Index Of Hindi Movies 2016 2021 Today
The year was 2021. The world was two years into a pandemic that had stopped time. Arjun, a 28-year-old data analyst living in a cramped apartment in Pune, had developed a peculiar lockdown hobby. While others were baking sourdough or learning TikTok dances, Arjun was building "The Index."
It started when he tried to find an old favorite, Masaan (2015), on a streaming service and failed. He realized that the golden age of Hindi cinema—the indie boom of the late 2010s—was vanishing into the void of expired licensing rights. Driven by a manic need to organize chaos, he began to crawl the web.
His project was simple, ruthless, and old-school. He didn't build a fancy app. He built a text file. He called it: "Index of Hindi Movies 2016-2021."
He chose those dates specifically. 2016 was the year Dangal and Newton shifted the paradigm, proving content was king. 2021 was the year the industry tried to stand back up after the knockout blow of 2020.
The Discovery
One rainy Tuesday in August 2021, Arjun’s crawler hit a digital snag. It had found a "Ghost Directory" on an unprotected server belonging to a defunct distribution house in Mumbai. The server wasn't supposed to be public. It was a digital attic, left open by mistake.
Inside, Arjun found a folder labeled REJECTED_FINAL_CUT_2018-2020.
Curiosity getting the better of him, he opened it. He expected screeners of released films—low-quality leaks of blockbusters like War or Baahubali. Instead, he found the "Lost Generation."
There were twelve films in that folder. They were fully edited, scored, and finalized movies that had never seen the light of day. These weren't bad movies; they were victims of timing. They were mid-budget dramas and comedies that were bought by streaming platforms in 2019, slated for release in early 2020, and then quietly shelved when the platforms decided they needed "mass appeal" content to survive the lockdown.
One file caught his eye: The Last Train to Gaya.
According to Arjun's extensive "Index of Hindi Movies 2016-2021," this movie didn't exist. IMDb had no record of it. Wikipedia was silent. But the metadata was pristine. It starred a respected character actor from the 2016 indie circuit and a rising starlet who had broken out in 2019.
Arjun pressed play.
The Screening
The film was a masterpiece. Shot in grainy, intimate 16mm, it told the story of two strangers stranded on a railway platform during a curfew. It was a metaphor for the pandemic, shot months before the pandemic happened. It was haunting, prescient, and deeply moving.
Arjun realized he was sitting on a goldmine. He could leak it. He could become famous on Reddit. But he was an archivist, not a pirate. He believed in the sanctity of the record.
He updated his text file.
At the bottom of "Index of Hindi Movies 2016-2021," he added a new section:
SECTION 4: THE GHOST FILMS TITLE: The Last Train to Gaya STATUS: Unreleased. High Art. Potential: 9/10.
The Knock
Three days after he added the entry, his internet went down. Then, his phone rang. It was a landline call—rare for 2021.
The voice on the other end was tired, gravelly. "Is this the man with the Index?"
Arjun froze. "Who is this?"
"My name is Vikram Singh," the voice said. "I directed The Last Train to Gaya. I saw your crawler hit my server. I've been watching your log."
Arjun’s heart hammered against his ribs. He thought he was in trouble. "I didn't steal anything. I just cataloged it."
"I know," the director said. "That's why I'm calling. Do you know why we never released it? The studio said it was 'too quiet' for the pandemic audience. They wanted explosions. They wanted Sooryavanshi. They told us our film was dead."
There was a long pause on the line.
"Your index is the only place on earth that acknowledges my film exists," the director continued. "I saw your rating. 9 out of 10."
"It was beautiful, sir," Arjun whispered. "It deserved to be seen."
"The server goes offline tomorrow," the director said. "They are wiping the drives to save costs. But I’m sending you a secure link. You have the index, Arjun. You are the librarian now. Make sure the link is added. Make sure it’s never forgotten."
The Legacy
By the end of 2021, the "Index of Hindi Movies 2016-2021" had circulated on private forums. It wasn't just a list of pirated links (though those were there too); it had become a curated museum.
Arjun’s entry for The Last Train to Gaya didn't point to a torrent. It pointed to a private YouTube link uploaded by a broken-hearted director. Over the next year, that link was passed around in cinephile circles. The movie never made a rupee, but it found its audience.
The story of the index became legendary in niche circles. It wasn't about piracy; it was about memory.
When the dust of the pandemic settled, the industry publications wrote about the "Lost Years" of 2020-2021. They talked about the big flops and the streaming wars. But tucked away in the corners of the internet, Arjun’s text file remained—a simple, unassuming document that preserved the soul of an era, ensuring that the quiet stories were just as loud as the blockbusters.
