Hindi cinema shuddered back to life in 2023. We finally had some genuine, unembarrassing hits. Propaganda films like The Kerala Story and Gadar 2 still reigned in theatres, but there was also Jawan, where Shah Rukh Khan had an intense heart-to-heart with the voting public (India goes to polls in 2024). Meanwhile, other actors and movies got an opportunity to shine. There were some tender, affectionate dramas, and that noisome beast in theatres called Animal. Here, in no particular order, are the 10 most memorable Hindi films of 2023…
Avinash Arun’s first directorial feature, Killa (2015), was a poignant tale of childhood and loss along the Konkan coast. Though adults, not children, take the center stage in Three of Us, it’s a film immersed in Arun’s abiding themes: friendship, memory, the beauty and primacy of the natural world. Shailaja, reeling from early-onset dementia, revisits her childhood home in a Konkan village. She is accompanied by her husband, a kindly insurance salesman, and later joined by Pradeep, a diffident bank employee who was Shailaja’s childhood companion. Arun, too, seems to have returned, retracing the halcyon landscapes and difficult emotions that shaped him as a filmmaker.
In another cinematic offering, Sujoy Ghosh’s mystery Jaane Jaan captivates audiences, where a beautiful performance by Jaideep Ahlawat steals the show, despite it being touted as the streaming debut of Kareena Kapoor Khan. The adaptation of Keigo Higashino’s novel The Devotion of Suspect X sees Ahlawat, with his commanding presence and subtle expressions, lead viewers through an engrossing narrative alongside an equally impressive Vijay Varma.
Conversing on a delicate topic, Pushan Kripalani’s Goldfish offers a starkly different perspective on dementia. Kalki Koechlin’s character, Anamika, returns to London’s lockdown to care for her ailing mother, portrayed with finesse by Deepti Naval. Their interactions, rich with emotional depth, are amplified by the evocative soundtrack and a cast of intriguing characters, presenting a fresh take on the British domestic drama.
Switching to a film full of glamour and critique, Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani … resplendently exposes the patriarchal underpinnings and orthodox judgment inherent in urban upper society. Ranveer Singh leads the charge as the eponymous Rocky, embodying a principle of learning and self-improvement that stands against the prevailing cultural currents of the time.
Devashish Makhija’s Joram, with Manoj Bajpayee at its heart, is a searing journey into the plight of a tribal man attempting to shield his daughter from the oppressive forces society has unleashed upon them. The film is notable not just for its thematic power but for its measured narrative that allows for soundscapes that are as impactful as the spoken word.
A tale of ambition against all odds, Vikrant Massey’s portrayal of a Chambal boy aspiring to be an IPS officer in 12th Fail plays upon the heartstrings without manipulating them. Massey’s performance and the film’s depiction of the aspirational spirit captivated audiences, turning it into an unexpected box office hit.
Shedding light on the backbone of rural India, Ajitpal Singh’s Sundance-premiered Fire in the Mountains is a stunning tribute to women’s labor. It explores the challenging life of Chandra, whose ambitions are as grand as the mountains surrounding her, and yet, as intimate as her family’s daily struggles.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan presents Atlee’s high-octane action fused with an unexpected and insightful political critique. The film’s bold maneuvers did not deter it from becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of the year, drawing both accolades and astonishment.
Charting the course of young love amidst the chaos of a pandemic, Parth Saurabh’s Pokhar Ke Dunu Paar delivers a raw and alluring portrait of a couple seeking solace and closure on their return to their hometown of Darbhanga, Bihar.
Lastly, Vijay Maurya’s Mast Mein Rehne Ka, unveiled directly to streaming platforms, reunites Jackie Shroff and Neena Gupta as an unlikely comedic duo whose adventures transcend expectations, providing a lighthearted yet poignant reflection on life.
Special mentions for 2023 go to the likes of Pathaan, Kathal – A Jackfruit Mystery, and The Song of Scorpions, each adding unique hues to the canvas of Indian cinema. As the year demonstrates, the resilience and diversity of Hindi films persist, reflecting the dreams, challenges, and triumphs that resonate with audiences across the spectrum.
