Ended up watching 57 movies last year, a good number considering how there were times when I was giving more time to sports. It was a very average or below average year to be honest for the Hindi Movies. There may not have been a single exceptional movie to come out last year, but there wasn't shortage of pretty good movies that I did get a chance to watch.
Here's my list of Top10 Hindi Movies of 2017 :
1. Hindi Medium
After an underwhelming 'Shaadi ke Side Effects', this was a great comeback by Saket Chaudhary in his 3rd directorial movie. Even today, 1st half of Hindi Medium has me in splits, completely hilarious. One of those movies whose 2nd half even though it goes towards a social message theme, doesn't change the tempo of the movie too much. I do have problems with the speech of Irrfan at end, that was little preachy to my liking, apart from that there's nothing to dislike at all. Songs are well used, and most of them are really good, and performances are top notch. Irrfan and Deepak Dobriyal specially are a delight to watch, and when together in same frame, they just make it special. The ATM scene is hilarious, and so are all the interactions between Irrfan-Saba and Tillotama Shome. Saba Qamar makes a good debut, repeated use of drug dialogue is easily her best highlight of movie. I am glad Amrita Singh has a smaller role, that makes sure the light hearted treatment to the movie stays far longer. Hindi Medium is easily one of those entertainers, you can watch again and again on TV or lappy without getting bored.
Lonely aur depressed ho jayegi,
Aur agar usne drugs lena shuru kar diya toh..
2. Jagga Jasoos
One of those films that was rejected by audience, and got mixed critic reviews, but do I care for them? Its at no.2 position for me! Anurag Basu doesn't really give a magical movie this time with Ranbir like 'Barfi' was, but there is plenty to love in Jagga Jasoos. A musical way of narrating story with minimal dialogues, and the best thing is singers sang all the 20 plus songs and not the actors which made the conversation through songs more likeable for me. Dividing the movie into chapters does help a lot specially 1st half, something I felt Basu made a mistake of not doing in 2nd half which was way too long as a result with some passages of boredom too. Ranbir never fails to impress me with his acting, he can play these roles with ease now and everytime make you smile or feel sad depending on what his character is going through. Saswata Chatterjee (the famous Bos Biswas from Kahaani) was the other major best thing about film, playing a father like role for Ranbir, one small extra chapter of him would had worked better for me, than a extra long 2nd half chapter involving Ranbir and Katrina. Having said that Katrina wasn't miscast for me like many critics believed, she did her part fairly well, plus the combo of cuteness and bit of dumb suited her a lot. I specially love the scene where she assumes stairs ahead of her and falls down. Saurabh Shukla for a change was less effective, except for that hilarious 'Tukka laga' sequence. Jagga Jasoos has got problems, a slow 2nd half with some dull portions, but its positives still overshadow the negatives by a big margin and you gotta give it to Basu for experimenting in a genre thats not tried before in our films.
Bageeche mein kuch phool der se khilte hai,
mere words bhi so so ke nikalte hai...
3. Trapped
After 2 gem of films 'Udaan' and 'Lootera', Vikramaditya Motwane succeeds again, this time in a movie based on survival. With Rajkumar Rao in each and every frame of movie, trying desperately to get himself out of a room he has got trapped into, there's very little chance for movie to be not engaging. We get to see different creative ways like using toothpaste and later blood to make cardboard messages as he tries to escape out of this horror situation only to be disappointed later. Geetanjali Thapa does well with small screen-time she gets, wanted to see more of her, specially now after having loved her in 'Kuch Bheege Alfaaz' that released this year. With no songs used and only 85 mins long in length, Trapped keeps you at edge of your seat wondering if at all he would find a way of this misery he is facing for no mistake of his. My only problem with film was, some of the repeated ways of finding help could had been shortened and instead have more hallucination sequences or maybe small flashbacks just to add more layer to the narrative which slightly went one dimensional in parts of 2nd half. Nevertheless, its Rajkumar Rao's best performance till date for me (though he is lovable in more than 90% of his films), and I can see the movie again for just that although the scenes like where he drinks urine or eats insects are not easy to watch.
