125 Classic Films from the National Film Archive

125 titles

Default order ↑Popularity IMDb rating TMDB rating Release date Runtime Title Budget Box office

101 ChandralekhaMovie · 1948 · 207mVeer and Shashank both fall in love with Chandralekha. Shashank then kidnaps her and compels her to marry him. Before the wedding, she asks for a special drum dance. The drums, however, conceal a secret.IMDb 7.3TMDB 8.2
102 Untouchable GirlMovie · 1936 · 142mA girl from a lower caste and a Brahmin boy develop a love for each other, but their relationship is challenged by rigid caste rules and the disapproval of their community.IMDb 6.5TMDB 5.0
103 RamshastriMovie · 1944 · 122mSet against a turbulent period in the Maratha empire, Prabhat is a biographical film about Ramshastri Prabhune (1720-89). He served as chief justice to both Madhavrao and Nana Phadnavis and played a significant role in shaping an original legal system.IMDb 6.9TMDB 5.7
104 RojaMovie · 1992 · 137m · Drama, Action, RomanceSet in a Tamil village, the film follows Roja whose life changes when her sister's fiancé suddenly chooses her instead. They begin a new life together, moving to Kashmir for his job, but their peaceful start is shattered when militants take them hostage. The story examines love, sacrifice, and strength as Roja faces a terrifying situation with courage. Through her experience, the film explores the difficulties of political conflict and its effect on everyday people. It's a personal story of love that crosses cultures, revealing the difficult realities of life during times of unrest.Stream on IMDb 8.1TMDB 6.8
105 AradhanaMovie · 1969 · 169mAfter secretly marrying Arun, Vandana faces rejection from everyone around them. Following his death in a plane crash, she's compelled to give their child up for adoption. To remain close to Arun's memory, she later becomes the nanny for his child.Stream onIMDb 7.6TMDB 6.9
106 Sahib Bibi Aur GhulamMovie · 1962 · 152mA wealthy landowner, a man known for his excessive indulgence, shows little regard for his wife. The story offers a glimpse into the opulent but isolating world of Bengali aristocracy in the late 19th century, as seen through the eyes of a young man from a rural background who travels to Calcutta in search of opportunity and becomes captivated by the isolated mistress of the house.Stream onIMDb 8.1TMDB 6.5
107 The RoleMovie · 1977 · 136mThis film chronicles the life of a celebrated actress, exposing her growing detachment from the world. She navigates a career that is both highly admired and subtly demeaning. Pushed into the entertainment industry by her family, she moves between film sets and troubled relationships, increasingly finding herself unfulfilled.Stream on IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.1
108 SholayMovie · 1975 · 198m · ActionIn a lawless frontier, justice is rare. A retired police officer, driven by grief and a desire for revenge after his family is murdered by the notorious bandit Gabbar Singh, must compromise his morals and team up with two skilled outlaws. They journey to Gabbar Singh's stronghold, facing difficult choices as they pursue him. Their quest is a dangerous path between finding justice and being consumed by vengeance in a world where trust is hard to find.Stream on IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.0
109 Golden BabyMovie · 1955 · 183mKotayya (Ranga Rao) is a good-natured man who marries Rami. However, she is pressured by Gopala Swamy into running away with him, abandoning her husband. Rami and Gopala then plot and orchestrate Kotayya's imprisonment. Upon his release, Kotayya transforms into a violent alcoholic, consumed by a desire for revenge against Gopala Swamy.Stream onIMDb 6.7
110 Maine Pyar KiyaMovie · 1989 · 192m · Romance, Drama, ComedySuman's life becomes complicated when her father leaves her with another family while he travels. She unexpectedly falls for Prem, but their relationship faces a challenge: Prem must earn her traditional father's approval, proving he's different from his own estranged father, before they can marry and start a life together. The film explores family relationships, personal growth, and how love overcomes obstacles, all with a warm and optimistic tone.Stream on IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.0
111 Mughal-e-AzamMovie · 1960 · 197m · Drama, RomanceSet in 16th-century India during the Mughal Empire, the story follows Prince Salim and Anarkali, a beautiful courtesan who captures his heart. Their romance challenges the strict rules of Emperor Akbar, Salim's father, who views their relationship as a danger to the empire. As father and son struggle with loyalty to each other and their responsibilities, they become involved in a fierce power struggle that tests family ties and traditional beliefs, exposing the power of love and sacrifice.IMDb 8.1TMDB 6.8
112 Bhuvan ShomeMovie · 1969 · 96mBhuvan Shome is a solitary widower, known for his strong will and strict ways. Reflecting on a life of unwavering resolve and a lack of joy, Bhuvan Shome, a deeply unenthusiastic man, decides to take a holiday to escape.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.9
