Buzz
India, renowned for its profound romantic dramas and philosophical narratives, also boasts an illustrious tradition in adrenaline-pumping martial arts action films. Join us today as we delve into the crème de la crème of Indian martial arts cinema.
1. Ghajini – The Vengeance (2008)
Ghajini follows the story of Sanjay, the CEO of a major tech conglomerate, who falls in love with the spirited Kalpana Shetty. Their dreamy romance is shattered when Kalpana becomes a victim of human trafficking, prompting Sanjay to embark on a relentless quest for retribution. Afflicted with short-term memory loss, Sanjay tattoos reminders on his body and scribbles notes everywhere, gearing up for a lopsided battle against the ruthless criminals.
1. Bahubali – The Legend of Baahubali (2015)
The Legend of Baahubali is an epic action martial arts film based on the famous Indian epic saga, highly acclaimed by experts in the field. The film begins with Queen Sivagami, despite being critically wounded, refusing to let go of the newborn in her arms. With her last breath, she prays for the survival of the infant for the kingdom's sake. The baby is rescued by members of the Amburi tribe, adopted by the tribe leader's wife – Sanga, and named Shivu. Shivu grows into a mischievous and ambitious young boy, with a passionate desire for mountain climbing, despite repeated failures in conquering the summit. Shivu's life takes a turn when he meets Avantika.
2. Raazi – Tale of a Female Spy (2018)
Raazi is set in 1971, a time of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War. At this crucial juncture, the Indian Central Intelligence Agency makes a daring decision to employ a 20-year-old female spy, lacking professional experience, to infiltrate a location holding crucial Pakistani war documents. Under the guise of marriage to gain the trust of the enemy's family, Sehnat accomplishes extraordinary feats beyond anyone's expectations for a young woman.
4. Phantom – Pursuit of the Phantom (2015)
Pursuit of the Phantom is a film based on true events surrounding the investigation of attacks in Mumbai, India, spanning several days, creating a wave of terrorism globally. Jude, a military officer, falsely accused of murder, finds himself caught, with his team meeting a tragic fate. A year later, RAW decides to apprehend all those involved in the attacks. They reach out to Jude to help them find the culprit, promising to clear his name and offer a favorable position in the military in return.
5. Raees – The Big Boss (2017)
The Big Boss, an Indian crime action film, revolves around Raees, a man involved in illegal alcohol trade since his youth. Alongside Sadiq, Raees works for a notorious gangster named Jairaj, smuggling alcohol by bribing the police. After an incident, Raees decides to part ways with Jairaj and start his own operation. Through his connections, he builds a powerful empire. However, at the peak of his career, he receives an offer from IPS officer J.A. Majmudar to end this illegal alcohol trade.
6. War – Hunting the Terror Mastermind (2019)
Hunting the Terror Mastermind follows agent Kabir on his journey to execute the world's most dangerous missions. Among his targets, the most crucial is coordinating with Major Luthra to capture international arms dealer Rizwan Ilyas. Later, he is ordered to collaborate with Khalid, who bravely fought his way up the ranks of the armed forces. Initially skeptical of his new colleague, Kabir's dedication and Khalid's fierce combat skills make them the perfect duo.
7. Mumbai Saga – Mumbai's Underworld (2021)
Mumbai's Underworld revolves around Amartya Rao – a man living a simple life with his father and younger brother Arjun. One day, Amartya unwittingly crosses paths with a group extorting money from poor fruit and vegetable vendors. Fortunately, he receives help from Bhau – a powerful politician, who sponsors and invites him to work. Later, Amartya establishes his own gang, showcasing his power and seizing territory. While he quickly eliminates gang leader Khaitan, his wife does not forgive her husband's death. Who will emerge as the ultimate victor?
8. Polar – Assassin's Comeback (2019)
Assassin's Comeback revolves around Damocles, an organization specializing in training assassins for secret assassinations led by the mastermind Blut. Duncan, a notorious assassin who has carried out numerous dreadful missions. After massacring an entire family, he begins to be haunted by guilt. To make amends, Duncan spares Camille's life and secretly provides money to support the girl, unaware of her identity. Before leaving Damocles, Duncan must carry out a major task, but he becomes the target of assassination by Blut himself. After days of brutal torture, Duncan manages to escape and embarks on a journey of revenge.
9. A Gentleman – The Spy Gentleman (2017)
The Spy Gentleman is an Indian action film revolving around Rishi Purohit and his journey investigating high-level corruption and dangerous extortion cases. Unable to retrieve data from the Chinese embassy in Bangkok, he decides to return to Mumbai, leaving the X unit directed by Major Vijay. Before leaving, Vijay assigns him the task of monitoring a preacher and copying his criminal data. Although Rishi accepts the mission, Vijay changes his mind and decides to have him killed, sending the spy Yakub into action.