Kuch bhi ho jaaye idhar nahi marna hai..
4. A Death in the Gunj
Was very easy to connect with this film for me, that deals with a shy boy Shutu who lives an isolated life despite having his family or relatives around him. Vikrant Massey plays the character like it was tailormade for him, completely nailing it. You feel for Shutu, who many times feels ignored, being bullied and trying his level best to find happiness. Also, extra marital affair and choosing lust over true companion are some other aspects movie dwells on. Konkana Sen Sharma debuting as director, keeps the narrative at slow pace, making you feel the agony and emotional abuse (if I can call it that) Shutu lives with as daily routine life. Kalki, Tillotama Shome and Ranvir Shorey are the others that shine most in this great ensemble cast. Also, the mystery is well kept as to whose death actually happens till the end, atleast it took time for me to guess it but the good thing is the movie kept me interested more into Shutu's life throughout rather than thinking about the 1st scene of movie where we are told someone died but who is it isn't revealed. A death in the Gunj is definately a very good movie, but it demands patience and if you do that, chances are you will admire Konkana's debut movie like I did.
He's been with her everyday, and you have never had a problem.
5. Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
A movie about a guy suffering from erectile dysfunction and without the cliched treatment is what makes this film not just a great entertainer but also a movie that talks about the subject without going preachy which 'Toilet Ek Prem Katha' was. Although I liked Bhumi here a lot, she needs to have a very different next role, her characters are becoming to appear way too similar. On other hand, Ayushmann Khurana is taking brilliant roles one after another, with exception of Bareilley ki Barfi where he didn't work out for me. But here, he is in top form, a role thats more bold than the one he played in Vicky Donor. Also, its a treat to watch Seema Pahwa in a comical role giving plenty of laughs specially with that 'alibaba' dialogue. Director R.S Prasanna who had directed the original tamil version, makes a very good hindi movies debut. Except for a very stupid looking climax, he never falters in the narrative. The scene where Mudit makes Sugandha happy by re-entering the place with baraat was among my most favs. Its certainly a film one can see repeatedly for the entertainment value it has.
Yeh aajkal ke ladko ka na dimaag hi kharab hai,
nahi shakal choose vargi aur ladki chahiye Katrina Kaif
6. Jab Harry Met Sejal
One of those films that must have featured in 'Worst film' or 'Disappointing film' of the year lists. But not for me! Promos always suggested it was a film to not have any expectations from, so I feel for people who still went to watch thinking it will be another Imtiaz special. And if you went with no expectations like me, then there's no reason to not come out with a satisfied feeling. Its still Imtiaz's weakest film without a single doubt, but that doesnt mean its a bad film by any means. Very much like Nolan's 'Insomnia' that is not upto his level of cinema but is still very likeable movie. The concept of Jab Harry Met Sejal resembles Imtiaz old films like always, finding yourself while been with someone else. Here, he tries to show a guy who runs away from love and prefers one night stands, and a girl who hasn't lived a free life or a life which she sees this guy live and gets attracted to such lifestyle so much as she wants to try it too. Premise is exciting, but Imtiaz wanted to keep narrative lighthearted throughout (whether it was really his idea or working with Shahrukh forced him to do so, will always remain a mystery) which spoils the fun in many key sequences. Also, it doesn't help when you see Shahrukh not acting good in scenes you normally say 10 yrs back expected him to nail. Anushka's character also at times gets to your nerve, with her gujju accent that isn't done to perfection by her. So, why did the film work for me then? Because despite all the problems, one thing is constantly present in the film, the Imtiaz's hangover, the feel that you are indeed watching an Imtiaz film is always there in every scene. For instance, the starting of film with 'Safar' song resembles to 'Main kya hoon' (Love Aaj Kal) or the daily dating montage scene in 'Tamasha', and in all of them the character is involved in a particular routine but not happy while doing so. Or the scene where Harry tries to tell how much he will miss Sejal while shouting her name at sea (Shahrukhs acting spoiled this scene a bit for me though). Or the scene where Harry with his friend is contemplating if he did made a mistake at not admitting how much he has fallen in love with Sejal when she had directly asked about it to him. Chandan Roy Sanyal was a sub plot that was totally not needed, slows down 2nd half quite a bit. Pritam's music, specially the songs that weren't promoted before release of film is just fantastic, you still can't stop listening to them. Movie had great scope for being a very dark feel to it, the past life of Harry, and more references to Sejal's life at her hometown which is not shown. Yet, Jab Harry Met Sejal isn't a film that can be dismissed off. If you ain't fond of Imtiaz cinema, then I don't expect you to like this film and I am not even interested in those people. But it surprised me when I saw Imtiaz fans find this film trash level which it isnt. Try to keep the expectations of an Imtiaz movie and Shahrukh's average acting aside (he does surprise in movie at many scenes with his charm), and watch again, I feel Jab Harry Met Sejal is easily a likeable movie if not more than that.
