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Though many seem to believe that the year gone by was not a particularly extraordinary year for Indian cinema, we beg to differ. Granted, there may not have been as many out-and-out masala potboilers as usual, but this year several smaller budget films managed to solidify their place in the industry. 2008 has only reaffirmed beliefs that audiences are ready for something different, with several lesser-known films being appreciated by audiences all around the world. This year's list was quite difficult to combine because of the simple fact that there have been several triumphs over the course of the year. We have decided to disregard box office performance and simply rank these films according to their quality solely as a film (for box office performance, see Top 10 Grossers of 2008). As a team, we have compiled our list of the ten most superior films of 2008, which could very well differ from yours or someone else's. For this reason, we ask you to read on with discretion, because different films touch different people in different ways—that's why cinema is such a powerful medium!
10. Mithya
It's time we stop underestimating the team of Vinay Pathak, Rajat Kapoor and Ranvir Shorey, who have repeatedly surprised audiences with excellent films. Mithya is no exception and is perhaps the best performance of Ranvir Shorey's admirable career. The great thing about this film is that as soon as you think you have figured it all out, another layer emerges in the story that makes you truly realize what an excellent work of art it really is. The entire cast is simply stellar, and the delicacy with which director Rajat Kapoor has handled the film shows in each and every frame. Here's a dark comedy if there ever was one!
10. Mithya
It's time we stop underestimating the team of Vinay Pathak, Rajat Kapoor and Ranvir Shorey, who have repeatedly surprised audiences with excellent films. Mithya is no exception and is perhaps the best performance of Ranvir Shorey's admirable career. The great thing about this film is that as soon as you think you have figured it all out, another layer emerges in the story that makes you truly realize what an excellent work of art it really is. The entire cast is simply stellar, and the delicacy with which director Rajat Kapoor has handled the film shows in each and every frame. Here's a dark comedy if there ever was one!
9. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
Ever since initial announcements of Aditya Chopra's directional comeback, audiences waited with bated breath to see whether the director could bring back the same magic he brought to his earlier films. This seemed quite possible with his lucky mascot, Shah Rukh Khan, starring in the lead role as the endearing Suri and funky Raj. Though the plot may not have been the strongest of the year, the simplicity of the film is what appealed to audiences who are so used to seeing the Chopra's indulge in big-budget bonanzas. Comparisons with Chopra's earlier work are inevitable, but the fact of the matter is that Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is a sweet, romantic film that Indian audiences are very fond of. The film's emotions and winning performances from Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma made this a very enjoyable film that touched audience's hearts.
8. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na was a winner from the very first scene. Not only was it a youthful joyride, but it shed the spotlight on a new crop of actors who were an absolute joy to watch. With witty lines, just the right amount of emotion and several hilarious instances weaved into the narrative, Abbas Tyrewala pulled off one of the year's most entertaining films. The highlight of the film has to be the fact that you can't help but fall in love with each and every character, which heightens this film's impact manifold. It's truly a reincarnation of the Bollywood romance—clever, fun and refreshing!
7. Dostana
It's so rare to see a Bollywood comedy done tastefully, especially when the subject of homosexuality is involved. Dostana took a comic approach to homosexuality like many other films, but what sets it apart is that the comedy was tastefully done. Not once do any of the film's scenes appear vulgar, which is why even families could enjoy this film together. Of course, excellent comic timing by Abhishek Bachchan and his great chemistry with John Abraham didn't hurt the film either! A solid, breezy rom-com is so hard to find in this industry. Not only is Dostana funny, but it never questions your intelligence like 99% of Bollywood comedies. For this reason, Dostana ranks as one of the best films of the year!
6. Ghajini
Does Aamir Khan ever go wrong? For some reason, whenever you watch an Aamir Khan film you tend to forget the director and co-stars and walk out remember simply thinking of it as an "Aamir Khan film". This year's Ghajini worked big time with the masses and impressed most critics as well for the sheer fact that there is hardly a dull moment in the film's three-hour running time. Murugadoss re-created the Tamil version scene by scene and proved that his belief in the original film is quite justified. Action, comedy, romance—Ghajini has it all!
