156 Refreshing Hindi films since 2001 (Period : Jan'2001 to July'18) [This List is updated every month]
To the global audience Hindi films are mainly reflection of unreal scenarios with escapist songs-dance soaked in melodrama. And most of the blockbusters with big stars follow the same trend.. Amidst all such films the multiplex culture had given birth to new kind of cinema which explores various kind of genre and the treatment is different. Some even merged the concept of commercial & parallel cinema - thus making a films which are different yet entertaining in their own way.. And yes each one of them has its own set of audience.
If I start with my all-time favourite films the list would have been an unending one. So I decided to start with year 2001, the time from when the gap between art and commerce reduced to an extent letting new talented directors to experiment.
From now on with each passing month I will be ADDing on to the list.
[List is randomly done, not in any order of preferences/ranking]
If I start with my all-time favourite films the list would have been an unending one. So I decided to start with year 2001, the time from when the gap between art and commerce reduced to an extent letting new talented directors to experiment.
From now on with each passing month I will be ADDing on to the list.
[List is randomly done, not in any order of preferences/ranking]
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155 titles
- DirectorVikramaditya MotwaneStarsRajat BarmechaRonit RoyManjot SinghExpelled from his school, a 16-year old boy returns home to his abusive and oppressive father.Nominated in Cannes film festival this masterpiece marks the directorial debut of Vikramaditya Motwane (co-written Udaan with The Anurag Kashyap). A heart warming tale of a young boy and his relationship with his abusive father and little step-brother, the movie is an eye-opener to harsh realities behind our so called glorious Indian societies with family values and all blah blah blah
- DirectorAnurag KashyapStarsKay Kay MenonPawan MalhotraAditya SrivastavA film about the investigations following the 1993 serial Bombay bomb blasts, told through the different stories of the people involved --police, conspirators, victims, middlemen.A rare brilliant docu-thriller made in Hindi (by talented Anurag Kashyap) on the 1993 serial Bombay Bomb Blast. This film was banned for many years before it got released in 2004
- DirectorAamir KhanAmole GupteStarsDarsheel SafaryAamir KhanTisca ChopraAn eight-year-old boy is thought to be a lazy trouble-maker, until the new art teacher has the patience and compassion to discover the real problem behind his struggles in school.Often a film comes with a sensitive message and sways away the crowd. TZP is one-such masterpiece. Perfectionist Aamir Khan's directorial debut (Story by Amol Gupte) has its heart in the right place as he tells the story of a dyslexic child who is misunderstood by the world. There are many such Ishan in the real world and thanks to Aamir's execution the message is beautifully conveyed.. But yes some intellectuals do complain about unnecessary emotions shown in few sequences but then that helped in connecting with masses.. Personally "Maa" used to be one of my all time favourite song and now recently after losing my mother I feel could feel Joshi's lyrics "..yun toh main dikhlata nehi par teri parwa karta hoon mein maa.."
- DirectorVishal BhardwajStarsIrrfan KhanTabuPankaj KapurThe intrigue of the Shakespearean tragedy 'Macbeth' is transposed to the Mumbai underworld.This brilliant Indian adaptation of Macbeth (by versatile Vishal Bhardwaj) is a classic example of fine film making with superlative performances from Pankaj Kapoor, Irfan Khan, Tabu.
- DirectorDibakar BanerjeePravin E. BirjeStarsAnupam KherBoman IraniParvin DabasA Delhi-based retired middle-class man tries half-heartedly to get his land back from a swindling property dealer with the help of his sons and their friends.Dibakar Banerjee knows the Indian middle class very well. This film explores the plight of an Indian middle class family. The setting & dialogues are created with supreme perfection. Banerjee's successfully amalgamates comedy and drama to make his films subtle yet entertaining
- DirectorAnurag KashyapStarsAbhay DeolMahie GillKalki KoechlinAfter breaking up with his childhood sweetheart, a young man finds solace in drugs. Meanwhile, a teenage girl is caught in the world of prostitution. Will they be destroyed, or will they find redemption?Eternal tragic lover Devdas has been explored many a times in Indian cinema (in different languages) but Kashyap's contemporary adaptation is probably one of the finest representation of the story since Bimal Roy's celluloid rendition of the same.
Indian cinema is about songs and dance but this is the only film in last two decades which is rightly termed as musical with the songs helping to movie the story ahead rather being an obstacle in the narrative. Amit Trivedi (the music director) & Amitabh Bhattacharya (the lyricist) are real "find" of this movie.. "Emotional Atyachaar" has cult written all over it..
Hopefully the Johar,Bhansalis & Chopras will learn from Kashyap on how musicals should be made.. - DirectorSriram RaghavanStarsDharmendraRimi SenAshwini KalsekarPolice officers recount a tale of missing money which results in lies, deceit, betrayal and death.Since the demise of Guru Dutt (arguable the finest film maker of Hindi cinema) film-noirs were rarely tried. This superb Sriram Raghavan noir can set an example to many who wants to try this less trodden territory of Indian cinema
- DirectorAnurag BasuShubzzStarsRanbir KapoorKatrina KaifSaswata ChatterjeeJoin Jagga, a gifted teenage detective, who along with a female companion, is on a quest to find his missing father.Jagga Jasoos is a musical flight of fantasy that prompts your imagination to go wild and make you smile. Just immerse yourself in this imaginary world and you'll become a child once again.
Kudos to Anurag Basu for making a film that doesn't fall under any genre. Somewhat closest to "adventure" (which in itself is rare in Hindi), the film is in a world of its own. I wish that the film gets acceptance from its target audience so that the makers can make a series. Anyhow there's a serious dearth of good children' films in Bollywood that can simultaneously entice the adults.
Then again, the film received extreme reactions.. As a bong i got elated at the various references of Ray's classic & Tintin...
How I wish to see a sequel which might never get made :( - DirectorSriram RaghavanStarsSaif Ali KhanUrmila MatondkarSeema BiswasA woman falls for a charming and mysterious businessman. The whirlwind romance turns sour when she is framed for his underworld crimes. Now, finally out of prison she is ready for sweet revenge.A brutal thriller gets better if all the characters have shades of Grey and Raghavan's debut film had all the ingredients of that. Watch out for the performances of Urmilla & Saif.. And the climax....
- DirectorShimit AminStarsNana PatekarRevathiYashpal SharmaAn honest encounter specialist's life begins to change with the arrival of a new police commissioner who has ties with a local don.Generally police in Hindi cinema are nothing short of super-man, one man army fighting 10 goons at a time. Shimit Amin's debut film is loosely based on a real-life encounter specialist. It's a fine example of cop-gang tale in a realistic setting where both parties uses brains than brawls to get the upper hand
- DirectorVishal BhardwajStarsShabana AzmiShweta Basu PrasadMakrand DeshpandeIn a small North Indian village, Legend has it that a 100 years-old witch lives in an abandoned mansion on the village outskirts, and any person who goes inside is turned into an animal. In the same village a clever, naughty girl named Chunni (Shweta Prasad) lives with her widowed father, grandmother and her identical twin Munni, who is just the exact opposite of Chunni in mannerisms. But one day, Chunni's prank causes Munni enters the witch's mansion and the witch turns her into a hen. Chunni strikes a deal with Makdee (Shabana Azmi) that she will present Makdee with 100 hens in exchange for Munni in human form. How she manages this task forms the crux of the rest of this fun-filled children's movie.Vishal BHardwaj's directorial debut tells a fantasy story about a witch in a haunted house set in rural India and how little Munni solves the mystery unknowingly. It is a sweet honest film which entertains and thrills with a twist in the end
- DirectorVishal BhardwajStarsPankaj KapurShreya SharmaDeepak DobriyalIn a small village when a little girl's prescious umbrella is stolen, things goes wrong for a greedy tea seller who was very much interested in buying that umbrella from her.Vishal Bhardwaj's adaptation of Ruskin Bond's short story of is a treat to your visual senses thanks to Sachin Krishn’s awesome cinematography. The movie itself has many layers camouflaged within a sweet tale of sly Nandu and his desperate means to snatch away little Biniya's precious possession - the cute blue dotted umbrella.
- DirectorPrawaal RamanStarsRajvvir AroraaImaaduddin ShahNishikant KamatA brilliant student starts hallucinating after moving into a room that was occupied by another who committed suicide.One of the less known brilliant Horror film that tries to give a rational explanation to uncanny,unreal happenings in a medical college. The film also deals with psychological ragging and its long lasting impact. Go for this one. It is something you have hardly seen in hindi cinema..