Pehli baar ho raha hai na ki ladki gale padh rahi hai, aur aap ghabra rahe ho
7. Meri Pyaari Bindu
There's been plenty of films specially in last 10 years where guy falls in love with a girl who isn't sure what she wants, or not ready to commit to the relationship or get married. Meri Pyaari Bindu tells a similar story, but its Ayushmann Khurana's performance alone that made me like this movie a lot. The way he handles character of Abhimanyu who is madly in love with Bindu, who is willing to give her chances knowing she might break his heart. And its 1st time when he has appealed to me in a regular romantic movie. Parineeti's character sketch however is pretty weak, the writers fail to make her interesting enough, reasons behind the decisions she takes, its hard to connect to her role which in turn means questioning Abhimanyu's love. The lighthearted moments when both are in college are fun to watch, but my favourite scene is when Abhimanyu loses his temper when Bindu tries to refuse for marriage. The final scene which many love for me invoked no feelings, again reason being I hardly could connect to Bindu's decision making. Prakash Belawadi is totally wasted. Meri Pyaari Bindu works brillianty in various sequences, but as a whole its quite problamatic, worth watching for Ayushmann though.
Pyar karna bahut log sikhaate hai, par afsos uss pyar ko bulaate kaise hai yeh saala koi nahi sikhaata
8. Secret Superstar
Zaira Wasim and Aamir Khan reunite after 'Dangal' in Advait Chandan's debut movie 'Secret Superstar'. The story revolves around a 14 year old girl, Insia, who aspires to be a famous singer but lives in a family where his father is abusive and doesn't care about her or her dreams. Top performance from Zaira once again, this time in a longer screen time and coming out with flying colours. Aamir's hilarious supporting act is a welcome change from his regular intense roles, though I won't exaggerate as much like some people did by comparing it to Andaz Apna Apna. Raj Arjun who plays father of Insia, is excellent but totally dislikeable, he is the only reason I couldn't dare watch the film even 2nd time, because its tough to see the kind of person he is shown as, and I just wish no one has a father like him in real life. The actual surprise of the film however is Meher Vij, her miserable scenes with husband where we feel for the life she lives daily, and then the mother-daughter bonding that brings smiles and also makes you emotional at many instances thanks to well done manipulation of the story where you don't actually question the director and writer. There's a lovely scene where Insia's little brother tries to repair her broken laptop, also the scene where Insia comes to know about how her mother fought to even bring her alive in this world. Aamir being forced to call lawyer when in car with Insia, another of my fav hilarious scene, followed by the visit at the lawyer's office scene. Secret Superstar is a very good film if you can sit through all the abuse Insia's father puts his family through, because you will have to wait till the climax for it to end so it is a long wait, the journey of Insia and her never give up attitude (almost till end) makes you invested in her hoping she will help her mother get rid of her father in some way.
