New year has only one meaning in my life, it brings hopes of some great movies which may become memorable forever. Hoping the hindi films are much better than they were last year…
Here’s my list of top16 movies that I can’t wait to watch in theatres..
P.S - The release dates are subject to change.
Badlapur (Febuary 20)
directed by Sriram Raghavan, starring Varun Dhawan, Yami Gautam, Divya Dutta, Huma Qureshi, Vinay Pathak
Plot :
A crime drama about a happy man’s life that changes into an unstable emotional state. He now seeks revenge for his wife and son who get killed in a bank robbery.
What To Look For :
Going by its trailer, one expects Sriram to be back in form this time around after the debacle of ‘Agent Vinod’. Plus, we finally get to see Varun in a different grey role which will test his acting skills a lot more. I didn’t quite liked his dialogue delivery in trailer, but sometimes such feel comes when you are not used to see the actor in a never seen before role (Remember Ritesh in Ek Villain, had similar views after watching trailer and now I am in awe of his performance). If he’s good, then his scenes with Nawazuddin would make for excellent watch. And it seems a long time since I last saw Vinay Pathak in a movie. Expecting Sriram to deliver a exciting revenge drama, and needless to say I would want atleast one half of movie with that bearded look (don’t disappoint like Haider), and some insane stuff including violence like the shot where he repeatedly uses hammer to kill someone. Also, the first music album this year which maybe top notch, with composers Sachin-Jigar (though I didn’t like their work in Happy Ending), Jee Karda is already a song I can’t stop playing everyday, Jeena Jeena was a disappointment though.
Detective Byomkesh Bakshi (April 3)
directed by Dibakar Banerjee, starring Sushant Singh Rajput
Plot :
War torn Calcutta of 1940’s in the middle of 2nd world war, the movie showcases Byomkesh at his first adventure as detective where he has to fight against most villainous criminal out to destroy the world.
What To Look For :
Unfortunately, this didn’t release last year, so once again enters my list. With Dibakar at helm of direction and Yash Raj to give him better production values, expect the expected from him. Looking at the trailer, one can easily bet on it not to disappoint. Its been a while since last solo movie for Sushant (Shudh Desi Romance), he has a chance to outshine his fellow competitor Ranbir whose Jagga Jasoos comes this year too. Based on popular serial written by Sharadindu Bandopadhyay, this is easily a film that I have an eye on to be my most fav hindi detective movie. Also, look out for the music by Sneha, the piece used in the trailer is highly intriguing.
Piku (April 30)
directed by Shoojit Sircar, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan
Plot :
A comedy drama on father-daughter relationship.
What To Look For :
When you have cast of Amitabh, Deepika and Irrfan working together, then you don’t really need any other reasons to watch this movie. And then you are told its directed by Shoojit whose 2 movies till now Vicky Donor and Madras Cafe have been very well-made movies. Could be a hat-trick of good movies for him, and we would definitely love that.
Bombay Velvet (May 15)
directed by Anurag Kashyap, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Karan Johar, Raveena Tandon
Plot :
Set against backdrop of ambition, love, greed, and jazz, it is the story of one ordinary man who goes against all odds and forges his destiny to become a ‘Big Shot’.
What To Look For :
Ranbir Kapoor playing the role of a boxer, describes this movie as the ‘Titanic’ of his career. Karan Johar in a never seen before villainous role, jazz music composed by Amit Trivedi, Raveena Tandon in a cameo that has a important part in movie and Thelma Schoonmaker as editor (she has edited many Scorsese movies in past). Anurag has created Mumbai of 60’s while shooting in Sri Lanka. The movie is termed as Kashyap’s biggest budget movie till date, and after delivering with Ugly recently, and looking at his track-record of exceptional dark realistic movies, one has to be excited to see how well he goes. I am definitely banking on Bombay Velvet to be his best film of career, and maybe best of 2015.
Dil Dhadakne Do (June 5)
directed by Zoya Akhtar, starring Farhan Akhtar, Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah
Plot :
A dysfunctional punjabi family on a cruise trip trying to bond with each other.
