India, Aug. 15 -- Iranian cinema is among the very best in the world, exemplified by the works of auteurs such as Majid Majidi, Abbas Kiarostami, Jafar Panahi and Asghar Farhadi. Critics hail Iranian movies for their compelling stories about the everyday struggles of the Iranian people. No wonder some of the best Iranian movies of all time have left their mark at major international film festivals.

The most unique aspect of Iranian movies is that they offer a blend of poetic realism, emotional intimacy and social critique. The settings are natural and, often, the actors are non-professional. There is a restrained visual style, marked by natural lighting and long takes. Such features allow Iranian movies to present their narratives in a m...