What is Desi Cinema and How to Watch It

The global roar for South Asian stories, seen in hits like RRR, shows a growing appetite.

Cinema from the subcontinent is clearly having a moment on the world stage.

But when we say ‘Desi cinema’, what do we truly mean? Is it just the glamour of Bollywood, or something far broader and richer?

DESIblitz will unpack the term ‘Desi cinema’. We aim to define its vast scope and guide you on how best to access it, right here in the UK.

Prepare to discover gems beyond the mainstream. We’ll spotlight vibrant regional industries and powerful independent voices often overlooked.

Expect practical tips for your viewing journey. This is a celebration of the diverse, dynamic world of South Asian film, made accessible for you.

What Does ‘Desi Cinema’ Really Mean?

The word ‘Desi’ itself stems from the Sanskrit ‘Desh’ (homeland) and is widely used, particularly within the South Asian diaspora, to refer to people, cultures, and products from the Indian subcontinent.

It’s a term of connection, community, and shared, albeit diverse, heritage.

In the context of film, ‘Desi cinema’ acts as a broad umbrella, encompassing the multitude of film industries flourishing across South Asia.

This includes not just the globally recognised Hindi-language industry known as Bollywood, but also regional cinemas like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Punjabi, and Marathi cinema, alongside industries producing films in languages like Kannada, Gujarati, Assamese, Odia, and many more.

Crucially, it also extends beyond India’s borders to include the national cinemas of Pakistan (often termed Lollywood for its historical Lahore base, though Karachi is now a major hub), Bangladesh (Dhallywood), Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Film critic and journalist Anupama Chopra often highlights this richness, noting how streaming has helped audiences discover “the brilliance of Malayalam cinema… how Telugu cinema does the sort of over-the-top commercial film in such a brilliant way, or all the kinds of really exciting stuff happening in Tamil cinema or Kannada cinema.”

Understanding Desi cinema means acknowledging this incredible linguistic, cultural, and geographical diversity.

It’s a tapestry woven with distinct narrative styles, unique aesthetic influences, and stories deeply rooted in specific cultural identities, far exceeding the singular monolith of Bollywood.

The Evolution of Desi Cinema

The journey of Desi cinema is a long and fascinating one, mirroring the subcontinent’s own tumultuous and dynamic history.

Its origins trace back to the silent era, with Dadasaheb Phalke’s Raja Harishchandra (1913) often cited as the first full-length Indian feature film.

The arrival of sound in the 1930s ushered in the era of song and dance, a hallmark that continues to define many Desi films.

Post-independence and the trauma of Partition in 1947 profoundly shaped narratives and industries in both India and Pakistan.

What followed is often referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ of Hindi cinema (roughly 1940s-1960s), featuring masterpieces of social realism alongside enduring romantic melodramas.

The 1970s saw the rise of ‘parallel cinema’, more artistic, less commercial films offering social critique, running alongside the explosion of ‘masala’ films, which blended action, romance, comedy, and drama into potent entertainment packages, a trend particularly strong in Hindi and South Indian cinema.

Since the 2000s, we’ve witnessed the remarkable ascendancy of South Indian films gaining pan-Indian and global appeal, alongside a resurgence in Pakistani cinema and television dramas finding international audiences.

Storytelling has also evolved, driven by cultural shifts and diaspora perspectives, increasingly tackling complex themes, improving female representation (though challenges remain), exploring LGBTQ+ narratives tentatively, and achieving crossover success with films like the globally celebrated RRR or the intimately resonant The Lunchbox.

Regional Cinema

While Bollywood remains the most internationally visible face of Indian film, the heart of Desi cinema beats strongly in its diverse regional industries.

Tamil cinema, or Kollywood, based in Chennai, is renowned for its technical prowess, star power, and increasingly bold storytelling, as seen in films like the critically acclaimed anthology Super Deluxe.

Telugu cinema (Tollywood), centred in Hyderabad, is famed for its large-scale productions, mass entertainers like RRR, and dedicated fanbase.

Malayalam cinema (Mollywood) from Kerala consistently earns praise for its realism, strong scripts, and nuanced performances, exemplified by global hits like the Drishyam thrillers.

Bengali cinema has a rich artistic heritage, known for directors like Satyajit Ray, and continues to produce thoughtful dramas.

Marathi cinema has gained significant traction with films like Sairat, a searing portrayal of caste and romance that became a cultural phenomenon.

Punjabi cinema (Pollywood) thrives on comedies and diaspora-focused narratives, while Pakistani cinema, overcoming historical challenges, has delivered impactful films exploring complex social issues, such as Cake and the internationally lauded Joyland.

Each industry possesses distinct storytelling traditions, visual aesthetics, and cultural nuances.

As noted by film critics and platform executives, streaming services have become crucial in bringing these often overlooked gems to a wider UK audience, allowing viewers to explore the true breadth of South Asian movies beyond the usual Hindi fare and witness the ongoing debate of Bollywood vs regional cinema play out in terms of audience reach and critical acclaim.