- DirectorAnurag KashyapStarsJohn AbrahamAyesha TakiaParesh RawalA heavily addicted smoker is unprepared for the true price he must pay when he asks a guru's help to kick the habit.Long before Nolan's Inception our own Anurag Kashyap tried experimenting the idea of "dreams within dreams" in a surreal brilliant concept in the form of "No Smoking". Frankly this film is strictly for those who love this surreal abstract genre and loves sequences which are open to thinking & interpretation
- DirectorShimit AminStarsRanbir KapoorPrem ChopraMukesh S. BhattA story of a fresh graduate trying to find a balance between the maddening demands of the 'professional' way, and the way of his heart.Shimit Amin is a talented film maker who choses various subjects and delivers quality product. Rocket Singh is a story of an honest loser who became a big name in business because of the way he handled his business. With global companies going all over stating "customer" is our prime concern, Rocket Singh echoed the same thought but his ideologies clashed with the yesteryear business man with not-so-straight ways of running business. This movie is smart,candid and had lots of subtle message hidden beneath the simple script.Added to the story the acting are top-notch
- DirectorManish GuptaStarsKay Kay MenonArbaaz KhanRukhsar RehmanIn 1980s Bombay, a serial killer starts targeting homeless street dwellers, whilst a suspended police officer attempts to solve the case.Another under rated hindi film which is about the serial killings that happened in Kolkata & Mumbai in mid 80s. The Killer use to smash the pavement dwellers in the late night with huge chunk of stone. Though the case was never solved the director gave his own reasoning of the motive. With reliable Kay Kay in the lead, this is a chilling thriller without any side track (apart from an unwanted item song). Watch the climax where the real villain is revealed who is also a superb actor who has never got his due (till date) ...
- DirectorKabeer KaushikStarsArshad WarsiPankaj KapurMahima ChaudhryAjay Kumar the newly appointed, honest SSP of Lucknow police cracks down on the nefarious cop-mafia nexus in Uttar Pradesh, but finds a cunning and ruthless adversary in Gajraj.Another under rated superb film on UP police and how they crack down cop-mafia nexus in the state in mid 90s.Based on real events this is a fantastic piece of cinema which has gone almost unnoticed. Apart from the execution, the film also boast of superlative performances from The Pankaj Kapoor & Arshad Warsi.
- DirectorVishal BhardwajStarsShahid KapoorPriyanka Chopra JonasDeb MukherjeeThe desperate lives of two estranged twin brothers converge over missing drugs, politics, racial prejudice, corrupt cops and an unplanned pregnancy.Raghavan's Johnny Gaddar sets the noirish stone rolling which is captured by talented Bhardwaj who tried his hands at Noir with almost flawless Kaminey. Bhardwaj's masterstroke writing made this noir a perfect dark comic caper with brilliant performance from every actors in the film. And boy! how can you forget "Dhan tena" ..it became a national youth anthem in 2009 [How i wished to see Shahid Kapoor acting in more such films on dark themes as he was brilliant in Kaminey]
- DirectorDibakar BanerjeeStarsAbhay DeolParesh RawalNitu ChandraLovinder Singh, a thief now in custody and facing trial, reflects on his life of crime while the press reflect on how he managed to get away with so much before being arrested.Dibakar Banerjee knows the pulse of audience and thus his brilliant comic capers are lapped by all cine goers. Oye lucky lucky oye had something for every audience. For regular cine-goers it was indeed an entertaining comedy and at the same time it has many layers reflecting the sorry state of Indian society and its false pride
- DirectorDibakar BanerjeeStarsNushrratt BharucchaAnshuman JhaNeha ChauhanA video camcorder, a store security camera, and concealed cameras candidly expose lives in three loosely-linked tales.Dibakar Banerjee's 3rd venture was again an experiment with hand held camera rarely seen in Bollywood. With the camera being one of the characters Banerjee tells three sordid tales and takes help of humour to make them audience-friendly. The dark comedy was acknowledged by critics and lapped up by audience. LSD reflects the hypocricy, cruelty and again the false pride existing in male dominated Indian society
- DirectorNavdeep SinghStarsAbhay DeolGul PanagRaima SenManorama, wife of an irrigation minister, tasks Satyaveer to find if her husband is cheating. As Satyaveer starts investigating, he gets trapped in a web of lies and must uncover the entire truth.Hindi directors shamefully copy from their foreign counterpart but here is an example when the director gets inspired from a hollywood classic and makes a superb Indian adaptation. Polanski's all time classic dark thriller "Chinatown" is beautifully adapted in Indian context thus giving a fine thriller with a dark,morbid twist in the end. debutant Navdeep Singh should be lauded for this effort. Abhay Deol (as usual) excels in another offbeat great cinema
- DirectorKrishna D.K.Raj NidimoruStarsTusshar KapoorSendhil RamamurthyNikhil DwivediVarious residents and career-criminals face challenges in crime-laden Mumbai.Director duo Krishna Dk & Raj Nidimuro gets inspiration from Guy Ritchie kind of films as they narrates three stories in contemporary mumbai and how the stories crises-cross each other's path through some bizarre yet real sequences. Again this dark comedy is not meant for all cine goers (specially those who love Rohit Shetty or Sajid Khan's brand of humour should Avoid this).. Pitobash Tripathy is a fine new talent who rocked in this film
- DirectorRam Gopal VarmaStarsAjay DevgnMohanlalManisha KoiralaA small-time gangster named Chandu teams up with Malik, a low-level enforcer for a criminal syndicate. Together they eliminate all their enemies, becoming the most feared gangsters in Mumbai.Undoubtedly the "last" good film to be directed by Ram Gopal Verma. Loosely based on lives of Dawood & Chota Rajan, the characters looked real and there seem to be an extensive research done on the underworld
- DirectorTigmanshu DhuliaStarsJimmy ShergillHrishitaa BhattIrrfan KhanAniruddh, a law-abiding college student, in love with Niharika, gets caught up in college politics and crime and must fight it out for himself when his friend becomes his foe.This one deserves a mention due to acting of Irfan Khan in the role of the antagonist.
Also Tigmanshu Dhulia's execution of college politics in an Indian small down looked real. In the second hour the movie slipped into the land of cliché but still it is worth a watch..Jimmy Shergill & Hrishita Bhatt also excelled in their roles.. - DirectorAnurag KashyapStarsKay Kay MenonRaj Singh ChaudharyRaja ChaudharyA law student witnesses deception, homicide, and crime after being elected as General Secretary of his college.When talking about college politics how can one miss out Anurag Kashyap's Gulaal which makes a strong statement against society. This movie is also an example to movie-makers that one should not make a strong character like Ransha and kill him in the mid way. Abhimanyu Singh as Ransha is a powerhouse of talent.
The film also boast of great acting from Piyush Mishra & his strong use of words in the songs are revolution in itself.. - DirectorAmole GupteStarsPartho A. GupteNumaan SheikhAbhishek ReddyA school-teacher, who forces children to share their food with him, forbids one from entering the school until he brings his own Tiffin/Lunch-box.Amol Gupte's directorial debut is an unique tale of optimism and hope amidst adversities. The character of Stanley symbolises hope and positivity while is Khadoos teacher symbolises all such grown-up Stanleys whose childhood were devoid of love. The movie takes its own space, gradually letting you involved with Stanley's world..It might appear slow to many but it is a little gem of a film. Partho neuman as Stanley is a brilliant child actor. Amol Gupte as Khadoos did a good job...
- DirectorNila Madhab PandaStarsGulshan GroverHarsh MayarPitobashAn impoverished boy forms an unlikely and unstable friendship with the lonely son of a nobleman.This award winning film funded by NGO is must watch for everyone. The film tells the story of a village boy working in a small Tea stall and his dream to be like our then-President APJ Abdul Kalaam. Movie sends message against Child Labour & right to child education.. The end might seem to be fantasy for Chotu but there are numerous NGOs working on ground level to fulfill dreams of all such Chotus of our country. The film boast of some fine acting and good direction..
- DirectorAbhishek SharmaStarsAli ZafarPradhuman SinghPiyush MishraA reporter casts a fake Bin Laden to act in his video message to America, so he can immigrate there.In Last 12 years the comic blockbusters are all loud trashes with old gags and no novelty in stories. In such a scenario Tere Bin Laden is a huge comic relief executed intelligently. There are ample scenarios in the film which makes fun of the US intelligence and subtly the message of peace is conveyed and that also through Osama Bin Laden who epitomizes modern terrorism.. With talented actors like Piyush Mishra & Barry John this movie deserves to be seen
- DirectorSubhash KapoorStarsRajat KapoorNeha DhupiaSanjay MishraOm Shastri, a recession victim comes to India to sell his ancestors property to clear is debt. On reaching he comes to know that selling the property will make his family homeless in India. Later he is kidnapped by goons thinking a rich NRI.When Osama is there how can hindi film miss out Obama.. This intelligent cinema is about the plight of a Indian businessman in US during the time of recession. This one is a layered comedy that celebrates the courage of a common man. The movie has some hilarious sequences that stay with you long after the end credits (like the one where we see how Kidnapping has become a organized sector). All the actors were superb. Special mention of Manu Rishi & Amol Gupte in acting department..
