This compelling film features a stellar cast.
As the curtains draw on yet another remarkable year for Indian cinema, Bollywood has once again proven its prowess in delivering captivating stories, stellar performances, and cinematic brilliance. The year 2023 has been a treasure trove of cinematic gems, offering audiences a diverse range of experiences that have left an indelible mark. From heart-warming tales to gripping dramas, this year’s cinematic landscape has been nothing short of extraordinary. Join us as we delve into the enchanting world of the 15 best Bollywood movies of 2023, where each film stands as a testament to the industry’s innovation and storytelling finesse. After a five-year hiatus, Shah Rukh Khan marked his highly anticipated return to the silver screen with the action thriller Pathaan. Set against the backdrop of the 2019 revocation of Article 370, the film follows a cancer-stricken Pakistani general on a vengeful mission against India. Enter Pathaan, the extraordinary RAW agent, joined by Major Nandini Grewal forming the J.O.C.R. unit. This globetrotting thriller unfolds as a spy-themed treasure hunt spanning Dubai, Spain, Moscow, and Siberia. With former agents, secret codewords, and a lethal smallpox virus named Raktbeej, the film promises more than just espionage intrigue. Brace yourself for a cameo from another prominent Khan. Who says international espionage can’t be a masala entertainer? 10 Best Bollywood Tearjerker Movies Everyone Should See 20 Best Bollywood Movies with Siblings to Watch 25 Best Bollywood Movies on Women Empowerment In this grand Bollywood romantic-comedy and family drama, the traditional Rocky Randhawa discovers love with the career-oriented news anchor Rani Chatterjee. When their belief systems, values, and, most challenging of all, their families clash, a unique solution emerges: they decide to swap homes in an exchange program of sorts. A delightful clash of cultures ensues as Rocky and Rani attempt to break free from the patriarchal norms between the feisty Punjabi clan and the refined Bengalis. Throw in a blend of nostalgia and Bollywood’s greatest hits, and you have an instant Karan Johar classic. Get ready to be enchanted with our finest jhumkas. Set against the serene backdrop of Kalimpong, Jaane Jaan unfolds as Maya D’Souza’s life takes an unexpected and dark turn with the sudden reappearance of her abusive ex-husband, Ajit. The tranquil town, once a haven, becomes the stage for a gripping tale of suspense and intrigue. The plot takes a compelling twist when Ajit meets an untimely demise, an event witnessed by Maya’s reclusive neighbour, Naren Vyas, who also happens to be a mathematics teacher. As the story unfolds, the aftermath of Ajit’s death unravels a web of complexities, drawing Maya and Naren into a series of unforeseen events. Dhak Dhak invites audiences on a spirited road adventure, a journey not in pursuit of love but towards self-discovery. Backed by a formidable team led by Taapsee Pannu, the film showcases a stellar cast including Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sanjana Sanghi. These four women, hailing from diverse backgrounds, embark on a bike expedition to conquer the highest motorable pass in the world. The film unfolds across 83 locations, traversing the landscape from Greater Noida to Leh, and achieves the remarkable feat of completing shooting within a tight timeframe of forty days. Jawan takes you on a tumultuous ride through chaos and unexpected turns as Shah Rukh Khan steps into the role of Azad, Mumbai’s resilient jailer turned mastermind. He orchestrates crime alongside a group of women inmates, wielding a hijacked Mumbai Metro train as their weapon of choice. Their mission? Executing an ingenious plan to fund farmers’ loan waivers. In a captivating blend of intrigue, heists, and a touch of dark humour, this surprisingly political film unfolds as a Bollywood thriller. The narrative doesn’t shy away from addressing societal issues, and amidst the adrenaline-pumping sequences, it manages to weave in a thought-provoking PSA at the conclusion. In the gritty domain of espionage, Khufiya emerges as a narrative devoid of flashy gimmicks, focusing solely on spies navigating a complex and treacherous maze. KM, a seasoned R&AW operative, finds herself entangled in a web of betrayal woven by her ex-lover, a shadowy double agent. The mission at hand: to unmask the mole within the office, as R&AW’s highly classified intel hangs in the balance. Khufiya transcends the conventional spy thriller; it delves into a world where survival hinges on the delicate art of deceit. In this riveting tale of intrigue and danger, trust becomes a rare commodity, and every move is a calculated step on the precarious chessboard of espionage. In the realm of dysfunctional family dramas, Goldfish distinguishes itself as director Pushan Kripalani’s refreshing perspective on fractured bonds and poignant losses. Focused on Sadhana Tripathi grappling with dementia and her daughter, Anamika Fields, the film delves into the complexities of their strained relationship as Sadhana’s condition deteriorates. As Ana reluctantly returns home, the interactions between mother and daughter unveil layers of frustration and unresolved conflicts. Goldfish sensitively explores themes of resentment and childhood trauma, portraying imperfect characters navigating imperfect circumstances while seeking redemption. In Ghoomer, R. Balki takes us on a unique journey through the cricketing world, breaking away from the conventional bat-and-ball narrative. The film introduces Anina “Ani” Dixit, a promising cricketer whose trajectory takes an unexpected turn after a freak accident costs her right hand. Stepping into the scene is Padam “Paddy” Singh Sodhi, a former test cricketer portrayed by the ever-charismatic Abhishek Bachchan. Paddy brings unorthodox methods and coaching expertise to the table, transforming Ani into a spinner with their innovative style—ghoomer. With less than ten months to secure a spot as a bowler on the Indian women’s cricket team, Ghoomer unfolds as a gripping tale of resilience and reinvention. Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery is a satirical delight, served with a generous side of comedy. Directed by Yashowardhan Mishra and boasting an ensemble cast led by the talented Sanya Malhotra, the film playfully invites you into the garden of an MLA, where the disappearance of two jackfruits becomes the focal point of a mysterious case. Inspector Mahima, portrayed by Sanya, takes charge, but there’s an unexpected twist— the gardener’s daughter is missing too, yet no one seems to be concerned. As Mahima navigates this fruity conundrum, the film transforms into a light-hearted comedy, skilfully satirising the quirks of the government system. Mishra’s directorial finesse, coupled with the ensemble cast’s comedic prowess, turns Kathal into a cinematic experience that tickles the funny bone while cleverly shedding light on the idiosyncrasies of bureaucracy. In Gulmohar, director Rahul V. Chittella brings together a stellar cast including Sharmila Tagore and Manoj Bajpayee for a compelling family drama. The film captures the Batra family’s poignant farewell to their soon-to-be-demolished Gulmohar villa. As the packers and movers linger in the shadows of the 34-year-old family home, the façade of the seemingly picture-perfect relationships crumbles, laying bare a landscape of secrets, insecurities, and fractures more abundant than a demolition site. Chittella skilfully navigates the complexities of familial bonds, unravelling a narrative that goes beyond the physical demolition to explore the emotional dismantling of a family’s history and relationships. Crafted by the skilful hands of Vidhu Vinod Chopra, 12th Fail narrates the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma, portrayed by the talented Vikrant Massey. Born into a family where honesty is a point of pride for his father, the film takes an intriguing turn when Manoj chooses to deceive during his 12th-grade exams. This decision sparks a comedy of errors, providing a satirical glimpse into the absurdities of the educational realm. From the dusty confines of classrooms to the bustling chaos of Delhi, Manoj’s journey unfolds amidst false accusations, heartbreak, and a touch of romance. Chopra’s storytelling prowess shines as he weaves together a narrative that not only entertains but also holds a mirror to the peculiarities of the educational system. In this compelling odyssey, we accompany Manav, a photojournalist navigating a war-torn landscape marred by militancy and a desperate refugee crisis. Sadh’s portrayal skilfully encapsulates Manav’s struggles and anxieties amidst treacherous borders and ruthless Mujahideen bandits. Within a succinct 30-minute timeframe, the film plunges into the harrowing realms of human trafficking, smuggling, and illegal cattle trade, offering a vivid depiction of the harsh realities confronted by crisis documentarians. Inspired by the life and work of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Danish Siddiqui, Ghuspaith: Between Borders serves as a moving tribute and stands as a must-watch. It not only honours Siddiqui’s legacy but also sheds light on the challenges faced by those who bring the world’s crises into our consciousness through their lens. Introducing our latest comfort watch—a charming Bollywood comedy-drama that sweeps us through the lively streets of Mumbai. Jackie Shroff takes the lead as Kamath, a widower trapped in the monotony of daily life, who discovers an unexpected spark when his home becomes the target of a robbery. In his quest for connection amidst the city’s starkness, Kamath encounters the vibrant Mrs. Handa, portrayed by Neena Gupta. Together, they embark on mischievous adventures, inadvertently stumbling upon the thief who disrupted their lives. This heart-warming tale offers a delightful blend of humour, warmth, and unexpected connections against the backdrop of Mumbai’s vibrant chaos. Bheed unfurls as a poignant social drama, intricately weaving a narrative around the colossal migration during the significant 2020 lockdown in India. Helmed, written, and produced by Anubhav Sinha, this compelling film features a stellar cast including Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Dia Mirza, and more. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 lockdown, the story artfully captures the profound struggles and resilient spirit of migrant workers navigating borders. As a police officer, originally tasked with stopping them, finds himself unexpectedly championing their cause, Bheed stands as a powerful exploration of humanity and empathy in the face of adversity. In the realm of academic thrillers, Farrey ingeniously flips the script on scholarship dreams, transforming high school into a high-stakes game. Alizeh Agnihotri delivers a standout performance as Niyati, the brainy orphan whose life takes a heist-sized turn when she teams up with underprivileged classmate Aakash to crack the Oxford University entrance test. Together, they’re not just acing exams; they’re masterminding a worldwide entrance scam. Farrey unfolds as a gripping narrative that redefines academic ambition in the most unexpected and thrilling ways. As we bid adieu to 2023, the memories of these Bollywood masterpieces linger on, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the magic that unfolds on the silver screen. The 15 best Bollywood movies of 2023 have not only entertained but have also stirred emotions, sparked conversations, and left a permanent impact on the hearts and minds of audiences. As we eagerly await the cinematic wonders that the future holds, let’s celebrate the brilliance of these films that have made this year an unforgettable chapter in the annals of Bollywood history. Here’s to the magic of Bollywood movies and the promise of more cinematic marvels in the years to come.Pathaan
Related Reads
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Jaane Jaan
Dhak Dhak
Jawan
Khufiya
Goldfish
Ghoomer
Kathal
Gulmohar
12th Fail
Ghuspaith: Between Borders
Mast Mein Rehne Ka
Bheed
Farrey