Tum jaise talented bacche hote hai na, sode mein iss bubbles ki tarah hote hai
woh aise hi upar aate hai, apne aap.. unhe koi nahi rok sakta
9. Poorna
Rahul Bose directed film about a 13 year old tribal girl in Telengana who becomes the youngest girl to climb Mount Everest. With the film's tagline 'Larkiyaan kuch bhi kar sakti hai', also used in a dialogue from Rahul Bose (as actor) tells the story of Poorna played by Aditi Inamdar who wanted to study at a good school but learns about her other skills and ends up making her country and her parents proud. There's the usual village life shown, where the parents feel marriage at early age is better than letting girls study against their wish. Cousin of Poorna, Priya, played by S.Mariya suffer due to that mindset, a reason why her character is both the emotional and motivating factor for Poorna to achieve the impossible looking task. The letter of Priya, she reads in bus while returning is one of best scene of the film with Rahul not letting it go melodramatic in any way. Also, there's a look at how free education means almost no good services including poor food and the things promised not actually given, as Rahul whose character plays the inspection charge finds way to rectify it. Also, Rahul's scenes with Poorna are a delight to watch, be it his first interaction in middle of road or his constant motivating and attempt to see her achieve great heights and success. Both Aditi and S Mariya do a very good job as child artists, with latter making it work with her dialogues and the former with her innocence and determination to not give up with minimal dialogues. I am assuming there was lack of budget or equipment to shoot Everest scenes which is why we get only 5 mins of its scenes and that too with a very shaky camera. But I would still prefer Poorna's well narrated story over Hollywood's 'Everest' which was high on cinematography but without any emotional connect.
Tumko waapis jaana hai toh jaa sakti ho, lekin yaad rakhna ladkiyaan kuch bhi kar sakti hai
10. Anaarkali of Aarah
Avinash Das, another debut director making a very good film. The story is about a village dancer, Anaarkali who believes despite being a part of erotic singing and dance group, her body isn't for sale, its just a profession and nothing more than that. When a local politician played by Sanjay Mishra tries to treat her like he owns her, all hell breaks loose. Its all about ego, accepting own mistakes, and revenge for the misdoings caused when you didn't deserve it. Even though I have to admit, I still can't listen any of the songs for the vulgar content it has, but while watching film in context of the characters and where film is set, it works. Swara Bhaskar gives her everything to this role, in what is easily the best performance of the year. The boldness, the fear behind her brave face or the risk she is willing to take to stand to her life ethics, makes for a great watch as we see her fight against the corrupt police and minister, not bowing down at any stage. Its good to see Sanjay Mishra in a grey role for a change. Pankaj Tripathi is effective as always, but Special mention to Ishtiyak Khan (the auto guy from Tamasha) who plays a very good supporting role at a time in story when Anaarkali desperately wants someone for emotional support. Anaarkali of Aarah may not be a film that can be watched repeatedly, but its definately worth watching once for great direction, good supporting cast and top act by Swara Bhaskar, just bear the music which to be frank has to be the way it is.
Baaki kutte aap hai, bhaunkte rahiye
Fukrey Returns, Tiger Zinda Hai, Golmaal Again, Newton, Jolly LLB2, Tumhari Sulu, Mom and Qarib Qarib Single were the other films that I liked but couldn't make my top10.
Special Mention :
Baahubali 2 The Conclusion
Easily the best thing that happened last year at the movies as far as Indian cinema is concerned. S S Rajamouli set the standards high with the 1st part and in the conclusion he lived upto the expectations. Even though if asked, I would still consider 1st movie as my pick of the two but that doesn't take away anything from the fact that I did love Baahubali2 a lot. We get to see the complete flashback leading to why Katappa killed Baahubali, the entire romantic angle of Baahubali-DevaSena and the plotting of misunderstandings by Bhalla Deva to get the king crown. Minuses were the overdone comedy track of Katappa during early parts of movie, the finale which was too short, by atleast 10 mins. Also, the over the top action scene involving use of tree wasn't needed. Songs were superb, I saw both hindi and telugu versions, and they were brilliantly used specially the start with 'Shivam'. Madly loved background score of 1st part, and here too the one they use for escape of Baahubali's son was my favourite. Performances wise, Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Ramya Krishnan and Satyaraj all did exceptionally well. Was surprised to see Tamannah have almost next to nothing role. Despite the mentioned problems, Baahubali2 will be among my most liked franchises, pity it would be limited to 2 unless Rajamouli in future thinks of expanding further!
