2018 Reflections: Fresh pairings that we loved

2018 has been a rollercoaster in terms of film entertainment this year, with plenty of drama, romance, comedy and suspense. Not only did the content bowl the audiences over, but the leading actors also contributed massively. Right from the first big blockbuster this year we have been introduced to new jodis (on screen couples), which may have had fans and critics divided or surprised on the filmmaker’s choice. BizAsiaLive.com has narrowed down five of the best jodis that have graced the screens this year.

Shahid Kapoor & Deepika Padukone – ‘Padmaavat’
Riddled with controversy right from the beginning, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmaavat’ (2018) was the most anticipated release at the start of January 2018. With lead actors Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, it had intrigued many as to how this equation was going to work. Padukone and Singh who have starred in a few of Bhansali’s films already, were not going to be romantically linked this time, instead it would be Padukone and Kapoor. It would be the first time for Kapoor playing such a role as Maharaj Rawal Ratan Singh and from the very first frame with Padukone their chemistry was delightful, charming and endearing. As a viewer, it made you wonder why they haven’t done a film before. Both Kapoor and Padukone complimented each other and the way they depicted the love of Singh and Rani Padmaavati captured one’s heart.

Vicky Kaushal & Taapsee Pannu – ‘Manmarziyaan’
‘Manmarziyaan’ (2018) directed by Anurag Kashyap was not only Abhishek Bachchan’s comeback movie, but also gave us a new dynamic for a love triangle. The film also stars Taapsee Pannu as Rumi, Vicky Kaushal as Vicky and Bachchan played the character of Robbie. Fair to say the trio delivered their roles perfectly, particularly Pannu, who manages to compliment herself to both Kaushal and Bachchan’s characters in portraying two different personalities for both relationships. Kaushal continues to be on a winning streak and shows how great he is becoming as an actor in taking any role and making it his own. As for Bachchan, it was wonderful to see him back with a strong performance and in a Sardar avatar which suited him very well. This was an impressive movie which tackled a whole heap of subjects surrounding love and commitment. Any film with either of the three together or as a duo in the future would surely be encouraged and welcomed.

Vicky Kaushal & Alia Bhatt – ‘Raazi’
‘Raazi’ (2018) directed by Meghna Gulzar was based on the true story of Sehmat Khan essayed by Alia Bhatt, was a simple girl sent to Pakistan to become a spy to source information for Indian intelligence due to an imminent war that was brewing between India and Pakistan in 1971. Khan was then married to a Pakistani Army Officer, Iqbal Syed played by Vicky Kaushal. Bhatt, who had so far been seen in many rom-com dramas showed audiences another side to her acting abilities, alongside Kaushal who also demonstrated his versatility as an actor. The pairing was fresh and their onscreen chemistry was seamless. There were varying displays of conflicting emotions that ran throughout the film especially as the relationship between husband and wife developed. The casting proved a huge hit with audiences and no doubt another film with the duo in a light-hearted film in the future who be great to see.

Varun Dhawan & Anushka Sharma – ‘Sui Dhaaga’
Another new onscreen couple, this time given to us by director Sharat Katariya with Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma in lead roles for ‘Sui Dhaaga’ (2018). Sharma and Dhawan both gave equal performances in the film, neither overpowered the other, instead were the perfect balance in this simple, yet inspirational love story. Set in the backdrop of rural India the film showcases a heartwarming story of a young couple Mauji (Dhawan) and Mamta (Sharma), who set up their own clothing business. Both Mauji and Mamta face many trials and tribulations in their journey to success and certainly encapsulates the essence of teamwork that is required in a relationship.

Sara Ali Khan & Ranveer Singh – ‘Simmba’
Last but, not least the final release of 2018 ends with a bang or a roar! The Rohit Shetty directorial ‘Simmba’ (2018) has been a huge hit at the box office so far and many have been eager to see the casting of Singh and Ali Khan together for the first time. Only her second film, Ali Khan has proved that she too can mirror her co-star and bring the same energy to the screen. The chemistry between the two may not have been 100% sizzling, however Ali Khan has very quickly shown her diverse acting and dancing skills. With her new partner in crime no doubt we will see these two again to entertain the masses.

The list wouldn’t be complete without a few special mentions and it’s only right to applaud Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor for their performances in ‘Stree’ (2018). With an unique concept, Rao and Kapoor were brought together for a comedy-horror about a young man who falls in love with a ghost. With all the right ingredients of comic timing, romance and songs, both established actors who are extremely talented make this a worthwhile watch.

Although Ali Khan has been featured above for ‘Simmba’ (2018), it’s only right to praise her debut performance with Sushant Singh Rajput in Abhishek Kapoor’s ‘Kedarnath’ (2018). They suited each other well and both looked at ease on screen. The storyline sees a young girl from a Hindu background fall in love with a Muslim guy who was a porter for pilgrims visiting the holy temple of Shiva – Kedarnath, which is set in the beautiful region of Uttarakhand.

2019 is only around the corner and it’s clear to see that with the launch of many new talented actors and jodis alike, it will be exciting to see how the coming year and beyond shapes out with the many films already in the pipeline.