Best Indian Sci-Fi Films To Watch On OTT: Prabhas starrer sci-fi action drama 'Kalki 2898 AD' is one of the most anticipated films of the year. Starring the Telugu star along with superstars like Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, the film also stars Deepika Padukone and Disha Patani. Directed by Nag Ashwin, it is touted to be the most expensive Indian film ever. 'Kalki 2898 AD' is scheduled to release worldwide in theatres on June 27, 2024.
As you wait to experience the magnum opus drama on the silver screen, we have curated a list of 7 best Indian sci-fi films that you can watch on OTT. Check it out:
Robot: Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai
Available On: Amazon Prime Video
Shankar’s 2010 film 'Robot' elevated the Indian science fiction genre to new heights. Although the story is adapted from a Kannada film, the breathtaking scenes and advanced technology used in this multilingual movie set it apart. The film follows a scientist who creates an android capable of exhibiting human emotions. However, when the android falls in love with the scientist’s girlfriend, the once-marvelous creation turns into a threat to human society. The rest of the story revolves around whether the scientist can stop his own creation from causing harm.
Koi... Mil Gaya: Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta
Available On: ZEE5
Directed by Rakesh Roshan, 'Koi Mil Gaya' is a 2003 film and Bollywood’s first venture into the theme of aliens. The film centers around the friendship between an intellectually disabled boy named Rohit and an alien. After Rohit uses a machine invented by his father to communicate with extraterrestrial beings, the aliens respond and arrive on Earth, inadvertently leaving one of their own behind. The rest of the film explores the growing bond between Rohit and the alien, highlighting how the alien helps Rohit become the smartest person in his community.
Krrish: Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra
Available On: SonyLIV
'Krrish' is the sequel to the 2003 film 'Koi Mil Gaya' and continues the story through Rohit’s son, Krishna. Unlike its predecessor, 'Krrish' is more of a superhero film, detailing the origin of the titular superhero. Krishna inherits superpowers from his father, thanks to the alien from the first film who treated Rohit before departing. To conceal his identity while fighting evil, Krishna adopts the persona of Krrish. Hrithik Roshan portrays a dual role in the film, playing both Rohit and his son Krishna.
Ra.One: Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal
Available On: ZEE5
Shah Rukh Khan’s dream project, Ra.One, revolves around two characters from the gaming universe who end up battling each other in the real world. Ra.One is the supervillain, while G.One is the superhero and the only entity capable of stopping Ra.One. Although it collected a handsome amount at the box office, Ra.One isn't considered as successful as the Krrish franchise. Perhaps this is because the film's concept was ahead of its time, as Indian audiences were not as familiar with the gaming universe as those in the West.
Mr. India: Anil Kapoor, Sridevi
Available On: ZEE5
Considered the first successful science fiction film in the Hindi film industry, 'Mr. India' has achieved cult status over the years. The film follows the story of Arun, a kind-hearted man who takes in orphaned children and provides them with shelter, food, and education. Arun stumbles upon a gadget invented by his father, which, when activated, turns the wearer invisible. Using this device, Arun fights crime under the guise of Mr. India. The plot intensifies when Arun and the kids are captured by the villain Mogambo. The rest of the film revolves around whether Arun can rescue himself and the children by defeating Mogambo’s army.
Mr. X in Bombay: Kishore Kumar, Kumkum
Available On: Amazon Prime Video
While 'Mr. India' is renowned as the first science fiction Hindi film, there's actually a classic from the 60s that claims the title earlier. 'Mr. X in Bombay' may not be entirely a science fiction film, but it qualifies as such since its entire plot revolves around a man turning invisible using a potion created by a scientist. Directed by Shantilal Soni, the film features Kishore Kumar in the lead titular role.
24: Suriya
Available On: ZEE5
'24' is another notable Tamil science fiction film starring Suriya in triple roles. Directed by Vikram Kumar, the film centers around a watch that allows its wearer to travel back and forth in time for 24 hours. The plot follows the life of a young man who discovers the watch, unaware that it is his father's creation. He also doesn't know that his father's evil twin is desperately seeking the watch. The narrative unfolds into a tale of revenge and betrayal as the young man learns the truth about his family's past.