5. Fashion
The conviction with which Madhur Bhandarkar makes his films is absolutely unbelievable. We've heard of actors making a brand for themselves with audiences, but rarely is a director able to create a brand for himself. When audiences walk into a Bhandarkar film, they know they are not usually in for a regular filmy fare and that something hard-hitting awaits them. Fashion is one of Bhandarkar's best films (and most expensive!) because he has been able to take a very superficial industry and give it depth. Through it's excellently written characters, Fashion is another film that keeps you glued even if it's running time is quite long. The attitude, fire and flair that a film like this needs is all there, but coupled with a great story Fashion makes for great viewing.
4. Mumbai Meri Jaan
As mentioned in BollySpice's review, Mumbai Meri Jaan could easily have become a depressing film, but what is so brilliant about it is that you never feel the burden of such an intense subject. Instead, you remain proud of the silent strength each of the characters in the film possesses. In fact, the film is not about 7/11 or terrorism at all. It's about several characters who think they are grounded until tragedy strikes and they are forced to question themselves. This film works because of the raw reality of its characters and the depth that they all bring to the film. With so many characters, Kamat could easily have created various caricatures but the fact that you understand each and every one of the film's characters is such a monumental triumph. This film is easily one of the most moving cinematic experiences of the year.
3. Jodhaa Akbar
The sheer poise, grandeur and opulence that Jodhaa Akbar presented to us earlier this year is worthy enough to earn the film a place on this list. But what clinched its spot in the top three is the fact that this historical love story was gripping, intense and never boring. Historicals have quite a dark history in Bollywood, with very few emerging successful, but Jodhaa Akbar proves that if the story and script are good enough, any film can work. With an awe-inspiring cast and smouldering chemistry between it's lead actors, Jodhaa-Akbar is the perfect example of great film making.
2. Rock On!!
I don't think anyone expected Rock On!! to turn into the phenomenon it did when it released this past August. It's one of the few films this year that left almost everyone fully satisfied when walking out of the theatre, which is such a rarity. You don't even have to be a fan of rock to like this film, because rock is used as a backdrop for a great story about regular human beings. Still, the entire team came up with a truly original flick and finally brought rock to the Indian silver screen. To be completely frank, it's almost impossible not to like the film. Great performances, a novel storyline, an innovative soundtrack and an engaging script—what more can viewers ask for? Rock On!! is in every sense of the word—rocking!
1. A Wednesday!
I still can't come to terms with the fact that this film was made by a first-time director. What talent! Not only is Neeraj Pandey's A Wednesday! a gripping experience at the movies, but it's taken an oft-repeated storyline and put the perfect twist on it. All said and done, this film is unbelievably relevant at this point in time and says so clearly what so many of us want to say. Never before have I been so glued to a fifteen-minute monologue than I was while watching Naseerudin Shah during the concluding portions of the film. We're so used to watching films about larger than life characters or people in situations we have never been in—but A Wednesday! connects with all of us on such a personal level. It's insightful, powerful and as mentioned, so relevant. Forget about this year, A Wednesday! is one of the best films Hindi cinema has seen in a very, very long time.
Special Mentions:
Unfortunately, we can only limit this list to ten films and the following flicks missed the top ten by a very small margin.
Welcome to Sajjanpur – A satirical comedy on Indian society, Bengal proves how intricately he understands cinema as he's able to put together a film that appears to be a comedy but in fact is so much deeper than that. Making several social statements without getting preachy, Welcome to Sajjanpur is heart-warming.
Aamir – This is one film that doesn't let you breathe for a single moment. Gupta, a first-time director, takes us on a great journey with his protagonist who is forced to question himself several times over, forcing audiences to search deep within their minds and ask themselves—what would I do if I was in this situation?