Jab tak tum mere saath ho,
mujhe maarne wala paida nahi hua mama
Here's my list of Top10 Hindi Movies of 2017 :
1. Hindi Medium
After an underwhelming 'Shaadi ke Side Effects', this was a great comeback by Saket Chaudhary in his 3rd directorial movie. Even today, 1st half of Hindi Medium has me in splits, completely hilarious. One of those movies whose 2nd half even though it goes towards a social message theme, doesn't change the tempo of the movie too much. I do have problems with the speech of Irrfan at end, that was little preachy to my liking, apart from that there's nothing to dislike at all. Songs are well used, and most of them are really good, and performances are top notch. Irrfan and Deepak Dobriyal specially are a delight to watch, and when together in same frame, they just make it special. The ATM scene is hilarious, and so are all the interactions between Irrfan-Saba and Tillotama Shome. Saba Qamar makes a good debut, repeated use of drug dialogue is easily her best highlight of movie. I am glad Amrita Singh has a smaller role, that makes sure the light hearted treatment to the movie stays far longer. Hindi Medium is easily one of those entertainers, you can watch again and again on TV or lappy without getting bored.
Lonely aur depressed ho jayegi,
Aur agar usne drugs lena shuru kar diya toh..
2. Jagga Jasoos
One of those films that was rejected by audience, and got mixed critic reviews, but do I care for them? Its at no.2 position for me! Anurag Basu doesn't really give a magical movie this time with Ranbir like 'Barfi' was, but there is plenty to love in Jagga Jasoos. A musical way of narrating story with minimal dialogues, and the best thing is singers sang all the 20 plus songs and not the actors which made the conversation through songs more likeable for me. Dividing the movie into chapters does help a lot specially 1st half, something I felt Basu made a mistake of not doing in 2nd half which was way too long as a result with some passages of boredom too. Ranbir never fails to impress me with his acting, he can play these roles with ease now and everytime make you smile or feel sad depending on what his character is going through. Saswata Chatterjee (the famous Bos Biswas from Kahaani) was the other major best thing about film, playing a father like role for Ranbir, one small extra chapter of him would had worked better for me, than a extra long 2nd half chapter involving Ranbir and Katrina. Having said that Katrina wasn't miscast for me like many critics believed, she did her part fairly well, plus the combo of cuteness and bit of dumb suited her a lot. I specially love the scene where she assumes stairs ahead of her and falls down. Saurabh Shukla for a change was less effective, except for that hilarious 'Tukka laga' sequence. Jagga Jasoos has got problems, a slow 2nd half with some dull portions, but its positives still overshadow the negatives by a big margin and you gotta give it to Basu for experimenting in a genre thats not tried before in our films.
Bageeche mein kuch phool der se khilte hai,
mere words bhi so so ke nikalte hai...
3. Trapped
After 2 gem of films 'Udaan' and 'Lootera', Vikramaditya Motwane succeeds again, this time in a movie based on survival. With Rajkumar Rao in each and every frame of movie, trying desperately to get himself out of a room he has got trapped into, there's very little chance for movie to be not engaging. We get to see different creative ways like using toothpaste and later blood to make cardboard messages as he tries to escape out of this horror situation only to be disappointed later. Geetanjali Thapa does well with small screen-time she gets, wanted to see more of her, specially now after having loved her in 'Kuch Bheege Alfaaz' that released this year. With no songs used and only 85 mins long in length, Trapped keeps you at edge of your seat wondering if at all he would find a way of this misery he is facing for no mistake of his. My only problem with film was, some of the repeated ways of finding help could had been shortened and instead have more hallucination sequences or maybe small flashbacks just to add more layer to the narrative which slightly went one dimensional in parts of 2nd half. Nevertheless, its Rajkumar Rao's best performance till date for me (though he is lovable in more than 90% of his films), and I can see the movie again for just that although the scenes like where he drinks urine or eats insects are not easy to watch.
Kuch bhi ho jaaye idhar nahi marna hai..