Which is the top 1 Bollywood movie? By box office worldwide, Dangal is No. 1 among Hindi (Bollywood) films. By audience ratings, 3...
Shiddat ( Shiddat [2021 ) and Fitoor ( Fitoor (2016 ) are both Hindi-language romantic dramas, but they differ significantly in na...
These songs perfectly capture the film's spirit and add to its overall appeal. Sultan ( Sultan (2016 ) was a major commercial succ... This period (2016–2021) in Hindi cinema
represents a dramatic shift from traditional "masala" blockbusters to concept-driven narratives and a massive rise in direct-to-digital releases due to the pandemic Old Gold & Black The Gold Standard (Must-Watches)
Often cited as a "masterpiece," this sports biopic shattered box office records globally and is praised for its powerful performances and emotional depth. index of hindi movies 2016 2021
A landmark social drama that sparked a national conversation about consent and women's rights, featuring a career-defining role for Amitabh Bachchan. Sardar Udham
A cinematic achievement in the biopic genre, lauded for its haunting cinematography and Vicky Kaushal's raw performance.
A high-octane yet emotional tribute to war hero Captain Vikram Batra that became one of the most-watched films on OTT platforms. Formacionpoliticaisc Top Rated & Popular Picks by Year Top Hits & Critically Acclaimed Titles Major Trends Udta Punjab Kapoor & Sons Rise of biopics and socially relevant "brave" cinema. Hindi Medium Secret Superstar Bareilly Ki Barfi Focus on small-town stories and educational/social satire. Badhaai Ho
The year of "unexpected hits" and high-concept genre-bending. Article 15 Sonchiriya
Gritty, realistic storytelling with strong social commentary. Raat Akeli Hai Shift to OTT releases; focus on nuanced character studies. Sardar Udham , Shershaah, Sooryavanshi
Return to "massy" action alongside high-quality digital originals. Major Themes & Trends The Biopic Wave: Films like M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story Sardar Udham showed a shift from idolizing heroes to humanizing them. Women-Centric Narratives:
A significant increase in films led by women that were both critical and commercial successes, such as Mental Health & Modern Life: Titles like Dear Zindagi
broke taboos by addressing therapy and modern emotional struggles. The OTT Revolution:
2020–2021 forced a transition where smaller, artistic films found global audiences on platforms like Amazon Prime Video , bypasssing traditional box office pressures. based on a specific genre, such as social dramas , from this period?
Which is the top 1 Bollywood movie? By box office worldwide, Dangal is No. 1 among Hindi (Bollywood) films. By audience ratings, 3...
Shiddat ( Shiddat [2021 ) and Fitoor ( Fitoor (2016 ) are both Hindi-language romantic dramas, but they differ significantly in na...
These songs perfectly capture the film's spirit and add to its overall appeal. Sultan ( Sultan (2016 ) was a major commercial succ... Sooryavanshi
Sooryavanshi Akshay Kumar-starrer Sooryavanshi, which is still running in cinemas, is the top Bollywood hit of 2021 in terms of bo... Sooryavanshi
Bhushan Kumar's Bollywood movie "Airlift", featuring Akshay Kumar and Nimrat Kaur in the lead, has garnered positive reviews from ... Antim: The Final Truth
Salman Khan's Antim beats Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi. Janta ki pasand Salman Khan and Aayush Sharma's Antim: The Final Truth has ... Antim: The Final Truth Bajrangi Bhaijaan
r/bollywood - BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN turns 10 today. Arguably Salman Khan's best film and performance. One of the most unanimously appr... Bajrangi Bhaijaan Dear Zindagi
Product Description Dear Zindagi Audio CD Stg: Alia Batt, Sharukh khan 2016 Film Format: Audio CD Soundtracks Editorial Review Dea... Dear Zindagi Bhoot Police
His ( Anuvab Pal ) Bollywood screenplay work includes Baar Baar Dekho ( Baar Baar Dekho (2016 ) and Bhoot Police ( Bhoot Police (2... Bhoot Police
Yes. V K Prakash has stated in multiple interviews. Satish Kaushik, who directed the first Kaagaz ( Kaagaz(2021 ) film, was the he...
