As the curtains draw on 2023, I find myself reflecting on the countless hours spent immersed in the captivating world of Bollywood. The year marked a resurgence for the industry, with iconic comebacks, grand productions, and gripping narratives that left a lasting impact on cinephiles. Let’s take a cinematic journey through the top 15 Hindi movies of 2023 that stood out and made their mark.
1. Pathaan
Shah Rukh Khan’s much-anticipated return to the silver screen in “Pathaan” after a five-year hiatus was a highlight of 2023. This action thriller, revolving around the revocation of Article 370, takes audiences on a globetrotting adventure with espionage, secret codewords, and a star-studded cast including Deepika Padukone.
Streaming on Prime Video
2. Rocky Aur Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Karan Johar’s grand rom-com and family drama, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, brought back the charm of Bollywood’s greatest hits. The film explores the clash of cultures when the traditional Rocky falls for the career-oriented news anchor Rani, leading to a delightful blend of nostalgia and entertainment.
Streaming on Prime Video
3. Jaane Jaan
Kareena Kapoor Khan takes on a grittier role in “Jaane Jaan,” an OTT venture set in the serene town of Kalimpong. The film weaves a dark tale of crime, love, and intellectual pursuits as Kapoor Khan’s character navigates the complexities of life after her abusive ex-husband reappears.
Streaming on Netflix
4. Dhak Dhak
A powerhouse team, led by Taapsee Pannu, takes audiences on a rollicking road adventure in “Dhak Dhak.” The film features four women from different walks of life on a bike expedition to the highest motorable pass in the world, exploring themes of self-discovery in a patriarchal society.
Streaming on Netflix
5. Jawan
Shah Rukh Khan returns in a rollercoaster of chaos and twists in “Jawan,” playing Mumbai’s plucky jailer turned mastermind orchestrating crime with a band of women inmates. This surprisingly political film combines intrigue, heists, and dark humor, culminating in a Marvel-esque action sequence.
Streaming on Netflix
6. Khufiya
In the gritty realm of espionage, “Khufiya” unveils a tale of spies navigating a complex maze. Tabu shines as an R&AW operative unraveling betrayal by her ex-lover, adding a layer of queer representation to the spy thriller genre.
Streaming on Netflix
7. Goldfish
Director Pushan Kripalani’s “Goldfish” stands out as a fresh take on dysfunctional family dramas. Centered around dementia-stricken Sadhana Tripathi and her daughter Anamika Fields, the film sensitively explores themes of resentment and childhood trauma, portraying imperfect characters in imperfect circumstances.
Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
8. Ghoomer
R. Balki takes audiences on a spin through the world of cricket in “Ghoomer.” Abhishek Bachchan transforms Saiyami Kher into a spinner using the innovative style of ghoomer, resulting in a gripping tale of resilience and reinvention.
Streaming on ZEE5
9. Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
A satirical feast served with a side of comedy, “Kathal” explores the mysterious disappearance of jackfruits in the garden of an MLA. Sanya Malhotra leads an ensemble cast in this light-hearted comedy that cleverly satirizes the quirks of the government system.
Streaming on Netflix
10. Gulmohar
Director Rahul V. Chittella assembles Sharmila Tagore and Manoj Bajpayee in “Gulmohar,” a family drama documenting the Batra family’s final moments in their soon-to-be-demolished villa. As packers and movers lurk in the shadows, the film exposes secrets, insecurities, and cracks in the not-so-picture-perfect relationships.
Streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
11. 12th Fail
Vikrant Massey stars in “12th Fail,” a comedy of errors that takes a humorous look at the absurd world of education. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the film explores the consequences of cheating on exams, offering a comedic perspective on the challenges of academic life.
In cinemas
12. Ghuspaith: Between Borders
“Ghuspaith: Between Borders” is a gripping venture following the odyssey of a photojournalist navigating a war-torn land plagued by militancy and a desperate refugee crisis. Inspired by the life and work of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Danish Siddiqui, the film serves as a moving tribute and a must-watch.
Streaming on JioCinema
13. Mast Mein Rehne Ka
A delightful comedy-drama, “Mast Mein Rehne Ka” takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride through the bustling streets of Mumbai. Jackie Shroff’s Kamath finds an unexpected spark in the vibrant Mrs. Handa, played by Neena Gupta, leading to mischievous adventures and unexpected connections.
Streaming on Prime Video
14. Bheed
“Bheed” unfolds as a poignant social drama capturing the struggles and resilience of migrant workers during the 2020 lockdown exodus. Directed, written, and produced by Anubhav Sinha, the film features Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Dia Mirza, offering a powerful narrative against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.
15. Farrey
“Farrey” turns the spotlight on scholarship dreams in an academic thriller that transforms high school into a high-stakes game. Alizeh Agnihotri and Sahil Mehta lead the cast in a story of ambition, romance, and the pursuit of success through unorthodox means.
In a year that marked the comeback of Bollywood and the resurgence of compelling narratives, these 15 Hindi movies of 2023 catered to diverse tastes, offering a blend of entertainment, drama, and thought-provoking storytelling. As we bid farewell to 2023, these films will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of cinephiles for years to come.
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