India is a diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, and this diversity is reflected in its cinema as well. While Bollywood is the most well-known aspect of Indian cinema, there are many regional movies that have won critical acclaim both nationally and internationally. In this article, we will look at some of the regional movies that deserved the Oscar in India.
- Court (Marathi)

Court, directed by Chaitanya Tamhane, is a Marathi language movie that won several awards and accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. The movie depicts the lives of people involved in a court case in a lower court in Mumbai, and through its characters, it touches upon themes of caste, class, and power dynamics. The movie was India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 88th Academy Awards, but it did not make it to the final list of nominations.
- Jallikattu (Malayalam)

Jallikattu, directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, is a Malayalam language movie that won critical acclaim both nationally and internationally. The movie is a visceral experience that explores the primal nature of human beings and the thin line that separates civilization from savagery. The movie was India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 93rd Academy Awards, but it did not make it to the final list of nominations.
- Ship of Theseus (Hindi)

Ship of Theseus, directed by Anand Gandhi, is a Hindi language movie that explores the concept of identity through three different characters. The movie is a philosophical exploration of the human experience and raises questions about the nature of existence and the self. The movie won several awards and accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English. However, it was not India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Academy Awards.
- Kanche (Telugu)

Kanche, directed by Krish, is a Telugu language movie that explores the theme of love and humanity against the backdrop of World War II. The movie is a sweeping epic that combines romance, action, and social commentary, and it won critical acclaim both nationally and internationally. The movie was not India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Academy Awards.
- Court (Bengali)
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Court, directed by Suman Ghosh, is a Bengali language movie that depicts the lives of people involved in a court case in a lower court in Kolkata. The movie touches upon themes of power dynamics, corruption, and the justice system in India. The movie was not India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the Academy Awards.
In conclusion, Indian cinema is a treasure trove of diverse stories and unique perspectives, and regional movies are an important aspect of this cinematic landscape. While these movies may not have won the Oscar, they have won critical acclaim and international recognition, which is a testament to the quality of Indian cinema. These movies deserve to be celebrated and appreciated for their contribution to the art of cinema. It is important for the industry and audiences to recognize and support regional cinema, so that more diverse stories and perspectives can be showcased on the global stage.