4. A Death in the Gunj
Was very easy to connect with this film for me, that deals with a shy boy Shutu who lives an isolated life despite having his family or relatives around him. Vikrant Massey plays the character like it was tailormade for him, completely nailing it. You feel for Shutu, who many times feels ignored, being bullied and trying his level best to find happiness. Also, extra marital affair and choosing lust over true companion are some other aspects movie dwells on. Konkana Sen Sharma debuting as director, keeps the narrative at slow pace, making you feel the agony and emotional abuse (if I can call it that) Shutu lives with as daily routine life. Kalki, Tillotama Shome and Ranvir Shorey are the others that shine most in this great ensemble cast. Also, the mystery is well kept as to whose death actually happens till the end, atleast it took time for me to guess it but the good thing is the movie kept me interested more into Shutu's life throughout rather than thinking about the 1st scene of movie where we are told someone died but who is it isn't revealed. A death in the Gunj is definately a very good movie, but it demands patience and if you do that, chances are you will admire Konkana's debut movie like I did.
He's been with her everyday, and you have never had a problem.
5. Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
A movie about a guy suffering from erectile dysfunction and without the cliched treatment is what makes this film not just a great entertainer but also a movie that talks about the subject without going preachy which 'Toilet Ek Prem Katha' was. Although I liked Bhumi here a lot, she needs to have a very different next role, her characters are becoming to appear way too similar. On other hand, Ayushmann Khurana is taking brilliant roles one after another, with exception of Bareilley ki Barfi where he didn't work out for me. But here, he is in top form, a role thats more bold than the one he played in Vicky Donor. Also, its a treat to watch Seema Pahwa in a comical role giving plenty of laughs specially with that 'alibaba' dialogue. Director R.S Prasanna who had directed the original tamil version, makes a very good hindi movies debut. Except for a very stupid looking climax, he never falters in the narrative. The scene where Mudit makes Sugandha happy by re-entering the place with baraat was among my most favs. Its certainly a film one can see repeatedly for the entertainment value it has.
Yeh aajkal ke ladko ka na dimaag hi kharab hai,
nahi shakal choose vargi aur ladki chahiye Katrina Kaif
6. Jab Harry Met Sejal
One of those films that must have featured in 'Worst film' or 'Disappointing film' of the year lists. But not for me! Promos always suggested it was a film to not have any expectations from, so I feel for people who still went to watch thinking it will be another Imtiaz special. And if you went with no expectations like me, then there's no reason to not come out with a satisfied feeling. Its still Imtiaz's weakest film without a single doubt, but that doesnt mean its a bad film by any means. Very much like Nolan's 'Insomnia' that is not upto his level of cinema but is still very likeable movie. The concept of Jab Harry Met Sejal resembles Imtiaz old films like always, finding yourself while been with someone else. Here, he tries to show a guy who runs away from love and prefers one night stands, and a girl who hasn't lived a free life or a life which she sees this guy live and gets attracted to such lifestyle so much as she wants to try it too. Premise is exciting, but Imtiaz wanted to keep narrative lighthearted throughout (whether it was really his idea or working with Shahrukh forced him to do so, will always remain a mystery) which spoils the fun in many key sequences. Also, it doesn't help when you see Shahrukh not acting good in scenes you normally say 10 yrs back expected him to nail. Anushka's character also at times gets to your nerve, with her gujju accent that isn't done to perfection by her. So, why did the film work for me then? Because despite all the problems, one thing is constantly present in the film, the Imtiaz's hangover, the feel that you are indeed watching an Imtiaz film is always there in every scene. For instance, the starting of film with 'Safar' song resembles to 'Main kya hoon' (Love Aaj Kal) or the daily dating montage scene in 'Tamasha', and in all of them the character is involved in a particular routine but not happy while doing so. Or the scene where Harry tries to tell how much he will miss Sejal while shouting her name at sea (Shahrukhs acting spoiled this scene a bit for me though). Or the scene where Harry with his friend is contemplating if he did made a mistake at not admitting how much he has fallen in love with Sejal when she had directly asked about it to him. Chandan Roy Sanyal was a sub plot that was totally not needed, slows down 2nd half quite a bit. Pritam's music, specially the songs that weren't promoted before release of film is just fantastic, you still can't stop listening to them. Movie had great scope for being a very dark feel to it, the past life of Harry, and more references to Sejal's life at her hometown which is not shown. Yet, Jab Harry Met Sejal isn't a film that can be dismissed off. If you ain't fond of Imtiaz cinema, then I don't expect you to like this film and I am not even interested in those people. But it surprised me when I saw Imtiaz fans find this film trash level which it isnt. Try to keep the expectations of an Imtiaz movie and Shahrukh's average acting aside (he does surprise in movie at many scenes with his charm), and watch again, I feel Jab Harry Met Sejal is easily a likeable movie if not more than that.
