Although big-budget formula films kept hitting the box office on regular intervals, 2014 straddled much more on sleeper hits such as "Queen", "Highway", "Mary Kom" and "Haider".
We list the top 7 Hindi films of 2014:
"Highway"
Shot in places like Delhi, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, the road movie revolves around two people who are brought together by fate. What really clicked were the story line, its execution and performances by the lead actors - Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda. While Alia's performance was fresh, Randeep really arrived. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film not only appealed to the critics but also entertained the viewers. Made on a budget of approximately Rs.25 crore, the movie grossed Rs.30 crore. This movie marked the coming of age of Alia Bhatt as a serious actor.
"Queen"
Kangana Ranaut really nailed it with this one. Directed by Vikas Bahl, the comedy-drama presents the life of bride-to-be Rani who decides to go on her honeymoon alone. Apart from the well-written script and a standout performance by Kangana, the film's other actors like Rajkummar Rao and Lisa Haydon also won hearts. The Rs.25 crore film collected a whopping Rs.55 crore in India.
"Citylights"
Made at a budget of less than Rs.6 crore, it collected Rs.10 crore and was also appreciated for its unique story line and brilliant performance by lead actor Rajkummar Rao. Directed by Hansal Mehta, the film is about a couple with rustic innocence.
"Mardaani"
Set against the backdrop of child trafficking, the Rani Mukerji-starrer raised the issue with great perfection under Pradeep Sarkar's direction. Made on a budget of around Rs. 30 crore, the film was praised for spreading awareness and also entertaining the masses. It minted Rs.40 crore at the box office.
"Mary Kom"
Priyanka Chopra's "Mary Kom" was about the heart-touching and motivational past of the Manipuri boxing champion with dignity and passion. Directed by debutant Omung Kumar, the film was one of the most inspiring biopics to have ever reached the silver screen and was made at a budget of approximately Rs.50 crore.
"Haider"
A modern-day adaptation of "Hamlet", "Haider" was the comeback film of Shahid Kapoor to the A-listers of Bollywood. With Kashmir as its backdrop, the Vishal Bharadwaj directorial is a wondrous work of art. Also, thanks to the brilliant cast, which also included Tabu, Shraddha Kapoor, Kay Kay Menon and Irrfan Khan, the Rs.40-crore film earned Rs.50 crore.
"PK"
Aamir Khan's much anticipated comedy-drama "PK" stirred thought and discussion and struck gold at the box office too. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, it earned Rs.214.14 crore in its second week and is still counting. The film, which used an alien, played by Aamir, to highlight the ills of society was made at a budget of Rs.110 crore.
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