Movies About Hinduism

From Richard Attenborough, starring Ben Kingsley, John Gielgud, Rohini Hattangadi, Roshan Seth
Rated PG

Gandhi is a 1982 historical biographical drama film directed by Richard Attenborough and written by John Briley. The film stars Ben Kingsley in the titular role, alongside Candice Bergen, Edward Fox, John Gielgud, Trevor Howard, John Mills, Martin Sheen, and Ian Charleson. It is a dramatized account of the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the leader of India's non-violent, non-cooperative independence movement against the British Raj during the 20th century. The film covers Gandhi's early life in South Africa, the 20-year fight for independence, and his eventual assassination. It also covers his relationship with his family, and his personal struggles with poverty, prejudice, and violence. The film won numerous awards, including eight Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. It also grossed over $100 million worldwide at the box office.

From Ang Lee, starring Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain, Tabu
Rated PG

Life of Pi is a 2012 adventure drama film directed by Ang Lee and based on the novel of the same name by Yann Martel. It tells the story of Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel, a young Indian man who survives 227 days after a shipwreck while stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. In addition to the tiger, Pi is also accompanied by a hyena, an orangutan, and a zebra. As Pi struggles to survive and make sense of his harrowing situation, he forms an unexpected and unique connection with the fearsome beast. In the end, Pi is forced to rely on his faith and ingenuity to find his way to land and ultimately survive his life-changing journey.

From Deepa Mehta, starring Lisa Ray, John Abraham, Seema Biswas, Sarala Kariyawasam
Rated PG-13

Water is a 2005 Indian drama film written and directed by Deepa Mehta, with screenplay by Anurag Kashyap. Set in 1938 India, the film follows the lives of eight-year-old Chuyia and her widowed husband, who is forced to live in an ashram for widows. Chuyia's presence at the ashram disrupts the other widows and their customs, eventually leading to her being married off to a much older man. Despite the obstacles they face, Chuyia and her new husband form a loving relationship, while Chuyia's fellow widows struggle to find their own paths to freedom. The film explores the harsh realities of life in India as well as the strength of female friendship and resilience in the face of adversity.

From Deepa Mehta, starring Aamir Khan, Nandita Das, Rahul Khanna, Maia Sethna
Rated Not Rated

Earth is a 1998 Indian period drama film directed by Deepa Mehta, based upon Bapsi Sidhwa's novel, Cracking India. It is set in the time of the Partition of India in 1947, prior to the Independence of India and Pakistan. The film follows the life of a young girl, Lenny, and her family as they are affected by the political events of the time. Through her experiences, the film examines the effects of the Partition, including religious violence, loss of identity, and cultural displacement. The film also focuses on the struggles of India's untouchable caste, with the oppression of the caste system. Earth is a powerful story of courage, resilience, and survival in the midst of a time of great upheaval.

From Vikram Gandhi, starring Vikram Gandhi, Toby, Greg, Molly
Rated Not Rated

Kumaré is an award-winning documentary film directed by Vikram Gandhi that follows the journey of Gandhi as he transforms himself into a fictitious Indian spiritual leader named Kumaré. With the help of some willing followers, Gandhi embarks on a spiritual journey of self-discovery and personal growth as his alter ego. Through his experiences with his followers, Gandhi learns about the power of belief and the importance of self-reflection. By the end of the film, Gandhi reveals his true identity to his followers who, despite their initial shock and dismay, ultimately embrace his message and learn to accept themselves for who they are. Through this transformative experience, Kumaré ultimately teaches us that the power of belief lies within each person.

From Mira Nair, starring Naseeruddin Shah, Lillete Dubey, Shefali Shah, Vijay Raaz
Rated R

From David Lean, starring Judy Davis, Victor Banerjee, Peggy Ashcroft, James Fox
Rated PG

From Isabel Coixet, starring Patricia Clarkson, Ben Kingsley, Grace Gummer, Samantha Bee
Rated R

From Ryan Murphy, starring Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, Richard Jenkins, Viola Davis
Rated PG-13