Neerja is the highest rated Bollywood movie on Netflix!! 5 stars rating with 39 reviews!! What great news to start 2017! Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Probably the one Bollywood ( Indian films ) movie I'll hold in the top is Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. A good movie done well worth r... Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Sardar Udham
It is up there being one of the finest bollywood ( Bollywood films ) movies. Be it ( Sardar Udham ) for the acting, the direction, Sardar Udham Bunty Aur Babli 2
Bunty Aur Babli was a major hit at the box office. The film also received praises from critics. Now, the makers are set to bring t... Bunty Aur Babli 2 Bell Bottom
The film is being loved by the audience and the critics. Bell Bottom is the first big Bollywood film to be released in theatres af... Bell Bottom Exploring the magic of Bollywood - Old Gold & Black
Bollywood and Indian cinema is one of the most artistically rich fields of culture and media, and its contributions to pop culture... Old Gold & Black Top Hindi Movies Of 2016: A Complete List
In 2016, several Hindi movies not only won critical acclaim but also smashed box office records, proving that Bollywood had a stro... Formacionpoliticaisc 25 Best Bollywood Movies Of 2016 - IMDb
25 Best Bollywood Movies Of 2016 * 1. Dangal. 20162h 41mNot Rated. 8.3 (241K) Rate. Mark as watched. Mahavir Singh Phogat, a forme... Best Bollywood Films of 2016! - Medium
#9 Phobia (92%) Phobia (92% Sahi — 35 Critic Reviews) Wonder if Radhika Apte can ever do anything wrong. The woman is just mesmeri...
What Bollywood movies from the last decade (2015–2025) do ...
* An Action Hero (2022): Hilarious dialogues, unique concept and an amazing cast. * Andhadhun (2018): Already a cult classic. * Ar... r/bollywood Top 20 Best Bollywood Movies of 2016 - IMDb
Top 20 Best Bollywood Movies of 2016 * 1. Dangal. 20162h 41mNot Rated. 8.3 (242K) Rate. Mark as watched. Mahavir Singh Phogat, a f... YEARS OF INDIAN CINEMA - IMDb Report 2025
* Indian cinema stands at a pivotal point as we approach the end of 2025, marking the first quarter of the 21st century. The film ... BEST INDIAN MOVIES 2021 - IMDb
Shershaah is the story of PVC awardee Indian soldier Capt. Vikram Batra, whose bravery and unflinching courage in chasing the Paki... 25 Best Bollywood Movies Of 2016 - IMDb
A story that revolves around drug abuse in the affluent north Indian State of Punjab and how the youth there have succumbed to it ... Top Bollywood Movies of 2016 - IMDb
Top Bollywood Movies of 2016 * Pink. 20162h 16mNot Rated. 8.0 (52K) Rate. Mark as watched. ... * Dangal. 20162h 41mNot Rated. 8.3 ... BEST BOLLYWOOD MOVIES 2021 - IMDb
BEST BOLLYWOOD MOVIES 2021 * Sardar Udham. 2021. 2h 44m. TV-MA. 8.3 (51K) Rate. Mark as watched. ... * Shershaah. 2021. 2h 15m. TV...
| # | Movie Title | Genre | Key Cast | Release Platform | |---|-------------|-------|----------|------------------| | 1 | Chhapaak | Social Drama | Deepika Padukone, Vikrant Massey | Theaters (Flop) | | 2 | Street Dancer 3D | Dance Drama | Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor | Theaters (Average) | | 3 | Jawaani Jaaneman | Comedy | Saif Ali Khan, Tabu | Theaters (Underrated) | | 4 | Malang | Action Thriller | Aditya Roy Kapur, Disha Patani | Theaters (Hit) | | 5 | Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan | Rom-Com | Ayushmann Khurrana, Jitendra Kumar | Theaters (Hit) | | 6 | Thappad | Social Drama | Taapsee Pannu, Pavail Gulati | Theaters (Hit) | | 7 | Baaghi 3 | Action | Tiger Shroff, Riteish Deshmukh | Theaters (Hit) | | 8 | Angrezi Medium | Comedy Drama | Irrfan Khan (Last film), Radhika Madan | Theaters (Cut short by lockdown) | | 9 | Gulabo Sitabo | Comedy Drama | Amitabh Bachchan, Ayushmann Khurrana | Amazon Prime (First major OTT release) | | 10 | Shakuntala Devi | Biopic | Vidya Balan, Sanya Malhotra | Amazon Prime | | 11 | Dil Bechara | Romantic Drama | Sushant Singh Rajput (Last film), Sanjana Sanghi | Disney+ Hotstar (Blockbuster OTT) | | 12 | Sadak 2 | Thriller | Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt | Disney+ Hotstar (Disaster) | | 13 | Lootcase | Comedy | Kunal Kemmu, Rasika Dugal | Disney+ Hotstar (Underrated) | | 14 | Raat Akeli Hai | Murder Mystery | Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte | Netflix (Critical Hit) | | 15 | Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl | Biopic | Janhvi Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi | Netflix (Hit) | | 16 | Serious Men | Drama | Nawazuddin Siddiqui | Netflix (National Award) | | 17 | Chintu Ka Birthday | Drama | Vinay Pathak, Tillotama Shome | ZEE5 (Critical Hit) | | 18 | Ludo | Anthology Comedy | Abhishek Bachchan, Rajkummar Rao | Netflix (Super Hit) | | 19 | Coolie No. 1 | Comedy | Varun Dhawan, Sara Ali Khan | Amazon Prime (Flop) | | 20 | Chhalaang | Sports Comedy | Rajkummar Rao, Nushrratt Bharuccha | Amazon Prime (Average) |
Key Takeaway from 2020: The death of single-screen theaters. Dil Bechara became the most-watched Hindi film on OTT, a posthumous tribute to Sushant Singh Rajput. The year was 2021
The year marked a turning point where strong scripts began to outshine big stars.
