2023 has turned out to be a fantastic year at the box office. While several films minted money at the box office, many others not only made money but also filled the gap in the content-oriented subject.
12th Fail
The first film of 2023 that tops the list is the Vidhu Vinod Chopra-directed Vikrant Massey-starrer 12th Fail. The film, which draws inspiration from real-life stories, came as a surprise package to the audiences and gave the much-needed important content to the masses in such an impactful way that it resonated with everyone who watched it. Flawless filmmaking comes from error-less storytelling, and this film proved that everything can only beat the content to win. The film minted money at the ticket window spoke volumes with its content and has completed 50+ days in cinemas.
Dream Girl 2
Made under the production house Balaji Telefilms, the comedy entertainer ‘Dream Girl 2’ starring Ayushmann Khurrana gave the audiences a comedy entertainer with the content at its core. The film tells the story of Ayushmann’s character Karam, who turns his female alter ego on, and how it leads to trouble in his life, which ultimately gives laughter gigs to the audiences.
Fukrey 3
Excel Entertainment’s ‘Fukrey 3’ is another content-backed film that brings the audience’s favorite characters of the Fukra gang back. With the film being a super hit at the box office, it narrates the non-stop entertaining story of the gang and their quest to earn money. The rest of the story follows their involvement in the political campaign and how they escape the chaos.
Sam Bahadur
Another high-content drama that was well received by the audiences is RSVP Movies recently released ‘Sam Bahadur’, which explores the story of Sam Manekshaw, one of the most decorated officers in the Indian army who served for over four decades and fought five wars.
Satyaprem Ki Katha
Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment’s Satya Prem Ki Katha, a romantic drama of the year, follows the story of Sattu, played by Kartik Aaryan, and Katha, essayed by Kiara Advani. The film also depicts the sub-story of Katha’s character and how Sattu wins over his love. The film is one of the highly acclaimed films of the year that is accepted by family audiences.
Zara Hatke Zara Bachke
Made under a restrained budget, Maddock’s film ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ starring Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan follows a couple who want a house of their own away from their family and use the Indian Government’s Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani
Despite numerous proclamations of the demise of larger-than-life romance in recent years, Karan Johar managed to defy expectations with Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. Even with a star-studded cast, Johar, at times, seemed vulnerable in the face of the prevailing notion that audiences were growing indifferent to the allure of love stories. However, he not only revived a genre he once dominated but also infused it with intricate, progressive updates. The unexpected chemistry between Dharmendra and Shabana Azmi stole the show, transcending the grandiosity of the film with moments that felt both silly and emotionally profound. In a cinematic landscape yearning for such experiences, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani delivered with the clarity of a teardrop, giving audiences something they had been missing.
OMG2
The inclusion of an Akshay Kumar film in a best-of list is a refreshing change, considering his recent streak of less successful endeavors. Ironically, in OMG2, where he plays a god-like character, Kumar’s nonchalant and groovy mannerisms take center stage. The film’s success, however, is owed to the reliable Pankaj Tripathi and the creators’ courage to mainstream a subject widely considered taboo—sex education. Despite its flaws, OMG2 represents the kind of cinema that we need more of, challenging societal norms while maintaining an entertaining and thought-provoking narrative.
Jawan
In a year filled with Shah Rukh Khan’s impactful films, Jawan stands out as a testament to his blockbuster status. While Pathaan showcased Khan in a sleek action avatar as a stylish patriot, Jawan took his stardom to new heights. Khan’s portrayal of a rough-talking, notorious macho man presented a fresh incarnation, exuding a sexiness and seduction unlike anything seen before. This cinematic experience, with its whimsical elements and well-curated moments, truly came to life in theaters, where audiences surrendered to its charm and well-executed surprises.
Animal
While Animal may not be everyone’s cup of madness and provocation, it undeniably delivered the acting performance of the year. Ranbir Kapoor’s transformation from a tough guy to a madman in the film takes audiences on an intense journey, punching them in emotional places they didn’t know were possible in a movie theater. Although the film occasionally overdoes excess to provoke a subset of critics, it cannot be denied that Sandeep Reddy Vanga is anything but a boring filmmaker. “Animal stands as a bold and daring exploration that challenges conventions and showcases Kapoor’s versatility as an actor.