10 BEST Hindi Films Of 2016

2016 has been quite a pleasant year for Bollywood courtesy some really fine & well made movies. I went through some of the finest cinematic experiences this year.
So here I pick the top 10 gems of the year.

1) PINK - Directed by Aniruddha Roy Choudhury

This solid realistic court room drama was both high on substance as well as execution. Excellent screenplay and writing backed by stellar performances helped it become the most appreciated cinema made in recent times.

2) KAPOOR AND SONS - Directed by Shakun Batra

Dysfunctional family sagas in Bollywood are hardly made to perfection. But this delightful film was an exception. Beautifully crafted and presented to the audience, this one is a winner in every way. Acting by all was impressive but particular worthy of mention is Fawad Khan who stole the show with a pitch perfect nuanced act.

3) DANGAL - Directed by Nitesh Tiwari

Dangal is an almost perfect biopic on an unsung Indian champion and his heroic daughters. Aamir's top class vision and show made this authentic emotional cinematic journey an engaging experience.

4) UDTA PUNJAB - Directed by Abhishek Chaubey

Udta Punjab is easily the boldest & bravest movie I saw this year. A striking take on a relevant issue like drugs abuse, this robust film amazed us to the core. Brilliant ensemble cast, fabulous music & sharp direction all helped the cause.

5) AIRLIFT - Directed by Raja Krishna Menon

This was an another real story of our forgotten heroes told mavelously on celluloid. It has patriotic emotions that gave me goosebumps. Rousing treatment to the script and Akshay Kumar's riveting act are the film's biggest highpoints.

6) NEERJA - Directed by Ram Madhavani

Once again a biopic is in my list, this time it's of a braveheart whose courageous tale was shown with utmost sincerity and credibility in this heartbreaking gem. Gripping storytelling with assured direction plus Sonam Kapoor's first rate acting were all commendable.

7) DEAR ZINDAGI - Directed by Gauri Shinde

This sweet little rejoicing feel good flick gave me smile for the most part. Finely helmed by Shinde, this attempt about 'loving your life' made us realize how important is the value of life despite hurdles & complexities.

8) FAN - Directed by Manish Sharma

This film based on a moviestar's ardent fanatic and how his love turned into psychic obsession worked for me because of the heartfelt first half and an extraordinary performance by Shah Rukh Khan in it. Inspite of the film's constant lacunas post interval, FAN was an appealing watch.

9) RAMAN RAGHAV 2.0 - Directed by Anurag Kashyap

Like any Kashyap movie, this was too dark, edgy & unpredictable. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's incredible work plus the compelling storytelling overpowered many flaws of this unique crime drama.

10) ALIGARH (Directed by Hansal Mehta) & PHOBIA (Directed by Pavan Kirpalani)

At number 10, I have both these bold yet exciting small wonders as tied. Aligarh was wonderfully created on a disturbing subject in which the central role was brought to life by faultless performance from Manoj Bajpayee.
       Phobia, on the other hand, was a cleverly constructed psychological thriller where the leading lady, Radhika Apte was in supreme form.

Thus, these are the ones that according to me, result in the most impressive movies to come out this year.

Best Of Bollywood 2016 Awards By Me

We saw various genres of quality movies this year. Among them, the ones that deserve to win awards in the following categories are as follows :-

1) Best FILM - PINK

2) Best DIRECTOR - Abhishek Chaubey (Udta Punjab) & Shakun Batra (Kapoor And Sons)

3) Best ACTOR - Shah Rukh Khan (FAN)

4) Best ACTRESS - Alia Bhatt (Udta Punjab/Dear Zindagi)

5) Standout Performer MALE - Aamir Khan (Dangal)

6) Standout Performer FEMALE - Radhika Apte (Phobia)

7) Surprise Performer Of The Year - Fawad Khan (Kapoor And Sons)

8) Most Entertaining ACTOR - Shahid Kapoor (Udta Punjab)

9) Most Entertaining ACTRESS - Fatima & Sanya (Dangal)

10) Best SUPPORTING ACTOR - Shah Rukh Khan (Dear Zindagi)

11) Best SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Kareena Kapoor (Udta Punjab)

