PEAKLIFE

By Lyla Shroff

With the rise in popularity of OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar, old films are now way more accessible for the public to view than they used to be. These platforms release several new films every week but they also have an abundant collection of classic films that are a must-watch for movie buffs. This list is a compilation of a mix of classic releases and recently released films that are truly worth your time. If you have not already watched these classics then we suggest you check them out on their respective OTT platforms or use this as a reminder to rewatch these masterpieces.

1. 3 Idiots

This is undeniably one of the most iconic stories to come out of Bollywood. 3 Idiots has gained love not only from the Indian audience but also from viewers all around the world. Although this film is critically acclaimed and well renowned, it is currently only streaming on a single OTT platform, Amazon Prime Video. Watch the beautiful and chaotic college lives of three best friends played by Amir Khan, R. Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi, along with the intriguing characters of Kareena Kapoor and Boman Irani.

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

2. Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway

This one is a new release that has rapidly grown in popularity in 2023. The movie is based on true events and it follows an immigrant mother from India who embarks on a fierce custody battle with Norwegian authorities who have snatched her children away from her. Rani Mukerji does a phenomenal job in capturing the distress of a troubled mother as the lead actress in this film.

Platform: Netflix

3. Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan

This film is a bit different from conventional rom-coms, as it follows the events of two lovers Kartik (Ayushmann Khurana) and Aman (Jitendra Kumar) who are in a chaotic battle with Aman’s family to stay together. When Aman brings Kartik back home with him for his sister’s wedding, the family immediately begins plotting the end of their relationship. This film is witty, humorous, and eye-opening, we certainly recommend this as your next watch.

Platform: Amazon Prime Video

4. Hidden Figures

This film is an inspirational narration of the story of a team of Female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the United States of America Space Program, helping them win the space race against the Soviet Union. It is a three-time Grammy nominated film that was released in 2016, garnering love from viewers across the globe.

Platform: Disney+ Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video

5. India Lockdown

This ZEE5 original film follows the stories of individuals from different strata of society during the extended lockdown imposed by the Indian government in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It elaborates on the struggles of these people who were affected by the lockdown and how it took a toll on their daily lives.

Platform: ZEE5

6. The Blind Side

This cult-favourite follows the real-life story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatised boy who finds success on and off the football (rugby) field when he is taken in by a caring mom and her affluent family. Watch as this boy goes from rags to riches and becomes an All-American football player and first-round NFL draft pick.

Platform: Netflix

7. Pad Man

Pad Man is a 2018 social drama starring Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, and Radhika Apte in lead roles. It follows the inspiring journey of a caring husband who, despite the public humiliation and resistance associated with the cause, goes out of his way to manufacture hygienic and low-cost sanitary pads for the benefit of his wife and the rural women.

Platform: Netflix and ZEE5

8. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

This film is about a 13-year old boy named William Kamkwamba, who gets inspired by a science book to build a wind turbine in order to save his Malawian village from famine. Based on a true story, the cinematography and plot of the movie is unparalleled and we urge you to give it a watch.

Platform: Netflix

9. Ford v. Ferrari

This 2019 film is based on the iconic story of the American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles. It shows how they battled corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car for the company Ford in order to defeat Ferrari at the 24 hours Le Mans in 1966.

Platform: Disney+ Hotstar

10. Billu

Life was not treating this struggling barber (Irrfan Khan) well but it all took a turn when the village found out about his connection with a superstar actor (Shah Rukh Khan), making him a town favourite. The villagers began to play nice with the barber when news of his famous friend coming to town spread like wildfire. Watch what the barber does to keep up this new-found respect among the villagers and even his family.

Platform: Netflix