Mumbai: The year 2023 brought relief to Hindi cinema, bouncing back from a disappointing 2022 impacted by Covid, the rise of OTT platforms, and a decline in overall film quality.
Despite variations in cinematic excellence, 2023 has seen some outstanding films and performances, whether enjoyed on OTT platforms or in conventional theaters. Here is our compilation of the top ten Hindi films of the year, presented in no specific order.
Pathaan
Any Shah Rukh Khan film from the year could be included in this list (including whatever surprises Dunki may bring), or even his amusing Twitter sessions. Khan excels in whatever he does. The bollywood Baadshah made a comeback to the big screen with “Pathaan,” aiming to breathe new life into the industry. In “Pathaan,” Shahrukh takes on the role of an Indian RAW agent who uncovers a plot of major mercenary strikes against India, orchestrated by a group under the ruthless leadership of Jim. With Rubai as his sole potential ally and time ticking away, Pathaan confronts the difficult task of preventing destruction, dealing with betrayals, and facing off against Jim. “Pathaan” marked a major success as one of Bollywood’s blockbuster hits.
Jawan
While “Pathaan” featured a stylish patriot in a sleek action film, “Jawan” showed a new aspect of Khan’s star power. This rugged, outspoken, and somewhat infamous macho persona presented a compelling transformation, appearing more alluring and seductive than ever. “Jawan” offered the kind of cinematic experience that is best enjoyed in a theater, with audiences enjoying its idiosyncrasies and carefully created moments.
OMG 2
It’s a welcome change to include an Akshay Kumar film in a best-of list, considering the actor’s recent string of unsuccessful movies, despite his earnest efforts. Ironically, in a film where he assumes the role of a deity, Kumar’s casual demeanor and lively expressions take center stage. However, the success of OMG2 is credited to Pankaj Tripathi and the creators’ courageous choice to highlight a subject often considered taboo – sex education. Despite its flaws, it’s the type of film that we could gain from experiencing more frequently.
Gadar 2
“The Katha Continues” is an official sequel to the 2001 film “Gadar: Ek Prem Katha.” It’s a period action drama centered around Tara Singh, played by Sunny Deol. Tara takes on a solo journey to Pakistan in 1971 to rescue his son Jeete, held captive and tortured by Pakistani soldiers during the Crush India campaign. The characters Tara Singh and Sakeena, portrayed by Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel, return for this sequel.
12th Fail
Vidhu Vinod Chopra made a comeback with a film that, despite minimal publicity, presented a new perspective on the underdog story. Vikrant Massey delivered an outstanding performance in a movie that avoided the typical rags-to-riches narrative, focusing instead on the somewhat tragic journey of a determined man with limited options. It stands out as one of the standout acting and possibly directing performances of the year.
Joram
In Devashish Makhija’s Joram, a cop chases a culprit, but victimhood is based on identity, not intent. The law enforcers seem more worn out than the accused, making it the most political film of the year. The cinematography and direction are outstandingly pure and immersive, with an excellent performance by Manoj Bajpayee, supported by an equally impressive cast, including Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub.
Animal
Hold on a minute! “Animal” may not be everyone’s idea of wild and provocative entertainment. It sometimes goes overboard, seemingly aiming to challenge a specific group of critics. However, in all sincerity, it has provided the standout acting performance of the year. Ranbir Kapoor transitions from a tough guy to a madman in this film, hitting you in unexpected places at the cinema. Regardless of the critiques and analyses he receives, Sandeep Reddy Vanga proves he is far from a dull filmmaker.
Tiger 3
In Tiger 3, Salman Khan as Tiger and Katrina Kaif as Zoya take a daring step to protect themselves and their loved ones. Falsely accused of betraying their country by a wicked terrorist played by Emraan Hashmi, the thrilling movie has recently been released in theaters. Directed by Maneesh Sharma and produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner, the film also features Katrina Kaif, Emraan Hashmi, and Salman Khan.
Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway
This film is undoubtedly a masterpiece. Rani, in the lead role, nailed it with her outstanding performance. The story revolves around Debika, living in Stavanger with her husband Aniruddha and their children Shubha and five-month-old Shuchi. During the latest visit, two workers from Norwegian Child Welfare Services deemed the Chatterjees unfit as guardians for their kids, Shubha and Shuchi. In response, Debika decides to challenge the government to regain custody of her children. The storyline is gripping, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, making it a must-watch.
Gulmohar
Gulmohar brought together a stellar cast, with Sharmila Tagore and the ever-charming Amol Palekar, stepping into a role unlike their usual. The movie delves into urban anxieties and family conflicts within Indian joint households. It’s a graceful, elegant, and emotionally touching film, weaving a poignant tale of family connections and the impact of loss. And, of course, Manoj Bajpayee steals the scene yet again with one of his standout performances this year.
How many did you watch?