Pehli baar ho raha hai na ki ladki gale padh rahi hai, aur aap ghabra rahe ho
7. Meri Pyaari Bindu
There's been plenty of films specially in last 10 years where guy falls in love with a girl who isn't sure what she wants, or not ready to commit to the relationship or get married. Meri Pyaari Bindu tells a similar story, but its Ayushmann Khurana's performance alone that made me like this movie a lot. The way he handles character of Abhimanyu who is madly in love with Bindu, who is willing to give her chances knowing she might break his heart. And its 1st time when he has appealed to me in a regular romantic movie. Parineeti's character sketch however is pretty weak, the writers fail to make her interesting enough, reasons behind the decisions she takes, its hard to connect to her role which in turn means questioning Abhimanyu's love. The lighthearted moments when both are in college are fun to watch, but my favourite scene is when Abhimanyu loses his temper when Bindu tries to refuse for marriage. The final scene which many love for me invoked no feelings, again reason being I hardly could connect to Bindu's decision making. Prakash Belawadi is totally wasted. Meri Pyaari Bindu works brillianty in various sequences, but as a whole its quite problamatic, worth watching for Ayushmann though.
Pyar karna bahut log sikhaate hai, par afsos uss pyar ko bulaate kaise hai yeh saala koi nahi sikhaata
8. Secret Superstar
Zaira Wasim and Aamir Khan reunite after 'Dangal' in Advait Chandan's debut movie 'Secret Superstar'. The story revolves around a 14 year old girl, Insia, who aspires to be a famous singer but lives in a family where his father is abusive and doesn't care about her or her dreams. Top performance from Zaira once again, this time in a longer screen time and coming out with flying colours. Aamir's hilarious supporting act is a welcome change from his regular intense roles, though I won't exaggerate as much like some people did by comparing it to Andaz Apna Apna. Raj Arjun who plays father of Insia, is excellent but totally dislikeable, he is the only reason I couldn't dare watch the film even 2nd time, because its tough to see the kind of person he is shown as, and I just wish no one has a father like him in real life. The actual surprise of the film however is Meher Vij, her miserable scenes with husband where we feel for the life she lives daily, and then the mother-daughter bonding that brings smiles and also makes you emotional at many instances thanks to well done manipulation of the story where you don't actually question the director and writer. There's a lovely scene where Insia's little brother tries to repair her broken laptop, also the scene where Insia comes to know about how her mother fought to even bring her alive in this world. Aamir being forced to call lawyer when in car with Insia, another of my fav hilarious scene, followed by the visit at the lawyer's office scene. Secret Superstar is a very good film if you can sit through all the abuse Insia's father puts his family through, because you will have to wait till the climax for it to end so it is a long wait, the journey of Insia and her never give up attitude (almost till end) makes you invested in her hoping she will help her mother get rid of her father in some way.
