From a 1990s classic to an American comedy, the best from the world of desi entertainment.
Netflix is a gift to us all, especially when you’re in the mood to binge watch your favorite show or movie. With the advent of streaming services, you can stay culturally connected in ways you weren’t able to in the past. Here are the best desi Netflix shows and movies to watch.
Brown Nation
Brown Nation is a television comedy about Indians with a keep dry sense of humor that has you laughing at life’s universally experienced unfortunate moments irrespective of culture. It should be noted that it helps if you know who Salman Khan is, have grown up in a desi household, but it does not hinder enjoyment of series people are praying will continue. The series follows Hasmukh (Rajeev Varma) who runs a failing IT company on his misadventures that’ll have you laughing the whole time. It’s the perfect family comedy that you can enjoy at any age.
Hum Aapke Hain Koun
If you’re looking for a major trip down memory lane aka the 90s, then this is the movie for you. You get Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Salman Khan along with everyone’s favorite parents Anupam Kher, Reema Lagoo, Alok Nath and more. Nisha (Madhuri Dixit-Nene) falls in love with Prem (Salman Khan) but fate has other plans. The songs in this film are catchy, colorful, and have made the top of the charts as some of the most beloved. Your Saturday night plans are done!
Master of None
Master of None season 1 & 2 perfectly captures the angst that most 20 somethings experience whether it be in relationships with significant others or their parents. Aziz Ansari brings the issues of sex, parent-children relationships, career, self-worth, and racism to light in a way that is humorous and refreshingly honest. If you’re a desi not living in a Southeast Asian country, then dating someone outside of your race is inevitable, and Master of None tackles that head on. If you need plans for Friday night, binge season 1, and then head straight over to season 2.
Queen
This movie strays from the traditional Bollywood film. It features Kangana Ranaut as Rani, a woman who is ditched by her fiance and decides to go on her honeymoon anyway. It is a must see for every desi because it features a strong female lead taking charge of her life and going on with or without a husband. The film won numerous awards and is even considered one of 2014’s best films.
Udta Punjab
Udta Punjab made waves in India due to its drug references which speaks to the larger issue of drug abuse in Punjab. The censorship board of India initially had banned the film but filmmakers across India insisted the film be shown because it tackles tough issues that aren’t normally addressed in Bollywood.
The film stars Shahid Kapoor as a drug-addled Punjabi rockstar, Alia Bhatt as a migrant and drug pusher, Kareena Kapoor-Khan as a doctor and Diljit Dosanjh as a police officer wanting to stop the drug market. Kapoor-Khan has spoken out about the importance of addressing social justice issues through movies like this one and hopes the film will spark a change in India.
Curious? Tune in but keep in mind it can be hard to watch.
Dear Zindagi
Dear Zindagi stars Alia Bhatt (Kaira), Shah Rukh Khan (Dr. Jehangir Khan), and Ira Dubey (Fatima). Kaira is a cinematographer with dreams of directing her own films however life takes her down a different path with breakups, having to move back home with her parents, and reconnecting with her brother. Life isn’t a straight path and this film addresses a lot of those issues in the context of a desi film. A must see for a Saturday night.