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Netflix has become a hub for thought-provoking documentaries that delve into India’s social, political, and cultural landscape. Whether you’re looking for investigative journalism, historical narratives, or inspiring real-life stories, these documentaries are worth adding to your watchlist.
1. The Elephant Whisperers
This Oscar-winning documentary showcases the extraordinary bond between an indigenous couple and an orphaned elephant calf in Tamil Nadu. Directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, the film highlights wildlife conservation and human-animal relationships, set against breathtaking South Indian landscapes.
2. Crime Stories: India Detectives
For true crime enthusiasts, this docuseries follows Bengaluru police as they solve real-life criminal cases. With unprecedented access to investigations, the series provides a gripping look at India’s justice system and the challenges law enforcement officers face.
3. Bad Boy Billionaires: India
This hard-hitting documentary series explores the rise and fall of India’s most infamous business tycoons, including Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Subrata Roy. It sheds light on corporate greed, corruption, and the legal battles that ensued.
4. Delhi Crime
Inspired by real events, this International Emmy-winning series dramatizes the investigation into the 2012 Delhi gang rape case. While technically a docudrama, Delhi Crime is deeply rooted in real-life police procedures and societal issues, making it a must-watch.
5. 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible
This documentary follows Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja as he attempts to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in record time. Though not exclusively about India, it features breathtaking scenes of the Himalayas and showcases South Asian mountaineering excellence.
6. Rooting for Roona
A heart-wrenching documentary about Roona Begum, a child born with hydrocephalus in a remote Indian village. The film highlights medical challenges and social struggles, bringing attention to healthcare issues in rural India.
7. Killer Soup: The Real Story Behind the Dark Comedy
This documentary examines the real-life crime case that inspired the Netflix dark comedy Killer Soup. It investigates the blurred lines between fiction and reality in one of India’s most bizarre murder cases.
8. Daughters of Destiny
A deeply moving docuseries that follows the lives of young girls from impoverished backgrounds studying at the Shanti Bhavan school. The series highlights education as a transformative force in breaking the cycle of poverty.
9. House of Secrets: The Burari Deaths
One of the most chilling documentaries on Netflix, this series investigates the mysterious mass suicide of 11 family members in Delhi. It explores themes of psychological trauma, superstition, and the darker aspects of Indian society.
10. Amar: A Short Documentary
This short but powerful documentary captures a day in the life of a 14-year-old Mumbai boy who balances work, school, and family responsibilities. It provides a raw and intimate look at child labor and resilience in urban India.
Netflix continues to expand its documentary catalog, offering viewers a chance to engage with India’s diverse and complex realities. Whether exploring systemic corruption, environmental conservation, or untold human stories, these documentaries provide a compelling watch.
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