What To Look For :
Can’t recollect when was the last time I saw a hindi movie on this topic, must have been for sure. How much I love the film will be directly proportional to how Zoya completes all character’s fights among each other, I would prefer her to leave some un-solved. Her all 3 directed films (short one in Bombay Talkies), have been praiseworthy stuff, and she again has a big cast on her side. Specially keen to see the bro-sis bonding between Ranveer and Priyanka (if I am correct). Also, watch out for Shankar Ehsan Loy who again pairs with Zoya as composers, their work was good last time around in Zindagi na Milegi Dobara.
Hamari Adhoori Kahaani (June 12)
directed by Mohit Suri, starring Vidya Balan, Emraan Hashmi, Rajkumar Rao
Plot :
Inspired by a real life love triangle between parents of Mahesh Bhatt and his stepmother.
What To Look For :
Mohit Suri has yet to impress me fully ever since Awarapan, he has shown signs of it though in his last few films. Keen to see how he handles the love-triangle, his movies often have the emotional feeling in it. Would prefer Rajkumar Rao to have equal screen presence as other two stars. Also, Vidya and Emraan both haven’t done films in past 2 years that can be talked highly of. Won’t be wrong to say that the music of this movie would be more anticipated by many including me, as Mithoon-Ankit would again be at helm of composing, they have given 2 back to back outstanding albums with Suri already, ‘Aashiqui2' and 'Ek Villain'.
Brothers (July 31)
directed by Karan Malhotra, starring Siddharth Malhotra, Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Jacqueline Fernandez
Plot :
The youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home, where he’s trained by his father for competition in a mixed martial arts tournament - a path that puts him on a collision corner with his older brother.
What To Look For :
Its official remake of Hollywood movie ‘Warrior’, which I haven’t seen yet, will probably watch by the time trailer of Brothers arrive. The plot might change as per indian requirements, but if they keep the main story intact then this calls for a very interesting movie. Give a movie where Akshay isn’t doing comedy, and it will immediately catch my eye. Siddharth-Akshay brother drama would be great to see too, Siddharth hasn’t disappointed me in a single movie yet. At present only Jacqueline looks the weak link, her romantic plot might intervene with main story. Plus, I didn’t like Karan Malhotra’s version of Agneepath at all, and now his 2nd movie is also another remake. If he doesn’t make the screenplay highly melodramatic (which it can become), then I think this movie will work.
Fan (August 14)
directed by Maneesh Sharma, starring Shahrukh Khan
Plot :
A die-hard fan wants to meet his idol superstar whom he worships.
What To Look For :
Similar plot was last time shown in one of the short movies of Bombay Talkies (Anurag Kashyap one). It would had been better if the superstar role wasn’t played by Shahrukh unless Maneesh makes sure he doesn’t go over the top which he can in that character. I am more keen to see how he does in the main role i.e the one who plays the Fan. Hollywood’s make up artist Greg Cannom is giving a new look to Shahrukh. Among his 3 films, only Ladies vs Ricky Bahl was a let-down by Maneesh. His films mostly are real with a subtle humor touch to it. Finally, a Shahrukh movie that might appeal to me.
Phantom (August 28)
directed by Kabir Khan, starring Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif
Plot :
Two secret Indian agents try to combat global terrorism, a counter-terrorism drama film set post the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.
What To Look For :
The movie is based on unreleased book of Hussain Zaidi. Interestingly, Kabir’s 4th movie in a row that is based on terrorism. As a director he has shown his flair in his all past movies, though he faltered giving romantic plot more importance in Ek Tha Tiger. If he keeps that aside here, then this could be the film that brings Saif’s career back to track whose last noteworthy performance was in Go Goa Gone. Katrina had some great stunts last time in Kabir’s film, so expecting some more again.
Shandaar (September 4)
directed by Vikas Bahl, starring Shahid Kapur, Alia Bhatt, Pankaj Kapoor
Plot :
Two insomniacs fall in love in the middle of a larger than life wedding during long, sleepless nights.