U, Me aur Hum – It may have been inspired by The Notebook to some extent, but Ajay Devgan's directional debut was a great romantic flick that had just the right emotional quotient to keep us hooked.
Sarkar Raj – Varma's intensity as a filmmaker translated great on screen, as he brought three of the Bachchan's together in a power-packed film that turned out to be a fairly riveting crime-drama.
Shaurya – This film was a great dramatic experience with excellent performances but didn't quite make the list because it's an obvious remake of a Hollywood film titled A Few Good Men.
What struck all of us when compiling this list is the great diversity we've seen on the silver screen this year. Just take a look at this list—Bollywood is finally learning to explore various genres, characters and subjects. Many people claim that Bollywood no longer has the magic it used to in the yesteryears, but this list proves otherwise. 2008 has been a great year of growth for Indian cinemas—for its filmmakers, actors and most importantly, audiences. It may not go down as the year with the most box office returns, but I can safely say that this year, the audience has grown up. Congratulations!
Bollyspice.com
Ever since initial announcements of Aditya Chopra's directional comeback, audiences waited with bated breath to see whether the director could bring back the same magic he brought to his earlier films. This seemed quite possible with his lucky mascot, Shah Rukh Khan, starring in the lead role as the endearing Suri and funky Raj. Though the plot may not have been the strongest of the year, the simplicity of the film is what appealed to audiences who are so used to seeing the Chopra's indulge in big-budget bonanzas. Comparisons with Chopra's earlier work are inevitable, but the fact of the matter is that Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is a sweet, romantic film that Indian audiences are very fond of. The film's emotions and winning performances from Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma made this a very enjoyable film that touched audience's hearts.
8. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na was a winner from the very first scene. Not only was it a youthful joyride, but it shed the spotlight on a new crop of actors who were an absolute joy to watch. With witty lines, just the right amount of emotion and several hilarious instances weaved into the narrative, Abbas Tyrewala pulled off one of the year's most entertaining films. The highlight of the film has to be the fact that you can't help but fall in love with each and every character, which heightens this film's impact manifold. It's truly a reincarnation of the Bollywood romance—clever, fun and refreshing!
7. Dostana
It's so rare to see a Bollywood comedy done tastefully, especially when the subject of homosexuality is involved. Dostana took a comic approach to homosexuality like many other films, but what sets it apart is that the comedy was tastefully done. Not once do any of the film's scenes appear vulgar, which is why even families could enjoy this film together. Of course, excellent comic timing by Abhishek Bachchan and his great chemistry with John Abraham didn't hurt the film either! A solid, breezy rom-com is so hard to find in this industry. Not only is Dostana funny, but it never questions your intelligence like 99% of Bollywood comedies. For this reason, Dostana ranks as one of the best films of the year!
6. Ghajini
Does Aamir Khan ever go wrong? For some reason, whenever you watch an Aamir Khan film you tend to forget the director and co-stars and walk out remember simply thinking of it as an "Aamir Khan film". This year's Ghajini worked big time with the masses and impressed most critics as well for the sheer fact that there is hardly a dull moment in the film's three-hour running time. Murugadoss re-created the Tamil version scene by scene and proved that his belief in the original film is quite justified. Action, comedy, romance—Ghajini has it all!
5. Fashion
The conviction with which Madhur Bhandarkar makes his films is absolutely unbelievable. We've heard of actors making a brand for themselves with audiences, but rarely is a director able to create a brand for himself. When audiences walk into a Bhandarkar film, they know they are not usually in for a regular filmy fare and that something hard-hitting awaits them. Fashion is one of Bhandarkar's best films (and most expensive!) because he has been able to take a very superficial industry and give it depth. Through it's excellently written characters, Fashion is another film that keeps you glued even if it's running time is quite long. The attitude, fire and flair that a film like this needs is all there, but coupled with a great story Fashion makes for great viewing.
