You know how Adipurush has made Indian cinema reach a global level but only in the wrong way? Leaving all that behind, there have been a lot of Indian movies that not only do extremely well in the homeland but also leave an impact on the international stage. Over the years there have been a plethora of movies that stood out and gained amazing international acclaim. Let us have a look at some of them: 

• Lagaan (2001)

Nominated for an Academy Award

Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the 2001 epic has been one of the most celebrated Indian films to date. The movie which has a 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes is also the third Indian movie that was nominated for an Academy Award. In the year 2010, the film was ranked No. 55 in Empire magazine as well. So I guess we all love it wholeheartedly.  

• The Lunchbox (2013)

Bagged the Grand Rail D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival

After a lot of efforts from Indian, German, France and US production companies, The Lunchbox, one of my favourites, was screened at International Critics Week at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival as well. The film there won the Critics Week Viewers Choice Award. In addition to that it was nominated at the British Academy Film Awards 2015 for the Film Not in the English Language. 

• Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012) 

Secured four nominations at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival

Are jiya ho Bihar ke lala! Well, undoubtedly the cult classic has a big following all over India but the Bihar ke lala did truly leave his charisma abroad as well. The film received numerous positive reviews abroad. The movie secured four nominations at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival. Even the reporters in Hollywood compared it to a Tarantino-style flick.

• Awaara (1951)

Made it to the list of 100 all-time greatest films by TIME magazine

The 1951 classic which was directed, produced and also starred Raj Kapoor focused on the socio-economic differences and their effects on individuals. The movie gained instant recognition in East Asia, the Soviet Union, Africa and the Middle East. All the reviews, positive comments and popularity led to Awaara getting included in the All-Time 100 Greatest Films by TIME magazine. 

• Devdas (2002)

Bagged BAFTA award nomination  

The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film from 2002 was critical along with financial success in India. Because of this praise, India submitted the movie for the Academy Award and it was nominated for a BAFTA for best foreign language picture. In a recent list of the top 10 films of the millennium worldwide, Time Magazine named it the finest global film of 2002. In Empire magazine’s list of ‘The 100 Best Films Of World Cinema,’ it was ranked #74.

So this was our list, do tell us your favourite film that gained international recognition.