As the cinematic landscape continues to evolve, 2024 beckons with an array of Hindi films that promise a veritable feast for moviegoers, brimming with titles designed to stoke the flames of curiosity. From the exotic locales of ‘Agra,’ ‘Berlin,’ and ‘Tehran,’ to titles like ‘695’ and ‘Emergency’ that hint at historical events being revisited for cinematic exploration, this year’s lineup is a testament to an industry in creative overdrive. The allure of megastars such as Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi sharing the silver screen holds the potential to drive audiences in droves to theaters. Similarly, the charismatic appeal of Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, coupled with the chameleon-like versatility of Pankaj Tripathi, suggests a wide array of captivating performances are on the horizon.
Biographical narratives of a Paralympian champion and a visually impaired entrepreneur signal an expanding horizon of inclusivity in the industry’s subject matter. Moreover, the involvement of Karan Johar in high-octane action projects poses intriguing questions about the future dynamic of quintessential Bollywood romance. Amid the fluctuating tides of expectations and reservations, let’s delve into the cinematic prospects of this leap year.
The festive period of Eid in 2024 will witness Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff teaming up in ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,’ anticipated to be a juggernaut at the box office. Continuing the excitement, Kamal Haasan’s ‘Indian 2,’ Rajinikanth’s ‘Vettaiyan,’ Prabhas and Deepika Padukone’s ‘Kalki 2098 AD,’ Allu Arjun’s ‘Pushpa: The Rule,’ and Rakshit Shetty’s ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ are slated for release, showcasing a mighty Southern constellation in the Bollywood firmament.
Kamal Haasan is poised to enthrall fans in a vigilante avatar while Rajinikanth shares the screen with Amitabh Bachchan in ‘Vettaiyan.’ Suriya’s pan-Indian endeavor ‘Kanguva’ intends to transcend linguistic barriers, while Mohanlal debuts as a director with a tale steeped in the lore of Vasco da Gama’s treasures. ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,’ helmed by Ali Abbas Zafar, promises grandeur and has Malayalam cinema’s Prithviraj Sukumaran portraying the antagonist.
Christmas of 2024 will be marked by Sriram Raghavan’s ‘Merry Christmas,’ featuring the unexpected pairing of Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi. Eschewing the conventional formula for pan-Indian films, Raghavan aims for a nuanced, neo-noir experience.
Vasan Bala collaborates with Alia Bhatt in a Dharma Productions’ violent action drama that explores incredible sibling dynamics. Kareena Kapoor, Tabu, and Kriti Sanon come together in ‘The Crew,’ a dramedy set against the aviation backdrop. Kabir Khan spotlights the incredible story of Murlikant Petkar in ‘Chandu Champion,’ while Neeraj Pandey switches gears with the romantic drama ‘Auron Main Kahan Dum Tha,’ featuring Ajay Devgn and Tabu.
In the spotlight are films that garnered accolades at film festivals last year and are now poised to face public judgment. These include ‘All India Rank,’ ‘Agra,’ ‘Berlin,’ and ‘Kennedy,’ among others.
An aerial action entertainer from Siddharth Anand pairs Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone in an adrenaline-pumping spectacle, ‘Fighter.’ Moreover, politics will subtly blend into the cinematic narrative with timely releases like ‘Main Atal Hoon,’ and Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Emergency,’ seeking to captivate audiences with potent, historical portrayals.
Anurag Basu revisits the urban fabric of relationships with ‘Metro…In Dino,’ and other sequels like ‘Love Sex Aur Dhoka 2’ and ‘Stree 2’ are poised to intrigue audiences with their fresh perspectives.
In summation, Hindi cinema is gearing up for a year of boundless stories and unforgettable performances, extending a global invitation to audiences to join in this spectacular cinematic journey. As we look ahead, the question lingers – will these offerings on the silver screen this year stand up to the scrutiny of viewers and critics alike? Only time will tell, but the anticipation is undoubtedly palpable.