10. Ugramm – Vengeance in the Underworld (2014)
Vengeance in the Underworld revolves around Agastya - a brave and talented man born and raised in Mughor alongside his friend Baala. Two individuals with one goal, they are determined to become the strongest in the underworld of Mughor. In the end, only Baala achieves his ambition while Agastya leaves Mughor and lives peacefully with his mother. However, this is just the beginning of stormy days ahead...
11. Saaho – The Waaji Underworld (2019)
The Waaji Underworld centers around the infamous thief Saaho and his confrontation with the underworld don Devaraj. Before becoming adversaries, Saaho works for Devaraj to execute a plan to steal a huge sum of money. Wanting to be the leader in the underworld, Devaraj kills the crime lord Roy. However, Roy's brother Vishwank takes his father's place, reclaiming power and investigating the perpetrator. After seizing power, Devaraj turns against Saaho, forcing him to find a way to fight back.
12. Drive – Speed Heist (2019)
Speed Heist revolves around the hunt for a notorious criminal by the Indian Special Task Force. The Mastermind, a thief whose name is known to all but whose face remains a mystery, often steals highly valuable items, typically with prior notice, yet law enforcement agencies are always helpless. Finally, he decides to collaborate with a street racing team to pull off the biggest heist of his life - breaking into the presidential palace to steal incriminating documents from corrupt officials.
13. Uri: The Surgical Strike – Counterterrorism Unit (2019)
Counterterrorism Unit revolves around the intense battle of the Indian army surrounding the Surgical Strikes along the Line of Control in Kashmir - the actual border between India and Pakistan. The conflict erupts after four terrorists secretly attack an Indian army base in the Jammu and Kashmir region, resulting in the deaths of 18 soldiers and serious repercussions. Immediately after, Prime Minister Modi launches a plan to strengthen security measures and apprehend the perpetrators who breached the territory illegally.
14. Gangs Of Wasseypur – Indian Gangs (2012)
Indian Gangs revolves around power struggles, politics, and fundamental revenge among three criminal families. The film begins with a group of heavily armed men raiding and besieging a house in Wasseypur. After unleashing a barrage of bullets that kill everyone inside, they quickly retreat believing everyone in the family has been killed. However, this is just the beginning of the subsequent Mafia faction clashes.
15. Udta Punjab – The Opioid War (2016)
The Opioid War is a film revolving around drug abuse in the affluent northern Indian state of Punjab. The youth there have risen in rebellion leading to a series of economic and social downturns, including a man who is an artist revered by many. Before performing, he always turns to drugs to perform with heightened emotions and energy until he's discovered and arrested. The film promises to deliver gripping, captivating moments for the audience until the very end.
16. Sacred Games – Divine Play (2018)
Sartaj Singh, a Mumbai Police inspector, detests the corruption within the police force where he works. He receives an anonymous call from Ganesh Gaitonde, a notorious gangster who has been missing for 16 years. Gaitonde tells Singh to save the city in 25 days, initiating a series of events that delve deep into the dark underworld of India.
17. Ek Tha Tiger – The Tiger Spy (2012)
The Tiger Spy narrates the story of India's top spy, currently working in an international intelligence agency. To carry out his mission, he is compelled to move and reside in a community dominated by government employees in New Delhi. This time, Tiger's mission is to track the activities of a suspected scientist who may have disclosed his research secrets to foreign nations. To accomplish this task, Tiger befriends Zoya, a part-time maid. Alongside the mission, Tiger experiences love for the first time with this beautiful woman.
18. Singham Returns – Singham Cop Strikes Again (2014)
Singham, a newly transferred police officer, inadvertently discovers that his close friend has died in an accident along with a large sum of money. Determined to uncover the truth behind his friend's death, he sets out to reopen the case. Meanwhile, Singham clashes with Baba - a henchman of high-level politicians. Can Singham, against formidable odds, unearth the truth and seek justice for his brother?
19. Force 2 – Hunt for the Mole (2016)
Hunt for the Mole 2 is an action-packed film featuring grand sequences, continuing the storyline five years after the first installment, focusing on agent Yash. After his wife's death, Yash seems emotionally detached, his eyes always holding a hint of sadness despite continuing his work. One day, three RAW agents are murdered in China, including his close friend, Harish. Before dying, Harish reveals dark secrets to Yash, unusual findings from within the ranks of the traitors. From this point, Yash embarks on a mission to hunt down these criminals.
20. Haider – The Lost Prince (2014)
Set amidst the conflicts in uprising Kashmir in 1995, amidst the disappearances of civilians, the film revolves around the fate of a young man, Haider Meer. He is the last heir of the royal family and the rightful heir, but his life takes a turn when his father, the king, suddenly disappears. In search of his father's whereabouts, Haider returns to Kashmir at the peak of the conflict, unwittingly being drawn into the state's political warfare. What Haider couldn't anticipate is that the mastermind behind it all is his own uncle.
Here are the top 20 best Indian martial arts and action films of all time that you movie lovers cannot miss. Hopefully, with the movie list introduced above, Mytour hopes to bring a breath of fresh air to help you have enjoyable weekend relaxation moments.