- DirectorAnusha RizviMahmood FarooquiStarsOnkar Das ManikpuriRaghubir YadavShalini VatsaAn impoverished farmer's threat to end his life invites attention from politicians and media.This Aamir Khan production did rock at various film festivals. An honest and rare satire (apart from masterpiece Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron I hardly remember any satire in last 3 decades) on the plight of Indian farmers. Though labeled as a comedy it is one of the most shocking film on the mindset of Indians. It takes a dig on the media & multi-nationals. Though executed subtly the end is one of the saddest ones in recent cinema
- DirectorAbhinay DeoAkshat VermaStarsImran KhanVir DasKunaal Roy KapurThree struggling room-mates unknowingly become potential prey of a ruthless gangster.Another Aamir Khan production. This Indian-made-English film raised the bars of Indian comedy because of its treatment.. The film might be rejected by many for its theme but there are many who loved the way it has been filmed.. and seriously I have rarely seen a pottilicious dark comedy in Indian celluloid.. Dk Bose has been a rage after this.. :D
- DirectorShoojit SircarStarsAyushmann KhurranaYami GautamAnnu KapoorA man is brought in by an infertility doctor to supply him with his sperm, where he becomes the biggest sperm donor for his clinic.A total contrast to Delhi Belly, Vicky Donor is a clean comedy on a sensitive topic like sperm donation. A taboo theme like this can easily have crossed its line towards vulgarity but Shoojit Sircar conveyed his message smartly. The film witnesses some fine characterization seen in recent times. The relationship between Viji & her daughter-in-law is beautiful. And kudos to him for creating a character like Dr Chadda and more so for selecting Annu Kapoor to the play that role. Annu Kapoor is undoubtedly one of the most under rated finest actors of Indian cinema who should have been in a different league. He steals the show with his antiques.. Dr Chadda believes the whole world is nothing but Sperm..and can anyone deny that! ;)
- DirectorSujoy GhoshStarsVidya BalanParambrata ChattopadhyayIndraneil SenguptaA pregnant woman's search for her missing husband takes her from London to Kolkata, but everyone she questions denies having ever met him.Done with comedies Sujoy Ghosh tried a thriller about a pregnant protagonist searching for her husband in an unknown city. The film has no heroes, no item songs..infact the way the mystery unfolds is not something regularly seen in hindi cinema yet the film has become a huge hit which shows space is open for hatke treatment. Personally I felt that if the last 10mins explanations would have been omitted it could have been remembered as the "memories of murder" of India but nevertheless it is a fine thriller that keep one to the edge-of-the-seat till the "heavy" twist in the tale...
- DirectorRobbie GrewalStarsSushmita SenLucy BartholomewTushar DalviAssistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Malvika Chauhan battles time to obtain & solve the clues to solve the various murders occurring in the city.A serial-killer film with no leading men but a lady being the investigative officer, if Samay would have released now the fate of the film would have been different. In 2003 the audience weren't ready for it and specially the shocking end (by Indian standard).. If you enjoy serial killer films with a psychopath villain this is just for you..
- DirectorHomi AdajaniaStarsNaseeruddin ShahDimple KapadiaSaif Ali Khan"Being Cyrus" is a dark, comedic venture by the debutante director Homi Adajania that spins around the Sethnas - a Parsi family.Homi Adajani's debut film in english language was too heavy for Indian audience back then. Though it was just 7 years back but then people weren't ready for such dark,shocking themes with touches of surrealism. The mystery is also convoluted. Now i think there are a big segment which would have lapped the dark thriller starring Saif Ali Khan,Simeone Singh,Dimple Kapadia & Boman Irani
- DirectorRam MadhvaniStarsBoman IraniMaia KatrakAnahita OberoiA woman and her sister imagine various scenarios as they discuss revealing one's marital infidelity.In India many experimental films are made but they don't see the light of the day. let's talk is one such film which became popular after its dvd release. It is a very experimental film which might appeal to tiny section of movie goers. Starring Boma Irani it is kind of a scrap book of same incident but different reactions to its reflecting different state of human emotions...
- DirectorKiran RaoStarsPrateik Patil BabbarMonica DograKriti MalhotraThe lives of four people intersect in Mumbai: a washer-man who wants to become an actor, a banker-turned-photographer, a painter looking for inspiration, and a newly-married immigrant who journals her experiences on home video.Another experimental film and this time from a star Aamir Khan. In DG a city beautifully gets molded into the narrative and becomes a part of the story. This slice of life film boasts of some brilliant cinematography showing Mumbai in a complete different angle. Few simple stories of ordinary people gets inte connected and is elevated to a level of painting by fine camera work and haunting background score of Academy Award winning Gustavo Santaolalla .. The film was wrongly marketed by Aamir Khan and thus lead to a lot of criticism from majority cine goers.. To appreciate DG you need to be in a particular mood whereby you can connect with the slow paced proceedings. Well Deserved this film received lots of accolades in various foreign film festivals
- DirectorAshutosh GowarikerStarsShah Rukh KhanGayatri JoshiKishori BallalA successful Indian scientist returns to an Indian village to take his nanny to America with him and in the process rediscovers his roots.A film about We.The People of India. The movie is about an Indian scientist working in Nasa. After his trip to India he felt like returning back to his roots permanently and developing the nation. A well intentioned thought provoking film was not accepted by when it got released but has become popular over the time. Superstar SRK is known to play larger then life characters but here he did a restrained job as scientist Mohan Bhargava.. This Ashutosh Gowariker film influenced many India working abroad to come back to their roots to do something for it..
- DirectorManish JhaStarsTulip JoshiSudhir PandeySushant SinghA disturbing saga about male chauvinism and mistreatment of women in India.Another film on India but this one deals with the darker side of rural India. The movie was banned when it was release due to its shocking theme. Set in a small village in UP where female infanticide is rampant to an extent that there is no woman left thus forcing village men to take the help of animals to satisfy their physical need. One such family succeeds in getting a bride for one of the five sons. Thus begins the perverted brutal tale of rape and murder(s) surrounding that lady. Though people tend to ignore films on these issues but they are shocking reality of India which boast of "rich heritage & culture"..The movie will be too shocking for most but people must see this one to witness the other side of the nation..
- DirectorAnurag KashyapStarsKalki KoechlinPrashant PrakashNaseeruddin ShahA British woman faces challenges while attempting to locate her father in India.Weakest in terms of Anurag Kashyap's previous films but this film is important because of it's use of 9-D canon in hindi cinema. In terms of story it is important as Kashyap dared to bring in an incestuous angle to the thriller. Moralist would go against the film for the theme but then sexploitation of kids is rampant in the society sadly. the second episode of Satmameve Jayate showed a sad figure of whooping 57% of kids in India are subjective to sexual abuse.. I don't understand why the moralist cries foul when real themes are depicted by film makers..doesn't it shows how hypocrite we are??
- DirectorRakeysh Omprakash MehraStarsAamir KhanSoha Ali KhanSiddharthThe story of six young Indians who assist an English woman to film a documentary on the freedom fighters from their past, and the events that lead them to relive the long-forgotten saga of freedom.On one hand we find movies which talks about the problems of the nation and on other there are films like RDB which ignites the youth to fight for justice. The narrative oscillated between past & present helping in mapping the "battle" of the present day protagonists with those of freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh,Sukhdev,Rajguru,Chandrasekhar Azaad..Their was an instant connection with the youth and the film became a revolution. I remember how it helped to re-open Jessica Lal case and give her family justice.. This film has been criticized at the intellectual circuit.To them it is commercial exploitation but personally i feel films like this which can ignite the youth should be made. It's not everyday we get films like these..
- DirectorShyam BenegalStarsShreyas TalpadeAmrita RaoRavi KishanAn educated man spends his days writing letters for the varied inhabitants of his small, poor, and illiterate village, in this political and social satire.This may not be a great Shyam Benegal film still it is a good satire on the socio-political scenarios of small towns of India and how people are easily exploited for political and selfish motives
- DirectorShyam BenegalStarsVinay AnandIla ArunPankaj BerryThe film, which is about the last five years of the Indian leader Subhas Chandra's life, also includes his life's story in flashback sequences.The film was technically poor, specially the 2nd half when INA goes to war. The whole war sequence is done amateurishly but still i would recommend this film due to it's historic authenticity (atleast what i got from reading different books on Netaji).. The 1st half is beautifully done and the detailing is commendable. With history glorifying certain esteem families a courageous leader like Netaji is seriously going into oblivion whose ideologies are so relevant even today for a better future..In such a scenario I felt glad a film on him has been made ...(atleast)....
