Bollywood In 2016
Let me reference all time great Sholay and paraphrase Dharmendra "iss saal film mein drama hai, romance hai, action hai!"
With heavyweights like Hrithik Roshan and Ranbir Kapoor in the frame with Mohenjo Daro and the refusing-to-see-the-light-of-day Jagga Jasoos, and the ever diligent Shah Rukh Khan offering not one but TWO releases (Fan and Raees), it looks like the industry is in for a BUMPER year.
Covering diverse topics, plots based on real life events like in Akshay Kumar's heroic Airlift which centres on a pilot risking his own life to save compatriots, Sarbjit based on Sarbjit Singh, an Indian farmer convicted of being a spy by Pakistan, this film is sure to ruffle feathers both sides of the border. Played by Randeep Hooda who thus far has had understated success despite some strong performances in films like the underrated Highway, his outing with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Richa Chadda will undoubtedly make for an interesting watch.
Sonam Kapoor's Neerja - a tale of one woman's selflessness working aboard a PanAm flight where duty came first, costing her her own life – add credence to an industry often noted for its masala, masti and larger than life situations.
Continuing with the strong woman theme, Priyanka Chopra, will again grace the silver screen in a directional role appearing as police office Abha Mathur in Jai Gangaajal, her eagerly anticipated release since the phenomenal Bajirao Mastani and her standout performance as Kashi.
Which leads us nicely on to Fitoor. Who can refuse a Desi Dickensian classic? Especially when Tabu takes on Ms Havisham. Drama and intrigue form the basis of this tale - staples of Indian films – and if the topless promo shots of leading man Aditya Roy Kapur are anything to go by, this film will hit all the senses!
Surely R. Balki's are a category in their own right. With Cheeni Kum, Paa and a personal favourite, English Vinglish, Balki sir definitely thinks out of the box. Never one to endorse run of the mill nonsense, his films have, until now, provoked thought, or at least tried to address diverse subjects. Generational gaps, woman emancipation, and a degenerative disease have been his topics in the past. So his take on a married couple who personify the Ki and Ka of the title should prove an interesting one. A fresh pairing of Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Kapoor makes for a refreshing change on screen too, and they look surprisingly, delectable together. Let's see who gets the upper hand in this 'hatke' romance.
Bebo-Arjun in Ki & Ka
Much vaunted, long awaited, written and directed by Karan Johar, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is highly anticipated as it delves into that enigmatic treasure (again) – love, and how relationships define a life. Johar's films are always cinematographically on point. A modern filmmaker his movies appeal to most and with a fresh cast in the form of Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Anushka Sharma, this film is one I'm particularly looking forward to – for the actresses looks if nothing else!
#SidFawadAlia in Kapoor & Sons
That's not all K-Jo is offering though. Kapoor & Sons – no not the first family of Indian Cinema –more about that later, but an upcoming release in which edible Sidharth Malhotra and the dishy Fawad Khan, play siblings, and fall in love with the same girl, played by Dharma favourite who else? Alia Bhatt of course, who's joined by Rishi Kapoor playing the titular role.
Anushkha's landed the coveted role with Salman in Sultan
In this maelstrom of movie madness, add a Salman Khan starrer Sultan, which pairs him with Anushka Sharma, an obligatory Christmas release, featuring Aamir Khan, a Varun Dhawan-John Abraham caper Dishoom and not forgetting man of the moment Ranveer Singh's YRF produced Befikre and you have a full on filmi feast!
For the dedicated or the uninitiated we guarantee there's something on the menu to whet everyone's appetite!
Bon apetit!
Columnist Brooke, lists her favourite films of 2015.