There’s something special about curling up with a good festive movie, especially when it offers a fresh twist on familiar tropes. South Asian characters in Christmas stories have brought a new flavor to holiday media, blending predictability with subversive expectations. What could be more desi films about family, community, and holiday love. So grab some chai, cozy up, and enjoy these gems.
Here are six standout titles for a very desi Christmas.
1.Christmas with the Singhs (2020)
A classic “Meet the Parents” set-up gets a South Asian twist in this Hallmark Channel favorite. Asha Singh (Anusha Joshi) invites her fiancé, Jake, to celebrate Christmas with her family. Predictably, things go awry as cultural clashes and overbearing relatives collide in hilarious fashion. While the film leans into familiar tropes, it doesn’t shy away from the tension that comes with introducing Western partners to conservative South Asian families. It’s not a revolutionary take, but it does deliver the comfort of holiday chaos with a cultural lens.
2.Christmas as Usual (2023)
This Norwegian romantic comedy, based on a real couple, quickly captured hearts worldwide upon its release, ranking in the top 10 of 30 countries on Netflix. The film offers an endearing portrayal of a Norwegian woman bringing her Indian American fiancé to her hometown – but Christmas as Usual stumbles when it attempts to incorporate South Asian cultural elements, notably through Jashant wearing a kurta on Christmas Day. While this choice might seem like a simple cultural reference, it feels heavy handed.
3.Hot Mess Holiday (2021)
This raucous comedy from Comedy Central is a wild, no-holds-barred holiday adventure. Two sisters embark on a chaotic diamond heist just before Christmas. The holiday setting offers a backdrop for a blend of hilarious action, family dynamics, and, of course, some moments of unexpected warmth. The film is pure fun, though it doesn’t delve too deeply into the cultural nuances of its characters. A solid pick for those who prefer their Christmas films on the wild side
4.Baking Spirits Bright (2021)
Oh no, the family business is in trouble! This Lifetime holiday movie serves up a sticky-sweet and occasionally illogical tale of fruitcakes and festive spirit. Rekha Sharma stars as Mira, a fiercely traditional baker determined to preserve her family’s legacy. Sparks fly when she clashes with Brady, a marketing consultant brought in to modernize the struggling business. While the film leans heavily on predictability, its earnest charm and nostalgic warmth make it a holiday comfort watch—even if it sometimes feels more sugar than substance.
5.Merry Christmas (2024)
If Die Hard is your favorite Christmas movie, this one’s for you. Directed by the master of suspense, Sriram Raghavan, Merry Christmas is a mind-bending thriller based on Frédéric Dard’s novel Le Monte-charge. Katrina Kaif delivers one of her career-best performances as Maria in a gripping mystery set against the holiday. It’s edgy, unpredictable, and a reminder that Christmas doesn’t always mean candy canes and snow.
6.Christmas Karma (2025)
What happens when Bollywood meets Charles Dickens? Pure magic—at least, that’s the promise of Christmas Karma, currently under production. Directed by Gurinder Chadha, this ambitious reimagining of A Christmas Carol boasts an all-star cast, including Kunal Nayyar as Scrooge, alongside Eva Longoria, Boy George, Billy Porter, and Hugh Bonneville. With Chadha’s signature blend of humor and heart, the film aims to deliver a dazzling musical spectacle infused with South Asian flair. Slated for release just in time for the festive season in 2025