What To Look For :
The film is told to be India’s first destination wedding movie, with a fresh young pair of Shahid-Alia. After excellent work in Haider, this could be a very good follow up for Shahid, to work with Queen fame director Vikas Bahl. The plot is pretty straightforward just like Queen was, again upto how well can Vikas make the screenplay appeal. For 1st time we will see Shahid-Pankaj together in a film, and the music will be once again by Amit Trivedi. So, plenty to look forward to.
Jagga Jasoos (September-October)
directed by Anurag Basu, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Govinda
Plot :
A teenager detective with his assistant girlfriend, searches for his missing father.
What To Look For :
A musical movie where characters converse through songs and minimal dialogues, when did that happen last time in our movies, I don’t remember if it even happened. But then this concept I didn’t like much in Hollywood’s Les Miserables. Still, gonna give it a go because its Ranbir-Anurag-Pritam teaming up again after Barfi. Pritam this time is giving us around 20 songs to listen. If the movie doesn’t work, surely the songs would be worth it.
Wazir (March-July)
directed by Bejoy Nambiar, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Aditi Rao Hydari
Plot :
Two players are engaged in a tense game of chess, one is disabled and other is ATS Officer. One tries to decipher the story of the other’s death through the moves in the game. By the end of the game, the player is changed forever.
What To Look For :
From the looks of the teaser, this one looks to be a intense drama thriller. Plus, like his last two movies, Shaitan and David, you can expect stylish film-making from Bejoy and very good music too as the background score in teaser is very captivating. Amitabh playing disabled chess master, while Farhan an ATS Officer, even if the film doesn’t live upto the expectations, these two actors won’t disappoint.
Raees (September-December)
directed by Rahul Dholakia, starring Shahrukh Khan, Mahira Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Plot :
A crime drama based on illegal liquor trade in Gujarat, and the modus operandi of real life gangsters, bureaucrats, politicians and police officers spanning the last two decades.
What To Look For :
The film is loosely based on real life incidents, with Shahrukh playing a bootlegger probably essaying the role of Abdul Latif (not confirmed), who was the underworld king of Gujarat in late 80’s. Meanwhile Nawazuddin plays cop who is after him. Mahira whose performance in pakistan movie ‘Bol’ was highly satisfying, will be seen opposite Shahrukh in her debut indian movie. Shahrukh has played these kinda of roles previously, Don series to be precise, with Farhan as producer and trustable director in Dholakia, one may expect a lot from this movie. And Ram Sampath-Javed Akhtar duo could give a good music album to listen too.
Fitoor (no confirmed date)
directed by Abhishek Kapoor, starring Aditya Roy Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Rekha
Plot :
A story of love lost and realized over the course of two generations.
What To Look For :
Its an indian adaptation of Charles Dickens classic ‘Great Expectations’, where Aditya plays an artist, and katrina his muse, and Rekha plays character of Begum. Some wonderful locations of Kashmir would be seen with 1st schedule of shooting happening there. Starcast is slightly weak to my liking, but trust on Abhishek is there whose last two films Kai Po Che and Rock On have been really good.
Nyodda (no confirmed date)
directed by Meghna Gulzar, starring Irrfan Khan, Konkana Sen Sharma, Neeraj Kabi, Tabu
Plot :
Based on real life events of Aarushi Talwar murder case.
What To Look For :
That case was as much a big news, as the Jessica one was. A article says that the movie has backing of Talwar’s and the movie will be from the parents point of view pleading for their innocence. Personally, I still believe there was no full proof to say Aarushi was killed by her parents (I may be wrong). This film will most likely with its excellent cast help us witness the emotional breakdown a parent would go through when being accused of killing their own daughter. Only question is, if Meghna Gulzar good enough to make the good material work on screen or not, as not seen her past films. Neeraj Kabi and Konkana play parents of Aarushi while Tabu her aunt in a supporting role perhaps. Irrfan will be in main officer investigating role. And look out for Vishal Bharadwaj’s music with Gulzar penning the lyrics.
Tamasha (December 25)
directed by Imtiaz Ali, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone
Plot :
A nomad who entertains people while on his travel and likes to spread happiness, meets a girl in streets of Corsica who is a fan of French comics Asterix and has come for one of its trials. Both share their love for same comics and adventure, and head out exploring life.
