BizAsia’s 10 Must-See Movies of Winter 2013-14
Bollywood, so far this year, has seen some huge hits but also some movies fail at the box office despite being appealingly packaged on the outside. Overall, it’s safe to say that the year hasn’t been the best year for films critically but as far as the masses are concerned, they have been more than satisfied with what has been offered. Nevertheless, it’s that time of year again where BizAsia makes way for the British winter. However, never fear because we will be chasing away your winter blues with yet another hand-picked selection for the season of the forthcoming Bollywood movies to watch out for.
‘Shuddh Desi Romance’
Release date: 6th September 2013
Director: Maneesh Sharma
*ing: Sushant Singh Rajput, Parineeti Chopra, Vaani Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor
Our list kicks off with ‘Shuddh Desi Romance’ which releases later this week. Starring two actors who epitomise the next generation of B-town, Sushant Singh Rajput and Parineeti Chopra, it has been touted as a real-life portrayal of relationships today. Maneesh Sharma returns after the award-winning ‘Band Baaja Baaraat’ (2010) and the youthful ‘Ladies vs Ricky Bahl’ (2011) to bring a story which has his stamp almost written all over it. The story has been written by the hugely talented Jaideep Sahni who has previously written ‘Chak De India’ (2007) and ‘Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year’ (2009) to name a few. Undoubtedly, ‘Shuddh Desi Romance’ is one to watch out for.
‘Besharam’
Release date: 2nd October 2013
Director: Abhinav Kashyap
*ing: Ranbir Kapoor, Pallavi Sharda, Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor
Although ‘Besharam’ promos haven’t quite received the reception hoped for, nobody can doubt that Ranbir Kapoor is as versatile as any actor could possibly be. Here, he tries something different once again and that too alongside his parents Rishi and Neetu Kapoor who are also starring in the movie. This could be seen as a casting coup but we think it will do wonders for a film which puts Kapoor at his masaledaar and no-inhibitions best. The film has also suffered a setback when it has been spotted that a couple of the songs have been copied from others but we are still hopeful that the Kapoors with newcomer Pallavi Sharda will wow the audiences under Abhinav Kashyap’s larger-than-life umbrella.
‘Krrish 3’
Release date: 4th November 2013
Director: Rakesh Roshan
*ing: Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, Vivek Oberoi, Kangana Ranaut
Undoubtedly, it seems the wait for ‘Krrish 3’ has been an absolute age but finally the end is in sight. The trailer has been unveiled (and loved) and it seems the film is ready to bring to the audiences a never-seen-before type of sci-fi genre to Bollywood. As if it wasn’t enough to see Hrithik Roshan returning on our screens, Vivek Oberoi plays villain and Kangna Ranaut is also a part of this third instalment of the franchise, playing a sexy mutant. It certainly feels as if the Roshans will have outdone themselves with this forthcoming movie but then again, when exactly have they stopped doing that? Roll on Diwali!
‘Ram Leela’
Release date: 15th November 2013
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
*ing: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra (cameo)
It has been said that ‘Ram Leela’ will be Bollywood’s answer to a modern-day Romeo and Juliet and who better to direct such a tall order than Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Bhansali’s extravagance will no doubt match the setting and grandeur needed for this eagerly awaited film. Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone will be sharing the screen for the first time and what with the rumours surrounding their off-screen relationship, the film’s popularity and lure is sure to see an increase as the release day comes nearer. The first look of the movie is expected on 12th September and until then on tenterhooks we remain.
‘Gori Tere Pyaar Mein’
Release date: 22nd November 2013
Director: Punit Malhotra
*ing: Imran Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shraddha Kapoor
There was much ado made when Kareena Kapoor Khan and Imran Khan last starred in a film together. Kapoor Khan is of course a few years older than Khan and therefore reports emerged that there was particular effort made to make her look younger. However, the two have been cast together again in Punit Malhotra’s ‘Gori Tere Pyaar Mein’ and if the first look is anything to go by, they will definitely look amazing together this time round. Romance and comedy are coming together once again for this one which promises to be just magical in true Dharma Productions ishtyle!
