2025's Top Indian Films: From Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound to Sabar Bonda, a Storytelling Shift

• 2025 marked a dramatic shift in Indian storytelling, showcasing impactful independent cinema alongside blockbusters.
• Neeraj Ghaywan's "Homebound" (starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, Janhvi Kapoor) is a critically acclaimed film inspired by a pandemic-era New York Times essay, exploring human condition and socio-political dynamics.
• "Sabar Bonda" (Cactus Pears) is a Marathi semi-autobiographical romance by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, set against rural Indian traditions.
• "Superboys of Malegaon," a biopic by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, celebrates the passion for filmmaking and friendship among young men in Malegaon.
• Abhishek Banerjee's thriller "Stolen," backed by Kiran Rao and Vikramaditya Motwane, explores powerplay and a mother's search for her kidnapped baby.

Why It Matters: 2025 saw Indian cinema evolve with diverse, thought-provoking films beyond mainstream blockbusters.