Here's my list of top 20 most awaited movies from 2012 :

P.S - The release dates are subjected to change.

Kahaani (March 9)
directed by Sujoy Ghosh, starring Vidya Balan

Based in Kolkata, story of a woman, who is pregnant and is in search of his husband. Vidya Balan looks impressive in its trailer, could be another of her powerful performances.


Shanghai (In between March - June)
directed by Dibakar Banerjee, starring Abhay Deol, Emraan Hashmi, Pitobash, Kalki Koechin

A political thriller about the rise of common man. The abhay-emraan due makes this one special, Dibakar told in a interview that these two have given powerful performances. Also, wonder if Kalki is once again paired against Abhay or not. 


Agent Vinod (March 23)
directed by Sriram Raghavan, starring Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor

A spy movie with a fantastic trailer. Some good humour with action and thrill on cards. Expectations high from Sriram whose last two films Johnny Gaddar and Ek Haseena Thi were loved by cinema lovers.

Ferrari ki Sawaari (April 27)
directed by Rajesh Mapuskar, starring Sharman Joshi

Vidhu Vinod Chopra production film, and Sharman Joshi in male lead. Vidya Balan's item number would add to the film's appeal. Also, the theme would be new, expecting something creative and fresh from it. It might be Sharman's first solo success.

Gangs of Wasseypur (May)
directed by Anurag Kashyap, starring Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin, Shabana Azmi, Piyush Mishra

The film deals with coal mafia, based on Surajbhan Singh, the Bihar politician convicted for Murder. The theme may interest Gulaal lovers especially. Manoj and Shabana are powerful actors, and one can expect Anurag to handle them perfectly. Plus, Nawazuddin has been praised a lot by Anurag on twitter, so looking forward to his acting.

Jannat 2 (May 4)
directed by Kunal Deshmukh, starring Emraan Hashmi, Randeep Hooda, Esha Gupta

The trailer would be out in a week or two. I loved its earlier part, this time also the main theme is about Emraan believing in earning money quickly by any means. Randeep Hooda has risen as a actor ever since Once upon a time in Mumbai. And Esha would look to impress in her debut.

Dangerous Ishq (May 11)
directed by Vikram Bhatt, starring Karishma Kapoor, Jimmy Shergill, Rajneesh Duggal

Comeback film of Karishma kapoor, where she essays 5 different roles with the film based on 5 generations over past lives in 15th century. Vikram bhatt may impress a lot in one film and totally dissappoint in another. I hope Rajneesh has a substantial role in the film with Jimmy also there. Also, Himesh Reshmmiya has given the music.

Talaash (June 1)
directed by Reema Kagti, starring Aamir Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Kareena Kapoor

A murder mystery, the trailer didn't reveal much which is quite good. 3 powerful actors, and Reema got enough praise for her directorial debut Honeymoon travels pvt ltd. Also, music by Ram Sampath after Delhi Belly would be something to watch out for.

Rowdy Rathore (June 15)
directed by Prabhu Deva, starring Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha

2nd film of Prabhu after 'Wanted', and its again a action film. It could be the film that could re-define Akshay Kumar's career. Also, a chance to see how good the chemistry is between Sonakshi and Akshay.. as they will be seen later in 'Joker' also.

Barfi (July 13)
directed by Anurag Basu, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ileana d Cruz

Modern Charlie chaplin who cant talk or listen, a comedy film that could be one of best of year if its well presented. Kites failed but I loved it and Basu always has been one of my favs director. The buzz of the trailer is, that the movie would be anticipated by everyone once its trailer is out. Ranbir-Priyanka chemistry was missing in Anjaana Anjaani, one hopes they are sizzling this time around. Also, south actress Ileana makes her hindi debut with this film.

Ek Tha Tiger (August)
directed by Kabir Khan, starring Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ranvir Shorey

Salman Khan plays the role of a undercover agent of Indian Intelligence Agency. The film's action sequences are told to be inspired from Bourne Series. Also, Salman-Katrina were last seen in Yuvvraaj that didn't work. Kabir Khan is known for hard-hitting films in his own way, I expect different action film than the usual Salman films we have got accustomed to now.

