Trapped, Mom, The Ghazi Attack and Hindi Medium: Films that impressed us in 2017

The year 2017 saw many movies releasing at the box-office. While many movies did wonders on the screens, some failed to impress us despite heavy promotions by the makers. However, there were few movies, which impressed and moreover surprised us with its content and commendable job by the cast. These movies received positive reviews both by the critics as well as audiences and emerged as the sleeper hits of 2017.

Let’s take a look at movies that surprised us this year:

1. Lipstick Under My Burkha:

Unapologetically bold and opinionated in its treatment of grave woman issues, the film can be called a sleeper hit of 2017. After a long and controversial battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Alankrita Srivastava’s Lipstick Under My Burkha hit the screens on 21st July, 2017. The movie not only surprised us but also made it to our list of favourites. The plot revolves around a simple story of four women (played by Ratna Pathak, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aahana Kumra and Plabita Borthakur) and their dreams. It was also screened at several film festivals around the world.

2. A Death in the Gunj:

Konkana Sensharma’s directorial debut ‘A Death in the Gunj’ was centered around Shutu played by Vikrant Massey, and his conflicting ideas of masculinity. By taking the whole film on his shoulders, the talented actor did not let down the critics and his fans. Also, Kalki Koechlin and Ranvir Shorey did a stupendous job in the movie. It was one of the brave films to have come out of the Indian film industry this year.

3. Mom:

A thriller that dared to be different not only in its treatment but also making a middle-aged woman as the central protagonist. Sridevi was excellent as a ‘mom’ and Nawazzudin Siddique, as always, was brilliant. The supporting cast also turned out to be a great asset for director Ravi Udyawar’s film.

4. Hindi Medium:

Irrfan Khan took to the big screen once again to provide the audience with a thought-stirring movie which questioned the equality we take for granted. The film was a bitter-sweet satire on the excessive importance given to the English language in our country and how the true purpose of education gets lost in the process. Irrfan and Saba Qamar received a lot of adulation for their terrific performance. ‘Hindi Medium’ stood against big-budget releases and emerged as a sleeper hit at the box office.

5. Trapped:

Rajkummar Rao was a star in this Vikramaditya Motwane film. His role as the helpless chap who gets trapped in a high rise Mumbai apartment was just commendable. Trapped is a defining film for Motwane who has become braver in using small spaces and silence. The film had its world premiere in the Spotlight section of the Mumbai Film Festival on 26 October, 2016 and had received a standing ovation for the concept as well as Rao’s flawless performance.

6. The Ghazi Attack:

The Ghazi Attack was inspired by true events from the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. The story was about an executive naval officer of the Indian Submarine and his team, who remained underwater for 18 days. Om Puri, Kay Kay Menon, and Rana Daggubati gave a stellar performance in this powerful film. Made on a decent budget and of reasonable length ‘The Ghazi Attack’ was a praiseworthy effort.

7. Anaarkali of Aarah:

Anaarkali of Aarah by debutant director Avinash Das and starring Swara Bhasker, was an authentic attempt. The movie is about a woman, who fights to uphold her right to dignity. Swara captivated millions of hearts with her accent and brilliant acting skills. Sanjay Mishra as the sleazy Vice-Chancellor of a university did a fabulous job. ‘Anaarkali of Aarah’ is a timely film with a strong message that Indian women won’t take it sitting down anymore.

8. Bareily Ki Barfi:

The movie starring Kriti Sanon, Rajkummar Rao, and Ayushmann Khurrana not only surprised us but also made it to our list of favourites. Its desi aura, the hilariously rustic Bhojpuri-esque dialogue and the individual and collective charm and chemistry of the lead trio makes it worth-watching. Bareily Ki Barfi received a lot of adulation for its content and stellar performance by the cast.