Disclaimer: This list is based on the author’s personal point of view.
2015 has been a very interesting year in the movies. We’re finally stepping away from the good old Bollywood formulae slowly but surely and watching the cinema we deserve. On one hand, the year saw mainstream lead actors take risks in their choices, on the other hand “family entertainers” made a comeback too. We won some, we learnt some – but all in all, it’s been a good year for the industry.
Let’s look at the best films of the year, shall we?
1. Baby
I feel like Akshay Kumar is one of those very few actors in the industry who has cracked the code to align art and commerce in the movie business. The Neeraj Pandey directorial Baby wins in its execution and also makes you forget AK for Singh Is Blling.
2. Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Sharat Katariya‘s Dum Laga Ke Haisha is definitely the heart-warmer of the year. Bhumi Pedneker made an unsuspectingly smashing debut with this one and Ayushmann Khurana not only provided great support to her (pun intended!), but also managed to redeem himself from the disastrous Hawaizaada that released 27 days prior. Amazing, right?
3. Shamitabh
I understand how Shamitabh might not feature in everyone’s ‘best of 2015’ list but I’ve always had a soft corner for R. Balki… And Dhanush… And Amitabh Bachchan. It was a unique plot and the chemistry between the lead men was on point. It celebrated cinema and Mr. Bachchan’s voice – the two things that make the most sense in our country. That, with Illaiyaraaja’s music, and I was sold!
4. Badlapur
It’s nice to see that the fresh crop of actors in Bollywood are not afraid to experiment with their roles. Director Sriram Raghavan really managed to extract a side of Varun Dhawan that wasn’t never seen before. He managed to match up to Nawazuddin Siddiqui – and that really is something. Special shout out to Radhika Apte!
5. NH10
When an Anushka Sharma does an NH10 (or a Varun Dhawan does a Badlapur), you want them to succeed just so that it encourages them to chuck formulas and look out of the box in the future too. It’s only a bonus then that Navdeep Singh‘s NH10 is as great as it is!
6. Hunterrr
Harshavarhan G. Kulkarni, who wrote last year’s much appreciated Hasee Toh Phasee, made his directorial debut this year with Hunterrr. And Gulshan Deviah was finally given a role that does justice to his acting talent. The film was so much more than a “sex comedy”. I can describe it as a coming-of-age film at best – and yes, sex features as a recurring theme in the narrative.
7. Bajrangi Bhaijaan
Though a tad melodramatic, Kabir Khan‘s Bajrangi Bhaijaan is heartwarming, endearing and entertaining. Salman Khan is adorable in the film and the little gilr Harshaali Malhotra became the talk of the town when the film reased. But what really sealed the deal for me was Nawazuddin’s spectacular performace!
8. Court
A must-watch all the way! Court is a national award-winning film by Chaitanya Tamhane and is an absolute gem!
9. Margarita With A Straw
Kalki Koechlin is brilliant in Margarita With A Straw. It’s a beautiful movie about self-love and self-discovery and I love that protagonist Laila’s disability is only incidental to the film and is in no way trying to evoke an emotion of pity from the audience. Laila is a normal girl and the film stays with you even after you’ve walked out of it. And did I mention that Kalki Koechlin is brilliant in it?
10. Piku
Deepika Padukone, Irrfan Khan and Amitabh Bachchan telling a slice of life genre of story through Shoojit Sircar‘s vision – it really doesn’t get better than that.
11. Baahubali
This was one gripping film. Watch it for the scale, if nothing else.
12. Tanu Weds Manu Returns
You know who else returned? Kangana F*cking Ranaut! She was unbelievable in the film and stole the show each time she appeared on screen. Of course, the rest of the cast was commendable too (special mention: Deepak Dobriyal), but Tanu Weds Manu Returns belongs to Kangana.
13. Masaan
Masaan is not a film, it’s a journey. Definitely a standout of the year!
14. Drishyam
Drishyam is a remake of successful Malyalam movie with the same name and Ajay Devgn‘s version definitely does not disappoint! And Tabu… oh man, have I told you how much I love her?
15. Talvar
Meghna Gulzar‘s Talvar is a gripping whodunnit that keeps you engrossed in it right till the end. And Irrfan Khan… my God! If you’re going to watch one movie this year, make it this one. You can thank me later.
16. Pyaar ka Punchnama 2
Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 was definitely the surprise hit of the year. Its success is something the entire cast of the film is still riding on and the movie is hilarious! The film operates on stereotypes but director Luv Ranjan manages to deal with them surprisingly well. Special mention: Nushrat Bharucha. Also, how cute is Kartik Aaryan!
17. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo
I had so much fun watching Sooraj Barjatya‘s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, it’s not even funny. It’s your ticket to “The Rajshri World” and if Hum Aapke Hai Koun and Hum Saath Saath Hai (etc) give you any kind of joy, you’re in for a treat.
18. Tamasha
Tamasha is a film that stays with you for days and that really is the mark of a good film.
19. Angry Indian Goddesses
What a film! If you’re looking to watch a film that evokes a strong emotion from you, pick this. It depict women as they are – flawed, fierce and fab!
20. Dilwale
Watch this one for Kajol and SRK’s chemistry.
21. Bajirao Mastani
Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra delivered their career’s best performance in this one.
Which on was your fave this year? Tell me in the comments below!