With the rise of paid streaming platforms, none of us look to the good old YouTube, which hosts a plethora of wonderful films, old and new, in multiple languages. Many interesting classic films and neglected gems that are hard to locate elsewhere can be discovered here. Some new-age overlooked gems may have slipped beneath the radar. 

This list includes something for everyone, from timeless classics to modern successes that have become fan favorites. 

1. Monsoon Wedding: Mira Nair's film has achieved cult status throughout the years. This film, set at a wedding, focuses on several persons and their tales. The film also deals with issues such as child abuse. The film was awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. This is one of the most underappreciated Bollywood films I've ever seen and enjoyed.

2. Pinjar: Pinjar, based on Amrita Pritam's eponymous novel, digs deeply into the human psyche against the backdrop of the India-Pakistan partition, crafting a captivating story of love, tragedy, and resilience. Director Chandraprakash Dwivedi masterfully mixes historical context with intense human emotion, creating a frightening movie experience. Pinjar is a wonderful tale of love and pain, with a moving plot and outstanding performances, particularly from Urmila Matondkar.

3. Kai Po Che: Kai Po Che, which stars Sushant Singh Rajput, Amit Sadh, and Rajkummar Rao, is based on Chetan Bhagat's The Three Mistakes of My Life. Set amid the 2001 Godhra riots in Gujarat, the film follows three friends in their prime who are trying to achieve a balance between life, love, and work.  In addition to themes of friendship, community, and harmony, the film expertly weaves the politics of the space into its tale. The three lead actors' outstanding performances make it worth watching.

4. Oye Lucky Lucky Oye: This film, which was officially released two days after the 26/11 assaults in Mumbai, did not receive the attention it deserved. Director Dibakar Banerjee builds a vivid image for us to enjoy as he delves into the art of theft. The story revolves around Lucky, an anti-hero with a penchant for theft. The majority of his heists are driven by a lack of a satisfying childhood. His moral ambiguity stems from his turbulent relationship with his father. The portrayal of Delhi, as well as Paresh Rawal's multi-character part, stuck out to me.

5. Mr. and Mrs. Iyer: In Aparna Sen's film, Konkona Sen Sharma plays a Tamil Iyer Brahmin, whereas Rahul Bose plays a Bengali Muslim. The plot concentrates on these two main characters on a fateful bus journey amid the country's turmoil. This film earned the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on Indian National Integration.

6. Hey Ram: This semi-fictional film is about India's division and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse. Kamal Haasan wrote, directed, and produced the film, in which he also stars as the protagonist. This film was made in both Tamil and Hindi simultaneously.  

7:  Gulaal: Some films are personal journeys, while others are cerebral experiences. Raj Singh Chaudhary's Gulaal combines the two, infusing its complex themes of love, war, treachery, and greed with a rural dualism. Kashyap mixes all of these threads to create a tense, gripping story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Kashyap's sociopolitical drama is a must-see, thanks to smart writing and riveting acting.