Here`s my Top 20 All-India Films of 2021. The Top 10 films, 1-10, were last week; 11-20 are below. The list is not in order: it includes mainstream films, low budget indies and an experimental feature, that cannot be compared. I’m also making women’s work more visible. This is not a water-tight list; it is more to spark conversations around good Indian cinema, so your suggestions are welcome. What a rich year, despite COVID-19!

11. Kadaisi Vivasayi (The Last Farmer) by M Manikandan, Tamil: Brilliant, original storytelling; it explores why farmers are our future, by the Kakkaa Muttai director. The octogenarian Nallandi is the last farmer standing in the village. When arrested for burying three dead peacocks he found on his farm, he is worried who will water his standing crop. Tamil star Vijay Sethupathi presents and is terrific in a guest role. Was at the International Film Festival Rotterdam 2021.