Introduction

So you’ve decided to watch an Indian movie. Maybe your friend forced you. Maybe you listened to our podcast. Maybe you just saw Shah Rukh Khan’s face on Netflix and got curious.

Great news — you're about to have a good time. Possibly a confusing time. Definitely a long time.

This guide will help you get through it. Here's what you need to know before, during, and after pressing play.

Step 1: Check the Runtime — and the Vibe

Most Indian movies are long. Like, longer-than-a-flight long. That’s not a bug — it’s part of the design. Plan accordingly.

Is it a masala movie? A festival drama? A star-driven action flick? The tone could shift mid-film, so read the synopsis (and maybe reviews) to calibrate expectations.

For help with this chaos, we made a whole guide on runtimes: Why Bollywood Movies Are So Long

Step 2: Embrace the Intermission

Many Indian films are written with an intermission in mind, even if you're watching on a streaming platform. Expect a major twist or a dramatic cliffhanger right before a natural pause in the middle.

Take that break. Get snacks. Emotionally recover.

Step 3: Yes, It’s a Musical (Even if It Isn’t)

Indian films love song sequences. It doesn’t have to be a musical to have music. Dance breaks are normal — even in serious dramas. Even in action films. Even during funerals.

Don’t skip them. They’re often the emotional heart of the movie — or a massive flex.

Want a taste of how wild this gets? Check out: Happy New Year

Step 4: Use Subtitles — But Know Their Limits

Most Indian films on streaming platforms will have English subtitles — but they vary wildly in quality. Some are direct. Some are poetic. Some are... not helpful.

Cultural references, jokes, and idioms don’t always translate cleanly. You’ll miss things. That’s okay. Context is your friend. The tone will usually tell you what’s going on even if the subtitle doesn’t.

Step 5: Let Go of Logic — Lean Into Emotion

You’re not watching for perfect narrative logic. You’re watching for maximum feeling. Indian cinema thrives on melodrama, spectacle, sincerity, and emotional whiplash.

You will cry, then laugh, then wonder if someone just died, then watch them dance about it. That’s normal.

Our podcast exists entirely because of this chaos. Start with something like: 3 Idiots

Final Takeaway

Watching Indian cinema is like jumping into a party you weren’t invited to — but everyone’s happy you showed up.

You don’t have to understand everything. You just have to feel it.