- DirectorRajkumar HiraniStarsSanjay DuttArshad WarsiGracy SinghA gangster sets out to fulfill his father's dream of becoming a doctor.In this world of hatred a messenger of love is highly appreciated and Hirani tells a heart warming story of a golden hearted goon Munnabhai (and his assitant Circuit) making them a household name. Hirani talks about the simple problems faced by a common man with precision and won hearts of million. Indeed Jadu ka Jhappi rightfully became a popular term to convey affection. Sanjay Dutt & Arshad Warsi is almost rechristened as Munnabhai & Circuit respectively :)
- DirectorNeeraj PandeyStarsAnupam KherNaseeruddin ShahVeerendra SaxenaA retiring police officer reminisces about the most astounding day of his career. About a case that was never filed but continues to haunt him in his memories - the case of a man and a Wednesday.When talking about common man one can't ignore this brilliant thriller which shows how far an intelligent common man can go to wage a war against those who try to snatch away his peaceful existence. The movie is an eye-opener to the government who feeds terrorists and criminals in the jails with the hard earn money of every common man.The movie is a must watch for everyone irrespective of one's interest in thrillers
- DirectorNishikant KamatStarsParesh RawalKay Kay MenonIrrfan KhanA moving portrayal of the 2006 train bombings in Mumbai, this Indian drama follows the interconnected stories of several strangers.One of the my favourite which talks about the plight of common man after a terrorist attack. The movie has four stories running parallel and in each we find how the life of the protagonist changes after the serial bomb blast in the local trains of Mumbai in July'2007. The film talks about the human strength and how a city stood up against all odds, never bowing down in fear in front of the masked terrorism. This national award winning film by Nishikant Kamat demands sensitive viewing from all audience (Everyone in the film gave thier best but special mention should be given to Paresh Rawal & Vijay Maurya)
- DirectorImtiaz AliStarsAbhay DeolAyesha TakiaAyesha JhulkaA boy is forced meet a girl for an arranged marriage but even though he refuses the match, they secretly become friends. As things get complicated and both get engaged to different people they realize they've fallen in love with each other.Imtiaz Ali's directorial debut became popular over the time due to its protagonist, with whom one can identify himself. The leading pair Abhay Deol & Ayesha Takia were fresh and they oozed out confidence in themselves. The realistic confused touch given to the central character made them even more lovable. The movie marked the beginning of a new director Imtiaz Ali who went on to tell love stories in his own way without going loud and melodramatic. This film also paved Abhay Deol's path to bollywood. From the first film itself he proved that he is the "thinking" Deol and is meant to do offbeat stories
- DirectorImtiaz AliStarsShahid KapoorKareena KapoorTarun AroraA depressed wealthy businessman finds his life changing after he meets a spunky and care-free young woman.Another romantic film (though not entirely perfect) which appealed to all including those like me who hate the loud K Jo & Chopra camp of romance. Like Ali's previous film here also the protagonists are real characters with whom one can identify. The bubbly chirpy Kareena in contrast to restraint quiet Shahid was an instant success adding to it the melodious songs
- DirectorNagesh KukunoorStarsAyesha TakiaShreyas TalpadeGul PanagTwo woman --different backgrounds, miles apart, and strangers to each other-- are linked by tragedy. Their new-found friendship is tested as one holds the fate of the other's husband in her hands.This Nagesh Kukunoor film starring Gul Panang & Ayesha Takia is one of his best works which is about an unique bonding between two unlikely ladies and how fate have connected them. Through different scenarios Kukunoor has softly highlighted the plight of woman in small town and how they have to suffer in names of false family pride.
- DirectorSudhir MishraStarsKay Kay MenonShiney AhujaChitrangda SinghSet in the backdrop of Indian Emergency 1975, the story revolves around 3 friends whose lives changes drastically after the turn of events.One of the best political films of last 2 decades. The film is a masterpiece in itself with a fresh take on naxalite influence in college politics and how the life of three protagonist changes forever. A must watch for serious film lovers...[Waiting for another film of this caliber by Sudhir Mishra]
- DirectorVishal BhardwajStarsPriyanka Chopra JonasVivaan ShahNeil Nitin MukeshSusanna is hungry for love and will go to any extent to find it in its purest form. In her quest for the perfect man, she gets married a number of times as each of her husband's die mysteriously.Psychedelia is something rarely explored in hindi cinema. Bhardwaj's film on a psychedelic protagonist dealt more with intricacies of the artistry than the mental condition but still it is a fine attempt. Bhardwaj goes a little abstract with the narrative which somehow gelled with the protagonist's mindset which wasn't predictable. Film has some fine acting from Priyanka Chopra & Annu Kapoor..
[It has an uncanny resemblance to the life of famous serial killer Nannie Doss of early 1900s] - DirectorSanjay M. KhanduriStarsAbhay DeolNeha DhupiaAmit MistryA comic thriller about two people who miss the last local train at 1:40 am and how missing of their train changes their course of life forever.This is quirky,dark,gory,bizzarre and rediculously funny yet the script has an unique Guy Richie-ist sense of humour that makes this Abhay Deol starrer watchable to a new segment of cine-goers who are open to such dark comedies ...
- DirectorNagesh KukunoorStarsNaseeruddin ShahJackie ShroffJuhi ChawlaThe story of a documentary movie-maker who films the reformation story of three hardened criminals within the prison walls - and in the process, finds redemption in her own life.This Nagesh Kukunoor dramatic thriller has good dose of suspense. It was in English language and there were no songs. It has dark undertone to the story about a journalist comes for news in a jail where convicts are given death sentences. There she chooses 3 characters and gradually we find a connection between their life .. and some dark truths behind them...
- DirectorTigmanshu DhuliaStarsIrrfan KhanMahie GillRajesh AbhayThe story of Paan Singh Tomar, an Indian athlete and seven-time national steeplechase champion who becomes one of the most feared dacoits in Chambal Valley after his retirement.Biographies are not successful in hindi cinema. Dhulia's Paan Singh Tomar succeeds in telling a true humane story of a soldier who became a national level athlete but then sadly became a notorious wanted dacoit. Irfan Khan injected life to Paan Singh Tomar. Even slightly dragging and repetitive second half looked more exciting due to Khan's histrionics
- DirectorRajkumar SantoshiStarsAjay DevgnSushant SinghD. SantoshThe story of a young revolutionary who raised an armed resistance against the British rule in India.Ajay Devgan brings life to fighter Bhagat Singh and that's were film succeeds. Yes many sequences were dramatized and there were some over-the-top shots but overall the research was done with precision that injected a realistic human angle to the characters (The other films on this martyr released during the same period made him look like super heroes)..
- DirectorRaj Kumar GuptaStarsRajeev KhandelwalMukesh AgrohariSupavitra BabulA doctor of Indian origin returning to Mumbai from London is forced to participate in a terrorist plot.Though the film is copied from a Philippine film, it was effective in Indian context. The story is about a who man is forced to execute a bomb blast for the sake of his own clan. This Anurag Kashyap production didn't compromise with the main theme and with two central characters (of which one is more a voice than some physical entity) the narrative kept the suspense alive. The film boast of many first timers (Raj Kumar Gupta - Director; Rajiv Khandelwal - lead actor, Amit Trivedi - Music;Amitabh Bhattacharya - Lyricist) who are established in industry and are synonymous with quality
- DirectorBejoy NambiarStarsKalki KoechlinShiv PandittGulshan DevaiahFive substance-abusing friends decide to fake a kidnapping in order to bribe a police constable for covering-up a hit-and-run accident.Another Kashyap production which marked the debut of Bijoy Nambier as director who was Mani Ratnam's assistant in many of his films. Shaitan explored the evil side of human nature and how circumstances bring out the evil within us. In terms of execution the film was more of style and could have been better but nevertheless the attempt was appreciable. Especially the Khoya Khoya Chand sequence is one which I see again and again
- DirectorSarthak DasguptaStarsAamir BashirSandhya MridulKoel PurieWhile on vacation, a bickering couple attempt to locate a rare butterfly.Even though this Sarthak Dasgupta film won accolades at many foreign film festivals it failed to get a proper release in Indian market. May be due the english language and lack of stars but for those who are interested in good cinema this one had some fine actors like Barry John, Aamir Bashir, Sandhya Mridul. The film deals with age-old relationship but it is the treatment which makes it different. It is the journey of a couple in search of that great indian butterfly and the whole film is a road-movie. The Butterfly has been rightly used as metaphor as the couple comes in terms with some basic truth about life and belonging...