What To Look For :
This could be perfect casting in a Imtiaz Ali movie ever, Ranbir-Deepika in lead, Rahman’s music, Irshad Kamil’s lyrics (Rockstar magic to repeat?). Imtiaz movies always have got those vulnerable moments that amazes you like hell, he knows how to use them, and then he entertains you too. What happens after both Ranbir and Deepika fall in love, is the Imtiaz territory which I wanna see as to how different it is this time. His highway for me wasn’t as appealing as his other films have been, but this time feel he is back with another great unusual romantic storytelling.
Apart from the listed 16 movies, I also got my eye on these films which may turn out to be unexpectedly good :
Baby (Akshay-Neeraj pairing after Special 26)
Shamitabh (Balki-Amitabh)
Tigers (Emraan in hatke movie like Shanghai)
Bajirao Mastaani (SLB with Deepika,Ranveer,Priyanka, expect better movie than Ram Leela with great music)
Tanu Weds Manu Returns (Kangana in double role, plot more interesting than 1st part)
Saat Hindustaani (Rahman’s music)
Titli (Looked good from trailer plus Sneha Khanwalkar’s music)
MS Dhoni (Biopic with Sushant in lead and Neeraj direction, want to know what parts of his life including personal is shown)
Main Aur Charles (For Randeep Hooda who portrays Charles Sobhraj story)
Guddu Rangeela (Subhash Kapoor last ‘Jolly LLB’ was a fun watch and Arshad Warsi is again in main lead)
Welcome Back (One of rare slapstick comedy that I loved and so keen for new part, John in start cast is only reason I didnt include in 16 list)
Liar’s Dice (It was India’s official Oscar entry, but I want to see for Nawazuddin Siddiqui)
Mr Chaalu (For Reema Kagti, though doubt it will be anywhere as good as her last psychological thriller Talaash)
Margarita with a Straw (Kalki is looking too good in the promos)
Farzi (Raj and DK return with a crime thriller drama having a dose of humor, their last outing ‘Happy Ending’ was not upto their standard)
I hope apart from all the films listed in this post, there will be some unknown surprises.. because for certain some of the films in this list would disappoint, always happens. Fingers crossed…
Plot :
A crime drama about a happy man’s life that changes into an unstable emotional state. He now seeks revenge for his wife and son who get killed in a bank robbery.
What To Look For :
Going by its trailer, one expects Sriram to be back in form this time around after the debacle of ‘Agent Vinod’. Plus, we finally get to see Varun in a different grey role which will test his acting skills a lot more. I didn’t quite liked his dialogue delivery in trailer, but sometimes such feel comes when you are not used to see the actor in a never seen before role (Remember Ritesh in Ek Villain, had similar views after watching trailer and now I am in awe of his performance). If he’s good, then his scenes with Nawazuddin would make for excellent watch. And it seems a long time since I last saw Vinay Pathak in a movie. Expecting Sriram to deliver a exciting revenge drama, and needless to say I would want atleast one half of movie with that bearded look (don’t disappoint like Haider), and some insane stuff including violence like the shot where he repeatedly uses hammer to kill someone. Also, the first music album this year which maybe top notch, with composers Sachin-Jigar (though I didn’t like their work in Happy Ending), Jee Karda is already a song I can’t stop playing everyday, Jeena Jeena was a disappointment though.
Detective Byomkesh Bakshi (April 3)
directed by Dibakar Banerjee, starring Sushant Singh Rajput
Plot :
War torn Calcutta of 1940’s in the middle of 2nd world war, the movie showcases Byomkesh at his first adventure as detective where he has to fight against most villainous criminal out to destroy the world.
What To Look For :
Unfortunately, this didn’t release last year, so once again enters my list. With Dibakar at helm of direction and Yash Raj to give him better production values, expect the expected from him. Looking at the trailer, one can easily bet on it not to disappoint. Its been a while since last solo movie for Sushant (Shudh Desi Romance), he has a chance to outshine his fellow competitor Ranbir whose Jagga Jasoos comes this year too. Based on popular serial written by Sharadindu Bandopadhyay, this is easily a film that I have an eye on to be my most fav hindi detective movie. Also, look out for the music by Sneha, the piece used in the trailer is highly intriguing.
