Some films leave a lasting impact on the audiences with their unconventional storyline and impactful performances. These five films didn’t follow formula, they followed feeling. With rooted narratives, fearless formats, and deeply human themes, they reminded us that storytelling is at its best when it’s personal, poetic, and unpredictable.
1. Bou Buttu Bhuta (Odia)
A delightful blend of rural satire, supernatural folklore, and emotional depth, Bou Buttu Bhuta tells the story of a strong-willed mother and her quirky son navigating bizarre occurrences in a superstitious village. Aparajita and Babushaan Mohanty shine in this tale that tackles dreams, generational divide, and the fading power of ancient beliefs, all with humour, heart, and a touch of haunting mystery.
2. Tanvi The Great (Hindi, directed by Anupam Kher)
In this poignant tale of determination and identity, Tanvi Raina, a young woman on the autism spectrum, sets out to honour her late father’s dream of saluting the Indian flag at the Siachen Glacier. Though denied military entry, her resolve never falters. Directed by Anupam Kher, the film explores what it means to serve with courage beyond uniforms and how resilience comes in many forms.
3. Sitare Zameen Par (Hindi)
A soulful follow-up to Taare Zameen Par, this film shifts the spotlight onto a group of neurodivergent children who discover strength in creativity and connection. Starring Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh, Sitare Zameen Par breaks away from conventional masala movies to let the gifted kids tell their own tales, on their own terms.
4. Aamar Boss (Bengali)
Set in the emotional heartbeat of Kolkata, Aamar Boss is a tender portrayal of a modern-day entrepreneur who finds himself circling back to the roots he tried to outgrow, especially the quiet strength of his mother. Directed by Nandita Roy-Shiboprosad Mukherjee, marking Rakhee Gulzar’s return to Bengali cinema after 22 years, the film is a heartfelt celebration of maternal love, generational wisdom, and the invisible lessons passed on in silence.
5. Thudarum (Malayalam)
Mohanlal delivers a deeply introspective performance as Shanmugham, a solitary taxi driver whose life begins to unravel when his beloved black Ambassador mysteriously vanishes. But this isn’t just a missing vehicle, it’s a quiet meditation on memory, aging, and how objects become extensions of our identity. A visual poem told in silences and shadows, Thudarum is a masterclass in minimalism.
These five films from 2025 thoroughly relied on sincerity and the power of its content. Whether through the lens of a mother’s silence, a child’s painting, or a taxi driver’s longing, they carved space for unconventional emotions and unheard voices. In an industry often driven by noise, these stories chose to whisper and we’re still listening.