Tum jaise talented bacche hote hai na, sode mein iss bubbles ki tarah hote hai
woh aise hi upar aate hai, apne aap.. unhe koi nahi rok sakta
9. Poorna
Rahul Bose directed film about a 13 year old tribal girl in Telengana who becomes the youngest girl to climb Mount Everest. With the film's tagline 'Larkiyaan kuch bhi kar sakti hai', also used in a dialogue from Rahul Bose (as actor) tells the story of Poorna played by Aditi Inamdar who wanted to study at a good school but learns about her other skills and ends up making her country and her parents proud. There's the usual village life shown, where the parents feel marriage at early age is better than letting girls study against their wish. Cousin of Poorna, Priya, played by S.Mariya suffer due to that mindset, a reason why her character is both the emotional and motivating factor for Poorna to achieve the impossible looking task. The letter of Priya, she reads in bus while returning is one of best scene of the film with Rahul not letting it go melodramatic in any way. Also, there's a look at how free education means almost no good services including poor food and the things promised not actually given, as Rahul whose character plays the inspection charge finds way to rectify it. Also, Rahul's scenes with Poorna are a delight to watch, be it his first interaction in middle of road or his constant motivating and attempt to see her achieve great heights and success. Both Aditi and S Mariya do a very good job as child artists, with latter making it work with her dialogues and the former with her innocence and determination to not give up with minimal dialogues. I am assuming there was lack of budget or equipment to shoot Everest scenes which is why we get only 5 mins of its scenes and that too with a very shaky camera. But I would still prefer Poorna's well narrated story over Hollywood's 'Everest' which was high on cinematography but without any emotional connect.
Tumko waapis jaana hai toh jaa sakti ho, lekin yaad rakhna ladkiyaan kuch bhi kar sakti hai
10. Anaarkali of Aarah
Avinash Das, another debut director making a very good film. The story is about a village dancer, Anaarkali who believes despite being a part of erotic singing and dance group, her body isn't for sale, its just a profession and nothing more than that. When a local politician played by Sanjay Mishra tries to treat her like he owns her, all hell breaks loose. Its all about ego, accepting own mistakes, and revenge for the misdoings caused when you didn't deserve it. Even though I have to admit, I still can't listen any of the songs for the vulgar content it has, but while watching film in context of the characters and where film is set, it works. Swara Bhaskar gives her everything to this role, in what is easily the best performance of the year. The boldness, the fear behind her brave face or the risk she is willing to take to stand to her life ethics, makes for a great watch as we see her fight against the corrupt police and minister, not bowing down at any stage. Its good to see Sanjay Mishra in a grey role for a change. Pankaj Tripathi is effective as always, but Special mention to Ishtiyak Khan (the auto guy from Tamasha) who plays a very good supporting role at a time in story when Anaarkali desperately wants someone for emotional support. Anaarkali of Aarah may not be a film that can be watched repeatedly, but its definately worth watching once for great direction, good supporting cast and top act by Swara Bhaskar, just bear the music which to be frank has to be the way it is.
Baaki kutte aap hai, bhaunkte rahiye
Fukrey Returns, Tiger Zinda Hai, Golmaal Again, Newton, Jolly LLB2, Tumhari Sulu, Mom and Qarib Qarib Single were the other films that I liked but couldn't make my top10.
Special Mention :
Baahubali 2 The Conclusion
Easily the best thing that happened last year at the movies as far as Indian cinema is concerned. S S Rajamouli set the standards high with the 1st part and in the conclusion he lived upto the expectations. Even though if asked, I would still consider 1st movie as my pick of the two but that doesn't take away anything from the fact that I did love Baahubali2 a lot. We get to see the complete flashback leading to why Katappa killed Baahubali, the entire romantic angle of Baahubali-DevaSena and the plotting of misunderstandings by Bhalla Deva to get the king crown. Minuses were the overdone comedy track of Katappa during early parts of movie, the finale which was too short, by atleast 10 mins. Also, the over the top action scene involving use of tree wasn't needed. Songs were superb, I saw both hindi and telugu versions, and they were brilliantly used specially the start with 'Shivam'. Madly loved background score of 1st part, and here too the one they use for escape of Baahubali's son was my favourite. Performances wise, Prabhas, Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Ramya Krishnan and Satyaraj all did exceptionally well. Was surprised to see Tamannah have almost next to nothing role. Despite the mentioned problems, Baahubali2 will be among my most liked franchises, pity it would be limited to 2 unless Rajamouli in future thinks of expanding further!
Jab tak tum mere saath ho,
mujhe maarne wala paida nahi hua mama
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