Piku (April 30)
directed by Shoojit Sircar, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan
Plot :
A comedy drama on father-daughter relationship.
What To Look For :
When you have cast of Amitabh, Deepika and Irrfan working together, then you don’t really need any other reasons to watch this movie. And then you are told its directed by Shoojit whose 2 movies till now Vicky Donor and Madras Cafe have been very well-made movies. Could be a hat-trick of good movies for him, and we would definitely love that.
Bombay Velvet (May 15)
directed by Anurag Kashyap, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Karan Johar, Raveena Tandon
Plot :
Set against backdrop of ambition, love, greed, and jazz, it is the story of one ordinary man who goes against all odds and forges his destiny to become a ‘Big Shot’.
What To Look For :
Ranbir Kapoor playing the role of a boxer, describes this movie as the ‘Titanic’ of his career. Karan Johar in a never seen before villainous role, jazz music composed by Amit Trivedi, Raveena Tandon in a cameo that has a important part in movie and Thelma Schoonmaker as editor (she has edited many Scorsese movies in past). Anurag has created Mumbai of 60’s while shooting in Sri Lanka. The movie is termed as Kashyap’s biggest budget movie till date, and after delivering with Ugly recently, and looking at his track-record of exceptional dark realistic movies, one has to be excited to see how well he goes. I am definitely banking on Bombay Velvet to be his best film of career, and maybe best of 2015.
Dil Dhadakne Do (June 5)
directed by Zoya Akhtar, starring Farhan Akhtar, Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah
Plot :
A dysfunctional punjabi family on a cruise trip trying to bond with each other.
What To Look For :
Can’t recollect when was the last time I saw a hindi movie on this topic, must have been for sure. How much I love the film will be directly proportional to how Zoya completes all character’s fights among each other, I would prefer her to leave some un-solved. Her all 3 directed films (short one in Bombay Talkies), have been praiseworthy stuff, and she again has a big cast on her side. Specially keen to see the bro-sis bonding between Ranveer and Priyanka (if I am correct). Also, watch out for Shankar Ehsan Loy who again pairs with Zoya as composers, their work was good last time around in Zindagi na Milegi Dobara.
Hamari Adhoori Kahaani (June 12)
directed by Mohit Suri, starring Vidya Balan, Emraan Hashmi, Rajkumar Rao
Plot :
Inspired by a real life love triangle between parents of Mahesh Bhatt and his stepmother.
What To Look For :
Mohit Suri has yet to impress me fully ever since Awarapan, he has shown signs of it though in his last few films. Keen to see how he handles the love-triangle, his movies often have the emotional feeling in it. Would prefer Rajkumar Rao to have equal screen presence as other two stars. Also, Vidya and Emraan both haven’t done films in past 2 years that can be talked highly of. Won’t be wrong to say that the music of this movie would be more anticipated by many including me, as Mithoon-Ankit would again be at helm of composing, they have given 2 back to back outstanding albums with Suri already, ‘Aashiqui2' and 'Ek Villain'.
Brothers (July 31)
directed by Karan Malhotra, starring Siddharth Malhotra, Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Jacqueline Fernandez
Plot :
The youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home, where he’s trained by his father for competition in a mixed martial arts tournament - a path that puts him on a collision corner with his older brother.
What To Look For :
Its official remake of Hollywood movie ‘Warrior’, which I haven’t seen yet, will probably watch by the time trailer of Brothers arrive. The plot might change as per indian requirements, but if they keep the main story intact then this calls for a very interesting movie. Give a movie where Akshay isn’t doing comedy, and it will immediately catch my eye. Siddharth-Akshay brother drama would be great to see too, Siddharth hasn’t disappointed me in a single movie yet. At present only Jacqueline looks the weak link, her romantic plot might intervene with main story. Plus, I didn’t like Karan Malhotra’s version of Agneepath at all, and now his 2nd movie is also another remake. If he doesn’t make the screenplay highly melodramatic (which it can become), then I think this movie will work.
