Best Bollywood Movies on Social Issues on OTT | Netflix, Amazon, Hotstar!

Best Bollywood Movies on Social Issues: Cinema is a powerful means of communication and the best way to deliver a message in the form of art. Some movies entertain us, and then there are a few movies which prove to be much more than entertainment. A handful of artists take the responsibility to deliver significant messages to the audience mixed with entertainment and we call it responsible cinema. This is when we come across movies that leave a greater impact on society. Here are some of the best examples of responsible cinema and the Best Bollywood Movies on Social Issues.

Last Updated on April 11, 2023

Related: Best Bollywood Movies Directed by Women on OTT

1. Parched

Starring – Radhika Apte, Tannishtha Chatterjee
Director – Leena Yadav
Streaming Platform – Amazon Prime

Social Issue: Based on Female Infertility and Prostitution

Parched is a hard-hitting story of four Rajasthani women, who live in a controlled male-dominated society, tied in by customs. It is an all-in-one package movie addressing different difficulties by women in a tyrannical male-subjugated society regulated by rules and norms made by them, aptly depicting female desires, sexual abuse, and piercing through the notions of what a woman must be. Filled with quite a few sentimental emotions, Parched is not an easy film to sit through, but the ending is worth it.

2. Aligarh

Starring – Manoj Bajpayee & Rajkummar Rao
Director – Hansal Mehta
Streaming Platform – ZEE5

Social Issue: Homosexuality and Article 377

Aligarh is a 2015 Indian biographical drama film directed by Hansal Mehta and stars Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao in the lead roles. The narrative details the life of Ramchandra Siras, a professor of Marathi and the head of the Classical Modern Indian Languages Faculty at the famed Aligarh Muslim University who was suspended on grounds of morality. A film crew recorded his intimate session with a rickshaw puller. It is the story of his fight for his rights in the court. One of the Best Bollywood Movies on Social Issues.

3. Pink

Starring – Taapsee Pannu, Amitabh Bachchan
Director – Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury
Streaming Platform – Netflix

Social Issue: Gender Inequality

There are only a handful of films that will make immerse into a uniquely magical experience where the line between you and the character seems to be blurred. Pink starring Taapsee Pannu, is one such film. Based on gender inequality, gender stereotyping and harassment, this is a film that stands and asserts on the motto “No means no.” It is a story about consent, and how you should not objectify women.

4. Highway

Starring – Alia Bhatt & Randeep Hooda
Director – Imtiaz Ali
Streaming Platform – Disney+ Hotstar

Social Issue: Child Sexual Harassment

Best Bollywood Movies on Social Issues: We go through an incomparable vibe if it’s a classic Imtiaz Ali’s movie, the sincere emotions captured authentically is his trademark. His road movie – Highway is unorthodox in its approach and dismal with it’s intent. There is something far beyond the striking visuals and the superior music, and Highway tries to be genuine in every way possible and exhibits a great prospect of a well made alternate cinema. If you’re into these practical, gloomy genres, watch this film, since it is a story about child abuse and how childhood can mold you as a person.

5. Dear Zindagi

Starring – Alia Bhatt & Shah Rukh Khan
Director – Imtiaz Ali
Streaming Platform – Netflix

Social Issue: Social Perspective of a Psychological Disorder

Dear Zindagi is a beautiful film that highlights the importance of mental health and self-discovery. The movie explores the social perspective of psychological disorders through the character of Kaira, a budding cinematographer struggling with anxiety and relationship issues. The film shows how societal stigmas around mental health can prevent individuals from seeking help, and how a supportive community and therapy can help in coping with mental health issues. Dear Zindagi is a heartwarming film that raises awareness about mental health and encourages viewers to prioritize their well-being.

6. Article 15

Starring – Ayushmann Khurrana, Isha Talwar
Director – Anubhav Sinha
Streaming Platform – Netflix

Social Issue: Social Inequality

Article 15 is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the social inequalities and caste-based discrimination that are prevalent in modern-day India. The movie is based on true events and follows a young police officer’s journey as he uncovers the horrifying reality of the caste system and the atrocities committed against lower-caste communities. Through its hard-hitting narrative, Article 15 addresses important social issues, including systemic discrimination, social exclusion, and violence against marginalized groups. One of the Best Bollywood Movies on Social Issues.

7. Section 375

Starring – Meera Chopra & Akshaye Khanna
Director – Ajay Bahl
Streaming Platform – Prime Video

Social Issue: Rape and the Me Too Movement

Section 375 is a gripping courtroom drama that addresses the issue of rape and the Me Too movement. The movie explores the challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault in seeking justice and sheds light on the power dynamics at play in society. Through its hard-hitting narrative, Section 375 emphasizes the importance of believing survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. It is a thought-provoking film that raises important questions about rape culture and the need for change.

8. Thappad

Starring – Taapsee Pannu
Director – Anubhav Sinha
Streaming Platform – Prime Video

Social Issue: Domestic Violence

Thappad deals with the issue of domestic violence and gender-based discrimination in Indian society. The movie centers around the story of a woman named Amrita, who decides to leave her husband after he slaps her at a party. Thappad addresses the pervasive societal attitudes that minimize or justify such acts of violence and raises important questions about gender roles and the expectations placed on women. The movie highlights the importance of consent, bodily autonomy, and equal treatment in relationships, and advocates for a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Related: Best Bollywood Movies Based on Real Stories on OTT