Sometimes I find science fiction more interesting when there’s a simple twist to an everyday scenario. For example, having a watch that can travel through time, a unique spaceship or going on a mission to somewhere far away. If you’re looking for the best sci fi movies to watch, these are exactly the kinds of ideas worth exploring.
India has some great science fiction movies to watch. I’ve selected 5 different movies with varying themes. Some are fun thriller movies, some are a bit more unique and some had some great ideas that stuck with me.
1. 24 (2016)
Language: Tamil
I think that time travel is one of the most fun concepts science fiction offers. This movie starts off with a simple premise. A scientist named Sethuraman develops a watch that can travel through time. However, he has a twin brother named Athreya, who also wants to get his hands on it.
Suriya plays three different characters throughout, giving the story more intrigue. Each character has a very different personality.
I love the premise as it creates a great story around something so simple. The movie has a lot of emotion throughout.
Whilst there are some intense moments, the movie takes the premise seriously. The movie manages to have a great balance between the family issues, action and science fiction elements.
Watch if… you like time travel, family issues and action-packed science fiction.
2. Indru Netru Naalai (2015)
Language: Tamil
Not all time travel movies need to be serious. This movie has a fun concept. Two friends find a time machine and start to use it to help themselves.
However, as they start to change things from the past, they start to encounter issues.
I love these kinds of stories as the characters can get into trouble and have to deal with the consequences. They aren’t scientists trying to save the world, they’re just normal people who’ve found something amazing and don’t always think things through.
The movie has some great comedic elements making it very easy to watch. If you enjoy science fiction but don’t want it to be too complicated or serious, this is a great choice.
I do also like how the movie has some great time travel elements.
Watch if… you like light-hearted science fiction, time travel complications and comedic adventure.
3. Cargo (2019)
Language: Hindi
Probably one of the most unique movies on the list. This movie is set on a spaceship. Prahastha is a demon working for a service helping people move onto the next step after death. He deals with people who have recently died.
A pretty unique concept!
Prahastha is played by Vikrant Massey and he has a new assistant named Yuvishka played by Shweta Tripathi Sharma. Their relationship is a key part of the story. They have very different approaches to their job.
This isn’t a movie with lots of action, big space battles or an intricate plot. It’s a very calm movie focusing more on the characters, daily life on the spaceship and the uniqueness of their world.
I also love how the movie has made the workplace feel completely foreign. Not many science fiction movies will have you thinking about the afterlife as an organised service.
Watch if… you like slow-paced science fiction, unusual concepts and stories about life and death.
4. Antariksham 9000 KMPH (2018)
Language: Telugu
If you’re interested in space adventures, this movie is worth watching. The story follows Dev, a former astronaut who has been brought back to complete an important mission. A satellite has malfunctioned.
They have a big issue on their hands as there could be a collision leading to a huge communication blackout. They need to find a way to stop this.
I love that the movie focuses on a space mission. Instead of an alien invasion or futuristic battle, it’s interesting to watch a group of people trying to fix an issue with technology. Varun Tej plays Dev and he has some personal issues to overcome.
Whilst this may not be the biggest or most intricate space movie, it does have a unique concept to it. The movie focuses on astronauts and technology, meaning it’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys this aspect of science fiction.
Watch if… you like space missions, technical challenges and stories about people working together under pressure.
5. Kalki 2898 AD (2024)
Language: Telugu
This movie is on a whole different level. Set in a dystopian future inspired by Indian mythology, the story takes place in 2898 and much of the world is hard to live in. Powerful people run what’s left.
Some great actors play the main characters, including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Kamal Haasan. There are multiple storylines and characters to follow. All of the storylines link together around a bigger issue with a child who is believed to be the arrival of Kalki.
Firstly, the movie has a great visual setting. It doesn’t look anything like the normal settings we see in Indian movies. Kashi, futuristic technology and the divide between different groups of people all create a great setting.
I also love how the movie combines mythology with science fiction. Instead of making a completely foreign world, they’ve taken aspects from stories and beliefs we know in India and put them into a futuristic world.
This is a long movie with a lot going on. If you like simple stories, this may feel overwhelming. However, if you enjoy epic science fiction, mythology, action and an ambitious setting, then this is worth watching.
Watch if… you like dystopian futures, mythology, epic world-building and science fiction adventures.
What Sci-Fi Movie Should I Watch?
It really depends on what you’re in the mood for. If you enjoy time travel, then 24 and Indru Netru Naalai would be great choices. They both have similar themes but very different vibes.
Cargo is probably the most unique choice. If you enjoy space adventures, then Antariksham 9000 KMPH would be a better choice for you. If you like big futuristic adventures, then Kalki 2898 AD has a lot to offer.
These are all great best sci fi movies to watch if you’re looking for something different. Whilst sometimes I like a complex time travel movie, sometimes I like to watch something completely foreign. These 5 movies have a bit of both.
If you enjoy movies that create an uneasy vibe in a different way, then you may enjoy my article on Indian Horror Movies Beyond Jump Scares. There are some great stories to discover.
Thanks for reading!
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