Fan (August 14)
directed by Maneesh Sharma, starring Shahrukh Khan
Plot :
A die-hard fan wants to meet his idol superstar whom he worships.
What To Look For :
Similar plot was last time shown in one of the short movies of Bombay Talkies (Anurag Kashyap one). It would had been better if the superstar role wasn’t played by Shahrukh unless Maneesh makes sure he doesn’t go over the top which he can in that character. I am more keen to see how he does in the main role i.e the one who plays the Fan. Hollywood’s make up artist Greg Cannom is giving a new look to Shahrukh. Among his 3 films, only Ladies vs Ricky Bahl was a let-down by Maneesh. His films mostly are real with a subtle humor touch to it. Finally, a Shahrukh movie that might appeal to me.
Phantom (August 28)
directed by Kabir Khan, starring Saif Ali Khan, Katrina Kaif
Plot :
Two secret Indian agents try to combat global terrorism, a counter-terrorism drama film set post the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.
What To Look For :
The movie is based on unreleased book of Hussain Zaidi. Interestingly, Kabir’s 4th movie in a row that is based on terrorism. As a director he has shown his flair in his all past movies, though he faltered giving romantic plot more importance in Ek Tha Tiger. If he keeps that aside here, then this could be the film that brings Saif’s career back to track whose last noteworthy performance was in Go Goa Gone. Katrina had some great stunts last time in Kabir’s film, so expecting some more again.
Shandaar (September 4)
directed by Vikas Bahl, starring Shahid Kapur, Alia Bhatt, Pankaj Kapoor
Plot :
Two insomniacs fall in love in the middle of a larger than life wedding during long, sleepless nights.
What To Look For :
The film is told to be India’s first destination wedding movie, with a fresh young pair of Shahid-Alia. After excellent work in Haider, this could be a very good follow up for Shahid, to work with Queen fame director Vikas Bahl. The plot is pretty straightforward just like Queen was, again upto how well can Vikas make the screenplay appeal. For 1st time we will see Shahid-Pankaj together in a film, and the music will be once again by Amit Trivedi. So, plenty to look forward to.
Jagga Jasoos (September-October)
directed by Anurag Basu, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Govinda
Plot :
A teenager detective with his assistant girlfriend, searches for his missing father.
What To Look For :
A musical movie where characters converse through songs and minimal dialogues, when did that happen last time in our movies, I don’t remember if it even happened. But then this concept I didn’t like much in Hollywood’s Les Miserables. Still, gonna give it a go because its Ranbir-Anurag-Pritam teaming up again after Barfi. Pritam this time is giving us around 20 songs to listen. If the movie doesn’t work, surely the songs would be worth it.
Wazir (March-July)
directed by Bejoy Nambiar, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Aditi Rao Hydari
Plot :
Two players are engaged in a tense game of chess, one is disabled and other is ATS Officer. One tries to decipher the story of the other’s death through the moves in the game. By the end of the game, the player is changed forever.
What To Look For :
From the looks of the teaser, this one looks to be a intense drama thriller. Plus, like his last two movies, Shaitan and David, you can expect stylish film-making from Bejoy and very good music too as the background score in teaser is very captivating. Amitabh playing disabled chess master, while Farhan an ATS Officer, even if the film doesn’t live upto the expectations, these two actors won’t disappoint.
Raees (September-December)
directed by Rahul Dholakia, starring Shahrukh Khan, Mahira Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
Plot :
A crime drama based on illegal liquor trade in Gujarat, and the modus operandi of real life gangsters, bureaucrats, politicians and police officers spanning the last two decades.
What To Look For :
The film is loosely based on real life incidents, with Shahrukh playing a bootlegger probably essaying the role of Abdul Latif (not confirmed), who was the underworld king of Gujarat in late 80’s. Meanwhile Nawazuddin plays cop who is after him. Mahira whose performance in pakistan movie ‘Bol’ was highly satisfying, will be seen opposite Shahrukh in her debut indian movie. Shahrukh has played these kinda of roles previously, Don series to be precise, with Farhan as producer and trustable director in Dholakia, one may expect a lot from this movie. And Ram Sampath-Javed Akhtar duo could give a good music album to listen too.
