We are two months away from the new year, it’s time to take a deep dive into the world of Hindi Bollywood movies that have set the screens ablaze with their brilliance, leaving the audience in awe.
After Covid, the Indian cinema industry faced its share of challenges. Despite the hurdles, Bollywood managed to deliver an array of outstanding films, showcasing a mix of classic Bollywood charm and innovative new ideas. Here’s a curated list of the most notable and trending Hindi Bollywood movies to watch this year, featuring a diverse range of genres and compelling narratives.
1. Gulmohar: Unraveling Family Dynamics
Director: Rahul V. Chitterlla
Cast: Sharmila Tagore, Manoj Bajpayee, Neeraj Kabi
Gulmohar is a captivating family drama that delves into the complexities and conflicts within a family gathering. With stellar performances from veterans like Sharmila Tagore and Monoj Bajpayee, the film masterfully explores unspoken tensions and emotions, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. It’s a heartfelt portrayal of familial relationships, highlighting the intricacies of human connections.
2. Kathal: A Hilarious Satire on Governance and Society
Director: Anurag Basu
Cast: Sanya Malhotra, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav
Kathal stands out as a remarkable comedy film grounded in everyday realities. Sanya Malhotra, in the role of a dedicated police inspector, delivers a standout performance, navigating the absurdities of village life in pursuit of stolen jackfruits. Filled with satire and humor, the film offers a hilarious commentary on governance in rural India. It’s a refreshing and thought-provoking take on societal issues, presented in an entertaining package.
3. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar: Ranbir’s Romantic Comedy
Director: Akash Khurana
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Anubhav Singh Bassi
Ranbir Kapoor returns to his rom-com roots in Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaarm, potraying the role of an anonymous “break-up consultant” entangled in a web of relationships. Paired opposite Shraddha Kapoor, Ranbir delivers his trademark charm and wit, making this film a delightful watch for fans of lighthearted romantic comedies. The movie explores the complexities of modern relationships with humor and heart.
4. Pathaan: A spectacle of Action and Intrigue
Director: Siddharth Anand
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham
Undoubtedly the most anticipated Indian movie of 2023, Pathan marked the grand comeback of Bollywood’s superstar Shah Rukh Khan after a hiatus of four years. Directed by Siddharth Anant, the film catapulted Khan into a new character in a spy action cinematic universe. With breathtaking action sequences and a gripping storyline, Pathan became the second highest-grossing Hindi movie of all the time, reaffirming Khan’s enduring star power and Bollywood’s ability to captivate audiences.
5. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: Love story of modern time
Director: Karan Johar
Cast: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, explored the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of elaborate family dynamics. Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt portrayed the titular couple, navigating the challenges of fitting into each other's families, resulting in a melodramatic yet engaging narrative.
6. Bloody Daddy: A Riveting Action Thriller
Director: Rajkumar Gupta
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Diana Penty, Ronit Roy
Bloody Daddy offers an intense action thriller experience, with Shahid Kapoor portraying a conflicted officer coerced into a high-stakes mission. The film is filled with adrenaline-pumping action sequences and unexpected twists, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish. Kapoor’s portrayal of a determined protagonist adds depth to the character, making the film a standout entry in the action thriller genre.
7. IB71: A Gripping Spy Thriller
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Cast: Vidyut Jammwal, Anupam Kher, Dalip Tahil
IB71 presents a unique and engaging spy thriller set against the backdrop of the 1971 India-Pakistan War. Vidyut Jammwal delivers a charismatic performance as an intelligence agent, adding layers to the character with his impressive action sequences. The film’s gripping plot and relatable context make it a thrilling watch, combining patriotism and suspense in equal measure. It’s a cinematic gem that keeps viewers at the edge of their seats throughout.
8. The Kerala Story: Unforgettable journey into controversy and courage
Director: Sudipto Sen
Cast: Sonia Balani, Adah Shrama, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani, Pranay Pachauri
The Kerala Story tackled a controversial real-life subject, focusing on the experiences of women who joined extremist groups. Despite its controversial nature, the film impressed audiences with its storytelling, with Adah Sharma's portrayal of Shalini providing a powerful focal point for the narrative.
9. Jawan: A Riveting Tale of Patriotism and heroism
Director: Atlee Kumar
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara
Jawan takes us on a compelling journey back to the pre-independence era, where a group of young revolutionaries, led by the charismatic and fearless Raghav (played by Shah Rukh Khan), embarks on a mission to free India from the shackles of colonial rule. Fuelled by a burning desire for freedom and justice, these brave souls face insurmountable challenges, risking everything for the nation they love.
10. Gadar 2
Director: Anil Sharma
Cast: Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel, Utkarsh Sharma, Simrat Kaur
Original Gadar is one of the biggest blockbusters of Bollywood cinema. Gadar 2 brings back the love that India shared for the story and the characters Tara, Sakeena and Jeetey. It also brings back the emotions of patriotism, the power of true love and heroism as 22 years later Tara Singh cross the border again to save his son played by Utkarsh Sharma. Gadar 2 became the highest grossing Bollywood movie of 2023.
11. OMG 2
Director: Amit Rai
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Yami Gautam, Pankaj Tripathi
Omg 2 is a comedy-drama Bollywood film about sex education in India. It is the squeal to already superhit Bollywood movie OMG. In the Bollywood movie Akshay Kumar plays Lord Shiva and Pankaj Tripathi plays the devotee of Lord Shiva and Yami Gautam plays the lawyer. It is a film that is entertaining, makes us laugh while it navigates important commentary on sensitive social issues.
Director: Karan Boolani
Cast: Bhumi Pednekar, Shehnaaz Gill, Shibani Bedi, Kusha Kapila
This Bollywood movie is a must watch with your girlfriends. The movie is about a woman who has never experienced an orgasm. Bhumi Pednekar settles for an arranged marriage and invites her ex-lovers to her engagement party to experience her first big orgasm. It is a journey of female pleasure, love and friendship.
