Overall, most big films of the year, except for Reema Kagti’s depth-oriented crime thriller Talaash, were not memorable, including prominent releases like Ek Tha Tiger and Rowdy Rathore.
Focus on the impressive selection of impactful films by directors Tigmanshu Dhulia, Shoojit Sircar, Anurag Kashyap, Gauri Shinde, and Sujoy Ghosh.
If a person unfamiliar with Bollywood films were to watch them, they would be surprised to find that the industry offers more than just formulaic productions.
Paan Singh Tomar is highly praised, particularly for its rawness and authenticity, showcasing powerful performances. The film, featuring Irrfan as a national-level athlete turned dacoit, left a strong impact on viewers, despite struggles for release.
Ayushmann Khurrana’s debut film, directed by Sircar and featuring a script by Juhi Chaturvedi, revolves around a sperm donor who must keep his role a secret, impacting his relationship with Yami Gautam. The film marked a significant breakthrough for conservative Bollywood by addressing the taboo subject of sperm donation and sexual acts, showcasing Khurrana’s compelling performance alongside Gautam’s natural portrayal.
Anurag Kashyap’s films GOW 1 and 2 rank highly in his filmography and are among my favorites. The films successfully span several decades and various characters over five hours, maintaining momentum through vibrant songs, dialogues, and performances. Manoj Bajpayee shines, supported by Pankaj Tripathi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Piyush Mishra, and Tigmanshu Dhulia, whose iconic line “tumse na ho payega” resonates strongly.
Kashyap claims he now ‘hates’ his film due to expectations for him to replicate past work. His latest film, ‘Nishanchi’, may seem reminiscent of ‘GOW’, yet it is distinct and requires viewing both parts consecutively to understand its direction.
Gauri Shinde’s film English Vinglish marks Sridevi’s return, portraying a middle-aged housewife, Shashi Godbole, who discovers her own identity and navigates a near-romantic relationship outside her marriage. The story resonates with audiences, highlighting the sacrifices many women make for their families. Sridevi’s performance, along with Adil Hussain as her husband, is particularly commendable.
Sujoy Ghosh’s film Kahaani features Vidya Balan as a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata. The film, known for its well-executed thrills and surprises, is supported by performances from Nawaaz and Parambrata Bhattacharya, with a climax that remains unexpected.
Hansal Mehta’s film Shahid, inspired by the life of the lawyer Shahid Azmi, marked a significant comeback for the director with Rajkummar Rao delivering his best performance. The film notably features a Muslim protagonist, a rarity in contemporary Bollywood cinema.
The film “Ship Of Theseus,” directed by Anand Gandhi and produced by Sohum Shah, stands out as a unique indie endeavor. Despite Gandhi’s experience writing for mainstream serials, the film reflects an independent spirit, earning support from Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan. This blend of independent and mainstream cinema has occasionally revealed exceptional films, with Rao remaining a strong advocate for distinctly different works.
