Top 15 Indian Survival Movies Based on Natural Disasters in

Indian cinema has a rich tradition of storytelling that captures the essence of human resilience against nature’s fury. From Bollywood to regional cinema, filmmakers have crafted gripping narratives of survival in the face of natural disasters. Here, we present the top Indian survival movies based on natural disasters made in Indian languages, celebrated for their popularity, critical acclaim, IMDb ranking, and awards.

Epic Tales of Survival: Natural Disasters in Indian Cinema

Must-Watch Indian Survival Movies

Exploring these survival movies based on natural disasters reveals the richness of Indian cinema’s storytelling. The films highlight not only the catastrophic impact of nature’s fury but also the indomitable human spirit that fights to overcome it. Dive into these movies to experience heart-wrenching stories of courage, love, and resilience.

1. 2018 (2023)

• Language: Malayalam
• Synopsis: A survival drama centered around the 2018 Kerala floods, showcasing the resilience and unity of the people amidst the devastation.
• Box Office: ₹80 crore
• Awards: Kerala State Film Award for Best Film

2. Kedarnath (2018)

• Language: Hindi
• Synopsis: A love story set against the devastating floods in the Uttarakhand region, showcasing the struggle for survival and the power of love amidst nature’s wrath.
• Box Office: ₹120 crore
• Awards: Zee Cine Award for Best Debut (Sara Ali Khan)

3. Kai Po Che (2013)

• Language: Hindi
• Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, this film follows the lives of three friends and their dreams, aspirations, and the tragedies that test their bond.
• Box Office: ₹83 crore
• Awards: Filmfare Award for Best Story, Screen Award for Best Ensemble Cast

Indian Movies Based on Natural Disasters

Indian Language Films That Showcase Survival Against Natural Disasters

4. Dasavatharam (2008)

• Language: Tamil
• Synopsis: A sci-fi thriller with a subplot involving a tsunami, featuring Kamal Haasan in ten different roles.
• Box Office: ₹200 crore
• Awards: Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor

5. Tsunami 81 (2007)

• Language: Malayalam
• Synopsis: Inspired by true events, this film portrays the struggles of a coastal community devastated by a massive tsunami.
• Box Office: ₹5 crore
• Awards: Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value

6. Kayal (2014)

• Language: Tamil
• Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, this romantic drama depicts the survival struggle of a couple separated by the disaster.
• Box Office: ₹8 crore
• Awards: Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Cinematographer

Best South Indian Disaster Survival Films

7. Dam 999 (2011)

• Language: English, Malayalam
• Synopsis: A story of a dam disaster inspired by the 1975 Banqiao Dam disaster in China, intertwined with themes of love and loss.
• Box Office: ₹3 crore
• Awards: Nominated for three Oscar Awards (Best Picture, Best Original Score, Best Song)

8. Na Hannyate (2012)

• Language: Bengali
• Synopsis: A survival drama about a family’s struggle to rebuild their lives after a devastating cyclone.
• Box Office: ₹5 crore
• Awards: National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bengali

9. Kolilakkam (1981)

• Language: Malayalam
• Synopsis: Inspired by the 1979 Machhu Dam failure, the film explores the impact of the disaster on a village and its residents.
• Box Office: ₹3 crore
• Awards: Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor

10. Bhopal Express (1999)

• Language: Hindi
• Synopsis: A poignant drama depicting the lives of ordinary people caught in the Bhopal gas leak disaster.
• Box Office: ₹2 crore
• Awards: No major awards but praised for its sensitive storytelling

11. Kaala Patthar (1979)

• Language: Hindi
• Synopsis: Set in a coal mine, this film depicts the harrowing conditions and a catastrophic flood that tests the miners’ courage and determination.
• Box Office: ₹4 crore
• Awards: Filmfare Award for Best Story

12. Baandhon (2012)

• Language: Assamese
• Synopsis: This film revolves around an elderly couple’s struggle to survive the 2008 Assam floods and their journey to find their missing grandson.
• Box Office: ₹1 crore
• Awards: National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Assamese

Nature’s Wrath: Top Indian Disaster Survival Films

13. Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain (2014)

• Language: Hindi, English
• Synopsis: A gripping retelling of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, focusing on the survivors and the aftermath of the disaster.
• Box Office: ₹8 crore
• Awards: No major awards but critically acclaimed for its portrayal of the tragedy

14. Waqt (1965)

• Language: Hindi
• Synopsis: A drama about a family torn apart by an earthquake, focusing on their journey to reunite against all odds.
• Box Office: ₹3 crore
• Awards: Filmfare Award for Best Director, Best Story, and Best Dialogue

15. Bhoothnath (2008)

• Language: Hindi
• Synopsis: A supernatural drama where a family must deal with the spirit of a drowned man while a tsunami threatens their coastal village.
• Box Office: ₹38 crore
• Awards: Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Amitabh Bachchan)

Quick List of Top 8 South Indian Survival Movies

• 2018 (2023) -Malayalam
• Kedarnath (2018) – Hindi
• Kai Po Che (2013) – Hindi
• Dasavatharam (2008) – Tamil
• Tsunami 81 (2007) – Malayalam
• Kayal (2014) – Tamil
• Dam 999 (2011) – English, Malayalam
• Na Hannyate (2012) – Bengali
• Kolilakkam (1981) – Malayalam
• Bhopal Express (1999) – Hindi
• Kaala Patthar (1979) – Hindi
• Baandhon (2012) – Assamese
• Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain (2014) – Hindi, English
• Waqt (1965) – Hindi
• Bhoothnath (2008) – Hindi