- DirectorAshutosh GowarikerStarsAamir KhanRaghubir YadavGracy SinghThe people of a small village in Victorian India stake their future on a game of cricket against their ruthless British rulers.Even though the film is too linear and simple when viewed now; it indeed was a great achievement to think of such a concept way back then. And it is due to the flawless execution from set design to camera to editing to acting it was nominated in best foreign film category in the academy awards 2002.The films universal theme of human spirit clicked with audience worldwide. The "Hit" making journey for Aamir Khan production house started with Lagaan
- DirectorShimit AminStarsShah Rukh KhanVidya MalvadeSagarika GhatgeKabir Khan, the coach of the Indian Women's National Hockey Team, dreams of making his all-girls team emerge victorious against all odds.Even though it is copied from "Miracle" Chak De India hold on its own due to the theme. In a country where Cricket is worshiped Shimit Amin should be given the credit to make a film on women's hockey and that also with a bearded Srk as thier coach. This is one of the few films apart from Swades where Srk showed his "acting" side ;)
[One of my fav sequence where SRK confronts a goon holding a cricket bat and says "waise hamare khel mein chakke nehi hote" (Our game doesn't have any eunuchs unlike your game)..Wah! liked the dialogue very much.. How i hoped SRK lived up to the reel image in real by buying and promoting a hockey team rather than....] - DirectorPankaj AdvaniStarsManoj PahwaShri Vallabh VyasDevang PatelChaos follows after a hit-man's car and winning lottery ticket go missing.Much before "Ek challis ki last local" & "Being Cyrus" late Pankaj Advani attempted a quirky dark comedy with a complex narrative. The director didn’t shy away to put enough gore and violence (for Indian standard) to tell the dark story of twisted human minds full of lust and greed. Even though the film never got officially released for its theme but prints are available on net (like Kashyap’s banned dark thriller “Paanch”)
- DirectorFarhan AkhtarStarsAamir KhanSaif Ali KhanAkshaye KhannaThree inseparable childhood friends are just out of college. Nothing comes between them - until they each fall in love, and their wildly different approaches to relationships creates tension.It would have been a crime not to include Dil Chahta Hai in this list. The urban story of friendship changed the way of Hindi cinema and brought in much required freshness. Akash, Sameer, Sid & their friendship is a phenomenon now and each one of us somewhere down the line one can relate with the essence of the characters (if not their rich family background)
- DirectorBhavna TalwarStarsPankaj KapurSupriya PathakPankaj TripathiWhen a priest's wife brings home an orphan boy, her husband is against it. Over time, he develops a connection with him, but is shocked when he finds out the boy's religion.A perfect film on love and communal harmony with a superlative performance from Pankaj Kapoor (what a brilliant actor he is, as always)
- DirectorAmrit SagarStarsManoj BajpayeeRavi KishanDeepak DobriyalBased on true facts, the film revolves around 6 brave soldiers who escape from the clutches of the Pakistan Army and risk death with honour and courage with sacrifice towards their journey home.With full of jingoistic films on Indo-pak rivalry and war this under-rated film on POW has its heart in the right place. Never overtly dramatic or jingoistic this semi fictional movie is about 6 POWs and their plan to escape the prison. The film boasts of some fine acting and direction..
- DirectorVishal BhardwajStarsAjay DevgnKareena KapoorSaif Ali KhanA politically-minded enforcer's misguided trust in his lieutenant leads him to suspect his wife of infidelity in this adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Othello'.Personally I feel this was Bhardwaj's weakest of the lot but still better than many hindi films. After Macbeth now he adapts Shakespeare's Othello. His creation of mean Lyangda Tyagi oozed evil and Saif Ali Khan rocked in the role. Deepak Dobriyal excelled in his debut film.
"Beedi Jalai le" & "namak ishqak ka" are few item songs which appealed to me - DirectorAbhishek ChaubeyStarsVidya BalanNaseeruddin ShahArshad WarsiWhile on the run from goons, a man and his nephew fall for a kidnapper's seductive widow.Bhardwaj's assitant's Abhishek Chaubey's debut film had a flawed script but still i fell in love with the village femme-fatale and romanticism amidst crime. Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi were at their spontaneous best. Who can forget Gulzar's "Dil toh Bachcha hai ji" ;)
- DirectorMadhur BhandarkarStarsTabuAtul KulkarniRajpal Naurang YadavA displaced woman is forced to become a beer-bar dancer, and sire children of a gangster.As one user reviews states "disturbing yet powerful" this is probably only Bhandarkar film which is not contrived. It has shown a real darker side of Mumbai which will is shocking.
- DirectorAnurag KashyapStarsKay Kay MenonAditya SrivastavJoy FernandesKidnapping plot gone wrong when four friends plans to kidnap their own friend who accidentally got killed.After Black Friday this is Kashyap’s second directorial venture which got banned in India for some weird reason like “the film doesn’t have any social message”. Like Urf Professor this film is available on net and has been lapped by lovers of dark thrillers.. though the last 45minutes looked too hurried.
KK’s high pitched ‘Sar jhuka khuda hoon mein” still remains in my fav song list - DirectorKabir KhanStarsJohn AbrahamArshad WarsiSalman ShahidA thrilling story spanning 48 hours of five individuals linked by hate and fear but brought together by fate to finally recognize each other.Liked the docu-fiction approach of this film...
- DirectorAshok MehtaStarsArjun RampalManisha KoiralaKalpana PanditAn idealistic lawyer wants to help the poor get justice, but lacks finance, so plans to rob a bank, alongside his love interest. His black n white emotional nature, leads to an unforgivable deed, which he severely repents.Watch this film for its brilliant cinematography...
Also Late Ashok Mehta had the guts to think of such an approach of story-telling way back in 2001. At a surface level the film has a unique take on Indian judicial system and its fallacies whereby lawyers earns pots of money by saving criminals. At another level the film plays hide-n-seek with reality and illusion and how the thin line gets blurred making illusion a reflection of suppressed reality. Mehta plays with imagery in an effective fashion while he conveys his points.
The film has some good lines of which I would like to mention one that Naseeruddin Shah’s character in the film says “..saabka sach alag hote hai; sabka illusions alag hote”(Reality is different for different individuals; Illusion is different to different individuals) and that what makes our dreams and existence so unique and however we try to be in any form of relationship the fact is We are Always Isolated and Lonely... From that life of loneliness ultimate Moksha (Salvation) is Death – the eternal (and only ) truth of life... - DirectorVikas BahlNitesh TiwariStarsIrfan KhanSanath MenonRohan GroverA gang of innocent but feisty kids who lead carefree lives in Chandan Nagar colony takes on the big bad world of politics when one of their friend's life is endangered.The effervescence of uncomplicated childhood had been dexterously displayed in director duo Vikas Bahl-Nitish Tiwari’s debut “Chillar Party”. Later both went ahead individual ways making two lovely films in the form of “Queen” & “Bhootnath Returns”. In an entertain fashion the film questions the society at various level as the young guys teaches us true meaning of friendship, promise and humanity. Their mission to save the pet dog Bhidu will take the adults back to their childhood days devoid of hypocrisy and fakeness. Without revealing much about the plot-line I would recommend this film to be one of your must-watch list.
- DirectorDibakar BanerjeeStarsAbhay DeolEmraan HashmiKalki KoechlinPrime leader of a campaign against a big government project is killed in what appears to be a road accident. An IAS officer is ordered to probe the incident and the veils of falsehood begin to drop.This is one of the rare films which gives a realistic inside into corruption and power-play happening behind land acquisitions and how politicians becomes a mohra in the hands of multinational. This official adaptation of Vassilis Vasilikos Greek novel “Z” (which had been adapted to reel by Costa Gavra in 1969) had enough ingredients to be set in India. Banerjee’s fictional Bharatnagar indeed looked real. Other than direction, watch this film for some brilliant acting by the principle star cast specially Abhay Deol,Farooq Sheik & Emraan Hashmi. This movie also gives a new dimension to Emraan Hashmi’s career who is known for his hardcore commercial films. The movie brought back Bengali superstar Prosenjit to hindi cinema after two decades.
- DirectorRajan KhosaStarsNaresh SharmaMohammad SamadJayanta DasA cheeky nine-year-old boy called Gattu lives in Roorkee. The small town along with Gattu shares an obsession with flying kites and defeating the ruler of the skies above Roorkee.Children films are rare in India and films like Gattu is even rarer. This film about an orphaned street kid and his love for flying kite had every opportunity to transcendent into path of melodrama and doses of senti. Instead this sensitive film takes a realistic path and speaks about spirit of life in truest sense. Amidst big budget trash this small film (talented director Rajan Khosa’s first big screen release after getting standing ovation at various foreign film festivals) went away unnoticed but surely word-of-mouth will help in increasing its dvd sales (once that get released). Watch Gattu and fall in love with life. There are many less-privileged in our country like Gattu (infact that’s the majority) and yet their zeal for life will put every one of us in shame who complains at every petty thing in life.