4. Mumbai Meri Jaan
As mentioned in BollySpice's review, Mumbai Meri Jaan could easily have become a depressing film, but what is so brilliant about it is that you never feel the burden of such an intense subject. Instead, you remain proud of the silent strength each of the characters in the film possesses. In fact, the film is not about 7/11 or terrorism at all. It's about several characters who think they are grounded until tragedy strikes and they are forced to question themselves. This film works because of the raw reality of its characters and the depth that they all bring to the film. With so many characters, Kamat could easily have created various caricatures but the fact that you understand each and every one of the film's characters is such a monumental triumph. This film is easily one of the most moving cinematic experiences of the year.
3. Jodhaa Akbar
The sheer poise, grandeur and opulence that Jodhaa Akbar presented to us earlier this year is worthy enough to earn the film a place on this list. But what clinched its spot in the top three is the fact that this historical love story was gripping, intense and never boring. Historicals have quite a dark history in Bollywood, with very few emerging successful, but Jodhaa Akbar proves that if the story and script are good enough, any film can work. With an awe-inspiring cast and smouldering chemistry between it's lead actors, Jodhaa-Akbar is the perfect example of great film making.
2. Rock On!!
I don't think anyone expected Rock On!! to turn into the phenomenon it did when it released this past August. It's one of the few films this year that left almost everyone fully satisfied when walking out of the theatre, which is such a rarity. You don't even have to be a fan of rock to like this film, because rock is used as a backdrop for a great story about regular human beings. Still, the entire team came up with a truly original flick and finally brought rock to the Indian silver screen. To be completely frank, it's almost impossible not to like the film. Great performances, a novel storyline, an innovative soundtrack and an engaging script—what more can viewers ask for? Rock On!! is in every sense of the word—rocking!
1. A Wednesday!
I still can't come to terms with the fact that this film was made by a first-time director. What talent! Not only is Neeraj Pandey's A Wednesday! a gripping experience at the movies, but it's taken an oft-repeated storyline and put the perfect twist on it. All said and done, this film is unbelievably relevant at this point in time and says so clearly what so many of us want to say. Never before have I been so glued to a fifteen-minute monologue than I was while watching Naseerudin Shah during the concluding portions of the film. We're so used to watching films about larger than life characters or people in situations we have never been in—but A Wednesday! connects with all of us on such a personal level. It's insightful, powerful and as mentioned, so relevant. Forget about this year, A Wednesday! is one of the best films Hindi cinema has seen in a very, very long time.
Special Mentions:
Unfortunately, we can only limit this list to ten films and the following flicks missed the top ten by a very small margin.
Welcome to Sajjanpur – A satirical comedy on Indian society, Bengal proves how intricately he understands cinema as he's able to put together a film that appears to be a comedy but in fact is so much deeper than that. Making several social statements without getting preachy, Welcome to Sajjanpur is heart-warming.
Aamir – This is one film that doesn't let you breathe for a single moment. Gupta, a first-time director, takes us on a great journey with his protagonist who is forced to question himself several times over, forcing audiences to search deep within their minds and ask themselves—what would I do if I was in this situation?
U, Me aur Hum – It may have been inspired by The Notebook to some extent, but Ajay Devgan's directional debut was a great romantic flick that had just the right emotional quotient to keep us hooked.
Sarkar Raj – Varma's intensity as a filmmaker translated great on screen, as he brought three of the Bachchan's together in a power-packed film that turned out to be a fairly riveting crime-drama.
Shaurya – This film was a great dramatic experience with excellent performances but didn't quite make the list because it's an obvious remake of a Hollywood film titled A Few Good Men.
What struck all of us when compiling this list is the great diversity we've seen on the silver screen this year. Just take a look at this list—Bollywood is finally learning to explore various genres, characters and subjects. Many people claim that Bollywood no longer has the magic it used to in the yesteryears, but this list proves otherwise. 2008 has been a great year of growth for Indian cinemas—for its filmmakers, actors and most importantly, audiences. It may not go down as the year with the most box office returns, but I can safely say that this year, the audience has grown up. Congratulations!
Bollyspice.com
Anupamaa
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