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BizAsia 2021 Reflections: Most appreciated films of the year

As the Indian Film Industry continued to face the challenges throughout 2021, it seems many film makers were able to find a way to get their stories out to their audiences despite the odds. With 2022 potentially looking to be a more hopeful year for Bollywood, BizAsiaLive.com looks back at the most promising films that graced the screens this year.

‘Shershaah’
With biopics being a particular favourite for film lovers worldwide, Vishnuvardhan’s ‘Shershaah’ had a promising stance from the get-go. Being one of this year’s biggest releases which took the online route, Sidharth Malhotra’s portrayal of brave Indian soldier Captain Vikram Batra was one many apparently had watched more than once. His chemistry with Kiara Advani was electric and the patriotism he brought forward through his character touched people’s hearts worldwide.

‘Sardar Udham’
Yet another biopic based on patriotism and fighting for the country, Vicky Kaushal had everyone’s eyes glued to the screen with his role as Sardar Udham Singh, a freedom fighter who was responsible for the assassination of Michael O’Dwyer. Already a much-appreciated filmmaker, Shoojit Sircar put his best foot forward with this one. With a thrilling storyline, which had everyone inches towards the edge of their seats, critics and film lovers were highly impressed by the way this story was told.

‘Mimi’
It’s no secret that comedies tend to be difficult to get right. So when Laxman Utekar announced the release of ‘Mimi’, many were curious to see how Kriti Sanon and Pankaj Tripathi would work on-screen in a story about surrogacy. It came as a pleasant surprise when everyone enjoyed the story of a Rajasthani girl not thinking about the consequences of being a part of an orthodox society when becoming a surrogate for an American couple. With both Sanon and Tripathi giving everyone the laughs through the whole film, Utekar was able to address some serious issues about childbearing and the realities of how society judges single and unmarried women’s choices. Funny, gripping, and heartwarming; this is one film many will return to watch again and again.

‘Dhamaka’
With his many stints in comedic films, Kartik Aaryan has managed to grow a good fan following. However, the actor was able to prove all those wrong who underestimated his talent as a serious actor. Ram Madhvani definitely brought the best out of Aaryan where it’s difficult to think of any other actor playing this role. Here is a film with many plot twists and surprises, which the director makes easy for his audiences to follow. Another compelling storyline that had it’s viewers invested in the characters from the beginning. From the cast to the music, to the cinematography, this is one film that will not be forgotten.

‘83’
India had always to continued to make history, and one historic moment that many filmmakers have not dared to depict is that of the story of how the Indian Cricket team won the Cricket World Cup in 1983, against all odds. However, it is known that Kabir Khan loves a challenge, and had everyone hooked on any news as soon as he announced ‘83’. Starring Ranveer Singh as the captain Kapil Dev, Khan exceeded all expectations. Keeping it simple and focusing on the story of how the team battled with criticism, let downs and very little support, Khan shined a light on how each player played a vital role in their success. This was a story of a big win after many failures, pulling at one’s heartstrings and becoming engrossed in each character’s personality. Here was yet another film that examples India’s patriotism.

2021 was all about the little wins for many. The continued struggles that the year has meant to many, the Indian Film Industry has done a brilliant job in shedding some light and wonderful escapism for all. With the hopes that the year to come will be more hopeful, here’s to more wonderful storylines to escape to.