A sense of occasion is in the air. There’s a tantalising aroma of samosas, murukku, bhujiya and mithai too! And some refreshing mango lassi to wash it all down - a real feast for the senses!

As I prepare the snack tray, I can see the excitement lighting up in my child’s eyes. I have laid out soft, plush blankets so we can cosy up together, the lights are dimmed to cast a warm, inviting glow, creating the perfect ambiance.

But first, let’s rewind…

Picture this: A few days ago, I decided it was time to share a slice of my heritage with my child through the captivating lens of Indian cinema. 

My child has never seen an Indian movie before and the significance of this moment was not lost on me. Among the many cultural treasures of my roots, Indian cinema especially holds a special place in my heart. The rich tapestry of colourful storytelling, melodious music, and dramatic performances is not just entertainment; I see it as  a connection to our roots and my childhood.

I thought about the movies I adored in my childhood, each with its unique blend of mass appeal, entertainment, and storytelling. However, I felt a shadow of uncertainty as I thought about sharing these with my child. Movies like Hum Aapke Hain Koun…! with its heartbreaking storyline, Krrish with its not so child-friendly themes, or Taare Zameen Par with the heart-wrenching moments, all seemed too intense. I felt a twinge of doubt, wondering if I could find the right movie for my child to watch.

And then began my research. The parent in me had many questions: 

Are there Indian movies with appropriate themes suitable for five year olds?  

Do five year olds understand the cultural nuances in movies? 

Is an Indian movie too long for them?  

I wondered if I was overthinking this and if simply picking a family movie would work. Perhaps showing my child Indian movie songs - an integral part of Indian movies - would do the trick. My most significant thought was: would they even enjoy watching it as much as I did?!

I grew up in Singapore, surrounded by posters of Indian movies, Indian music, and Indian cinema magazines. My child, on the other hand, has been raised in Australia, with only fleeting glimpses into Indian cinema.

My dilemma was not knowing how to strike a balance between introducing them to the beauty of Indian cinema, and wanting to instil in them a love for Indian movies, while also ensuring that the content was age-appropriate and engaging.

Choosing the Perfect movie

I decided to navigate this dilemma by asking my Indian friends about the first Indian movie they showed their children.

I believe parents know best if a movie is suitable for their child. They know their personality intimately and can decide if their children are emotionally and developmentally ready to deal with a movie’s content.

The answers from my friends were varied. Some were keen to share a piece of their childhood with their children and their movie choices reflected that. These were movies like Jailer, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayengey, Vikram, while others picked movies aligned to their children’s interests, like Lagaan and Chak De India.

While this was helpful, there were still questions around finding Indian movies that were engaging, had appropriate content and were the right length for their children. 

So, I decided to look deeper.

My first criteria was to find an age-appropriate movie that resonated with my child and grabbed their attention in a wise and developmental way, referring to their emotions, experiences or interests. I was looking for movies that had simple yet engaging storylines, colourful visuals, and memorable characters that my child could connect with. I was also looking for G-rated family friendly Indian movies with no inappropriate scenes or themes. One way was to look for parent-reviewed movies on movie websites. 

I also wanted something that encapsulated the essence of Indian cinema whilst making them curious about their Indian heritage. Children ask many questions, so I wanted a movie that not only had vibrant visuals, was entertaining, but also provided a learning experience.

Indian movies are known for being long and that makes it harder to retain a child’s attention. So, the right length was a consideration too.

I went down a rabbit hole, of course!

From Hindi to Punjabi, to Tamil, and beyond, Indian cinema offers a plethora of family-friendly films that can captivate and entertain young minds. Here are some excellent options for 5 to 6 year olds that span different languages and cultures within India. 

Top Live Action Indian films for 5 to 6 year olds

My Dear Kuttichathan (1984) - Known as the first 3D film in India, this Malayalam language film tells the story of a friendly ghost who helps children. It’s magical, adventurous, and a classic that still charms young audiences. And it’s only an hour and half long!

Anjali (1990) - A moving story about a child with special needs and how her family comes to terms with it. This Tamil language film is emotional, yet beautifully portrays the innocence of childhood and family bonds.

Bumm Bumm Bole (2010)  - A touching tale inspired by the Iranian film, Children of Heaven, about a brother and sister who share a pair of shoes.This Hindi language film is heartwarming and imparts values of perseverance and sibling love.

Chillar Party (2011) - A delightful story about a group of children who band together to save a friend's dog from being taken away. It's a Hindi fun film that teaches valuable lessons about friendship and standing up for what’s right.

TopAnimated Indian films for 5 to 6 year olds

Hanuman (2005) - An animated film that tells the story of Lord Hanuman from his birth to his adventures with Lord Rama. It’s engaging and educational, providing kids with insights into mythology in an entertaining format.

Bal Ganesh (2007) - An animated film depicting the childhood adventures of the Hindu god Ganesh. It’s fun, colourful, and a great way to introduce kids to mythology

Chaar Sahibzaade (2014) - An animated historical film about the sacrifices of the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh. A Punjabi language film that is informative and inspiring, providing a gentle introduction to Sikh history and values.

Finding the right movie for my child has been a joyful task, and the diversity of Indian language films has been refreshing to discover. These films not only entertain but also impart valuable life lessons and cultural knowledge. 

To me, it’s a meaningful step in nurturing my child’s cultural identity as well as sharing a piece of my childhood with them. It opens a door to a world rich with tradition, emotion, and artistry. I realise that this is just the beginning of many such experiences. It’s my hope that each movie, each song, and each story will be a thread woven into the fabric of their cultural understanding and personal identity. 

This experience is about more than just watching a movie; it’s about building a bridge to our past and paving the way for connecting with future generations.

Now, back to the cosy blankets and piping hot samosas. Press, play.

Neha J is an educator and an entrepreneur. She is a mum of two and is a writer at SAARI Collective. She loves all things Indian movies and enjoys creating workshops and learning experiences for parents and their littles. Follow her on Insta @ms_nehaj