They make for essential viewing.
Bollywood films have an unmatched zeal for storytelling and entertainment.
Each year is filled with great performances, unforgettable cinema, and notable themes.
2024 has been no different, with fantastic and memorable movies at its heart.
As the year draws to a close, DESIblitz looks back on the splendid ride we all experienced at the pictures, whether in the cinema or from the comfort of our homes.
Here are 10 great Bollywood films that were released in 2024.
Fighter
Director: Siddharth Anand
Stars: Anil Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone
The year began with a bang in the form of Siddharth Anand’s Fighter.
The film narrates the story of Squadron Leader Shamsher ‘Patty’ Pathania (Hrithik Roshan).
As Patty navigates life in the Indian Air Force, he falls in love with Squadron Leader Minal ‘Minni’ Rathore (Deepika Padukone).
Fighter is notable for being the first on-screen collaboration between Hrithik and Deepika. Their chemistry is electrifying and unique.
The film also finds an anchor in Group Captain Rakesh ‘Rocky’ Jaisingh (Anil Kapoor), who imbues authority and vigour in his every scene.
Siddharth takes the audience on a breath-taking experience as Fighter is Bollywood’s first action-aerial film.
The story is compelling, with fast-paced action and emotional performances. It was just the film we needed to begin the year on a literal high.
Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya
Directors: Amit Joshi, Aradhana Sah
Stars: Dharmendra, Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon
Amit Joshi and Aradhana Sah join forces to give us Kriti Sanon, as we’ve never seen her before.
Kriti plays a robot named SIFRA, who meets robotics engineer Aryan Agnihotri/Aaru (Shahid Kapoor) in America.
SIFRA is being used by Aryan’s aunt to test whether human beings can differentiate between the robot and themselves.
However, that does not stop Aryan from falling in love with SIFRA, and he introduces her to his family in India.
In this blend of technology and love, the directors create a mosaic of family drama and unexpected feelings.
Praising Kriti’s performance, Justin Joseph Rao says: “The actor has assuredly showcased her range in a very controlled, consistent act in the film.
“It was a tough task, but Kriti Sanon held her ground rather well.
“Her performance in it is an answer to her acting critics.”
Shahid and Kriti also develop a gentile chemistry, which you rarely see at the movies.
Do Patti
Director: Shashanka Chaturvedi
Stars: Kajol, Kriti Sanon, Shaheer Sheikh, Tanvi Azmi
Continuing with the radiant star, Kriti Sanon, we come to Shashanka Chaturvedi’s Do Patti.
In her production debut, Kriti portrays a dual role of twin sisters: Saumya Pundir Sood and Shailee Pundir.
The sisters have contrasting personalities in that Shailee is vivacious and outgoing. On the other hand, Saumya is quiet and reserved.
They share a rivalry caused by unfairness and childhood issues. Saumya goes on to marry Dhruv Sood (Shaheer Sheikh).
The relationship throws Saumya into the dark world of domestic violence.
Her only hope to escape is the compassionate police officer Inspector Vidya ‘VJ’ Jyothi Kanwar (Kajol).
Kriti and Kajol deliver terrific performances, but it is Kriti who steals the show in her dual role. She portrays both sisters with finesse and ease.
She proves that she is a young star who is here to stay.
Released on Netflix, Do Patti is an ode to feminism, grit, and sisterhood.
Stree 2
Director: Amar Kaushik
Stars: Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana
A sequel to Stree (2018), this movie proved to be one of the best Bollywood films of 2024.
It stars Shraddha Kapoor as She and Rajkummar Rao as Vicky.
Decorated with daggers, provocative dancing, and a complex mother-daughter bond, Stree 2 takes comedy and horror to different levels.
In a Hindustan Times review, Rishabh Suri comments: “Stree 2 is a rare sequel that delivers bang for the buck.”
Speaking about the success of the film, Shraddha says:
“It means a lot. I’m just so happy that, in general also, this period has been really good for Hindi movies.
“And also that I’m a part of a film that has done so well and has gotten so much love from the audiences.
“So I’m feeling very grateful.”
The film became one of the highest-grossing movies of 2024 and rightfully earned Shraddha universal acclaim.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
Director: Anees Bazmee
Stars: Kartik Aaryan, Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Triptii Dimri
The third instalment of a popular franchise, this film serves as an extension to Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022).
Directed by Anees Bazmee, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 tells the story of Ruhaan ‘Rooh Baba’ Randhawa (Kartik Aaryan).
Ruhaan enjoys tricking people into thinking that he is a ghostbuster.
His world is turned upside down when Meera (Triptii Dimri) returns and develops romantic feelings for him.
The pair have a series of eerie encounters with Manjulika/Mallika (Vidya Balan) and Mandira (Madhuri Dixit Nene).
A royal saga of horror and drama, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a ride that exceeds the expectations of the franchise.
Filled with terrific performances by its cast, the film is a testament to the series.
This is hopefully just the beginning.