- DirectorFaiza Ahmad KhanStarsShakeel BharatiFarogh JafriAkram KhanMalegaon, a small town tucked away near the heart of India geographically, is fraught with communal tension and under severe economic depression. To escape the harsh reality of their world, its people seek refuge in the fantastical world of cinema. This passion for cinema has spurred a group of cinema enthusiasts to make their own films-quirky, low budget, socially aware and notoriously funny spoofs of Bollywood films. Their ambition has grown and now they are ready to take on Hollywood and Superman. We follow them on this journey. At times funny, tragic, contemplative. Always warm and engaging. And as the film begins to take shape, through schemes and approaches that are sublimely ingenious, simply bizarre and purely hysterical, we also slowly discover Malegaon itself. A microcosm that embodies and reflects the complexities of modern small town India. Where the modern and the traditional rub shoulders, where extreme poverty and extreme wealth are neighbours, bewildering in its diversity, trapped in self-made destinies, with a spirit that can never be vanquished. The film is a tribute to that spirit, the spirit that enables The Supermen of Malegaon to make Malegaon's Superman.I haven’t seen much of documentary films. After recommendations from friends I watched this docu feature. It was brilliant. I have heard about Malegoan and their passion for films. The passion of Sheik Nazir and his team is inspiring. With limited (almost none) budget and under tough scenarios they have thrown all their energies to make a film “Malegoan ka Superman”. Too be honest these guys of Mollywood (the name of Malegaon film industry) have better aesthetics for film making than the Shettys and Sajids of bollywood. Nazir loves cinema and this passion supersedes everything but doesn't want to make it as a profession.
Watch it you won’t be disappointed. Somewhere your hidden passion and desire will come to the surface. Who knows this film might inspire many to take their passion (and hobbies) more passionately. - DirectorAnurag KashyapStarsManoj BajpayeeNawazuddin SiddiquiTigmanshu DhuliaA clash between Sultan and Shahid Khan leads to the expulsion of Khan from Wasseypur, and ignites a deadly blood feud spanning three generations.An instant cult gangster film..Gangs of Wasseypur is Godfather meets Tarantino with a desi touch of originality and you have Gangs of Wasseypur which is a brilliant docu-fiction and superb gangster film set in rural Bihar based on true incidence. Set for over a period of 6 decades this award winning 5 n ½ hour long film brings in new edges to off-repeated story of revenge. The film is raw, brutal soaked with bloody humour amalgamated with precise detailing that gives an epic dimention to this period drama of revenge. Anurag Kashyap proves that he is indeed on of the finest directors of the country. The film boast of a huge ensemble cast and each has given a superlative performance to be remembered forever. Don’t miss to buy a ticket for Wasseypur :)
[The film is commercially released in two parts in India within a gap of 2 months. That I feel was a wrong decision as it diluted the impact.. anyways experience the superb 5.5hr film at one go to feel the impact] - DirectorPrakash JhaStarsAjay DevgnGracy SinghMohan JoshiAn IPS officer motivates and leads a dysfunctional, corrupt police force of Tezpur to fight against the corrupt politician.Before falling into the traps of commercial cinema Jha made this hard-hitting cop drama which unmasked the dark realities of an Indian village (Bihar to be precise).. Based upon real facts Gangajaal exposes the brutal violent interiors much before Wasseypur came into picture..
It was also one of those pre-Golmaal days when Ajay Devgan used to be part of intense drama & he got appreciation for the same.. (How we wish to see the old Devgan again......) - DirectorUmesh ShuklaStarsParesh RawalAkshay KumarMithun ChakrabortyA shopkeeper takes God to court when his shop is destroyed by an earthquake.Omg is loud, preachy, exaggerated – yes I agree but then this is the only hindi movie (as per as my knowledge goes) which openly challenges the age-old superstitions in the name of religion. The film never shy away from telling the truth about the whole concept of religion in India which has become nothing but a thanda (business) for few fake fod-men.. The films is a war against blind faith,superstitions & rituals; a strong relevant message that needed to be told & they had done in loud commercial fashion so that it reaches to a wider audience..
Also watch Paresh Rawal & Mithunda’s performances in the film .. - DirectorGauri ShindeStarsSrideviAdil HussainMehdi NebbouA quiet, sweet tempered housewife endures small slights from her well-educated husband and daughter every day because of her inability to speak and understand English.It is the simplicity of the script and the characters which make the film more identifiable. Mrs Godvale reflects any Indian housewife (of our mother’s generation) whose value has been always underestimated in their household. Hope the time is not far away with more Godvale's understating their worth and fighting to earn back their dignity rather than letting oneself to be a subject of sympathy...
- DirectorBedabrata PainStarsManoj BajpayeeBarry JohnDelzad HiwaleSchool kids organize an armed revolt in the 1930s in British occupied Chittagong. There are casualties on both sides. Later, one of those kids successfully leads the peasants to regain their food-grains earlier commandeered by the British.Chittagong is an honest Independent compelling film that is filled with rich historical events and characters. The Chittagong uprising was earlier attempted by Gowariker but he failed to pour in the realism which debutant Bedabrata Pain could successfully do. Eric Zimmerman’s brilliant cinematography complimented Pain’s vision of recreating the history.. And this time the protagonist is a teenager Jhunku who was awestruck by Masterda’s vision and thus got attracted to the movement. It shows a new angle to freedom struggle, scanning unknown characters (yet brave) from the page of history books to reality. The film is a must watch for cine-lovers as well as history-lovers.
The film boast of finest actors of today’s times like Manoj Bajpei,Nwazuddin Siddqui,Raj Kumar Yadav,Dibyendu Bhattacharya .. And with actors of this caliber one can only expect sparkling performances on-screen.. - DirectorReema KagtiPriyamvada NarayananStarsAamir KhanKareena KapoorRani MukerjiInspector Surjan Shekhawat, who is dealing with a depressing past, has to investigate a high profile murder case, deal with his crumbling marriage and use the help and solace of a prostitute by the name of Rosie.Talaash – The film belongs to the genre of cinema Noir which is quite rare in hindi celluloid. It also has the mystique atmosphere of Raj Khosla’s era. Adding both this style Talaash becomes a fine blend of moody dark suspense drama which goes beyond a realistic police procedural film. Mohanan’s atmospheric cinematography helped to put forward Kagti’s views. The film makes us uneasy with troubling reality of Mumbai sex-workers yet there is subtle sympathetic side to the treatment. All the characters are suffering from some kind of loss and fighting their inner demons.
Having lost someone near recently I could identify with Shekhawat’s emotion and the connected myself with the debatable ending(which is getting mixed response).
Again Aamir Khan showed that he is the only star-actor amongst his contemporaries who is not willing to play safe thus after hardcore masala 3 idiots he opted for risky Dhobi Ghaat & now Talaash. Nwazuddin Siddqui is having a rocking 2012. He gave the finest performance in Talaash & the chasing sequence involving him is one of the best in recent times (at par with Khoya Khoya Chand sequence from Shaitan). Kareena Kapoor was surprisingly restrained and echoed the pain of the character she played... - DirectorAshuAshuKrishna D.K.StarsKunal KemmuBoman IraniSoha Ali KhanA gangster deputes two of his men to recover money from an out of town compulsive gambler.The director duo Raj Nidimuru-Krishna Dk have a wicked sense of humour & like many others are heavily inspired by Ritchie-Tarantino kind of film-making... Their debut film was an almost successful attempt at making Guy Ritchie like film for desi audience...
- DirectorNagesh KukunoorStarsShreyas TalpadeNaseeruddin ShahShweta Basu PrasadIqbal, the deaf and mute son of a farmer, has a passion for the game of cricket and seeks the tutelage of a washed-up, alcoholic ex-player.On public demand in my comments section I revisited Iqbal..
Indeed it should have been included in the list even though it isn’t one of the best ones around. The story of underdog winning against all had been done captivatingly but the scripts takes liberty of lots of coincidences to reach the point... Anyway a confident debut by Shreyas Talpade who got lost in the jungle of mindless comedy films post Iqbal (barring rare few like Sajjanpur).
Personally i would like to see more such films getting made on different sports other than cricket. - DirectorHabib FaisalStarsRishi KapoorNeetu SinghAditi VasudevA middle class family in India tries to buy a new car.Do Dooni Chaar is a fine little film (& the only decent work by Planman motion picture) on the struggles of a middle-class films graduation from 2-wheellers to 4-wheelers. Centring around a school teacher the film also focuses on the plight of a honest school teacher who succumbs to temptation under family pressure. The film gives a picture of the current societal degradation & makes you think, & the whole execution is done in a humorous way.
