7 must-watch Indian sci-fi, space movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime and other OTT: From Koi Mil Gaya to Mission Mangal
Science fiction and space are relatively unexplored genres in Indian cinema. However, over the years, several filmmakers have managed to tell compelling stories in these genres, such as Koi Mil Gaya and Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25. Below is a hand-picked list of his 7 movies across different languages that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home on OTT platforms.
7 Must-Watch Indian Sci-Fi and Space Movies
1. Cargo (2020)
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10
- Performer: Vikrant Massey, Shweta Tripathi
- director: Arati Kadav
- Writer: Arati Kadav
- Where to watch/OTT platforms: Netflix
Cargo is an underrated masterpiece by debutant director Arati Kadhav. Starring Vikrant Massey and Shweta Tripathi in the lead roles, the film has a fascinating storyline where a scientist in a spaceship helps recycle dead people for rebirth. Cargo explores themes of mortality, life, and other important things in an entertaining way. This movie is a fun piece for all his science fiction lovers.
2. Koi Mil Gaya (2003)
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10
- Performer: Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Rekha
- director: Rakesh Roshan
- Writer: Rakesh Roshan, Honey Irani, Robin Bhatt, Sachin Bhowmik
- Where to watch/OTT platforms: G5
Rakesh Roshan’s Koi Mil Gaya remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic science fiction films. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta, the film tells the story of a man whose life changes when an extraterrestrial creature lands on Earth. Packed with great performances, strong direction and a melodious soundtrack, Koi Mil Gaya is a must-see movie that made our childhood wonderful.
3.Android-kun Japan Ver 5.25(2019)
- IMDb rating: 8.0/10
- Performer: Sooraj Venjaramudu, Soubin Shahir, Sooraj Selakad
- director: Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval
- Writer: Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval
- Where to watch/OTT platforms: Amazon Prime Video
Android Kunjappan Ver 5.25 is a Malayalam science fiction movie about a village man in a small town whose life changes when an AI humanoid starts living with him. This movie is an upbeat story packed with some emotional and funny moments that will tug at your heartstrings. Please give us a chance. You won’t be disappointed.
4. Mission Mangal (2019)
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10
- Performer: Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha, Taapsee Pannu
- director: Jagan Shakti
- Writer: Jagan Shakti, R. Balki, Saket Kondiparthi
- Where to watch/OTT platforms: disney + hotstar
Jagan Shakti’s Mission Mangal is loosely inspired by the group of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientists who led the Mars rover mission. The film stars an ensemble including Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan and Sonakshi Sinha and tells the fascinating story of India’s first interplanetary expedition. After its release, Mission Mangal received critical acclaim and was a commercial success.
5. Mr. India (1987)
- IMDb rating: 7.7/10
- Performer: Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Amrish Puri
- director: shekhar kapoor
- Writer: Salim Javed
- Where to watch/OTT platforms: G5
Mr. India is a name that needs no introduction. The film is considered a classic and has become a part of Indian pop culture thanks to its great dialogues, high-concept story, and iconic villain Mogambo. To this day, this film remains one of his best science fiction films to come out of India. Directed by Shekhar Kapur, the film also stars Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Amrish Puri and Satish Kaushik in important roles. The script was written by the popular duo Salim-Javed.
6. Entiran (2010)
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10
- Performer: Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
- director: S Shankar
- Writer: S. Shankar, Sujata, Swanand Kirkil.
- Where to watch/OTT platforms: Sun NXT
Enthiran, a Tamil sci-fi action film directed by S. Shankar, is about an android humanoid robot that goes berserk. The film has breathtaking visual effects and intense action sequences that are unprecedented in Indian cinema. The climax of this movie in particular is extremely brutal and suspenseful. Enthiran is a well-made science fiction movie that also touches on some interesting themes in an entertaining way.
7. Baal Baal Dekho (2016)
- IMDb rating: 5.4/10
- Performer: Katrina Kaif, Siddharth Malhotra
- director: Nitya Mela
- Writer: Nitya Mehra, Anubhav Pal, Shirao
- Where to watch/OTT platforms: Amazon Prime Video
‘Baar Baar Dekho’ is directed by debutant Nithya Mehra and stars Sidharth Malhotra and Katrina Kaif. The story of Jai Varma and Diya Kapoor (played by Sidharth Malhotra and Katrina Kaif, respectively) navigates their relationship through flashbacks and flashforwards. The film’s experimental and non-linear narrative is a strong aspect of Baar Baar Dekho. If you’re interested in time jumps beautifully incorporated into the story, give this one a try.
(Tag translation) Akshay Kumar