This year redefined the Hindi commercial hero, leaning into flawed and violent characters.
For those who want a quicker reference, here is a genre-based breakdown.
The 2016–2021 Hindi movie index is a chronicle of a cinema in metamorphosis. It begins with the last gasps of traditional Bollywood bravado and ends with an industry that has embraced realism, digital distribution, and complex narratives. Whether you are looking for the adrenaline of War, the pathos of The Sky Is Pink, or the chilling horror of Tumbbad, this half-decade offers a diverse, rich, and essential viewing list that captures India at a moment of intense cultural and social change.
Use this index as your guide—you will find that the most interesting stories are often hidden between the marquee names.
The period between 2016 and 2021 represents a transformative era for Hindi cinema, beginning with global box office records and navigating the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This index highlights the key commercial successes, critically acclaimed works, and the major shift toward digital releases and big-budget spectacles. Year-by-Year Commercial Highlights
The following table lists the top-grossing Hindi-language films (including dubbed versions of South Indian films) for each year in the requested period. Highest-Grossing Hindi Film Key Commercial Successes (₹1,968+ crore) Ae Dil Hai Mushkil Baahubali 2: The Conclusion Tiger Zinda Hai Golmaal Again Secret Superstar (₹586+ crore) (₹475+ crore) Kabir Singh Uri: The Surgical Strike Mission Mangal Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (₹332+ crore) Street Dancer 3D Sooryavanshi (₹196+ crore) Bell Bottom Sardar Udham Critical and Genre Benchmarks
Beyond box office numbers, several films defined the creative landscape of these years: Sardar Udham
Index of Hindi Movies (2016-2021): A Comprehensive Overview
The Hindi film industry, also known as Bollywood, has been a significant contributor to the global entertainment scene. With a vast and diverse audience, Hindi movies have gained immense popularity not only in India but also worldwide. This essay provides an informative index of Hindi movies from 2016 to 2021, highlighting notable trends, popular films, and emerging themes.
2016: A Year of Experimentation
The year 2016 saw a mix of commercial successes and experimental films. Some notable releases include:
2017: A Year of Blockbusters
2017 was a remarkable year for Hindi cinema, with several blockbusters that dominated the box office:
2018: A Year of Diverse Storytelling
The year 2018 witnessed a diverse range of films that catered to different audience preferences:
2019: A Year of Record-Breakers
2019 was a remarkable year for Hindi cinema, with several films breaking box office records:
2020: A Year of Challenges
The year 2020 was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted the film industry:
2021: A Year of Comeback
The year 2021 saw a resurgence of Bollywood films, with several releases:
Emerging Trends and Themes
The index of Hindi movies from 2016 to 2021 reveals several emerging trends and themes:
In conclusion, the index of Hindi movies from 2016 to 2021 showcases the industry's resilience and adaptability. With a focus on diverse storytelling, emerging themes, and new talent, Hindi cinema continues to evolve and cater to the changing tastes of its audience. As the industry moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it responds to the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.
The period between 2016 and 2021 marked a transformative era for Hindi cinema, characterized by a shift toward high-concept storytelling, the rise of the "small-town" narrative, and a seismic transition to digital streaming due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Trends & Milestones
7 films that show how Bollywood came of age in 2016 - Mashable
The Hindi film industry, known as Bollywood, underwent significant transformations between 2016 and 2021, moving from traditional star-driven blockbusters to diverse, content-oriented narratives and surviving the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Annual Index of Notable Movies (2016–2021)
This period saw the release of some of the highest-grossing and most critically acclaimed films in Indian history.
The period from 2016 to 2021 in Hindi cinema was marked by a shift toward high-concept storytelling, biopics, and gritty realistic dramas alongside traditional blockbusters. 2016: The Year of Biopics and Powerhouse Dramas
: The highest-grossing Indian film of all time, based on the life of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat.
