The 11 Best Documentaries About Mumbai

May 31, 2024 | Best Of, History

Mumbai, also known as the City of Dreams, is a city that never sleeps. It is famous for its vibrant culture, bustling streets, and mouth-watering street food. But there’s more to this cosmopolitan city than meets the eye. If you want to truly understand what makes Mumbai such a unique and fascinating place, then you need to watch these 11 must-see documentaries.

1. Mumbai – the Infernal Megalopolis

Mumbai – the Infernal Megalopolis is an intense and eye-opening documentary that takes you on a journey through one of the most densely populated cities in the world. With over 20 million people living within its borders, Mumbai is a chaotic and vibrant metropolis that never sleeps. From the bustling streets to the towering skyscrapers, this documentary captures the essence of Mumbai and its people. Through stunning visuals and candid interviews, viewers are given an intimate look into the lives of Mumbaikars – the residents of Mumbai. From slum dwellers to business tycoons, everyone has a story to tell in this diverse city.

 

2. DOCUMENTARY- PARSIS OF MUMBAI

Mumbai, also known as the “City of Dreams”, is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and traditions. One such unique community that calls Mumbai home is the Parsi community. Originally from Persia, this small but vibrant group has made significant contributions to the city’s history and heritage. Their story is one of resilience, determination, and most importantly, their rich and fascinating culture. The first ever Parsis migrated to India in the 8th century, seeking refuge from religious persecution. They settled in Gujarat but eventually made their way to Mumbai, then known as Bombay.

 

3. Mumbai – Postcards from Maharashtra – National Geographic 

Mumbai, also known as the “City of Dreams,” is a bustling metropolis located on the west coast of India. This vibrant city is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and lifestyles, making it one of the most diverse cities in the world. From its chaotic streets to its glittering skyscrapers, Mumbai is a place where dreams come true and contrasts collide. In this National Geographic documentary, “Postcards from Maharashtra,” viewers will get a glimpse into the city’s fascinating history, culture, and people. The story of Mumbai begins with its origins as a small fishing village on the seven islands that make up its landmass.

4. Mumbai – Life Within India’s Financial Capital

Mumbai, the bustling city of India, is a place where dreams come true and opportunities abound. It is known as the country’s financial capital and has become synonymous with ambition, success and progress. However, behind all the glitz and glamour lies a much deeper story – one that is captured beautifully in some of the best documentaries about Mumbai. These movies go beyond the surface level and show us what life is truly like for those who call Mumbai their home. One of the most moving documentaries about Mumbai is “Slumdog Millionaire”.

 

5. Megacities – Mumbai Full Documentary

Mumbai, also known as Bombay, is a bustling metropolis located on the west coast of India. With a population of over 20 million people, it is one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the world. But beyond its massive size, Mumbai is a city brimming with energy, diversity, and culture. In this documentary, we will take a closer look at what makes Mumbai truly unique and how it continues to thrive as one of the world’s megacities. Mumbai has a long and fascinating history that dates back almost 2,000 years.

 

6. The Super-Rich & the Super-Poor in Mumbai: Slums vs Skyscrapers in India’s Megapolis

Mumbai, the city of dreams, has long been a subject of fascination for filmmakers and documentarians. With its stark contrasts and captivating stories, Mumbai has become a popular topic in documentaries, shedding light on the realities of life in India’s megapolis. While there are many documentaries about Mumbai that focus on its glamorous side, there are also those that delve into the darker aspects of the city, highlighting the stark divide between the super-rich and the super-poor.

 

7. Mumbai. Wealth and Poverty / Real Life in Indian Slums

Mumbai, the “City of Dreams”, is a city that boasts both wealth and poverty. Known for its bustling energy and chaotic streets, this metropolis is home to over 20 million people. It is a place where stark contrasts coexist side by side, with some living in lavish luxury while others struggle to make ends meet. This dichotomy has captured the attention of filmmakers, resulting in a plethora of documentaries that delve into the lives and realities of Mumbaikars. One such documentary is “Slumdog Millionaire”, which gained worldwide recognition and accolades for its raw portrayal of life in Mumbai’s slums.

 

8. Inside World’s LARGEST SLUM – Dharavi, Mumbai India | 4K HDR Walking Tour

Welcome to the bustling city of Mumbai, India. Among its many wonders lies the world’s largest slum – Dharavi. This highly populated and diverse area has been a subject of fascination for many, and rightly so. The documentary “Inside World’s LARGEST SLUM: Dharavi, Mumbai India | 4K HDR Walking Tour” takes you on a visually stunning journey through the heart of this vibrant community. From cramped alleyways to bustling markets, the film captures every aspect of life in Dharavi with breathtaking clarity.

 

9. Surviving Mumbai’s Streets – Poor Kids Of India – Real Stories Documentary

Mumbai, the bustling city of dreams, is home to millions of people from all walks of life. However, amidst the glitz and glamour that the city is known for, there exists a dark reality – poverty. This issue has plagued Mumbai for decades and continues to impact its most vulnerable population – children. In the midst of this struggle, “Surviving Mumbai’s Streets” sheds light on the lives of these underprivileged children and their daily battle for survival.

 

10. Life In Mumbai’s Slums: Rationalized Water And Street Food

Mumbai, the city of dreams, is often portrayed as a land of glamour and luxury. However, hidden in its midst are the slums that house millions of people who have migrated from different parts of the country in search of a better life. These slums may not be visible to tourists or even locals, but they are an integral part of Mumbai’s identity. And one of the most fascinating aspects of life in these slums is how residents make do with limited resources, be it access to water or food. In a city plagued by water scarcity, residents of Mumbai’s slums have found innovative ways to ensure that they have access to clean and safe drinking water.

 

11. The Lost Children of Calcutta Station | Full Documentary

In the bustling streets of Mumbai, amidst the chaos and noise, lies a forgotten world. A world where children roam the streets alone, without any family or home to call their own. This is the story of “The Lost Children of Calcutta Station”, a documentary that delves deep into the lives of these abandoned little souls.

Read On – Our Latest Top Documentaries Lists

David B