Desi-Box highlights the Best of Bollywood that this year had to offer. Check out our favourite films of 2012!
Agneepath
The Karan Johar produced reboot of the acclaimed Agneepath starring Hrithik Roshan opposite Priyanka Chopra saw mega box office success this year. The revenge action drama also saw Rishi Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt essaying the role of menacing antagonists to much critical acclaim. Katrina Kaif also featured in item number Chikni Chameli.
Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu
Although bearing a vague resemblance to What Happens in Vegas, Dharma productions pushed boundaries again this year with this refreshing romantic comedy starring Kareena Kapoor and Imran Khan. The Karan Johar produced production was a Valentines offering that offered an alternative climax to the usual formulaic Bollywood ending.
Kahaani
The gripping Kolkata shot thriller starring Vidya Balan and an outstanding supporting cast saw Kahaani as one of the surprise box office hits of the year. The Sujoy Ghosh directed project which explored themes of feminism and motherhood in a male-dominated Indian society also boasted an unexpected twist which audiences loved.
Vicky Donor
The John Abraham produced romantic comedy starring Ayushmann Khurrana was a surprise sleeper hit. Based on the taboo subject of sperm donating and infertility, this hilarious Panjabi flavoured comedy had a brilliantly written script with memorable performances from a great cast.
Gangs of Wasseypur
The Anurag Kashyap directed epic revenge saga was divided into two parts, and centred on the politic power struggle of three crime families. The film offered exceptional performances from its underrated cast including Manoj Bajpai, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Richa Chadda. Screened at Cannes film festival 2012, the film saw international critical acclaim and will be featuring in the Sundance 2013 line up. Look out for the release in the UK in early 2013.
Cocktail
Saif Ali Khan’s production house offered a contemporary take on the done to death Bollywood love triangle formula in the deliciously made Cocktail. Pushing the boundaries of modern romance the Desi romantic comedy drama saw Saif stuck in a complex love triangle with Deepika Pudukone, who arguably offered her career best performance and newcomer Diana Penty.
Ek Tha Tiger
The Salman Khan action thriller directed by Kabir Khan was the box office hit of the year, accumulating more than 300 crores at the box office. The melodramatic Yash Raj production saw Katrina Kaif star opposite Khan in a storyline based on the secret service. A crowd pleasing mass entertainer, with Salman Khan doing what he does best.
Barfi!
Possibly the film of the year, this pure cinematic delight mesmerised audiences and critics alike with its heart warming storyline and career defining performances from Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. Although not shortlisted for the Oscars, India’s official entry was a refreshing piece of cinema that paid homage to the brilliance of Bollywood’s yesteryears cinema.
English Vinglish
A beautifully made family drama that gave Sridevi the well deserved title of comeback queen of the year. English Vinglish is a heat warming tale of a woman’s journey to learn English in order to please her family, and the endeavours she faces whilst jugging with the ups and downs that life brings. This brilliant directorial debut by Gauri Shinde also garnished critical acclaim after the film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.
Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana
The house of Anurag Kashyap offered this laugh out loud authentic Punjabi comedy surrounding the comedic family mishaps and a secret family recipe. Starring Kunal Kapoor and Huma Qureshi with a brilliant ensemble cast this film even had vegetarians licking their lips!
Jab Tak Hai Jaan
The last offering of a Yash Chopra Romance from the maestro of Indian cinema himself, this love epic was a contemporary take on the exploration of relationships and love in 2012. Starring the romance King Shahrukh Khan alongside Katirna Kaif and Anushka Sharama, Jab Tak Hai Jaan was the tear jerking romantic saga of the year. More than anything, this film was adored for the sentiment behind it; the loving memory of the great Yash Chopra.
Talaash
It is pure fact that anything that Aamir Khan touches turns to Gold and Talaash was not any different. Shrouded in tight secrecy the Reema Kagti directed project was a psychological suspense drama that had nearly everyone on the edge of their seats till the very end. Starring Aamir Khan alongside Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor, the noir stylised drama offered a twist that divided audiences and critics alike.
With 2013 being a celebration of 100 years of Indian cinema Desi-Box is sure that even more great films will be coming your way next year!