Glorious Year for Bollywood
2023 marked a significant year for Bollywood, where notable actors and filmmakers made their long-awaited comebacks. From Shah Rukh Khan’s highly anticipated return to Karan Johar’s revival of the ’90s grandeur, the year was filled with exciting cinematic ventures. In this article, we will delve into the best Bollywood movies of 2023 that captivated cinephiles and left a lasting impression. So, let’s embark on a cinematic journey and explore the outstanding movies that graced the silver screen in 2023.
1. Pathaan: Shah Rukh Khan’s Grand Comeback
After a hiatus of five years, Shah Rukh Khan made a spectacular return to the silver screen with the action thriller Pathaan. The film revolves around the 2019 revocation of Article 370, where a cancer-ridden Pakistani general seeks revenge against India. Enter Pathaan (Shah Rukh Khan), the extraordinary RAW agent, who forms the J.O.C.R. unit with Major Nandini Grewal (Deepika Padukone). This globetrotting thriller takes the audience on a spy-themed treasure hunt across Dubai, Spain, Moscow, and Siberia. With its intriguing plot, ex-agents, secret codewords, and even a mutated smallpox virus named Raktbeej, Pathaan offers an exhilarating cinematic experience.
2. Jawan: Shah Rukh Khan’s Rollercoaster Ride
In Jawan, Shah Rukh Khan portrays Azad, a plucky jailer from Mumbai who transforms into a crime mastermind with the help of a group of women inmates. Their audacious plan involves hijacking a Mumbai Metro train to fund farmers’ loan waivers. Balancing chaos, twists, and a touch of dark humor, this surprising political film captivates audiences with its thrills and spills. Moreover, Khan delivers a public service announcement, urging people to vote conscientiously, followed by a nail-biting Marvel-esque action sequence. Jawan offers a unique blend of intrigue and adrenaline, making it a Bollywood thriller that cannot be missed.
3. Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: Karan Johar’s Classic Rom-Com
In this grand Bollywood rom-com and family drama, Cinema. Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, we witness the enchanting love story between Rocky Randhawa (Ranveer Singh) and Rani Chatterjee (Alia Bhatt). As their different belief systems, values, and families clash, a remarkable solution is proposed – they decide to live in each other’s homes. This cultural clash between the feisty Punjabi clan and the refined Bengalis creates a delightful and nostalgic journey. With the perfect mix of Karan Johar’s signature style and Bollywood’s greatest hits, Cinema. Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is an instant classic that tugs at the heartstrings.
4. Jaane Jaan: Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Intense OTT Venture
Kareena Kapoor Khan takes on a grittier avatar in her first OTT venture, Jaane Jaan. The movie showcases Maya D’Souza’s (Kareena Kapoor Khan) life unraveling when her abusive ex-husband reappears. Things take a complicated turn when her reclusive neighbor, math teacher Naren Vyas (Jaideep Ahlawat), witnesses the demise of her ex-husband. Jaane Jaan explores crime, love, and intellectual pursuits against the serene backdrop of Kalimpong. This intense and emotionally charged film offers a captivating portrayal of human relationships and personal struggle.
5. Dhak Dhak: A Road Adventure for Self-Discovery
Dhak Dhak takes us on a rollicking road adventure, revealing not a search for love, but a journey of self-discovery. Produced by a powerhouse team, including Taapsee Pannu, the film follows the story of four women from different backgrounds on a bike expedition to the highest motorable pass in the world. Spanning 83 locations from Greater Noida to Leh, the film sheds light on the shared experiences of women navigating a patriarchal society. Dhak Dhak serves as a testament to resilience and empowerment, offering an inspiring tale for audiences.
6. Goldfish: A Thought-Provoking Family Drama
Director Pushan Kripalani presents Goldfish, a poignant portrayal of a dysfunctional family. The movie revolves around Sadhana Tripathi (Deepti Naval), who grapples with dementia, and her daughter Anamika Fields (Kalki Koechlin). As Anamika reluctantly returns home, their strained relationship brings to light unresolved conflicts and deep-seated resentment. The film sensitively explores themes of redemption, childhood trauma, and the complexities of imperfect characters in imperfect circumstances. Goldfish delivers a thought-provoking narrative that touches the hearts of its viewers.
7. Ghoomer: An Unconventional Spin on Cricket
In Ghoomer, R. Balki takes us on an unconventional journey into the world of cricket. The story revolves around Anina “Ani” Dixit (Saiyami Kher), a promising cricketer whose life takes an unexpected turn after a freak accident costs her right hand. Enter Padam “Paddy” Singh Sodhi (Abhishek Bachchan), a former test cricketer with innovative coaching methods. With less than ten months to secure a spot on the Indian women’s cricket team, Ani’s inspirational journey of resilience and reinvention unfolds. Ghoomer captures the essence of determination and the human spirit, making it a gripping tale for sports enthusiasts and movie lovers alike.
8. 12th Fail: A Comic Take on the Absurdities of Education
Directed and written by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, 12th Fail follows the story of Manoj Kumar Sharma (Vikrant Massey). Born into a family that values honesty, Manoj decides to cheat on his 12th-grade exams, unwittingly setting in motion a series of comedic events. The film sheds light on the absurdities of the education system while exploring themes of false accusations, heartbreak, and, unexpectedly, romance. 12th Fail offers a lighthearted take on the struggles of students, presenting a relatable and entertaining narrative.
9. Mast Mein Rehne Ka: A Heartwarming Comedy-Drama
Our new comfort watch comes in the form of the delightful comedy-drama Mast Mein Rehne Ka. Jackie Shroff portrays Kamath, a widower stuck in the monotony of his routine, until his home becomes the target of a robbery. As Kamath seeks connection within the bustling streets of Mumbai, he crosses paths with the vibrant Mrs. Handa (Neena Gupta). Together, they embark on mischievous adventures, inadvertently stumbling upon the thief who disrupted their lives. Mast Mein Rehne Ka is a heartwarming tale that showcases the importance of human connections and the power of embracing life’s unexpected moments.
10. Bheed: A Poignant Social Drama
As a poignant social drama, Bheed weaves a tale around the largest migration in recent Indian history – the 2020 lockdown exodus. Directed, written, and produced by Anubhav Sinha, the film features acclaimed actors Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Dia Mirza, and more. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 lockdown, the narrative captures the struggles and resilience of migrant workers. A police officer tasked with stopping their journey finds himself unexpectedly rooting for them. Bheed examines the power of compassion and humanity, shedding light on the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Conclusion: A Year That Revitalized Bollywood
The best Bollywood movies of 2023 showcased the industry’s extraordinary talent and creativity. From thrilling action-packed ventures to heartwarming comedies, these films left an enduring impact on cinephiles. The comeback of Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar’s revivals, and the outstanding performances by renowned actors exemplify the resurgence of Bollywood. As we bid farewell to 2023, let us celebrate the remarkable movies that reimagined storytelling and entertained audiences throughout the year.
