MUMBAI: In a streaming industry dominated by formulaic blockbusters and feel-good flicks, there exists a rare breed of films and series that dare to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and leave an indelible mark on the audience. These hard-hitting titles talk about the depths of human emotion, confront societal issues head-on, and ignite conversations that linger long after the credits roll. As the industry embraces a new era of storytelling, we've handpicked a selection of such compelling narratives that promise to entertain, challenge, and inspire. One such movie which is the talk of the town right now is Bastar: The Naxal Story. After the success of The Kerala Story, the trio of Producer Vipul Shah, Director Sudipto Sen and actor Adah Sharma are back with another thought-provoking film based on real life incidents. However, before you gear up to watch Bastar: The Naxal Story in a cinema near you, here are 5 other hard-hitting movies and series you must binge-watch.

1. The Kerala Story [ZEE5]
The Kerala Story takes us on a riveting journey through the lives of three young girls from various corners of Kerala. The central focus is on Shalini, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is captured and brain washed to convert to Islam, and subsequently radicalized. Forced to join ISIS, her story unfolds against the backdrop of complex socio-political dynamics.  This movie is an emotional rollercoaster that illuminates the terrible reality of those entangled in extremism. 

2. The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth [Netflix]
The Indrani Mukerjea Story: Buried Truth is a docu-series that talks about the widely publicized Sheena Bora murder. With access to new revelations and previously unreleased footage, the series investigates the disappearance of 25-year-old Sheena Bora, unraveling the shocking aftermath of one of the most sensational murder cases in recent memory. Comparable to the Arushi Talwar case, the Sheena Bora murder captivated the nation's attention, yet despite the media frenzy, justice remains elusive. Through compelling andmeticulous examination of the evidence, this Netflix documentary raises thought-provoking questions about truth and accountability in the face of a high-profile crime.

3. Grahan [Disney + Hotstar]
Grahanis a gripping story that unfolds against the backdrop of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Bokaro, Jharkhand, as a young IPS officer embarks on a quest for truth after her father is accused of involvement in the violence. Inspired by Satya Vyas' novel Chaurasi,which symbolizes the year 1984, the series talks about the past and present, spanning three decades while remaining tethered to a central truth. Directed by Ranjan Chandel, ‘Grahan’ resonates with contemporary relevance, shedding light on the tumultuous aftermath of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassination and the harrowing experiences of the Sikh community amidst widespread violence and persecution.

4. Taali [Jio Cinema]
Taali encapsulates the pivotal moments in the life of transgender activist Gauri Sawant as she tirelessly champions the cause of trans rights, ultimately leading to the official recognition of the third gender in India. Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Ravi Jadhav, the series stars Sushmita Sen in a bold departure from her usual roles, portraying Sawant with sincerity and depth. 

5. The Kashmir Files Unreported [ZEE5]
The Kashmir Files: Unreported, a docu-series on ZEE5 directed by Vivek Agnihotri, compassionately brings to light the overlooked narratives of Kashmiri Pandits affected by the 90s exodus. With exclusive interviews and narration by Agnihotri and Pallavi Joshi, the series provides a platform for these victims to share their stories authentically. Agnihotri's commitment to portraying real-life characters with genuine emotion ensures that the pathos and authenticity of their experiences resonate profoundly with audiences. The extensive research undertaken for the series is evident, resulting in a compelling and realistic portrayal of this important chapter in history.

Check out the films and series now!