2024 has yet again been an amazing year for films, from iconic performances to thrilling narratives and unexpected misses, writes ABHI SINGHAL
Cinema has long been a reflection of society, a medium of mass communication, and an instrument for change. From its inception, films have served as more than just a source of entertainment. They have been a mirror to society, amplifying voices, shedding light on pressing issues, and sparking conversations that transcend borders. Over the decades, the cinematic landscape has evolved, offering a fascinating mix of artistry, storytelling, and technical brilliance. This year was no exception.
Looking back at the journey of Indian cinema, it is astonishing to witness its evolution—from the poignant realism of Satyajit Ray’s "Pather Panchali" and the thought-provoking narratives of Shyam Benegal to the visual spectacles crafted by modern filmmakers like S.S. Rajamouli and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Over 69 years, the industry has grown into a cultural phenomenon, shaping not just entertainment but also the values and ideals of its audience.
The early years of Indian cinema were driven by socially conscious storytelling, as seen in classics like Shatranj Ke Khilari, Sadgati, and Aparajito. These films addressed societal issues with sensitivity and depth, using the medium to educate and inspire change. Directors like Ray and Benegal paved the way for a golden era where art met purpose, creating a legacy of films that resonated deeply with audiences.
In recent years, however, talking about films like Pushpa 2, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Kalki 2898 AD, Kill, and more there has been a discernible shift in the motives behind filmmaking. While the essence of cinema as an art form endures, the industry has leaned heavily towards commercialisation. With a focus on box office numbers and global appeal, the cinematic experience has transformed into a spectacle, often prioritising grandeur and entertainment over substance. Yet, amidst the crowd of mass-market releases, there remain exceptions about the films that challenge norms, provoke thought, and carry forward the tradition of meaningful storytelling.
As we look back at the year that was, it becomes evident that cinema continues to straddle the line between its artistic roots and its commercial aspirations.
The past year has been a testament to the diversity of the medium, offering a mix of groundbreaking narratives, record-breaking successes, and a glimpse into the future of filmmaking wills also some flops which didn’t do well. This retrospective explores how the industry has evolved over time and examines the key highlights of the cinematic journey this year, from the unforgettable performances to the innovative storytelling that defined 2024.
Top 10 Films
Amar Singh Chamkila: The film takes you through the lives of pop star duo Amar Singh Chamkila and Amarjot Kaur, shedding light on their rise to fame in the 1980s through chart-topping songs.
Rating: 4/5
Do Patti: Do Patti is a story of twin sisters, whose troubled relationship is tested by love, betrayal, and redemption. The film explores the themes of domestic violence with standout performances by Kriti Sanon.
Rating: 4/5
Maharaja: After his home is broken into, a barber seeks revenge by cryptically telling police that his “lakshmi” has been abducted. The story of his journey to retrieve “lakshmi” begins.
Rating: 4/5
Bhaiyya Ji: A retired crime boss is pulled back into a world of bloodshed and violence as he seeks vengeance against those who killed his younger brother, featuring Manoj Bajpayee as Bhaiyya Ji.
Rating: 4/5
Lucky Bhaskar: Lucky Bhaskar a Telugu-language period crime drama about a lower-middle-class man who turns to financial scams to overcome debt and humiliation, featuring Dulquer Salmaan in a compelling titular role.
Rating: 4/5
CTRL: CTRL is a thriller directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, plotting the dark side of the digital age and the dangers of oversharing online.
Rating: 3.5/5
Article 370: The story follows Yami Gautam as a special agent, assigned a high-stakes mission to quell violence in Kashmir and render Article 370 ineffective.
Rating: 3.5/5
Berlin: In 1993, the Bureau accused and arrested a deaf-mute young man of spying in New Delhi. An interpreter with expertise in sign language is brought in.
Rating: 3/5
Laapataa Ladies: Laapataa Ladies is a humorous and heartwarming tale of identity, empowerment, and self-discovery, marking Kiran Rao’s triumphant return to direction.
Rating: 4.5/5
Sector 36: Sector 36 is a chilling crime thriller showcasing Vikrant Massey as a psychotic serial killer. The 124-minute drama is a must-watch for crime genre enthusiasts, delivering an unsettling narrative.
Rating: 3.5/5
Yodha: Yodha an action thriller following Arun Katyal (Sidharth Malhotra), a former soldier suspended after a failed mission, who is found on a hijacked plane years later. Blamed for the hijacking, Arun seeks revenge against the system.
Wrong Choices (Flops)
Bade Miyan Chote Miyan: Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is a Hindi sci-fi action film directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, starring Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The story follows two ex-soldiers racing to thwart a vengeful scientist's plan to attack India.
Sarfira: Sarfira is a Hindi drama directed by Sudha Kongara, starring Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Radhika Madan. A remake of Soorarai Pottru, it follows a man's fight to create affordable airlines for low-income people, battling numerous obstacles along the way.
Maidaan: Maidaan is a biographical sports drama directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma, starring Ajay Devgn as Syed Abdul Rahim, a pioneering football coach in India.
The Buckingham Murders: The Buckingham Murders is an Indian crime thriller directed by Hansal Mehta, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan as a grieving British-Indian detective investigating a child's murder in Buckinghamshire.
Loved Songs
Aaj Ki Raat: Madhubanti Bagchi, Divya Kumar, Sachin -Jigar
Sahiba: Jasleen Royal
Suniyan Suniyan: Juss and MixSingh
Ve Haaniyaan: Danny Ft Avvy Sra
Kaavaalaa: by Shilpa Rao, Anirudh Ravichander
Top 5 Web Series
Jamnapaar: Jamnapaar is a series on Amazon Mini TV about Shanky Bansal, a young man from East Delhi grappling with identity and aspirations. Struggling with feelings of inferiority, Shanky disowns his roots but eventually learns to embrace and take pride in them.
Gyaarah Gyaarah: Gyaarah Gyaarah, streaming on Zee5, is an Indian adaptation of the South Korean series Signal. It blends time travel, suspense, and crime drama across three timelines.
Heeramandi: Airing on Netflix, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is a 2024 Hindi period drama by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, exploring the lives of tawaifs in Lahore's Heera Mandi during India's independence struggle. The star-studded cast includes Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, and Aditi Rao Hydari.
Mirzapur Season 3: The third season of Mirzapur gets into an intense power struggle between Guddu, Sharad Shukla, and Kaleen Bhaiya, as alliances shift and rivalries deepen in the lawless city.
Ranneeti: The web series Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond is a 2024 action series streaming on Zee5, following an R&AW agent and his team as they combat hybrid warfare post-Pulwama attacks. They race to rescue a captured pilot, expose Pakistan's propaganda.
Actor of the year
Kriti Sanon stole 2024 in her name by her stellar, glamorous performances and delivering back to back hit films even with female protagonists loved by the audience.