12) Best Entertaining FILM - Dangal

13) Best Thriller FILM - Raman Raghav 2.0

14) Best Romantic FILM - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

15) Best Action FILM - Dangal

16) Most Coolest FILM - Kapoor And Sons

17) Best Offbeat FILM - Aligarh

18) Best JODI - Ranbir & Anushka (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil)

19) Best SONG - Jabra Fan Ho Gaya (Fan)

20) Best SINGER MALE - Amit Mishra (Bulleya - ADHM)

21) Best SINGER FEMALE - Palak Muchhal (Kaun Tujhe - MS Dhoni The Untold Story)

22) Best LYRICS - Baabu Haabi (Da Da Dasse - Udta Punjab)

23) Best MUSIC - Pritam (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil)

24) Best Actor in Negative Role - Jim Sarbh (Neerja)

25) Best Actor in Comic Role - Aparshakti Khurrana (Dangal)

26) Best Debutante Male - Diljit Dosanjh (Udta Punjab)

27) Best Debutante Female - Ritika Singh (Saala Khadoos)

28) Best Debut Director - Aniruddha Roy Choudhury (Pink)

29) Best STORY - Kapoor And Sons

30) Best SCREENPLAY - Udta Punjab

31) Best DIALOGUES - FAN

32) Best ENSEMBLE - Udta Punjab

33) Best Child Actor - Zaira Wasim (Dangal)

34) Best Cinematography - Shivaay

35) Best Choreography - Kaala Chasma (Baar Baar Dekho)

36) Best Special Effects - FAN

37) Best Costume Design - Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

38) Best Background Score - Dangal

39) Scene of the Year - When Gaurav & Aryan Meet For The First Time In Jail (FAN)

40) Pathbreaking Cinema Of The Year - Neerja

So this is my personal choice on movies that should win the abovementioned awards.

Thank you!

My Take On DANGAL - "Sincerity, Genuineness And Stellar Performances Make It A Fine Film"

Dangal, the last big film of 2016, is a biography of Mahabir Singh Phogat, an Indian wrestler turned coach, whose daughters Geeta & Babita Phogat win gold at commonwealth games for India. This is an honest take on an unsung son of the country. This cinematic saga has immense earnestness and is filmed with utter authenticity which makes the movie a believable experience. We witness Phogat's pathos, his obstinance to build his daughters capable enough to fulfil his dream, his extreme efforts, etc. All these seem quite real. We feel for phogat's family. The first half is amazingly solid and credible. Post interval, the film dips occasionally, becomes cliched at places, overdrama plays it's part too for the sake of commercialism and the climax isn't riveting as it should have been, although it's feel good. But despite these hindrances, Dangal succeeds to keep us engaged. It's sporting actions are perfect, dialogues are impactful, music & background score are good and performances are top notch. The two young girls, Zaira & Suhani, playing young Geeta & Babita respectively are deeply likeable while the adults, Fatima who plays the main Geeta Phogat & Sanya who becomes Babita Phogat are first rate. Particularly, Fatima shines in every scene she's in. She has a fabulous screen presence, terrific body language and emotes with panache. Sanya, meanwhile, underplays her part with brilliance and impresses in a great amount. Others like Aparshakti Khurrana, who leaves a lasting impression, provides full on amusement via his comic timing and Sakshi Tanwar does very well by making her presence felt in a part that doesn't require much to do. The only weak link is Girish Kulkarni, who usually a fine actor, is cursed with an ineffective role as the coach of Indian wrestling team. And that leaves us to Aamir Khan who is at top of his game as the central character. Not even a single false note is there in his performance. He adds the right blend of aggressiveness & vulnerability and brings life to his part by being so. One of his best acts this has to be. Overall, the vision of director Nitesh Tiwari is well backed by his commendable guidance. He commands the film to its merits and excels in doing that for the most part.

Thus, Dangal results in being a sincere attempt. It has emotions that are genuine and hence they appeal to us. It's not a great classic yet it's a must watch as it believes in determination & hardwork leads to triumph plus it roots for women empowerment in a bonafide way.

My Rating - 4/5

Aamir packs a solid punch & the girls are incredible. Enough reasons to watch this fine film.