Pyaasa to Haider: The best character-driven Indian movies ever made

Thimmaiah PU

 Sep 19, 2023

Pyaasa: Amazon Prime Video

This classic film, directed by and starring Guru Dutt, explores the life of a struggling poet who is disillusioned by society's materialism

Sholay: Amazon Prime Video

This Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Hema Malini classic has well-defined characters whose dynamics in a Western-style setting set it apart

A Wednesday!: Netflix

With stellar performances from Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah, this thriller film highlights the complexities of the characters' moral dilemmas

Haider: Netflix

The film delves deep into the protagonist's (Shahid Kapoor's) psyche, portraying his inner turmoil and transformation

Rang De Basanti: Netflix

The film explores the transformation of a group of university students, showcasing their evolution from carefree youths to politically aware citizens

Gangs of Wasseypur: Netflix

This crime saga spans generations and is driven by complex, well-developed characters seeking revenge with dark and gritty storytelling

Masaan: Netflix

Set in Varanasi, the film deals with societal taboos and personal tragedies and excels in character development, portraying their struggles and hopes

My Name Is Khan: Amazon Prime Video

This film is about an autistic man who embarks on a journey to meet the US President. It's character-driven, highlighting the challenges he faces