Desi Cinema in the Diaspora

For many British Asians, Desi cinema is more than just entertainment.

It’s a vital link to heritage, language, and cultural identity.

Growing up, access might have come via grainy VHS tapes rented from local shops, dubbed Hindi films on satellite channels like Zee TV or Sony, the arrival of DVDs, or later, discovering classic songs and scenes on YouTube.

This consumption shapes British Asian film culture, influencing fashion trends, music tastes, and even language revival amongst younger generations connecting with their roots through dialogues and lyrics.

This connection also fuels creativity within the diaspora.

Hybrid creators like Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham), Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding), and Riz Ahmed (Mogul Mowgli) have brought unique British Asian and South Asian diaspora stories to global screens, exploring themes of identity, assimilation, and intergenerational dynamics.

Films like Polite Society continue this tradition, offering fresh perspectives on the Desi experience abroad.

These films resonate deeply, reflecting the specific cultural negotiations and experiences of South Asians living outside the subcontinent, creating a distinct and important strand within the broader Desi Cinema landscape.

Where to Watch Desi Cinema Today

Finding South Asian movies legally in the UK is easier than ever, thanks to a multitude of platforms catering to diverse tastes.

Mainstream giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video boast significant libraries, featuring not only major Bollywood releases but also a growing selection of acclaimed regional Tamil, Telugu, Urdu films streaming and more.

Look for titles like Gangubai Kathiawadi (Netflix) or Ponniyin Selvan (Prime).

Disney+ Hotstar (often accessed via Disney+ bundles in the UK) is a major hub for Indian television shows, sports, and a vast film catalogue, particularly strong in Hindi and regional Indian content.

Specialist platforms are essential for dedicated fans: ZEE5 offers an extensive range of films and shows across numerous Indian languages, while Eros Now focuses heavily on its large Bollywood library.

SonyLIV provides access to its network content and original Indian series.

Don’t overlook YouTube, where many production houses legally release older films, classics, and independent shorts for free.

For regional focuses, apps like Sun NXT (South Indian languages) and Hoichoi (Bengali) are invaluable, though availability might require checking UK app stores.

Arthouse enthusiasts should keep an eye on BFI Player and MUBI, which occasionally feature curated seasons or individual masterpieces of Indian cinema.

Major cinema chains (ODEON, Vue, Cineworld) regularly screen big new releases, especially in cities with large South Asian populations.

Most streaming platforms offer English subtitles, and dubbing is sometimes available, making diverse Desi cinema accessible even if you don’t speak the language.

Finding Pakistani cinema online is also increasingly possible via platforms like Prime Video and some specialist services like Vidly, though DVD rentals might still be an option for older titles.

Tips for Exploring Desi Cinema

Diving into the vast ocean of Desi cinema can seem daunting, but a few pointers can help you navigate.

Start by seeking curated lists; resources like the British Film Institute (BFI) often highlight significant South Asian films, while online communities on Reddit (like r/Bollywood or specific regional cinema subreddits) and film logging sites like Letterboxd have user-generated lists and lively discussions.

Follow reputable film critics and curators who specialise in or frequently cover Indian and South Asian cinema.

Names like Anupama Chopra (Film Companion), Rahul Desai (Film Companion, The Hindu), Suchin Mehrotra (Film Companion, Hindustan Times), or Aseem Chhabra (NYIFF Director, author) offer insightful reviews and perspectives that can guide your choices.

Don’t be afraid to pick a starting point.

Perhaps explore films from a specific region whose culture interests you, follow the filmography of an acclaimed director (like Vishal Bhardwaj or Mani Ratnam), or track the career of an actor whose performance impressed you.

Film festivals are fantastic discovery engines.

The London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) and the UK Asian Film Festival showcase premieres and independent films across various UK cities annually, offering a chance to see films often unavailable elsewhere.

While some users employ VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to access content restricted to other regions (like JioCinema or certain libraries on Indian platforms), be mindful of the terms of service of streaming platforms and potential legal/ethical considerations regarding geo-blocking circumvention.

The Cultural Power of Desi Cinema

Desi cinema is far more than just moving pictures. It’s a powerful cultural force.

For British Asians and the wider South Asian diaspora, these films act as vital conduits for language, transmitting dialects and vocabulary across generations.

They reflect and reinforce cultural values, traditions, and social norms, sparking conversations about identity, belonging, and community.

The sheer joy of seeing one’s culture, people, and experiences represented authentically on screen is deeply affirming, fostering a sense of connection and pride, especially for those navigating life between cultures.

Beyond personal identity, Desi cinema has a tangible impact on global culture, influencing fashion trends, popular music charts (Bollywood soundtracks are a global phenomenon), and even everyday language and self-expression.

Supporting Desi cinema, particularly diverse regional and independent films, means championing unique voices, preserving artistic traditions, and contributing to the sustainability of these vibrant creative industries.

So, the call to action is simple: discover the richness beyond the familiar, explore the myriad stories being told, engage with the diverse perspectives offered, and share the incredible world of Desi cinema with others.

It’s a journey well worth taking.