As the year draws to a close, there is no doubt that this year, it is content-driven and quality cinema that has triumphed in Bollywood.

As usual, Hindi films with massive budgets and A-list actors have hit the theaters but failed to achieve the numbers they aimed for.

On the other hand, smaller films, which initially released in theaters but didn’t earn what they deserved, found their due recognition once they were released on streaming platforms.

This year has shown promise. In the future, it will be films with stories that don’t diminish the intelligence of the audience that will dominate, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed.

So, here are my five best Hindi films of the year.

I Want To Talk

Shoojit Sircar’s most personal film to date demonstrates that a biopic doesn’t need to be a hagiography focused solely on the protagonist’s struggles and idealized choices. The dramatic conflict in the film is understated, the emotional power is measured, and the humor is subtle.

By theatrically releasing such a niche film instead of going for a direct OTT release, Sircar has proven that he is one of the boldest filmmakers. Undoubtedly, this is one of the finest Hindi films of the year, and Abhishek Bachchan is a delight to watch.

Laapataa Ladies

Kiran Rao’s sophomore film is a socially relevant story with a keen eye for both humor, poignancy, and shines light on the suffocating constraints of patriarchal values.

Adapted from a story by Biplob Goswami, and with a screenplay by Sneha Desai and additional dialogue by Divyanidhi Sharma, the narrative unfolds with bracing engagement and dramatic intensity.

The unexpected situations, whimsical settings, and vulnerable characters endows the film with a refreshing quality.

Amar Singh Chamkila

In Imtiaz Ali’s body of work, this film stands out as perhaps his most daring—not only because he has chosen to explore the life of a controversial singer, but also because of his bold use of narrative techniques.

Through the creative integration of 2D animations, split screens, and intercutting real-life photographs and videos, Ali enhances his storytelling acumen.

The film does not aim to target any individual or offer a critique; rather, it focuses on the protagonist’s personal journey and the profound impact his music had on society.

Furthermore, the evocative soundtrack composed by AR Rahman aggrandizes the film, making it a rich sensory experience that deepens the emotional resonance of the story.

CTRL

Vikramaditya Motwane’s screen-life thriller holds up a mirror to society, urging us to confront the troubling aspects of our online personas and how these identities can become fragmented, distorted, and nearly impossible to decipher in the digital haze.

What comes as a pleasant surprise is that it is, without a doubt, an Ananya Panday film. She brings depth to her character, humanizing her role, and carries the weight of the film with remarkable presence.

Stree 2

Amar Kaushik once again proves that a mainstream film doesn’t have to undermine the intelligence of its viewers to achieve box-office success.

Taking cues from the events of its prequel, Stree (2018), Stree 2 may not reach the heights of its predecessor, but it stands out as a sharp critique of societal norms, particularly the discomfort with women who challenge traditional roles.

The performances from the cast—Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana—are commendable, with each actor delivering a performance that elevates the narrative by a notch.

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