Six Indian Gems for AAPI Month That Will Make You Rethink Everything You Know

This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Washington Square News highlights six exceptional works of Indian media that break stereotypes and honor genuine voices of the Indian diaspora. These suggestions range from film to music, literature, and television, providing a rich cross-section of Indian artistry and cultural expression.

Monkey Man
Dev Patel's feature debut is a tight 2024 revenge thriller against the backdrop of India's caste politics. Patel plays Kid, an underground fight club wrestler, avenging his mother's assassination at the hands of a corrupt police chief. The movie incorporates Indian mythology and the lives of marginalized groups, making it far more than an action movie-it's a rousing anthem for the underdog.

They Called Us Exceptional: And Other Lies That Raised Us
Prachi Gupta's 2023 memoir is a heart-wrenching exploration of the emotional dynamics of being an Indian American, growing up in the shadow of the model minority myth. Written as a letter to her mother, Gupta's writing navigates intergenerational trauma, cultural anxiety, and the path to empathy and self-acceptance.

Wedding Season
This 2022 rom-com delivers a shot of happiness and authenticity to Indian American viewers. Asha, the career-focused woman, and Ravi, her creative foil, consent to pretend-date across a series of summer weddings in order to please their families. The movie is remarkable for its light-hearted approach to love and cultural pressure, giving Indian American viewers an opportunity to see themselves cast in a romantic, lead role in a lighthearted fashion.

Hanumankind
Sooraj Cherukat, who is popularly known as Hanumankind, is creating a stir in the world of hip hop. Taking a cue from Hindu god Hanuman, his tunes combine Indian cultural themes with catchy hip hop rhythms. Songs like "Run It Up" both demonstrate his lyricism and show him to bring the house down, as was evident in gigs at Coachella and Lollapalooza India.

Never Have I Ever
This coming-of-age comedy-drama series follows Devi Vishwakumar, a spirited Indian American teen navigating high school, grief, and family expectations in Southern California. The show balances humor with heartfelt moments, especially in its portrayal of Devi’s evolving relationship with her immigrant mother over four seasons.

Each recommendation not only entertains but also highlights the diversity and richness of Indian storytelling, pushing back against tired stereotypes and giving voice to underrepresented experiences.

Sources: Washington Square News, Threads