Years after the Sons Of Anarchy finale, Charlie Hunnam is back on the small screen, thanks to the Apple+ series, Shantaram. This time he is an escaped Australian convict looking to live a new life in Bombay, India. However, keeping himself out of trouble proves more difficult than he anticipated.
For years, India has been a go-to filming location for movie and TV directors. But while most filmmakers only prefer to use the country for a few scenes, there are others that chose to keep most of the proceedings there.
Octopussy (1983)
Stream On Amazon Prime Video
Eager to find out more about him, MI6 agent, James Bond, tracks an exiled Afghan prince to India in Roger Moore's sixth outing as the character, Octopussy. There he meets and falls in love with a wealthy businesswoman who leads a cult of female mercenaries.
In most Bond movies, 007 normally hops from one corner of the world to the next and if he has to stay in one location for long, it’s always his home, Britain. Here, Bond gets to hang around one geographical location for a longer period and as such, viewers are treated to all things India, from culture to beautiful scenery. Comedy is a major part of the proceedings too, making Octopussy one of the most fun spy movies. And even though the script isn't the strongest, the presence of one of the most iconic Bond girls makes the movie a classic.
The Serpent (2021)
Stream On Netflix
Based on a true story, The Serpent follows fraudster Charles Sobhraj as he gets rich from drugging, robbing, and killing people. Soon, a Dutch diplomat begins investigating his activities.
As Sobhraj traveled all over the world, the show journeys through lots of locations, but also heavily features India. The criminal at the heart of the show pulls off some of the most unthinkable crimes, but the miniseries isn’t just a project meant to glorify crime. For the most part, it isn’t afraid to critique Indian celebrity culture. Through characters such as police officers and diplomats, it questions why Sobhraj is idolized by some, despite the numerous crimes he committed.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
Stream On Amazon Prime Video
In The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a couple of British retirees move to Jaipur, India, to live at the titular establishment in Jaipur, India. Upon arriving, they realize that the hotel is nowhere near as good as d.
Great actors make great movies and apart from a plot that unfolds in a satisfactory manner, audiences are left awed by the incredible performances of the veteran actors Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, and Maggie Smith. And the retirees’ woes don’t trigger any pity because every little misfortune is softened by a comical moment.
Indiana Jones And The Temple of Doom (1984)
Stream On Paramount+
After falling into a river while escaping a Shanghai crime boss, Indiana Jones finds himself in India in The Temple Of Doom. There, he helps villagers find a relic that has been acquired by an evil priest.
It’s the most dumbed-down of the Indiana Jones movies but that only makes it more fun. Audiences are rarely given the opportunity to catch a breath, with one action or chase sequence simply following another. The titular character’s chemistry with the Indian characters is solid too, making a case for why Hollywood should never shy from choosing different continents as settings.
Manhunters (2005)
Stream On BBC iPlayer
The BBC drama Manhunters tells the story of the notorious man-eating leopard of Rudraprayag. Events are based on the memoirs of those that tried to stop the animals.
Manhunters is a thrilling ride because it has all the ingredients used in some of the best animal attack movies. From highly elusive predators to improvisation, there are multiple things that make it recommendable. And even though events are based on true stories, creative liberties are taken to ensure there is no dull moment.
Lion (2016)
Stream On Amazon Prime Video
A 5-year-old boy gets separated from his family after being adopted by an Australian couple. Over two decades later, he goes back to India to search for his family.
Lion unapologetically rides on its emotional weight, thanks to the inclusion of numerous scenes capable of making audiences shed tears. The visuals are stunning too, with India mostly being portrayed as a paradise. This all makes the boy’s decision to go back home feel even more justified. And the fact that it received 6 Oscar nominations, including a “Best Actress” for Kidman erases any doubts a potential viewer would have.
A age To India (1984)
Stream On Amazon Prime Video
In A age To India, things are calm in the fictional city of Chandrapore, until a newcomer makes a rape accusation against an Indian man. The city then becomes divided between the British elite and the locals.
As the person who directed the longest movies of all time, director David Lean doesn’t struggle with the task here. Events unfold in a tense manner inside beautiful Indian settings. And as that happens, themes of religion, racism, and imperialism are examined. Peggy Ashcroft gives a powerhouse performance too making herself one of the most deserving Oscar winners in history.
Million Dollar Arm (2014)
Stream On Disney+
American sports agent J B Bernstein establishes a company aimed to revolutionize baseball. And in an attempt to find new talent, he heads to India.
India is known for producing some of the best talents in baseball, but that’s something that has rarely been touched on in some of the best sports movies. Million Dollar Arm thus sets itself apart by acknowledging the contributions of other countries on some of America’s most popular sports. And Jon Hamm, together with his cast mates give performances of a lifetime.
Bride And Prejudice (2004)
Stream On Pluto TV
During a wedding, a young Indian lady falls in love with an American investor. If the title, Bride and Prejudice, wasn't enough of a giveaway, the story is adapted from Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice.
To those that might have had enough of Western rom-coms, Bride And Prejudice is a perfect alternative. Apart from love and laughter, it keenly addresses cultural differences. There is hardly a dull moment either. From group dances to elephant rides, there are plenty of scenes meant to make the viewer the movie.
Shantaram (2022)
Stream On Apple+
In Shantaram, based on the novel of the same name, an Australian bank robber escapes prison and flees to India to start a new life. There, new complications emerge.
Since it’s still a series in progress, any conclusion about Shantaram at this point would be premature. However, the first few episodes have carefully treaded the issues of corrupt law enforcement and unmonitored crime. Charlie Hunnam brings his Jax Teller charm too and even though fans are unlikely to see another Sons Of Anarchy, they can be guaranteed plenty of entertainment here.