: A thriller based on the 1990 evacuation of Indians from Kuwait during the Iraq-Kuwait war. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story
: A massive biographical hit chronicling the journey of India's cricket captain.
: A social drama focused on women's safety and consent, which sparked national conversations.
: A biopic of Neerja Bhanot, the flight purser who sacrificed her life during a 1986 hijacking. 2017: Record Breakers and Social Satires Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
: Technically a Pan-India film, it shattered box office records across India in its Hindi-dubbed version. Tiger Zinda Hai
: A high-octane action sequel starring Salman Khan that was among the year's top earners. Hindi Medium
: A critically acclaimed satire on India's education system. Secret Superstar SECTION 4: THE GHOST FILMS TITLE: The Last
: A musical drama that became a global phenomenon, particularly in the Chinese market. Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
: A social drama addressing hygiene and sanitation in rural India. 2018: Genre-Defying Hits
The period between 2016 and 2021 was a transformative era for Bollywood. It marked a shift from traditional "masala" blockbusters to content-driven cinema and the massive rise of streaming platforms. 🎬 2016: The Year of Content Bollywood started prioritizing scripts over star power.
Dangal: The biographical sports drama that broke global records.
Pink: A powerful social thriller that sparked national conversations on consent.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: A musical hit exploring modern unrequited love.
Neerja: A gripping tribute to the brave flight attendant Neerja Bhanot. 🎭 2017: Small Towns, Big Stories
Storytellers moved away from Switzerland to the heartlands of India.
Newton: A dark comedy about Indian democracy, sent for the Oscars.
Badrinath Ki Dulhania: A commercial success tackling social issues like dowry.
Bareilly Ki Barfi: A charming rom-com that redefined the "small-town" genre.
Tiger Zinda Hai: Salman Khan delivered one of the biggest action hits of the decade. 🌟 2018: The Rise of the Outsider
This year belonged to experimental cinema and powerhouse performers.
Andhadhun: A masterclass in the thriller genre by Sriram Raghavan.
Badhaai Ho: A taboo-breaking family comedy that dominated the box office.
Raazi: Alia Bhatt proved a female-led spy thriller could be a massive hit.
Sanju: A high-grossing biopic on the controversial life of Sanjay Dutt. 🔥 2019: Patriotic Peaks
2019 saw a surge in high-octane nationalism and polished action.
Uri: The Surgical Strike: Defined the year with the catchphrase "How’s the Josh?" Gully Boy: India's hip-hop culture went mainstream.
War: A visual spectacle featuring Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff.
Article 15: A gritty look at the harsh realities of the caste system. 📱 2020: The Digital Shift
Due to global lockdowns, the industry pivoted heavily toward OTT releases.
Thappad: A poignant drama about domestic respect and dignity.
Ludo: An eccentric multi-narrative dark comedy released on Netflix.
Gulabo Sitabo: The first major film to skip theaters for a digital premiere.
Gunjan Saxena: A biopic highlighting the struggle of a female pilot. 🚀 2021: The Hybrid Era
Cinema returned to theaters while maintaining a strong digital presence.
Sherni: Vidya Balan starred in this unique man-vs-wild social drama.
Sardar Udham: A critically acclaimed, haunting historical biopic.
Sooryavanshi: The blockbuster that brought audiences back to the big screen. 83: A nostalgic retelling of India’s first World Cup win.
📍 Key Trend: This six-year span proved that while fans still love their superstars, they now demand a solid story above all else. If you'd like to dive deeper,
The Golden Era of Reinvention: A Hindi Cinema Index (2016–2021)
The years between 2016 and 2021 marked a transformative period for Hindi cinema. We saw the rise of the "small-town" blockbuster, the death of traditional masala tropes in favor of gritty realism, and finally, a massive shift toward digital streaming during the global pandemic.
Whether you are looking for a weekend binge or a deep dive into Bollywood's recent history, this index categorizes the definitive films that shaped the industry during these six pivotal years. 1. The Massive Blockbusters (Top Earners)
These films dominated the box office and became cultural phenomena, often blending high star power with surprisingly strong narratives. YEARS OF INDIAN CINEMA - IMDb Report 2025
Our index draws from four primary sources: IMDb, Box Office India, Trade Analyst Taran Adarsh’s archives, and streaming platform libraries (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5). Inclusion criteria: Hindi-language films with a theatrical or direct-to-digital release between Jan 1, 2016, and Dec 31, 2021. Excluded: dubbed versions of South Indian films (except where they became pan-Indian hits, e.g., Baahubali 2).
Total films indexed: 528 Breakdown by year: