Science fiction, or sci-fi, in Indian cinema is no longer a niche. Once dominated by romance and drama, Indian films now delve into futuristic themes, space travel, artificial intelligence, time loops, and dystopias. The Indian Film industry has matured in terms of visual effects, narrative complexity, and technical sophistication, aligning closer to global standards.
Indian sci-fi blends culture, mythology, and technology in unique ways, often wrapping futuristic concepts in traditional storytelling. This mix has resulted in a variety of exciting films that cater to both entertainment and intellectual curiosity. Below are 42 of the most impactful and imaginative Indian sci-fi movies you should not miss.
1. Robot (Enthiran) – 2010
Directed by S. Shankar and starring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai, this Tamil-language film is a benchmark in Indian science fiction. It explores artificial intelligence through Chitti, a humanoid robot who begins to experience human emotions.
The film’s ambitious narrative, high-end visual effects, and philosophical undertones on machine consciousness made it a massive hit. “Robot” brought international attention to Indian sci-fi filmmaking with its emotional depth and technical prowess.
2. 2.0 – 2018
A spiritual sequel to “Robot,” this movie ups the ante with Akshay Kumar playing a villainous entity composed of mobile phone radiation. Rajinikanth returns as Chitti to battle this new threat.
The film critiques our overdependence on mobile technology and its ecological impacts. It features ground-breaking VFX and action choreography that rival Hollywood standards.
3. Koi… Mil Gaya – 2003
Directed by Rakesh Roshan and starring Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta, this film marked a new era in Indian sci-fi. It follows Rohit, a developmentally delayed man who befriends an alien named Jadoo.
With emotional storytelling, alien themes, and special effects, it became a cultural phenomenon. It remains a classic for combining Movie Characters that resonate with both kids and adults.
4. Krrish – 2006
A direct sequel to “Koi… Mil Gaya,” “Krrish” introduces Rohit’s son Krishna, who inherits superpowers. Played by Hrithik Roshan, he evolves into India’s first mainstream superhero.
The movie blends sci-fi with mythology and action. Themes of destiny, sacrifice, and good vs evil are strongly portrayed alongside its futuristic backstory.
5. Krrish 3 – 2013
Continuing Krishna’s journey, “Krrish 3” introduces genetically mutated villains. The movie expands the universe with complex characters, scientific labs, and intense action sequences.
While the visual effects received mixed reviews, the film’s ambition and emotional storytelling helped cement the Krrish franchise as a key Indian sci-fi series.
6. Ra.One – 2011
Shah Rukh Khan stars in this bold experiment combining gaming, AI, and action. The movie’s antagonist, Ra.One, is a video game character that enters the real world.
Despite criticism, the film’s vision of digital danger and cyber threats resonated with younger audiences. It set new benchmarks in visual effects for Indian cinema.
7. PK – 2014
A satirical sci-fi drama directed by Rajkumar Hirani, “PK” stars Aamir Khan as an alien who questions social dogmas. It’s more philosophical than futuristic but qualifies as soft science fiction.
The film cleverly critiques religious orthodoxy and human contradictions while offering comedy and emotion. A bold attempt at mixing science fiction with social commentary.
8. Antariksham 9000 KMPH – 2018
India’s first space-themed Telugu film focuses on astronauts racing against time to prevent a satellite disaster. Directed by Sankalp Reddy, it stars Varun Tej and Aditi Rao Hydari.
It emphasizes realism in its depiction of space missions and builds a tense, gripping narrative grounded in science and patriotism.
9. Mission Mangal – 2019
Based on India’s Mars Orbiter Mission, this film celebrates ISRO’s success story. Led by Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan, it combines technical challenges with human drama.
A film that made science accessible and inspiring, particularly for young girls aspiring to careers in STEM.
10. Dasavathaaram – 2008
Kamal Haasan plays ten roles in a narrative that spans multiple timelines and themes, including biological warfare and chaos theory.
Complex and philosophical, it pushes boundaries in both storytelling and conceptual ambition, offering a unique Indian take on science fiction.
11. Tik Tik Tik – 2018
India’s first space action thriller starring Jayam Ravi. The film centers on a mission to prevent an asteroid from hitting Earth. Despite logical flaws, it’s a bold step in Tamil sci-fi.
It proves regional cinema’s capacity to tackle the sci-fi genre and invest in large-scale visual storytelling.
12. Cargo – 2019
An indie gem by Arati Kadav, “Cargo” is set on a spaceship where humans are processed for reincarnation. It combines mythology with futuristic technology.
A philosophical and quiet sci-fi experience, exploring life, death, and bureaucracy in space.
13. JL50 – 2020
A time-travel thriller series that begins with a mysterious plane crash. Starring Abhay Deol and Pankaj Kapur, it explores a government conspiracy and alternate timelines.
A short yet impactful series that showcases Indian creators’ growing interest in complex sci-fi narratives.
14. OK Computer – 2021
A futuristic murder mystery set in 2031. It blends humor, absurdity, and speculative tech. The show questions AI governance and technological ethics.
A unique experiment in Indian sci-fi television with a strong visual identity and conceptual originality.
15. Brahmastra – 2022
A fantasy-sci-fi blend exploring ancient astras (weapons) powered by cosmic energies. With Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, it builds a cinematic universe rooted in Indian mythology.
Though not pure sci-fi, its themes of cosmic power and astral technology align with speculative fiction, making it relevant to this list.
16. Upload (Short Film) – 2021
A lesser-known but powerful short film that explores digital immortality through consciousness uploading. Minimalist yet impactful.
It captures the emotional weight of letting go and the implications of post-human existence.
17. Time Machine – Upcoming
A highly anticipated film in development, reportedly exploring time travel, paradoxes, and alternate realities.
Its concept has already generated buzz in Sci-Fi Movie Reviews and is expected to push boundaries in Indian sci-fi storytelling.
18. Shree – 2013
“Shree,” directed by Rajesh Bachchani, is a lesser-known but intriguing sci-fi thriller that explores time manipulation. The film follows a common man who volunteers for a scientific experiment that promises to change his fate, but ends up altering reality itself.
Combining suspense, science, and existential dilemmas, “Shree” offers an engaging plot that raises questions about destiny, free will, and the consequences of scientific overreach. It’s a compact, character-driven narrative that demonstrates what can be done on a modest budget in Indian sci-fi.
19. 7aum Arivu – 2011
Starring Suriya and Shruti Haasan, this Tamil film mixes ancient history with genetic science. The story connects a modern-day scientist to Bodhidharma, an ancient Indian monk believed to have mystical powers, using genetic memory as a narrative device.
The film presents an unusual blend of martial arts, neuroscience, and historical fiction. It delivers a unique take on cultural pride and scientific possibilities, making it a standout in the genre.
20. Indru Netru Naalai – 2015
This Tamil-language sci-fi comedy directed by R. Ravikumar involves time travel and its unintended consequences. The story follows a man who stumbles upon a time-traveling device and uses it to alter the past for personal gain.
With humorous twists and clever writing, the film explores time paradoxes and causality while keeping the tone light and accessible. It’s a great example of blending science fiction with mainstream appeal.
21. Carbon – 2017
Set in a dystopian future where water and oxygen are scarce, “Carbon” stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Jackky Bhagnani. The film is set in 2067 and tackles environmental decay and capitalist exploitation.
It delivers a chilling glimpse into a future devastated by climate change. Its production design and concept-driven narrative highlight pressing ecological issues, wrapped in a gripping sci-fi format.
22. Haider – 2014
Although not a traditional sci-fi movie, “Haider” incorporates speculative narrative elements such as surveillance tech and the manipulation of truth. It explores the psyche of a young man torn by conflict.
Its themes of control, paranoia, and technological oppression can be loosely connected to dystopian sci-fi narratives, especially in its depiction of a conflicted and militarized society.
23. Tesla – Short Film – 2016
“Tesla” is a critically acclaimed short film that envisions a world dominated by AI surveillance and automated justice. Though short in duration, it effectively critiques the idea of handing over human rights to machines.
The story, while minimalist in style, delivers a powerful message about freedom, control, and technological dependency. It’s a cautionary tale for a rapidly digitizing world.
24. Manojder Adbhut Bari – 2018
A Bengali sci-fi fantasy that targets younger audiences, the film combines a spooky mansion with science-based mysteries. Directed by Anindya Chatterjee, it tells the story of children uncovering strange inventions and experiments.
With a mix of humor and suspense, the film appeals to both kids and nostalgic adults. It’s a fresh attempt at making science fiction approachable and fun for family audiences.
25. Maattrraan – 2012
Starring Suriya in dual roles as conjoined twins, the movie touches upon themes of genetic modification and unethical scientific practices. The thriller centers on a corporate conspiracy involving health drinks and genetic engineering.
The film blends emotional drama with science fiction, making it a unique entry in Indian cinema. Its technical execution and bold premise make it stand out in the commercial sci-fi space.
26. Aval Peyar Rajni – 2013
This Tamil experimental film integrates supernatural elements with science fiction, as the protagonist encounters a mysterious woman who might not be human. It plays with themes of identity and artificiality.
The narrative questions reality and perception in a way that subtly aligns with sci-fi tropes. It’s a psychological sci-fi story told with minimal resources but strong storytelling.
27. Rakkhosh – 2019
This psychological horror with sci-fi undertones is notable for being shot entirely from the first-person perspective. Set in a mental institution, it questions the reliability of memory and identity.
While leaning toward horror, its depiction of mind control, psychological manipulation, and institutional experimentation fits neatly into sci-fi storytelling frameworks.
28. Judgement Day – 2020 (Web Series)
This Bengali web series brings together courtroom drama and speculative themes. It follows a dystopian trial system where people are judged not only for their actions but their intentions using futuristic tech.
Blending ethical questions with science fiction mechanics, it explores how law might evolve with predictive technologies. A provocative look at justice in a tech-dominated world.
29. Project Z – 2017
This Telugu remake of the Tamil film “Maayavan” deals with neuro-science and a detective trying to solve murders linked to memory transfer. It questions whether consciousness can survive bodily death.
With slick direction and a smart script, it creates a gripping narrative that fuses crime drama with deep sci-fi concepts.
30. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect – 2022
Based on the life of ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, this biopic includes significant sci-fi-style elements, particularly in its exploration of propulsion science and futuristic tech development.
While rooted in real events, the film’s ambition and technical focus align it with inspirational scientific cinema. It showcases how real-world science can also spark imaginative fiction.
31. Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam – 2010
A Tamil western-sci-fi hybrid that parodies cowboy films while inserting steampunk-inspired gadgets and a fictional alternative history.
Though comedic, it plays with speculative technologies and alternate timelines, making it a quirky but noteworthy addition to India’s sci-fi lineage.
32. Maayavan – 2017
Directed by C.V. Kumar, this Tamil thriller centers on memory transfer and identity theft via futuristic technology. It stars Sundeep Kishan as a cop tracking a mysterious killer.
The film handles high-concept science fiction with great control, weaving in suspense, technology, and philosophical questions about the soul and self.
33. Time Out – 2015
This light-hearted youth film touches upon time manipulation and parallel timelines. While mostly a coming-of-age film, it includes sci-fi elements like memory resets and altered realities.
It makes speculative concepts relatable for younger audiences, using sci-fi as a metaphor for growing up and making choices.
34. The Final Call – 2019 (Web Series)
A psychological thriller with sci-fi undertones involving a pilot who hears voices and experiences altered consciousness mid-flight. Based on Priya Kumar’s novel.
The show mixes aviation, mental health, and spiritual sci-fi concepts, drawing on ideas of fate, parallel dimensions, and near-death experiences.
35. The Secret of the Nagas – Upcoming
An adaptation of Amish Tripathi’s novel, expected to combine mythology with advanced weaponry and speculative history. It aims to be a mytho-tech thriller.
Though still in development, it’s highly anticipated for blending ancient Indian legends with sci-fi aesthetics and modern narrative structures.
36. Watchman – 2023
This indie thriller mixes surveillance, AI, and future crimes in a story about a man being watched and manipulated by unseen forces.
The low-budget production impresses with storytelling that critiques modern surveillance culture. It fits well into dystopian sci-fi.
37. Judgemental – 2022 (Short Film)
A thought-provoking short that speculates about a society where people’s thoughts can be read and judged legally. The protagonist fights to maintain mental privacy.
A powerful commentary on consent and personal space, blending speculative technology with contemporary legal dilemmas.
38. Experiment 5 – 2020
A college student discovers a way to communicate with parallel universes. The movie combines quantum physics and personal tragedy in a compelling emotional arc.
“Experiment 5” offers a personal yet speculative exploration of loss, hope, and the search for alternate outcomes in different realities.
39. Udaan 2023 – Short Film
This motivational short tells the story of children from underprivileged backgrounds using AI and robotics to create change in their community.
An uplifting fusion of social realism and speculative tech, celebrating the potential of science for social upliftment.
40. A. I. R. – 2019
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, this Hindi-language short film imagines a time when breathable air is commodified. A woman navigates corporate oppression and environmental collapse.
The film critiques capitalist exploitation of natural resources and raises ethical questions about ownership in an age of climate catastrophe.
41. Reset – 2018
A lesser-known Telugu short exploring memory erasure and digital consciousness. The plot follows a man attempting to erase painful memories using underground tech.
It deals with the cost of forgetting and the ethics of artificial memory manipulation, offering a dark but thoughtful experience.
42. Chrono Loop – 2023
A highly conceptual indie film focusing on infinite time loops and recursive realities. The protagonist must solve a puzzle that resets every hour.
A philosophical dive into time, choice, and inevitability, “Chrono Loop” is a cerebral and experimental entry in India’s expanding sci-fi portfolio.
Why These Films Matter
Indian sci-fi movies are more than genre experiments—they reflect the nation’s curiosity, cultural heritage, and technological progress. Many of these films blend science with spirituality, which makes Indian contributions to sci-fi cinema unique.
While Hollywood often dominates global sci-fi, Indian cinema brings diversity in perspective, themes, and character. Whether through mainstream hits or indie gems, these movies contribute richly to the Movie Genre landscape.
Conclusion
The evolution of Indian sci-fi is a testament to the country’s growing interest in technology and speculative storytelling. These 42 films capture the imagination while offering philosophical, social, and emotional depth.
From giant robots to time travel, space missions to mythological energy, Indian sci-fi now stands as a creative force that deserves both domestic and international acclaim. Whether you’re new to the genre or a longtime fan, this list offers a comprehensive journey through India’s finest futuristic cinema.