Shaitaan
Director: Vikas Bahl
Stars: Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, Jyotika, Janki Bodiwala, Anngad Raaj
Adapted from Vash (2023), Shaitaan is one of the most daring Bollywood films ever.
It sees Vikas Bahl attempt horror for the first time as he creates the perfect family in the Rishi clan.
Kabir Rishi (Ajay Devgn) and Jyoti Rishi (Jyothika) are a happily married couple with two children: Jahnvi Rishi (Janki Bodiwala) and Dhruv Rishi (Anngad Raaj).
During their holiday, all hell breaks loose when they encounter the sadistic Vanraj Kashyap (R Madhavan).
Vanraj casts a spell on Jahnvi that compels her to follow his every order to the letter.
This includes harming her brother and her parents and threatening to blow up the family’s vacation home.
The performances in Shaitaan are mind-blowing yet honest. Madhavan, in particular, dazzles as the crazed Vanraj, who is hungry for power and control.
Shaitaan is one of the industry’s finest horrors in years. Watch it for a chilling and exhilarating experience.
Article 370
Director: Aditya Suhas Jambhale
Stars: Yami Gautam Dhar, Priyamani, Raj Arjun, Vaibhav Tatwawadi
In Article 370, Yami Gautam Dhar stars as NIA agent Zooni Haksar.
Zooni is a resilient agent who accepts a mission to try and abrogate Article 370 but wants two more people on her team.
She is methodical and smart, always coming up with different ways to succeed. This includes raiding a dry fruit warehouse.
They discover its workers serve a contractor, and they tap his phone to try and find more leads.
The film takes the audience on a nail-biting journey as it presents Yami at her very best.
Yami shares how the success of the film impacted her expectations. She said:
“After Article 370, my expectations from myself have to go up.
“It cannot be what it was three years back. It’s all about growth. Am I doing that? Is that film allowing me to do that?
“So, that’s my first and foremost thought.”
Amar Singh Chamkila
Director: Imtiaz Ali
Stars: Diljit Dosanjh, Parineeti Chopra
In Imtiaz Ali’s sterling film, Diljit Dosanjh brings the titular musician to life.
Chamkila was a Punjabi singer known for his songs that often contained explicit and lewd lyrics.
He performed with his wife Amarjot, who is portrayed by Parineeti Chopra in the film.
Released on Netflix, Amar Singh Chamkila documents the saga of Chamkila and Amarjot.
From Chamkila’s rise to fame from poverty to the tragic assassination of the singer and his wife, many of Chamkila’s classics help propel the film.
The result is a mesmeric biopic that is strengthened by heartfelt performances from Diljit and Parineeti.
In her review of the film, Anupama Chopra comments: “Imtiaz’s masterstroke is casting Diljit Dosanjh as Chamkila.
“Diljit brings to the role an innocence and vulnerability.”
Amar Singh Chamkila is one of the finest Bollywood films of 2024, and it restored Imtiaz’s career to new heights.
Kill
Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat
Stars: Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, Tanya Maniktala, Abhishek Chauhan
This pulse-racing action thriller is a stratospheric showcase of talented newcomers.
Amrit Rathod (Lakshya) and Viresh Chatwal (Abhishek Chauhan) must rescue innocent passengers when a family of bandits hijack a train.
Amrit must also protect the love of his life, Tulika Singh (Tanya Maniktala), from the clutches of the ruthless Fani (Raghav Juyal).
Kill is a canvas of blood, gore, and bravery. It sets a new benchmark when it comes to the action films of Bollywood.
Lakshya shines in this grotesque yet brilliant film, which has emotion and courage simmering underneath every slash, punch, and stab.
Even though your head might resist, your heart cannot look away from this film, which is a rollercoaster of just over one and a half hours.
If this is a sign of what is to come, Lakshya has a bright future ahead of him, and fans of Kill are rooting for him, just like they did for Amrit in this film.
I Want To Talk
Director: Shoojit Sircar
Stars: Abhishek Bachchan, Ahilya Bamroo, Johnny Lever
I Want To Talk is a prime example of a film underperforming at the box office despite being a great piece of art.
The film introduces us to Arjun Sen (Abhishek Bachchan). He is an NRI based in the US, and he is facing life-changing surgery.
As a single parent, he must also contend with his complicated relationship with his daughter Reya (Ahilya Bamroo).
Arjun fights laryngeal cancer, and despite many surgeries, the disease spreads all over his body.
Arjun’s sarcasm and humour are what drive him through his illness and build a bond between him and Reya.
Abhishek delivers a masterful performance, once again proving that he is much more than his surname.
I Want To Talk may have failed commercially, but it leaves an indelible imprint on the hearts of the audience.
It is, therefore, one of the best Bollywood films of 2024.
Throughout 2024, Bollywood films have not only thrived but have also left us speechless.
These wonderful stories aptly show what the industry is capable of with the right material and the right minds.
All these films are not only watchable, but they make for essential viewing.
Spanning a range of genres and diverse characters, they tick the boxes for an unforgettable experience.
Viewers can now look forward to an exciting 2025, which promises to build up on the great Bollywood films of 2024.
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