Rishi Kapoor & Neetu Kapoor Jodi comes back to the silver screen after a long gap & they were a treat to watch. Rishi kapoor was a revelation & this film kick-started his bright second innings in hindi film industry... - DirectorAditya DattStarsParesh RawalRajeev KhandelwalTina DesaiA couple is drawn into a game show with a whooping winning prize. However the game turns into more than a survival for them with no escape.<spoiler>
A simple mainstream thriller that raised a very pertinent issue of ragging in colleges which has took many innocent life... - DirectorAbhishek KapoorStarsAmit SadhSushant Singh RajputRajkummar RaoThree friends growing up in India at the turn of the millennium set out to open a training academy to produce the country's next cricket stars.Kai Po Che – a decent film adapted from a very ordinary book. Abhishek Kapoor thankfully played it realistically and in a non-didactic manner with some fine camera work, excellent back ground score, and soulful music(Amit Trivedi rocks again). There were scope of getting overtly dramatic but thankfully that didn’t happen even though the screenplay wasn’t the most perfect one. One of the pillars of this bromantic film is the Acting. The chemistry between the 3 lead actors was electrifying & looked like ‘brothers..for life”. Rajkumar Yadav, Amid Sadh & the future superstar Sushant Singh Rajput effortlessly fit into their characters. Add to it we get to see (and that is rare) one of the finest theatre actors of India Manav kaul as the shrewd political “mama”.
One major reason for appreciating KPC is its execution which is intelligent & economical film. The essence of the catastrophe & tension of the earthquake & the riot has been captured without getting over-board in terms of scale. With little background movement, shaky camera, apt background score & focusing more on the emotions of the central characters the surrounding tensions were precisely depicted. Not much of frames got wasted also. - DirectorNeeraj PandeyStarsAkshay KumarAnupam KherManoj BajpayeeA gang of con-men rob prominent rich businessmen and politicians by posing as C.B.I and income tax officers.This Neeraj Pandey’s second outing can be safely placed amongst one of the best Heist films in Indian celluloid. Based on true events the narrative was simple yet witty and one of the rare mainstream films where “wit” over-powered “muscle”. Arguably the best Akshay Kumar film till date, the film boasts of some terrific performances from ever reliable Manoj Bajpei & veteran Anupam Kher. It was heartening to see fantastic actor like Kher in a non-buffoon role after a hiatus.
Yes the film had its share of flaws. There were unwanted songs & romance angles which diluted the proceedings a bit but nevertheless an applaud-able attempt that must not be ignored. “A Wednesday” & now ‘Special 26” – looking forward to more such films from Pandey.
Special 26 - a special film indeed. - DirectorLuke KennyDevaki SinghStarsLuke KennyKirti KulhariAshwin MushranA heartbroken wildlife photographer throws himself into his work, only to find himself experiencing strange transformations.Being a fan of Zombie films I always longed for one from Hindi film industry.. Barring the cult Ramsay brother unintentional zombie horror b-grade flicks attempt wasn’t made to explore this genre. In the 100th year of Indian cinema, finally Zombie comes at mainstream level & in a bigger scale. The stage is set of Zom-Com “Go Goa Gone” but before that we had a less promoted, almost ignored zombie-origin film – “Rise of the Zombie”. This Luke Kenny directed & acted low-budget zombie film was a sincere effort on showing the transformation of a man to a zombie. For mainstream Hindi audience the film might come across too dark & gory but then it remained true to the subject. But then, it wasn’t a perfect film with screenplay getting repetitive in the second hour with some unnecessary flashback scenes. Nevertheless the effort of going beyond a zombie survival film but to show gradual transformation of a man to a flesh eating living dead is commendable.
- DirectorZoya AkhtarDibakar BanerjeeKaran JoharStarsRani MukerjiRandeep HoodaSaqib SaleemOne hundred years of Hindi cinema is celebrated in four short stories showcasing the power of film.Centenary year of cinema got a fitting tribute from Bollywood in form of Bombay Talkies.. A decent anthology of four short stories helmed by four auteur (well atleast two) of hindi cinema. The short films aren’t interconnected except for a thematic connect – Cinema which binds the life of protagonists & inspire them in certain ways.
It was a pleasant surprise to see K Jo swaying away from his larger-than-life canvas & telling an effective human drama in a realistic fashion. While Zoya’s film prompts one to follow one’s heart & dreams, Kashyap’s film bars the gaps between one’s dream & reality.
The best one of the lot is Dibakar Banerjee’s adaptation of legendary Satyajit Ray’s short story “Potolbabu Filmstar”. Banerjee gave it a surreal touch and with able support from reliable actors like Nawazuddin Siddqui & Sadashiv Amrapurkar (heartening to see him onscreen after such a long time) this short film leaves a strong impact on you.
Personally I didn’t enjoy the star studded song in the end. It looked contrived and moreover it gave an impression of “100 years of Bollywood” rather than “Indian cinema”. They could have done away with it but then in India stars sells... what to do..... - DirectorKrishna D.K.Raj NidimoruStarsSaif Ali KhanKunal KemmuVir DasA group of friends, just looking to have a good time in a rave party on a remote island in Goa, find out that the island is infested with Zombies.This director duo has the knack to make quirky, wacky comedies which they have proved with their previous films. This time they explored a totally new territory in Indian context – Zomcom. And oh boy! they were bang on target with this zombie survival comedy film with witty one-liners. GGG is the perfect torchbearer for the zom-com genre in Hindi cinema. Moreover since "Delhi Belly" the audience haven't seen a hilarious smart slacker comedy. GGG seamlessly merged the two concepts (Zombie & Slacker comedy) & made one hell of a mad ride. Go for it – you will laugh throughout & get distressed.
For zombie film lovers there are ample tributes given to some path breaking zombie films from Hollywood – from "Night of the Living Dead" to "zombieland" to “shaun of the Dead” . - DirectorRaj Kumar GuptaStarsVidya BalanEmraan HashmiRajesh SharmaA safe cracker claims he has lost his memory when two criminals come calling for their cut of the bank heist loot.The trailer gave an impression of a quirky dark comedy with an element of suspense in it. When the film got released I was hesitant to watch it due to some of the negative reviews but thanks to my confidence in Rajkumar Gupta, i gave it a try...
And i enjoyed it (almost)... As a read in some review this film indeed reminds you of Coen Brothers’ earlier films. There are no forceful anecdotes of background story of the protagonist’s memory loss but straight away moves into the point. Instead of a plot driven comic thriller the film is more character driven focussing on Sanjay (Emraan Hashmi) & how his gradual loss of memory is affecting his relationship with his garrulous wife. Also he has to deal with two goons with whom he had once looted a bank & was given the charge to keep the looted amount but he at present he doesn’t remember a bit of it.
The narrative revolves around the four characters (mainly) with audience becoming as doubtful as the other characters on Sanjay’s “forgetting” act. Well with a dragged 2nd half the final reveal is a revelation which might turn down a many. The climax was in sync with the review where Coen Brothers were mentioned & expectantly the film ends in an open note. Climax will surely divide the audience in two halves.
I agree the plot of the film was stronger than the execution but if you have a soft corner for good climax you must give it a try (provided you enjoy the climax). Kash it had been a gripping narrative throughout...
By the way Emraan Hashmi should be applauded for his choice of scripts. Once a darling of masses he really broke the barrier with Shanghai, partly ETD & now Ghanchakkar.. I just hope that he keeps a balancing act with his choices & goes on being part of more such films that caters to a different audience. - DirectorVikramaditya MotwaneStarsRanveer SinghSonakshi SinhaBarun ChandaAn aristocrat's daughter falls in love with a visiting archaeologist, but he holds a secret that could drive them apart.Looteraised Twice in theatre..I got bowled over by the sheer poetry on Celluloid. Udaan & Lootera – Motwane stamped his dexterity in using “Silence” to convey emotions. Lootera is simple, engaging, riveting, deeply moving and a timeless saga of Love that intrigues you & stays with you long after the final credits. Varun-Pakhi’s story has left a strong impression on me that the otherwise famous “inanimate” stories of Raj-Simran, Deb-Paro, Prem-Suman fails to do...
Every frame of Lootera celebrates love, longing, loneliness & that’s the beauty of it...
Never expected Dabaang girl to come up with such a matured performance.. Really I hope she does more such films like these....
(How i wished the 2nd half to have been as tightly knit as the first)
Expectantly it didn’t receive the commercial acknowledgement it deserved but nonetheless it is one of the best romantic films of the decade...
Motwane sir, Encore!! Encore!! - DirectorAnand GandhiStarsAydah El-KashefYogesh ShahFaraz KhanThe film explores questions of identity, justice, beauty, meaning and death through an experimental photographer, an ailing monk and a young stockbroker.Ship Of Theseus is a pure cinematic orgasm that will leave you craving for more. Never expected a film about Organ transplantation can be so captivating. For those who are wondering otherwise let me clarify this isn’t a pretentious intellectual masturbation with unnecessary convolutions. The philosophical paradox has been put fwd in a simple, comprehendible yet layered narrative that will capture your attention with subtle humour. There are no forced manipulations of emotion neither there is exhibition of pretentious randomness.
