Top 10 Movies to Watch on Hotstar in New Zealand

Hotstar is among the most popular streaming services in the world when looking at the subscribers. However, it may surprise you to know that the majority of countries do not have access to it. Hotstar contains a number of international and Indian movies, TV series, and channels that can provide one with entertainment for hours.

But fret not, there are still ways for you to watch this great content on Hotstar even while in New Zealand, by using a VPN, for example. Before any of that though, here’s our list of the 10 best movies to stream on Hotstar in NZ.

1. 83

Plot: On June 25, 1983, the Lord's Cricket Ground witnessed 14 men beat the two times World Champions West Indies, putting India back onto the cricket world stage.

As the Asia Cup’s craze sweeps the world, there is no better time to watch 83. The movie chronicles India’s journey to its greatest cricket achievement. Due to the movie’s release during the Omicron wave in late 2021, many might have missed the chance to watch the movie during its initial release. But with a VPN in NZ, you can easily watch the movie on Disney+ Hotstar. The movie recently received a slew of awards at Bollywood’s premier awards show, Filmfare Awards. The leading man, Ranveer Singh, also scored the best actor award.

2. Chhichhore

Plot: A tragic incident forces Anirudh, a middle-aged man, to take a trip down memory lane and reminisce his college days along with his friends, who were labelled as losers.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari of Dangal fame, this is the perfect movie to watch during times when you’re feeling nostalgic or want to revisit the good old college days. Due to the pandemic, many found themselves disconnected from their friends for extended periods of time. Watching this movie will not only cheer you up, but it may also convince you to reach out to old friends after a long time. The movie is notable for being one of the last movies of star Sushant Singh Rajput.

3. Drishyam

Plot: When the disappearance of a policewoman's son threatens to ruin Vijay's family, he leaves no stone unturned in order to shield his family.

Who doesn’t like a good thriller, especially one that features an excellent cast and doesn’t let up the tension until the very end. Based on a popular novel, the movie managed to develop a unique take on the idea. This is also the perfect time to watch this movie, as its sequel is in the making and will be making its way to your screens very soon. Additionally, the movie is known for starting a long line of collaborations between Ajay Devgn and Tabu, the two will also reunite for Drishyam 2.

4. Badhaai Ho

Plot: Nakul, a 25-year-old man, is shocked to discover that his mother is pregnant. His struggle to come to terms with the news puts his relationship with his girlfriend, Renee, in jeopardy.

One of the most acclaimed movies of 2018, Badhaai Ho managed to combine genuine emotions with laugh out loud comedy. It also deals with an issue that is still considered taboo in several communities around the world. Watching it will make you realize that everyone, be they in India or NZ, are still connected via the type of issues they face. It acted as a breakout movie for both Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao, who have gone on to feature in several highly successful Bollywood movies in the years since.

5. Cuttputlli

Plot: When a small town gets plunged into the nightmare of serial killings, rookie cop Arjan embarks on a chase for the truth and unravels a gruesome conspiracy.

How rare is it that you get to watch the latest Hindi movie in NZ directly on your TV or device. Thanks to the change in release pattern and the audience mindset post the pandemic, several exciting movies have made their way onto streaming directly. You can watch this thriller with a gripping story and a cast filled with big stars exclusively on Disney + Hotstar in NZ. The movie is a remake of the much acclaimed Tamil movie Ratsasan, but it does manage to add its own twist to the original’s intriguing storyline.

6. My Name is Khan

Plot: Rizwan, a man with Asperger's syndrome, marries Mandira. When unfortunate events unfold after the twin tower attacks, he embarks on a journey to change people's perception of his community.

Sometimes you just want to watch an emotional drama and let its emotions wash you over. My Name is Khan is the type of movie that engages and entertains you without beating you over the head with its message. Even though it was released over 12 years ago, the movie remains unique in its ability to handle a potentially sensitive issue with grace. Noted author Paulo Coelho has repeatedly praised the movie, and its leading man’s performance in particular.

7. Lootcase

Plot: Nandan, a middle-class man, finds a suitcase full of money near his workplace and steals it. However, he is soon chased by a police officer, a notorious gangster and a corrupt politician.

A movie that sometimes gets lost in the shuffle, Lootcase was one of the first Hindi movies to release directly on Disney Plus Hotstar. Combining underrated actors with comedy and thrills, the movie remains entertaining for the entirety of its 2 hour runtime. It’s the perfect movie to kick back and relax on a Saturday night. The movie is noted for being it’s leading man’s return to mainstream Hindi movies.

8. Jolly LLB

Plot: Jolly, a struggling lawyer seeking success, comes upon a hit-and-run case and decides to fight for the victims. However, the defendant hires a proficient lawyer, Rajpal, to go against him.

Almost 10 years ago, Jolly LLB was one of the surprise success stories of the year. Unlike the majority of Hindi court dramas, Jolly LLB manages to combine comedy with drama effortlessly. Watching the movie will also help you better understand the Akshay Kumar-led sequel Jolly LLB 2, as well as the upcoming threequel which is expected to feature both Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi. The movie also raised a little controversy because its storyline was apparently inspired by real life events.

9. Stanley Ka Dabba

Plot: School boy Stanley does not carry lunch, which is noticed by a teacher who forces kids to share their food with him. He soon warns Stanley that he must get a lunch box if he wants to attend school.

Movie viewing options for children in Hindi cinema are, unfortunately, quite limited. However, Stanley Ka Dabba is one of those movies that provide equal entertainment for both parents and children. From the mind behind Taare Zameen Par, Stanley Ka Dabba is a hidden gem that you won’t be able to stop thinking about once you’ve watched it. The movie’s sensibility, however, is a little more comedic than the director’s prior work.

10. Bajrangi Bhaijaan

Plot: Pawan, a devotee of Lord Hanuman, finds a girl, who is speech impaired, lost in Haryana. He soon learns that she belongs to Pakistan and sets out to reunite her with her family at great personal cost.

Arguably the most popular Hindi movie of the 2010s, Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a classic wholesome entertainer for the whole family. People of all ages can gather to watch this story of love, friendship, and religious harmony. Spoiler alert: the ending is sure to make you drop a few tears. The movie also won the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, and is all set to spawn a sequel in the next few years.