Raaz 3 (August 31)
directed by Vikram Bhatt, starring Emraan Hashmi, Bipasha Basu, Jacqueline Fernandez

The film explores the horror of the human heart. Emraan-Bipasha paired for first time against each other. Both the previous raaz versions are close to me because of personal reasons. Hence, this also becomes a highly awaited film for me. Vikram Bhatt had directed 1st part, Mohit did the 2nd one, and now Vikram gets to direct again.

Heroine (September)
directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, starring Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Randeep Hooda

The journey of a girl to stardom and what follows after that. Aishwarya was officially going to do it, but pregnancy made her leave the film. Kareena Kapoor is in right hands to give good performance, only thing is that Will Madhur form a screenplay that's different from Fashion as the main theme is holding some resemblance.. I am sure, once the trailer comes out.. these negative vibes will end. If the film works, Kareena could win best actress awards in 2013 everywhere.

Aiyya (September 28)
directed by Sachin Khandelkar, starring Prithiviraj, Rani Mukherjee

A anurag kashyap production, and remake of south film 'Arya', Prithivaj to make hindi debut. The story is about a Tamilian painter falling in love with a Maharashtrian girl. The name 'Anurag' always increases my expectations.

Lootera (October 26)
directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, starring Ranveer Singh, Sonakshi Sinha

Its his 2nd film after the much praised 'Udaan'. Ranveer plays a character who is fond of Dev Anand. A film set in 50's backdrop, as both Ranveer and Sonakshi fall in love under strange circumstances. Also, first film for Ranveer outside yashraj banner.

Yash Chopra untitled next (November)
directed by Yash Chopra, starring Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma

Yash chopra returns to direction after more than 5 yrs, last being Veer Zaara. Shahrukh-Katrina together in a movie for first time.. A R Rahman music and Gulzar lyricist.. its a total powerful cast and crew. But, the question remains, will Yash Chopra make a love story he has made in past and make today's youth bow down to it, or will he bow down and make a film that today's youth likes. I hope its the former, with mix of latter.

Once upon a time in Mumbai 2 (No date fixed yet)
directed by Milan Luthria, starring Akshay Kumar

There is no declaration of rest cast yet, the film is a sequel to the original one, as the story continues further. Akshay plays the character Emraan played, i.e Dawood. Its set in 80's and shows the rise of the evil prince to turn the king of Underworld. I loved the 1st part, very stylish and great punchlines. Expecting Milan to get in my good books again after dissappointing in The Dirty Picture.

Matru Ki Bijlee ka Mandola (No date fixed yet)
directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, starring Imran Khan, Anushka Sharma, Pankaj Kapur, Shabana Azmi

To work with a talented director would be blessing in disguise for Imran only if he takes this opportunity. Vishal has in past brought the best out of actors in his films like Saif in Omkara or Shahid in Kaminey. It also would be test of Anushka Sharma, as females in past have had key roles in vishal's films. To see Pankaj and Shabana together in a film, just increases the craze. Also, not to forget the music would be by Vishal Bharadwaj.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (No date fixed yet)
directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, starring Farhan Akhtar

Another ambitious film it would be for Farhan as a actor. Plus, he has yet to give a hit as solo actor.. this could be it. A story on legendary athelete 'Milkha Singh' , the theme reflects 'zindagi se bhaago nahi, zindagi ke saath bhaago'. The music would be by A R Rahman.

Sudhir Mishra's next (No date fixed yet)
directed by Sudhir Mishra, starring Arjun Rampal, Chitrangada Singh

Chitrangada plays a ambitious woman who accuses her boss Arjun for sexual harassment, whom she loves. Slight deja-vu of Aitraaz, but I am sure the treatment would be different, and so would be the ending.


Some of the other notable films that could surprise this year are :

• 1920 Evil Returns (directed by Bhushan patel, starring Aftab, Tia,Vidya Malvade)
• Blood Money (directed by Vishal Mahadkar, starring Kunal Khemu, Amrita Puri)
• Bol Bachchan (directed by Rohit Shetty, starring Abhishek,Ajay, Asin, Prachi)
• Chaar Din ki Chandni (directed by Samir Karnik, starring Tusshar Kapoor, Kulraj Randhawa)
• Chashme Buddoor (directed by David Dhawan, starring Ali Zafar, Siddharth, Divyendu)
• Cocktail (directed by Homi Adajania, starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone)
• Dabangg 2 (directed by Arbaaz Khan, starring Salman Khan, Prakash Raj, Sonakshi Sinha)
• Department (directed by Ram Gopal Verma, starring Amitabh, Sanjay, Anjana, Rana, Naseeruddin)
• Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (directed by Shakun Batra, starring Imran, Kareena)
• Ek Deewana Tha (directed by Gautham Menon, starring Pratiek, Amy)

