As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the cinematic hits and misses that defined the year. From captivating narratives that left audiences in awe to the disappointments that fell flat, the movie landscape has been nothing short of diverse. In this brief exploration, we’ll uncover some of the best and worst hindi movies that have left their mark on the silver screen, encapsulating the highs and lows that make the world of cinema an ever-evolving journey.
12th Fail (Best)
12th Fail” stands as a heartwarming masterpiece, seamlessly blending exceptional performances, compelling storytelling, and a triumphant message against all odds. Vikrant Massey’s outstanding lead role and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s impeccable direction make it a must-watch, resonating with audiences of all ages and earning it an immense Distinction. This film deserves accolades for its international standard quality and impactful narrative on the challenges within our education system.
The Lady Killer (Worst)
A cinematic catastrophe that stands as a monument to regrettable time investment. With an incomplete shoot and a plot that lost its way, it’s a trainwreck you’ll wish you missed. The acting is so lifeless that it feels a bit like a dress rehearsal – not quite there. The dialogue is a mix of head-scratching and awkward pauses. The technical aspects, from uninspired cinematography to forgettable soundtracks, contribute to the overall disappointment.
Joram (Best)
Joram is a gripping cinematic experience, unveiling the harsh reality of India’s Maoist-affected tribal regions. Masterfully portrayed by Manoj Bajpayee, the film, directed by Devashish Makhija, weaves a relentless chase narrative, enhanced by excellent performances, eloquent symbolism, and a compelling exploration of displacement and corporate-political complexities in the tribal backdrop. A bold and layered indie film that stands out despite the dominance of commercial cinema.
Shehzaada (Worst)
Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon’s attempt at remaking Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo is like trying to recreate a magic trick with a how-to manual. The boy-next-door energy clashes with the scheme, and the acting is so mediocre. Bollywood’s remake strategy: because why settle for the charm of the original when you can have an extremely horrible copy filled with over-the-top performances and cringe-worthy dialogue delivery.
Jawan (Best)
Jawan offers a thrilling cinematic experience with SRK’s dynamic performance, Atlee’s engaging direction, and a rollercoaster of twists. A treat for SRK fans, it delivers mass entertainment, but not without flaws. Despite that, it stands as an enjoyable spectacle.
The Archies (Worst)
A far cry from Zoya Akhtar’s usual brilliance, this movie seems lost in a world of artificial nostalgia, leaving viewers longing for the simplicity of the original comics. It feels like a haphazard attempt, with star kids delivering performances that struggle to make a lasting impression.
Omg 2 (Best)
OMG 2″ impresses with its simple yet powerful portrayal of such a sensitive issue. Pankaj Tripathi’s emotional depth and Akshay Kumar’s compelling presence contribute to a thought-provoking cinematic experience. The film successfully combines humor, drama, and societal critique.
Kisi ka Bhai Kisi ki Jaan (Worst)
Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan earns the crown for its predictably plain and uninspiring story, with a twist that’s almost as surprising as sunrise. Despite a star-studded cast, the film neglects character development, making it a strong contender for the ‘Underwhelming Bollywood Film Award.’ Brace yourself for cringe-worthy lines that could make you reconsider life choices. Salman Khan’s involvement features dance moves that rival a perplexed cat, songs that might have slipped the playlist, and a script thinner than a diet pamphlet resulting in a film that’s best avoided for a more satisfying cinematic experience.
Animal (Best)
Animal emerges as the cinematic highlight of 2023, with Ranbir Kapoor’s exceptional performance and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s gripping storytelling. While the bold scenes may not suit family audiences, the film’s unexpected twists and emotional depth make it an unforgettable experience. A must-watch for those who appreciate powerful narratives and outstanding acting.
Ganpath (Worst)
A disappointing mix of poor choices that leads to an unbearable cinematic experiment. Director Vikas Bahl overlooks Tiger Shroff’s action strengths, leading to a messy plot, lackluster special effects, and pointless boxing scenes. From a lack of engaging futuristic elements to repetitive WWE-style action, Ganpath disappoints, resulting in a frustrating and tedious two-hour-fifteen-minute experience. It’s a film that misses the mark on every count, leaving audiences with a regrettable cinematic outing.
Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai (Best)
Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai is a powerful and well-crafted film, intelligently portraying a case reminiscent of real-life events. Manoj Bajpayee’s stellar performance, supported by a strong cast, dominates the narrative, delivering a gripping court drama. The movie’s raw direction, relatable message, and courageous ending make it a must-watch, standing out from typical Bollywood fare.
Adipurush (Worst)
Adipurush, a so-called ‘modern’ take on Ramayana, falls flat with its visionless execution. Despite promises of a grand retelling, director Om Raut disappoints with cringey dialogues and lackluster visuals. The film, panned by critics and a box office failure, reflects a serious lack of conviction, mishandling an important story. It’s disheartening how they could ruin an epic tale without much thought, risking a misleading portrayal for young audiences.
Dunki (Best)
Dunki stands out as a heartwarming experience, offering laughter, patriotism, and relatable characters. SRK’s genuine performance brings the story to life, creating moments that resonate deeply. Despite its simplicity, the film leaves a lasting emotional imprint, making it a must-watch.
The Kerala Story (Worst)
Directed by Sudipto Sen, The Kerala Story disappoints with its misleading marketing about a ‘true’ story, falsely exaggerating the plight of 32,000 women in ISIS camps. Despite box office success, the film’s narrative lacks focus, relying heavily on sensationalized background music. The disjointed love jihad angle and the forced mix of Malayali and heavily accented Hindi dialogue contribute to an overall artificial and offputtingly dull experience.
Please note that this list reflects my personal opinions on the best and worst movies of 2023, based on films I’ve had the chance to watch. Feel free to share your thoughts and recommendations