‘Rambo Rajkumar’
Release date: 29th November 2013
Director: Prabhu Deva
*ing: Shahid Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Sonu Sood
Prabhu Deva is returning as director with what he knows best; action. Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha come together for the first time in what is set to be a very rugged, action-packed role for them both respectively. Their pairing is somewhat unconventional but no doubt Prabhu Deva will bring about a freshness to the screen which audiences are sure to take to.
‘Dhoom 3’
Release date: 20th December 2013
Director: Vijay Krishna Acharya
*ing: Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Katrina Kaif, Uday Chopra
‘Dhoom 3’ is a sequel which this list would be absolutely incomplete without. This time, Aamir Khan takes on the protagonist role and he is accompanied by Katrina Kaif who is also new to the popular franchise. Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra reprise their roles and there is sure to be some welcome cinematic excellence to be anticipated with this third instalment.
‘Mental’
Release date: 24th January 2014
Director: Sohail Khan
*ing: Salman Khan, Daisy Shah, Tabu, Sana Khan (and more)
‘Mental’ will take advantage of a holiday release in the first month of next year and in true Salman Khan style, it is sure to rock the box office. Starring with Khan are a whole host of others and with direction by brother Sohail, the film is sure to be full of masala and packed to the brim of what Salman Khan is known well for. The film will also bring the lovely Tabu to the screens again which can only be a good thing. Khan hasn’t had a single release this year but 2014 is ready to be filled with his fun and frolics.
‘Dedh Ishqiya’
Release date: 31st January 2014
Director: Abhishek Chaubey
*ing: Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Arshad Warsi, Naseeruddin Shah, Huma Qureshi
‘Ishqiya’ was a surprise success in 2010 and the sequel ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ has already started to make impact. Madhuri Dixit-Nene will be coming back to the screens in a lead role post her cameo in ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ (2013). Vidya Balan’s boldness in ‘Ishqiya’ was much talked about so it remains to be seen how Abhishek Chaubey gives Dixit-Nene a role which will not only lure the audiences in but also applaud her for taking on such a part.
‘Gunday’
Release date: 14th February 2014
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
*ing: Priyanka Chopra, Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Irrfan Khan
The last (but not the least by any means) on our list goes to the Yash Raj Films production ‘Gunday’. Starring Priyanka Chopra with Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor, the film appears to be full-of-life is any of the film’s stills and on-set photos are anything to go by. Set in 1980s Kolkata, the film’s backdrop is that of unsettled times. Kapoor and Singh play thieves who emerge as mafia-men and with a little romance chucked in for Bollywood audience good (and essential) measure.
As our list comes to an end, there are three films which didn’t quite cut it but which we’d like to give a special mention nonetheless. The first of three is ‘Grand Masti’ which is set to release on 13th September. Starring Vivek Oberoi, Aftab Shivdasani and Riteish Deshmukh similarly to the prequel, this movie looks to brings a modern version of ‘Masti’ (2004) to the screens. It looks like a laughter riot and, one hopes, will be as popular as the first instalment.
The second film in our special mentions is Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Highway’ which stars Randeep Hooda and Alia Bhatt. Ali’s specialness as director will no doubt seep through due to this one being a story he has been storing up for 15 years. The two characters of Hooda and Bhatt take a road-trip in a truck and romance develops between them. The plot seems very unlikely but we think this one will be an underdog winner. It’s slated for release on 13th December. (Updated on 2nd Oct 2013: ‘Highway’ postponed to 21st February 2014)
The final mention goes to Sidarth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra starrer ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’. The film boasts a love triangle between the two main leads and Adah Sharma who plays Chopra’s younger sister. The film seems apt for a light-hearted but yet very much relatable story for Malhotra to mark his second release with. Being made under the Dharma Productions banner, the film is sure to be packaged to perfection. Look out for it on 7th February 2014.
So that brings our list to a fitting end. We hope our list had made those inevitable blues gather some colourful shades and we also hope that the films of the latter part of 2013 and into 2014 turn out to be of hit-after-hit fate. We’ll be back with our summer movies for next year in just a few months time. Until then, do whet your appetites with some if not all of the above!
