Top IMDB Rated Indian Films: Trends and Consumption Analysis (2019-2024)

Introduction

Top IMDB rated Indian films have captured audiences’ attention from 2019 to 2024. This article explores why these films turned popular, breaking norms, and the influence of OTT platforms. We also analyze the success of low-budget films and the failures of big studios and stars.

The Rise of Top IMDB Rated Indian Films

Factors Driving Popularity

Top IMDB rated Indian films from 2019 to 2024 gained popularity due to several factors. Unique storytelling, strong performances, and relatable themes set these films apart. Audiences seek authentic narratives and high-quality content, which these films deliver.

Breaking Norms and Redefining Cinema

Many top-rated films broke conventional norms. They challenged traditional Bollywood formulas, offering fresh perspectives. For instance, “Article 15” (2019) tackled social issues with a gritty narrative. Similarly, “The White Tiger” (2021) presented a gripping rags-to-riches story.

Challenging Traditions: Films like “Lal Kaptaan” (2019) and “Sardar Udham” (2021) offered a fresh perspective on historical and biographical narratives, deviating from the usual biopic formulas.

Genre Blending: “Stree” (2018) skillfully combined horror with comedy, a novel approach that resonated with audiences and became a major hit.

Trends in Top IMDB Rated Films

Top IMDB rated Indian films from 2019 to 2024 reflect several emerging trends:

• Diverse Genres: There is an increasing variety in genres, from psychological thrillers like “Chup” (2022) to social dramas like “Jhund” (2022). This diversity caters to a wider audience and showcases the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
• Regional Cinema Impact: Films from various regional industries have achieved national and international acclaim. “Kumbalangi Nights” (2019) and “Drishyam 2” (2022) are examples of how regional films are making significant impacts beyond their local markets.

Low Budget, Big Success: Case Studies

“Stree” (2018) and “Badhaai Ho” (2018)

The prime examples of low-budget films achieving massive success. “Stree” combined horror and comedy, earning rave reviews for its originality. “Badhaai Ho“ offered a humorous take on a middle-aged pregnancy, resonating deeply with audiences. These films demonstrated that innovation often outshines budget constraints.

The Influence of OTT Platforms

OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have transformed film consumption. They provide a space for diverse content to reach global audiences. “Darlings” (2022) and “Chup” (2022) leveraged OTT platforms to gain visibility and popularity. The ease of access and curated recommendations boost the visibility of top-rated films.

Failures of Big Studios and Star Power

The Struggles of Big Budget Films

Even big studios and star-driven films have faced setbacks. Films with high budgets and established stars sometimes failed to resonate with audiences. For example, “Laal Singh Chaddha” (2022) and “Shamshera” (2022) underperformed despite significant investments. These failures highlight a shift in audience preferences towards more genuine storytelling.

The Shift Towards Content Over Star Power

Audiences now prioritize compelling content over star power. Films with strong narratives and innovative ideas often outperform star-studded projects. This shift has led to the success of films that may not have large budgets or famous actors but offer engaging and original content.

Trends in Film Consumption and Production

Changing Audience Preferences

Audiences increasingly prefer films with strong narratives and innovative concepts. The trend towards content-driven cinema reflects a desire for more authentic and relatable stories. This shift is evident in the success of films like “The Kashmir Files” (2022) and “Drishyam 2” (2022).

The Success of “Drishyam”: A Case Study

“Drishyam”: The Highest-Rated Indian Remake

“Drishyam” (2013), originally a Malayalam film directed by Jeethu Joseph, has become one of the highest-rated Indian remakes. The film’s success led to remakes in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. The Hindi remake, “Drishyam” (2015), directed by Jeethu Joseph himself and starring Ajay Devgn, was particularly noteworthy.

“Drishyam” stands out due to its compelling narrative, which revolves around a father’s desperate attempts to protect his family from a criminal case. The film’s success across different languages is attributed to its universal themes of family and justice, combined with a gripping storyline that transcends regional barriers.

Why “Drishyam” Became Popular

“Drishyam” became popular due to its innovative plot and character development. It deviated from traditional Bollywood crime dramas by offering a unique perspective on crime and family dynamics. The film’s intricate plot and emotional depth appealed to a wide range of audiences, making it a standout hit.

The success of “Drishyam” highlights how strong narratives and relatable themes can drive the success of remakes. It also illustrates the growing acceptance of regional cinema and its influence on the broader Indian film industry.

“Drishyam” (2013), originally a Malayalam film directed by Jeethu Joseph, is a standout example of a successful remake:

• Original Success: The original “Drishyam” was critically acclaimed for its unique narrative and intricate plot. It was praised for its portrayal of a common man’s struggle to protect his family from a criminal case.
• Successful Remakes: The film’s success led to remakes in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. The Hindi remake, “Drishyam” (2015), directed by Jeethu Joseph and starring Ajay Devgn, was particularly successful. It retained the core essence of the original while adapting to the Hindi-speaking audience.

Why “Drishyam” Became Popular

“Drishyam” achieved widespread acclaim due to several factors:

• Innovative Plot: The film’s plot, which revolves around a father’s desperate attempts to cover up a crime, offered a fresh perspective on the crime genre. Its engaging storyline and unexpected twists captivated audiences.
• Emotional Depth: The film’s portrayal of family dynamics and the lengths a father will go to protect his loved ones added emotional depth to the narrative. This relatability contributed to its universal appeal.

The Role of Streaming Platforms

Streaming platforms have revolutionized film consumption. They provide a platform for diverse and experimental content. Films that might not have performed well in theaters often find success on these platforms, as seen with “Mumbai Mafia: Police vs The Underworld” (2023).

Key Learnings

Evolving Audience Preferences

1. Content Over Stars: Audiences are prioritizing strong narratives and authentic storytelling over star power. This shift is evident in the success of content-driven films like “Drishyam 2” (2022).
2. Regional Cinema’s Influence: Regional films are making a significant impact on national and international levels, showcasing the growing influence of diverse cinematic voices.

The Role of OTT Platforms

1. Wider Reach and Experimentation: OTT platforms have expanded the reach of films and encouraged experimentation. Films that might not have succeeded in theaters often find success on streaming platforms.
2. Diverse Content: The rise of OTT has led to a more varied content landscape, offering opportunities for unconventional and innovative storytelling.

The Impact of Low-Budget Films

1. Creative Success: Low-budget films like “Stree” and “Badhaai Ho” prove that creativity and strong storytelling can lead to significant success, even with limited resources.
2. Relatability and Innovation: Films that tackle relatable themes with innovative approaches can achieve remarkable success, highlighting the importance of fresh ideas in filmmaking.

Conclusion

Top IMDB rated Indian films from 2019 to 2024 reflect significant changes in the industry. The success of low-budget films, the impact of OTT platforms, and the shift from star power to content quality highlight evolving trends. The remarkable success of “Drishyam” as a remake underscores the power of compelling storytelling. As the Indian film industry continues to evolve, these trends provide valuable insights into its future direction.

References and Further Reading

1. “Article 15” (2019) – Anubhav Sinha, IMDb
2. “The White Tiger” (2021) – Ramin Bahrani, Rotten Tomatoes
3. “Darlings” (2022) – Jasmeet K Reen, Film Companion
4. “Laal Singh Chaddha” (2022) – Advait Chandan, The Hindu