LOOKING BACK: 10 Best Bollywood Films Of 2016
As the year draws to a close, here's a list of movies that not only won over audiences but also managed to be applauded by the critics
2016 hasn’t proved to be a great year as far as box-office hits are concerned. However, the only saving grace has been the fact that certain films did exceptionally well at the ticket counters giving some respite to distributors and theatre owners.
So let's take a look at some of the most loved films at the ticket windows this year:
Airlift
Image Source: twitter/akshaykumar
If you have followed Akshay Kumar’s work over a period of time, it’s impossible for you to have missed the fact the Khiladi Kumar is making a conscious effort to feature in films inspired by real life events. Airlift, which released in January this year, narrated the story of India's biggest evacuation rescue mission from Kuwait during the Iraq invasion in 1990. The film got tremendous response from the audiences and invoked the necessary patriotism among the masses.
Neerja
Image Source: twitter/sonamakapoor
Neerja was Sonam Kapoor’s response to all those who thought that she lacks acting skills. Based on what happened on the PAN AM flight 73 on September 5, 1986 (flight attendant Neerja Bhanot saved the lives of 359 passengers from the hijacked flight), Neerja managed to strike a chord with the audiences.
Kapoor & Sons
Image Source: twitter/aliaa08
One of the best films to have come out on dysfunctional families has to be Kapoor & Sons. A fantastic handling of the script by Shakun Batra and some brilliant performances by the cast helped the movie create wonders at the box-office.
Udta Punjab
Image Source: twitter/aliaa08
When a movie gets leaked days before its theatrical release, its box-office business is bound to get affected. However, Udta Punjab did break that Jinx. The immense support this Abhishek Chaubey film got during its legal battle with the Censor Board was stupendous. Even though it did average business at the ticket windows, the brilliant performances by Alia Bhatt, Diljit Dosanjh, Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan made it one of the most loved films of the year.
Sultan
Image Source: twitter/beingsalmankhan
Sultan is Salman Khan’s only release this year and what an impact it made. Salman as the wrestler with a heart won the audiences over with his acting chops.
Rustom
Image Source: twitter/ akshaykumar
Reportedly based on the Nanavati Court Case of 1959, Rustom connected well with the masses because of its super tight screenplay. Who wouldn’t enjoy a film replete with twists and thrills? Also, Akshay as a naval officer was outstanding.
Pink
Image Source: twitter/SrBachchan
Shoojit Sircar’s Pink that stars Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari and Andrea Tariang, is probably this year’s most stirring film. Right from the dialogues to the concept, Pink is the perfect example of how far Bollywood has come in terms of projecting women as victors and not victims.
M.S Dhoni: The Untold Story
Image Source: twitter/itsSSR
M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, the biopic on Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni went on to become hugely popular among the masses as well as critics. Neeraj Pandey's direction hit bull’s eye. To top it all, Sushant Singh Rajput's exemplary performance as MS Dhoni should definitely be winning him a lot of awards.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
Image Source: twitter/dharmamovies
Whether you liked the film or not, one thing is for sure - Karan Johar is pushing the envelope as a filmmaker. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil which touches upon the subject of unrequited love resonated with the youth. Also, fantastic performances by Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made this movie one of the best this year.
Kahaani 2
Image Source: facebook/kahaani2
Sujoy Ghosh is well-known for spine chilling thrillers. There is no doubt that Kahaani (2011) was better than this one, but that doesn't mean that Kahaani 2 does not deserve credit for being a good film. Also, Vidya Balan's downright perfect portrayal of a woman in distress was Brilliant.
