In the early days of Indian cinema, poverty was often seen as a source of humor, with characters living in poverty often portrayed as simple, naive, and even foolish.

Pather Panchali (1955), directed by Satyajit Ray, is considered a landmark in the portrayal of poverty in Indian cinema. The film depicts the struggles of a poor family in rural Bengal, and is noted for its realism and its sympathetic portrayal of the characters.

In the 1960s and 1970s, poverty in Indian cinema was often depicted as a result of colonialism, industrialization, corruption, and other social and economic factors.

Deewaar (1975), directed by Yash Chopra, is known for its scathing critique of poverty and inequality in India. The film tells the story of two brothers, one of whom becomes a criminal in order to provide for his family.

In the 1980s and 1990s, poverty in Indian cinema was often depicted as a result of globalization, economic liberalization, urbanization, and other social and economic changes.

Salaam Bombay! (1988), directed by Mira Nair, is known for its realistic portrayal of poverty in urban India. The film tells the story of a young boy who runs away from home and ends up living on the streets of Bombay.

In the 2000s and 2010s, poverty in Indian cinema has been depicted in a variety of ways, including as a source of social change, a cause for social unrest, and a result of government policies.

Lagaan (2001), directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, is known for its optimistic portrayal of poverty and the power of community. The film tells the story of a group of villagers who challenge their British rulers to a cricket match in order to avoid paying taxes.

Peepli Live (2010), directed by Anusha Rizvi, is known for its scathing critique of the government's policies towards the poor. The film tells the story of a farmer who commits suicide in order to protest the government's inaction on the issue of farmer suicides.

City of Joy (1992), directed by Roland Joffé, is known for its realistic portrayal of the lives of the urban poor. The film tells the story of a rickshaw puller in Calcutta who struggles to make a living and provide for his family.

Parched (2015), directed by Leena Yadav, is known for its portrayal of poverty as a result of environmental degradation. The film tells the story of three women in rural Rajasthan who are struggling to survive in a drought-stricken village.

Article 15 (2019), directed by Anubhav Sinha, is known for its portrayal of poverty as a result of caste discrimination. The film tells the story of a police officer who is investigating a series of murders of Dalit women in rural Uttar Pradesh.

Thappad (2020), directed by Anubhav Sinha, is known for its portrayal of poverty as a result of gender discrimination. The film tells the story of a woman who is struggling to cope with the aftermath of being slapped by her husband.

The Kashmir Files (2022), directed by Vivek Agnihotri, is known for its portrayal of poverty as a result of religious discrimination. The film tells the story of the Kashmiri Pandit genocide in the 1990s.

Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), directed by Anurag Kashyap, is known for its portrayal of poverty as a result of political corruption. The film tells the story of two rival gangs in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, and their involvement in the coal mafia.