- Watch on: Zee5
Mr. India is a name that needs no introduction. This film is considered a classic and is a part of Indian pop culture thanks to its amazing dialogues, high-concept story, and iconic villain Mogambo. To this date, it remains one of the finest sci-fi films to ever come out of India. Directed by Shekhar Kapur, the film stars Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Amrish Puri, and Satish Kaushik among others in important roles; while the script was written by the popular duo of Salim-Javed.
6. Enthiran (2010)
- Starring: Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
- Director: S. Shankar
- Writer: S. Shankar, Sujatha, Swanand Kirkire
- Watch on: Sun NXT
S. Shankar’s Tamil sci-fi action film Enthiran follows an android humanoid robot who goes rogue. The film has some breathtaking visual effects and heavy action sequences that are unprecedented for Indian cinema. The climax of the film in particular is very relentless and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Enthiran is a well-made sci-fi film that also touches upon some interesting themes in an entertaining manner.
7. Baar Baar Dekho (2016)
- Starring: Katrina Kaif, Sidharth Malhotra
- Director: Nitya Mehra
- Writer: Nitya Mehra, Anuvab Pal, Sri Rao
- Watch on: Amazon Prime Video
Baar Baar Dekho is directed by debutant Nitya Mehra and stars Sidharth Malhotra and Katrina Kaif in the lead. It follows the story of Jai Varma and Diya Kapoor (played by Sidharth Malhotra and Katrina Kaif respectively) as they navigate through their relationship through flashbacks and flash-forwards. The experimental and non-linear narrative of the film is a strong aspect of Baar Baar Dekho. Do give it a try if you are into time jumps that are beautifully vowed into a narrative.
