Best Indian Movies And Series Of 2020: Catch Up On These As The Year Draws To A Close

2020 spun everything on its head, including the way we consume entertainment. With several lockdowns and the threat of a virus looming over us, heading to a theatre and chomping on a tub of popcorn has become the stuff of fairytales. But if we try (very hard) to look at the bright side of things we’d see that it has also paved the way for some quality content that’s just a click away. And if you’ve somehow managed to spend the entirety of the year without having seen the plethora of movies and web series that made 2020 bearable, don’t despair. Grab your (homemade) bowls of popcorn and wear your comfy pyjamas because this list will have you binge-watching like never before. 

1.Scam 1992

IMDB Rating: 9.4
Where to watch: SonyLIV

We’re starting the list off on a high with a series based on the 1992 Indian stock market scam. And you’d have to be living under a rock to not have heard of it. Director Hansal Mehta doesn’t dumb things down for his audience as he deep dives into the India of the 80s and 90s to give us an insight into the life of Harshad Mehta, a stockbroker who conquered the stock market and propelled it to great heights, before finding himself hurling towards a catastrophic downfall that shook not just him, but the entire country. The engaging storyline, fitting theme music, and excellent acting will have you invested in the series from the get-go, pun intended. And if our word alone doesn’t convince you of it, the whooping 9.4 IMDB rating definitely will. 

2. Panchayat 

IMDB Rating: 8.7

Where to watch: Prime Video

The words “raw” and “real” in the world of Indian entertainment are often synonymous with dark themes and a whole lot of violence. However, Panchayat manages to keep things both real and light-hearted, teasing a smile out of even the most cynical of viewers. This comedy-drama sees an engineer, with big dreams of working in an MNC, being forced into working as a Panchayat secretary in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh due to a lack of job opportunities. What follows is a series of engaging events underscored by brilliant writing, endearing characters, and a strong cast. Topping most people’s list of the best Indian web series for this year, this one’s a must-watch before the year draws to a close. 

3.Aarya

IMDB Rating: 7.9

Where to watch: Hotstar

Although a considerable chunk of people gave Arya a go just to see Sushmita Sen back in action, it’s the punchy storyline that had them sit up and take notice. Based on the Dutch drama series Penoza, this show follows the life of Aarya Sareen, a woman with the “perfect” life and family who is thrust into the dark world of a dodgy family business. A crime thriller with an emotional underbelly, you can’t help but root for Aarya as she faces every challenge head-on and does what’s needed to protect her family. If you like shows that keep you on the edge of your seat, this one’s for you.

4. Bandish Bandits 

IMDB Rating: 8.7

Where to watch: Prime Video

If you’re a sucker for a good romance, you can’t miss out on Bandish Bandits. It follows the journey of two polar-opposite yet equally talented singers, one an Indian classical singer and the other a pop star, as they navigate the complex waters of love. As the pair rediscover themselves through their music and each other, you’ll find yourself laughing and crying with them. And if their journey isn’t moving enough to get you emotional, the soulful tracks helmed by none other than the legendary musical trio Shankar-Ehsan-Loy will. Bandish Bandit is one of those rare shows that come highly recommended by both critics and the audience. We’re willing to stick our necks out and say that you’re likely to enjoy this one. 

5.Paatal Lok 

IMDB Rating: 7.8 

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Gritty, suspenseful, fast-paced, and real - Paatal Lok is not for the faint-hearted. This top-rated Indian web series is a crime thriller that revolves around an inspector who’s been tasked with solving a high-profile case. As he navigates the political web of lies, deception, and danger that the investigation brings with it, he plunges further into the sinister realms of the netherworld (ergo the name, Paatal Lok). With stellar performances by the cast and a gripping storyline, we’d be surprised if you can manage to watch this in anything but a single sitting. 

6. Mafia 

IMDB Rating: 7.8

Where to watch: Zee5

While we’re on the subject of suspenseful thrillers, we’d be remiss not to mention Mafia. We’ve all played the game and been in equal parts engaged and annoyed by it. This engaging show takes this party favourite and spins it into something wholly sinister. It follows the story of six friends, who were extremely closely knit in their college days, reconnect over a bachelorette party of one of their own. They soon find themselves reliving the trauma of a horrifying incident that had torn them apart years ago. What follows is a whole lot of deceit and betrayal that will make it hard for you to even take a quick bathroom break. No surprises why this psychological thriller is amongst the most viewed shows on Zee5. 

7. Ludo

IMDB Rating: 7.6

Where to watch: Netflix

It’s only fair that we move on from one party favourite game to another. This movie begins with two people contemplating life and death over a game of, you guessed it, Ludo. As the story progresses, it explores the lives of 4 people from different walks of life as they cope with the challenges they’re faced with. The unpredictable and chaotic series of events eventually bring them all to a common point, much like the game itself. Anurag Basu’s witty and sharp storytelling along with stellar performances by the cast make for a compelling watch. Who knows, it might even find its way into your list of the best Hindi movies of all time. 

8. Trance

IMDB: 7.3

Where to watch: Prime Video

Dealing with the business of religion, Trance follows the journey of one down-on-his-luck motivational speaker who has his past to deal with and a younger brother to take care of. A certain tragedy leads him to Mumbai where he’s hired by a corporation to pose as a Christian pastor and perform (hoax) miracles. However, a stunt on live TV puts the entire operation in jeopardy. If you enjoy well-paced and intelligent psychological dramas then this Malayalam film won’t disappoint. What’s better is that it’s also shot exceptionally well, making for a visual treat. 

9. Middle-Class Melodies

IMDB: 7.7

Where to watch: Prime Video

Bringing back a little laughter and joy into this list is the Telugu hit that begins with a food dream that most of us have had at some point. Middle-Class Melodies is centred on Raghava, a hot-headed, ambitious young man who can whip up a delicious Bombay chutney. Confident in his ability to cook and his mother’s fool-proof recipe, he heads to Guntur to open his own tiffin centre. As he goes through life with his eyes and mindset on this goal, you can’t help but laugh at the circumstances and people that surround him. Worthy of being one of the best South Indian movies of 2020, this well-written, well-directed, and light-hearted movie is the kind you can enjoy with your family. 

10. Soorarai Potturu

IMDB: 8.7

Where to watch: Prime Video

We’ve saved one of the best for the last: a movie that comes highly recommended by critics and viewers alike. Based on the life of Captain GR Gopinath, Tamil film Soorarai Potturu follows the life of a former Indian Air Force Captain, Nedumaaran Rajangam "Maara,'' whose aim is to start an airline company that makes flying more affordable for the common man. In order to fulfill this dream of his, he’s got to take on several powerful people who stand in his way and navigate the red tape of the world’s most capital-intensive industry. Entertainment, intrigue, drama - this movie has it all. To top that off this well-paced film has a moving soundtrack, great cinematography, and stellar performances by the cast. This ode to the common man is right up there on the list of best Indian movies of all times and will have you wishing you could see it on the big screen. 

And there you have it! A diverse and comprehensive list of movies to watch as you bid adieu to 2020. Since with all that’s happening in the world today, most of us would love an escape of sorts, even if that’s for a little while, we’ve given you 10 that come highly recommended.