Hindi cinema experienced a revival in 2023 with a range of compelling and successful films. Despite the continued presence of blockbuster propaganda films like ‘The Kerala Story’ and ‘Gadar 2’, the industry showcased diverse offerings, including ‘Jawan,’ where Shah Rukh Khan engaged in a heartfelt dialogue with the voting public ahead of the 2024 elections. In this article, we will take a look at the top 7 Hindi movies that captivated audiences in 2023.
1) 12th Fail
Vikrant Massey shines in ’12th Fail,’ embodying the determination of Manoj, a young boy from Chambal aspiring to become an IPS officer. Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s film, focusing on Manoj’s struggles, resonates with warmth and earnestness. Massey’s agile and winsome performance contributed to the film’s success as a sleeper hit.
2) Jaane Jaan
Sujoy Ghosh’s ‘Jaane Jaan’ marks Kareena Kapoor Khan’s OTT debut in a mystery adapted from Keigo Higashino’s novel. Jaideep Ahlawat delivers a captivating performance, while Vijay Varma shines as a sharp-nosed cop. The film combines twists and turns with Ahlawat’s commanding presence, making it a standout in the mystery genre.
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3) Jawan
Shah Rukh Khan spearheads the ‘Clean India’ campaign in Atlee’s ‘Jawan,’ a massy action extravaganza that surprised audiences with its political commentary on crony capitalism, election fraud, and corruption in the armed forces. The film showcased SRK’s commitment to engaging storytelling with societal relevance. This was highest-grossing Indian film.
4) Mast Mein Rehne Ka
Vijay Maurya’s comedy ‘Mast Mein Rehne Ka’ follows two unlikely couples in Mumbai, offering a simple slice-of-life with intermittent life lessons. Featuring the delightful pairing of Jackie Shroff and Neena Gupta, the film’s carefree filmmaking and crummy humor make it an enjoyable companion piece to their earlier collaboration, ‘Khujli.’
5) Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Karan Johar’s ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ combines candied confection with a sharp critique of patriarchy and traditionalism. Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt are the leading stars of the film. In a year marked by toxic masculinity, Ranveer’s character, Rocky Randhawa, stands out as a likable individual open to learning and evolving.
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6) Three of Us
Avinash Arun’s ‘Three of Us’ explores themes of friendship, memory, and the beauty of the natural world. Shailaja, grappling with early-onset dementia, revisits her Konkan village home, with her husband and a childhood companion. The film navigates landscapes and emotions that shaped the director, offering a poignant exploration of life’s cycles.
7) Joram
Devashish Makhija’s ‘Joram’ explores the politics of development through Manoj Bajpayee’s character, Dasru, a tribal man on the run with his infant daughter. The film’s bravery and urgency are commendable, with Makhija employing extraordinary restraint in depicting the impact of development on land and people.