Fitoor (no confirmed date)
directed by Abhishek Kapoor, starring Aditya Roy Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Rekha
Plot :
A story of love lost and realized over the course of two generations.
What To Look For :
Its an indian adaptation of Charles Dickens classic ‘Great Expectations’, where Aditya plays an artist, and katrina his muse, and Rekha plays character of Begum. Some wonderful locations of Kashmir would be seen with 1st schedule of shooting happening there. Starcast is slightly weak to my liking, but trust on Abhishek is there whose last two films Kai Po Che and Rock On have been really good.
Nyodda (no confirmed date)
directed by Meghna Gulzar, starring Irrfan Khan, Konkana Sen Sharma, Neeraj Kabi, Tabu
Plot :
Based on real life events of Aarushi Talwar murder case.
What To Look For :
That case was as much a big news, as the Jessica one was. A article says that the movie has backing of Talwar’s and the movie will be from the parents point of view pleading for their innocence. Personally, I still believe there was no full proof to say Aarushi was killed by her parents (I may be wrong). This film will most likely with its excellent cast help us witness the emotional breakdown a parent would go through when being accused of killing their own daughter. Only question is, if Meghna Gulzar good enough to make the good material work on screen or not, as not seen her past films. Neeraj Kabi and Konkana play parents of Aarushi while Tabu her aunt in a supporting role perhaps. Irrfan will be in main officer investigating role. And look out for Vishal Bharadwaj’s music with Gulzar penning the lyrics.
Tamasha (December 25)
directed by Imtiaz Ali, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone
Plot :
A nomad who entertains people while on his travel and likes to spread happiness, meets a girl in streets of Corsica who is a fan of French comics Asterix and has come for one of its trials. Both share their love for same comics and adventure, and head out exploring life.
What To Look For :
This could be perfect casting in a Imtiaz Ali movie ever, Ranbir-Deepika in lead, Rahman’s music, Irshad Kamil’s lyrics (Rockstar magic to repeat?). Imtiaz movies always have got those vulnerable moments that amazes you like hell, he knows how to use them, and then he entertains you too. What happens after both Ranbir and Deepika fall in love, is the Imtiaz territory which I wanna see as to how different it is this time. His highway for me wasn’t as appealing as his other films have been, but this time feel he is back with another great unusual romantic storytelling.
Apart from the listed 16 movies, I also got my eye on these films which may turn out to be unexpectedly good :
Baby (Akshay-Neeraj pairing after Special 26)
Shamitabh (Balki-Amitabh)
Tigers (Emraan in hatke movie like Shanghai)
Bajirao Mastaani (SLB with Deepika,Ranveer,Priyanka, expect better movie than Ram Leela with great music)
Tanu Weds Manu Returns (Kangana in double role, plot more interesting than 1st part)
Saat Hindustaani (Rahman’s music)
Titli (Looked good from trailer plus Sneha Khanwalkar’s music)
MS Dhoni (Biopic with Sushant in lead and Neeraj direction, want to know what parts of his life including personal is shown)
Main Aur Charles (For Randeep Hooda who portrays Charles Sobhraj story)
Guddu Rangeela (Subhash Kapoor last ‘Jolly LLB’ was a fun watch and Arshad Warsi is again in main lead)
Welcome Back (One of rare slapstick comedy that I loved and so keen for new part, John in start cast is only reason I didnt include in 16 list)
Liar’s Dice (It was India’s official Oscar entry, but I want to see for Nawazuddin Siddiqui)
Mr Chaalu (For Reema Kagti, though doubt it will be anywhere as good as her last psychological thriller Talaash)
Margarita with a Straw (Kalki is looking too good in the promos)
Farzi (Raj and DK return with a crime thriller drama having a dose of humor, their last outing ‘Happy Ending’ was not upto their standard)
I hope apart from all the films listed in this post, there will be some unknown surprises.. because for certain some of the films in this list would disappoint, always happens. Fingers crossed…
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