2015, what a year! Films have garnered much attention with their ensemble casts, good actors, and a whole lot of great expectations. But surprisingly, this year was not only about the big banners and big names, but movies driven by good content as well. They may or may not have got the box office ringing, but their story treatment and good acting has taken them over and above when it comes to viewer ratings.

Here is a list of movies that surprised us in 2015.

Drishyam

Drishyam

Drishyam

This Ajay Devgn starrer had a good story line and decent execution. Without any big names barring Devgn and not too much marketing and PR, the movie brought out an interesting idea where the black and white were shown in shades of gray. It was a novel concept dealt with in a fairly dramatic manner and for it to be accepted by the audience is very encouraging. One can see a growth in the thought process of the film industry as well as the audiences to be able to accept this story on ‘perspective’.

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Dum Laga ke Haisha

Dum Laga Ke Haisha

Dum Laga Ke Haisha

A rather simple yet sweet story of an arranged marriage between a smart, educated, overweight girl and a passionate, yet spineless boy who has never learnt to stand up for himself. The movie did well because of its great writing, witty dialogues and the timely humour that captures the awkward situation they are both stuck in. The transition from aversion to physical features to a fondness towards the personality, I believe, resonates with a lot of people and that’s what made the story work. I believe Sharat Kataria’s directorial venture also highlighted the maturity in people’s viewing patterns to accept the leading lady of the film to be a quick witted chubby girl rather than a size zero model.

Talvar

Talvar

Talvar

There have been many movies commenting on the way our justice system works, showing the unraveling of the famous, critical cases that have taken centre stage on news networks.

Meghana Gulzar’s Talvar was one of them which had a surprisingly factual representation of facts through its taut storyline. Movies like these tend to often taint the audience’s mind with outcomes and guesses. But here was a good commentary on the event without muddling up the facts or making it seem more dramatic than it was. It showcases very impressive storytelling and stellar performances by the actors. The possibility of the multiple versions of reality is shown clearly. Though it does tend to lend the parents some sympathy, it did surprisingly well with the audiences owing to its overall treatment.

Tanu Weds Manu Returns

Tanu_Weds_Manu_Returns

Tanu Weds Manu Returns

Tanu Weds Manu Returns proves that sequels can be equally riveting. Especially when we are  surrounded by forced failures in the name of sequels. Kangana Ranaut once again showcases her versatile skills as as an actor in a double role in this Anand L Rai directional. Both the characters played by Ranaut have been built with distinctive uniqueness and yet have similarities that justify Manu falling in love with Dattu.

The music is good, and despite the silliness of some parts, the movie pans out, working with the audience. It’s a light-hearted comedy and the humor is well spaced out making it an entertainer throughout.

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Baby

Baby

Baby

There have been many attempts in the past to make a good action thriller with spies and gadgets, but unfortunately they have been very disappointing, corny and not at all gripping. Thankfully, we can grant credit to Baby for doing a good job at keeping us glued to our seats. With interesting action sequences and good twists and turns the movie had us eager to know what comes next. The suspense was exciting and the possible cliff hangers were well played out. Thankfully romance was at a minimum, keeping the point and the focus of the movie in sight. Coupled with commendable performances, it was good to see a well made movie.

Angry Indian Goddesses

Angry Indian Goddesses

Angry Indian Goddesses

Pan Nalin’s female buddy film was a surprise package in 2015. I expected a very didactic, preachy lesson on women empowerment when I read the name of the film. This movie is anything but that; it is not a lesson on how women are prevented from breaking out, but a movie on women who are breaking out. They touched various areas of a woman’s life, not just the issues specific to a certain class but more. Angry Indian Godesses showed the strong woman living her life, on her own terms, pushing through all the barriers. There are abundant barriers for sure, but this movie definitely packages it very well.

It’s not all tears and they have used humor as a strong emotion to connect with the audience. The end is slightly dramatic, but much needed to get the message across.

READ: WOMEN LIKE NEVER BEFORE – ANGRY INDIAN GODDESSES

Masaan

Masaan

Masaan

Set in Benaras, Neeraj Ghaywan’s directorial debut is very well structured to reflect the pace of the small town. A very moving story of two couples with tragic love stories. The focus of the movie is not on love but on loneliness, and it is so well portrayed by its two protagonists, Richa Chadda and Vicky Kaushal. The nuances in their performances and portrayal of their characters were exceptional.

The story is so simple and yet complex at the same time. It is a different, yet touching which takes us though the journey and evolution into its characters. Overall Masaan was highly appreciated by audiences not just in India but internationally too and is a must watch for its good content.

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2015 has been an amazing year when it comes to great surprises and unexpected hits in the form of good content. The new year too promises to keep us hooked with an exceptional line up of films. Here are the films that we’re looking forward to in 2016.

Time will tell which films pass the test of time and surprise us in the coming months.

 -Akshita Kariwala

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