• Go Goa Gone (directed by Raj Nidimoru, Krishna DK, starring Saif, Kunal Khemu, Vir Das)
• Housefull 2 (directed by Sajid Khan, starring Akshay, John, Ritiesh, Asin, Jacqueline)
• Joker (directed by Shirish Kunder, starring Akshay, Sonakshi, Shreyas, Minnisha)
• Khiladi 786 (directed by Ashish R Mohan, starring Akshay, Himesh, Ileana)
• Kismat, Love, Paisa, Dilli (directed by Sanjay Khanduri, starring Vivek Oberoi, Mallika Sherawat)
• Kunal Kohli's next (starring Shahid Kapur, Priyanka Chopra)
• Kya Super Kool Hai Hum (directed by Sachin Yardi, starring Tusshar, Ritiesh, Neha, Sarah)
• London Paris New York (directed by Anu Menon, starring Ali Zafar, Aditi Rao Hydari)
• Milan Talkies (directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, starring Pratiek Babbar)
• Race 2 (directed by Abbas Mastaan, starring Saif, Anil, John, Deepika, Jacqueline)

• Rock the Shaadi (directed by Navdeep Singh, starring Abhay, Genelia, Preeti Desai)
• Shootout at Wadala (directed by Sanjay Gupta, starring John, Anil, Tusshar)
• Son of Sardar (directed by Ashwini Dhir, starring Ajay, Sonakshi, Juhi, Sanjay)
• Student of the Year (directed by Karan Johar, starring Siddharth, Varun, Ali, Rishi, Sanjay Dutt)
• Tezz (directed  by Priyadarshan, starring Ajay, Zayed, Kangana, Anil, Boman, Sameera)
• Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (directed  by Ayan Mukherji, starring Ranbir, Deepika)
• Paan Singh Tomar (directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, starring Irffan Khan, Mahie Gill, Nawazuddin)
• Maximum (directed by Kabir Kaushik, starring Sonu Sood, Naseeruddin, Neha, Vinay, Anjana)
• Hate Story (directed by Vivek Agnihotri, starring Gulshan Devaiya, Paoli Dam, Nikhil Dwivedi)
• Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (directed by Sameer Sharma, starring Kunal Kapoor, Huma)

Also, I hope 'Its my Life' and 'Mumbai Cutting', pending since 2008 release this year.

Since I have started watching English films a lot too now, so here's my list of Hollywood films that I am waiting for the most (not sure if they would release in India, this year only.. so feel free to correct)

Dark Knight Rises (July)

I haven't seen the 1st part, but the 2nd part with the 'Joker' character is one of my most fav. The trailer was very impressive, plus Nolan is well known for keeping screenplay in such a way that you could keep thinking over week's what the ending was.


The Bourne Legacy (August)

I was dissappointed to know that Matt Damon won't be in this 4th part. He was spectacular in the first three parts. The action sequences, background score, engaging screenplay and Damon were the reasons for success of earlier parts. It would be a test for 'The Bourne Legacy' to repeat it without Damon in the film. 


Skyfall (November)

Read in a interview that its a bond film. A confession : I have not seen a single bond film. This could be my first, as spy films I enjoy watching a lot.


Django Unchained (Dec 25)

Tarantino to explore racism and slavery, with Leonardo di caprio. It's clearly one of most anticipated films for me. I guess they both haven't worked together yet. Expect another stylish film from Tarantino. 


The Great Gatsby (December)

A leonardo di caprio film playing the lead 'Gatsby'. Another film based on a novel, I just hope it turns out much better than J.Edgar did. Also, there is a talk that Amitabh Bachchan might play special appearance or cameo in the film.



I hope 2012 lives upto the expectations from the biggies, as more often than not.. these biggies turn out to be  bad experiences. Looking forward to see each and every film mentioned in this blogpost. Bring it on!

------
Yash.