It is one of the most relevant films of our times that show a new pathway to lot of young film makers who wants to explore new horizons. I am Glad to see a film like this getting a mainstream release albeit few shows. Watching such a masterpiece with houseful of Cine-enthusiasts at late evening show in Fame, South City (Kolkata) was a fulfilling experience indeed....
To everyone who has a slightest love for cinema, do yourself a favour watch Ship of Theaseus.. - DirectorShoojit SircarStarsNargis FakhriJohn AbrahamRaashi KhannaAn Indian intelligence agent journeys to a war-torn coastal island to break a resolute rebel group and meets a passionate journalist.Two weeks, same city, two films – showcasing two extreme ends of rationality..Probably it is better & wiser to board off the train & enter this cafe to refresh yourself. The freshly brewed coffee will surely make you feel better.. Hopefully the brewer, John & Sircar surprises us again with something as delicious as Vicky Donor & Madras Cafe...
But having said all these Shanghai was definitely much better political thriller with more depth. Here Soojit Sircar tried to merge facts with fiction, finally coming up with a slick thriller rather than one with more political insight & conspiracy...Probably in the turbulent “filmy” times of harcore censorship & protest from various communities this was the safest option to showcase history. Even though the film wasn’t a propaganda film it did tries to elevate the image of the then PM.
Nevertheless amidst all the jawaani deewanis & various expresses, a Madras Cafe or Lootera provides me with entertainment within commercial sphere..
Btw I look fwd to see Prakash Belawadi in another film.. (He just stunned me as Bala in madras cafe). - DirectorAshim AhluwaliaStarsNawazuddin SiddiquiNiharika SinghAnil GeorgeA Hindi feature film set in the lower depths of Bombay's "C" grade film industry. Miss Lovely follows the devastating story of two brothers who produce sleazy horror films in the mid-1980s.Initially I thought that this movie would get an official release in 2012 but it didn’t :(
Then I was lucky enough to watch this film at Kolkata film Festival’2012. Oh! Boy what a film it was! The film starts in a docu-fictional manner giving us a view of C-grade hindi film industry of early 80s.Gradually the narrative focuses on two brothers (Nawazuddin Siddiqui & Anil George) who directs those semi-porn low budget horror flicks. The pace gets intensified in the second half as it moves into a Noir-ish zone..Overall Miss Love is an unusual (and rare) Indie Pulp Noir which is not to be missed.
All of us have seen and appreciated Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s talent with Kahaani,Talaash & GOW; and now with Miss Lovely one can confidently vouch for the fact that Nawaz is the best actor of current lot in Hindi film-dom. - DirectorRitesh BatraStarsIrrfan KhanNimrat KaurNawazuddin SiddiquiA mistaken delivery in Mumbai's famously efficient lunchbox delivery system connects a young housewife to an older man in the dusk of his life as they build a fantasy world together through notes in the lunchbox.Sometimes a well cooked home-made dish can be more delicious & mouth-watering than a spicy bahaar ka khana.. “Lunchbox” is one such delicious well-cooked slice-of-life film that showcases a simple tale of love, loneliness & friendship with no forced larger-than-life element, no foreign locales (for the extra spices)... This engrossing sober film is made with utmost honesty never attempting to be holier-than-thou. It is a delicately woven script about two unique individuals who are connected by loneliness & their quest for love, companionship & most importantly Happiness. In today’s race for stressful material existence “Happiness” is the biggest casualty. A character in eth film aptly puts, “..India ko apne gross domestic product nehi Gross national happiness index barana chahiye..”
Irfan sheds down his usual mannerisms & gives a notable restrained performance that demands accolades. Nawazuddin, as usual is superlative in a strong supporting role as lovable yet nagging Sheikh. Nimrat Kaur is confident as Ila & I hope she gets more meaty roles in future....
Ritesh Batra Debut’s dabba has a unique feel-good factor that deserves to get tasted... This film should open the gate for all those directors who want to experiment within the incorruptible genre of Love & have something fresh to offer...
This film should have been send to Oscars...as a film enthusiast I felt that the subject & the execution had a global appeal... - DirectorHansal MehtaStarsRajkummar RaoPrabhleen SandhuMohd. Zeeshan AyyubThe account of Human Rights lawyer Shahid Azmi, an ordinary citizen with an extraordinary commitment to justice.“Shahid” once again sealed the cliche that the biggest casualty of religious fanaticism is Humanity...
The film surely made me uncomfortable thinking about the plight of those innocent lives wrongly accused under Tada, & then judgmentally labelled as “terrorist” by media & society without digging into the facts. Not everybody had the strength & courage like Shahid to bounce back & traverse the path of justice...
Coming to the technicalities, the minimalist treatment of the subject without bombardment of dramatic dialogues for effects worked in the favour of the film. Hansal Mehta indeed made a talked about come back which deserves applaud.
Raj Kumar Yadav is simply brilliant as upright yet misunderstood lawyer Shahid who is forcibly tagged as reformed radical..He has the potential to go big...Hopefully he will be properly utilized by film-makers. Mohd zeeshan Ayub is as usual reliable..Good to see Kay kay menon in an effective cameo.. - DirectorImtiaz AliStarsAlia BhattRandeep HoodaDurgesh KumarRight before her wedding, a young woman finds herself abducted and held for ransom. As the initial days pass, she begins to develop a strange bond with her kidnapper.Thanks to Imtiaz Ali for showcasing a sensitive issue like child abuse in a dignified way & telling people (subtly, through the main protagonist) how to retaliate on the same.
This film on Stockholm Syndrome connects the victim & the abductor by a traumatized childhood thereby building a “comfort” level between them.
Ali's visually poetic road-movie brings out a tremendous performance from Alia which pleasantly surprised all cine-goers. Hooda is as usual effective & under-rated. - DirectorKamal SwaroopStarsAnita KanwarGopi DesaiLalit TiwariA carefully constructed nonsense about a teenage boy named Om in a small Indian village.The movie which actually won the filmfare critics award in 1988 but was never released officially, till Jan’14. Thanks to its release in 2014 I can gleefully put this one of the most original Hindi film ever in my list.
The film often termed as the “Great Indian LSD trip”, is probably one of the most soulfully bizarre experience I had in cinema (& the one-of-its kind in hindi cinema i guess). The mad (or genius) Kamal Swaroop’s film is a psychedelic puzzle that is almost insolvable yet the randomness of characters, incidence have steady profundity. At core the film has an anti-established theme that blazingly criticises the orthodox religious mindset, superstitions & medieval traditions while highlighting on various aspects of Science. But then everything progresses at an absurd randomness with disjoint metaphors which is majorly left to viewer’s interpretations.
(If possible be high while watching it) ;)
A baraat song sequence from this film inspired the Anurag Kashyap to come with the whole “Emotional Atyachaar” sequence in Dev D. - DirectorAbhishek ChaubeyStarsHuma QureshiNaseeruddin ShahMadhuri DixitTwo lousy crooks find paradise in the seven stages of love.This sequel to Ishqiya is a pure bliss.. This stylishly written twisted comic thriller scores with its absorbing narrative & well edged characters that keep you hooked to the proceedings & there's rich cinematography & soulful music to compliment it. With the plot revolving around poets wooing the begum you can blindly expect some captivating sher shayaris & the film scores here as well. Luckily for the ignoramus lot (like me) SUBTITLES were thrown in to grasp the "lufth" of the Urdu mehfil.
The Khalujan-Babban combo rocked as usual. To adequately support them we have the eternally beautiful Begum Para-Muniya Jodi. Their lesbian angle depicted through shadows was a masterstroke.
And then there's Vijay Raaz , one of the finest & under-utilized actors of Indian cinema who seemingly lighten up in every scene as Wannabe Nawab Jaan Mohd..
There are many sequences (including the musical climax) which will remind you of Coen brothers' classics.
To all those who complains of dearth of Good Hindi films give this a shot, you might not regret it....This is called "Intelligent Entertainment"... - DirectorVikas BahlStarsKangana RanautRajkummar RaoLisa HaydonA Delhi girl from a traditional family sets out on a solo honeymoon after her marriage gets cancelled.After the decent director duo debut with Chillar Party, Vikah Behl goes solo & gave us a tremendous gift in form of “Queen”.
"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" : Indeed there's no point wallowing in self pity and ruin yourself as EOD it’s only you who can save yourself.. Give a damn to what people say & just go, rule the world.
This unpretentious slice-of-life film (And also a rare chick flick in Hindi) is about the journey of transition from a naive, gullible, demure Rani to a confident, free-spirited Queen as she discovers herself in an alien nation. It’s never too late to grow up. A rediff review aptly summarises the film - "discover the magic of honeymoon, holiday, healing and hungama"
Such strong female characters are rare to come by and Kangana Ranaut nailed it. She deservingly getting all the praises coming her way (Looking fwd to Revolver Rani).Rajkumar rao & Amit Trivedi (in music) were brilliant as usual.