113 MalliswariMovie · 1951 · 175mDuring the Vijayanagara Empire, the 'Rani Vasam' system brought women to the royal palace, making them official residents. Families received gifts and jewelry in exchange for their daughters. These women were forbidden from having any contact with men without permission, and violation of this law meant death. Malleswari (Bhanumathi) was brought to the palace under this system, persuaded by her parents with promises of wealth. However, she was already in love with Nagaraju (N.T. Rama Rao), a sculptor. He secretly visited her in the palace garden and was caught, facing a death sentence. Emperor Krishnadevaraya, in a rare act of mercy, pardoned Nagaraju and allowed Malleswari to leave with him.Stream onIMDb 7.1TMDB 10.0
114 Pathala BhairaviMovie · 1951 · 195mWhen Thota Ramudu falls for a princess, he encounters resistance. He turns to a sorcerer for assistance, unaware that the sorcerer is plotting to sacrifice Thota Ramudu to the goddess Pathala Bhairavi.Stream onIMDb 8.5TMDB 8.5
115 Rabindranath TagoreMovie · 1961 · 54mThis docudrama chronicles the life of Rabindranath Tagore, a multifaceted Indian figure renowned as a poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer, and painter. He profoundly impacted Bengali literature and music, and Indian art as a whole. In 1913, Tagore achieved international recognition, becoming the first non-European and the first lyricist to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The film premiered during the centenary of his birth.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8
116 ParasakthiMovie · 1952 · 188mDuring World War II, three brothers are scattered by the conflict, leaving their sister Kalyani widowed and impoverished. Each sibling faces hardship and injustice, and their lives unexpectedly intersect. The story builds to a pivotal courtroom trial that reveals the harsh realities of their time and ultimately leads to a significant family reunion.Stream on IMDb 7.6TMDB 5.9
117 AthidhiMovie · 1974 · 113mA family facing hardship hopes for a brighter future with the return of a relative said to be wealthy from overseas.IMDb 5.8
118 Before My EyesMovie · 1989 · 26mA visual journey through the landscapes of Kashmir.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.1
119 The Khayal SagaMovie · 1989 · 103mA music student listens to stories and legends about the birth and evolution of the Khayal form of classical Indian singing. These stories are re-enacted by actors who play several key figures throughout the history of classical music.IMDb 6.7TMDB 5.8
120 DaaeraMovie · 1953 · 123mSheetal (Meena Kumari), a 16-year-old girl, struggles with uncertain desires and moral dilemmas as she navigates life. She longs for a relationship with her neighbor, Shravan (Nasir Khan), who reciprocates her feelings. However, she is compelled into an unwanted marriage with an elderly, ill man.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.5
121 UmbarthaMovie · 1982 · 151mFollowing her husband’s death, Mrs. Mahajan manages four institutions and enjoys a comfortable life with her two sons, Dr. Mohan and his wife Maya, and Advocate Subhash Mahajan, his wife Savitri, and their daughter Rani. Savitri feels unfulfilled and desires a career. She secures a position as Superintendent of a Women's Reformatory Home in Sangamwadi, a move met with opposition from Rani, Subhash, and the rest of the family. However, Savitri is determined to pursue her new opportunity.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.6
122 Howrah BridgeMovie · 1958 · 153mIn Rangoon, Rakesh lives with his brother Madan and their father. Madan has gotten involved with the wrong crowd and steals a family heirloom – a dragon statue – along with some money before fleeing to India. Soon after, Madan's body is discovered under the Howrah Bridge in Calcutta. Rakesh travels to Calcutta to uncover the truth behind his brother's death and attempt to recover the stolen heirloom.Stream onIMDb 6.9TMDB 5.5
123 Thillana MohanambalMovie · 1968 · 175mA classical Bharatanatyam dancer and a Nadaswaram player find love, but their families disapprove.Stream onIMDb 7.7TMDB 7.1
124 VidyapatiMovie · 1937 · 141mThis is a timeless story about King Shiva Singha (Bannerjee/Kapoor) of Mithila and his devotion to his wife, set against the backdrop of the court poet Bidyapati (Sanyal) and his influence. Bidyapati arrives at the king's invitation with his loyal companion Anuradha (Kanan Devi). Queen Laxmi (Chhaya Devi) develops feelings for the poet, causing conflict with the king. The king's health declines as he neglects his duties, but Anuradha helps him understand that love doesn't require return. Torn between her affections, the queen considers suicide, encouraged by the prime minister who fears Bidyapati's poetry is harming the king.IMDb 6.9
125 BrahmachariMovie · 1968 · 157mLeft as an infant, Brahmachari cares for twelve orphaned children in a house burdened by debt. His life takes an unexpected turn when he rescues a woman from the brink of death, an event that profoundly alters his existence. However, the woman must first resolve her personal issues.Stream on IMDb 6.6TMDB 5.8