Your Best Indian Films of 2017 List

[ravenus]

I'll put up my list soon but anyone else want to do this, jump right in.

[Hindustani]

(In no particular order)

FAN
RAEES

The rest were all forgettable......

PADMAVATI deserves better fate btw.

[Sakthivel velu]

Arjun Reddy
Baahubali 2
Theeran Adigaram ondru

[Anurag1700]

@Hindustani, Fan was 2016

My 2017 in the order of best to least

1. Newton - For the sheer honesty of it all visible all the way.
2. Bareilly ki Barfi - For the sheer engagement it provided deeply missing nowadays in mainstream cinema
3. Jagga Jasoos - For the sheer ambition and scale of it which surpassed all its flaws in my head.

That was all i liked worth really 'ranking'.

Others that could be called as honorable mentions:

Shubh Mangal Savdhaan
Trapped
Raees

[ravenus]

For me 2017 had a bunch of decent Indian releases, mostly in Hindi because I don't get to watch much of other regional cinema unless specifically recommended and available on home video.

Here's all the Indian movies I watched this year ranked as:

Outstanding (Why the hell haven't you seen this already?)

Newton - The more I think about it the more I feel Newton is not just the movie of the year but the Hindi film of the decade. Not since Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron have I seen a film so redolent with sarcasm and anger in its depiction of the apathy and ignorance of the Great Indian Nation State. Newton is not a film that can or should be dissected into script, performances, technical values etc because they are all so closely bound into an organic thought provoking and emotional experience. A classic for ages to come.

Death in the Gunj - fantastic character drama set in the 70's during a family reunion in McCluskie gunj. There's beauty, poetry and tragedy in Vikram Massey's wonderful portrayal of a sensitive youth, bullied by his relatives and struggling to keep up with the world around him. The end can be a little melodramatic but I won't let that reduce my overall admiration for a fantastic directorial debut by Konkona Sen Gupta.

Jagga Jasoos - Between its troubled production history and intriguing trailers I went it expecting a confused meandering movie with occasional good moments. What I found was [quoting myself] "a dazzling, humorous, joyous and warm-hearted trip with tons of lovely visual touches, a wonderful combination of the Tintin-flavored globe-trotting adventure and a musical that embraces the form in its core", in which the songs are not an interruption but a meaningful progression of the story. Saswata Mukherjee as RK"s step-father totally lives the part (apparently Govinda earlier shot for this role but his footage was scrapped. Seeing SM's performance this was IMO a right decision because I cannot see Govinda achieving what SM does here). I was beaming with joy after I saw this in the cinema.


Good (Either interesting but flawed or cliched but well done)

A Gentleman - Like with director duo Raj and DK's previous film 99, A Gentleman was slow to start and one wondered if it would reach anywhere fun, but after the first 20 min this action-comedy about a rogue agent (Sid Malhotra, who does suave nonchalance very well) slips into high-gear with thrilling stunts and chuckle-inducing comedy. Sadly it was also box office poison, I would have loved for this to evolve into a franchise.

The Hungry - Most of you would not have seen this since so far it was only screened at the Mumbai film festival and will probably come to general cinemas sometime in 2018. Quoting my review from that time - "It had a pointless savagery that struck me as uproarious" is how RK Narayan described a story he published for his landlord. While I have not read the source text of Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus, both Julie Taymor's 1999 eclectic adaptation Titus and now Bornilla Chatterjee's contemporary desi take The Hungry share this quality which makes them cheeky good fun. It also helps that they are visually stunning. I look forward to watching Chatterjee's film again when it gets a general release (hopefully unmolested by the censors).

Bareilly ki Barfi - Quoting myself "The movie is Lawrence D'Souza's Saajan by way of Sai Paranjpe's Katha, and yes, proves as much an awkward mix as that sounds." Contrived writing and dull pacing are alleviated by lovely lead performances (Rajkummar Rao is a delight and Kriti Sanon is a pleasant surprise), great supporting cast and excellent technical values giving evocative small-town atmosphere.

Tumhari Sulu - Vidya Balan as a housewife with buried dreams becoming an RJ (of a rather questionable show) is the major attraction of this contrived but frequently charming Basu Chatterji style middle-class sitcom. She is very comfortable in her mature avatar here and does a powerhouse turn when the dramatic intensity is upped. If you liked English Vinglish or Queen, you should give this a watch.

Kadvi Hawa - Link to my review post

Maheshinthe Prathikaram - 2016, but I only saw it this year and think it's close enough. Link to my review post

Ghazi Attack - This one is somewhere between Good and Eww, because of serious flaws, but I'll be generous. It could have been a nice desi-style Crimson Tide and I atleast like that there are no intrusive flashbacks and song breaks but stereotype writing and casting, uninspired performances, flat lighting and forced patriotism made this a tough watch.

Raees - The movie was reasonably fun so long as it stuck to the classic Bollywood formula, smugglers and cops trading witty barbs. Those portions reminded me a fair deal of Salim-Javed movies, SRK is good in his part. Kudos too for the thrilling action scene at the butchers' market and the Laila shootout. But bringing in the blasts and riots makes for a cross of real-life tragedy that's far too unwieldy for the script to bear.



Eww (Major disappointment or outright turd)

Bahubali 2: The Conclusion - I was expecting the 2nd instalment in the BB series to be a kinetic continuation of the cliffhanger from part 1. But apart from Anushka Shetty's Devasena, I found the film turgid and contrived, and only a few of the fight scenes were really exciting. Lots of watch-checking happened during this one.

Mom - The English Vinglish marm goes on a revenge spree. It's fitfully interesting in the scenes between Nawazuddin and Akshaye Khanna and has a delightfully OTT turn from Abhmanyu Singh - quoting myself, He made so much of his measly part I wanted him to bash Mom's head in and get away with it. But Mom never embraces its campiness / masala enough to be enjoyable and it's attempts to be "sensitive" never ring true. Meh.

Moh Maya Money - Again a 2016 release I saw this year. Quoting from my review, "The ingredients were good: Given its relative scarcity, noir is always a welcome shade in Hindi cinema, and the combination of Ranvir Sheorey as an inveterate wheeler-dealer led to faking his own death for insurance money, Delhi setting and a convoluted exploration of dark deeds promised much.
But there are crucial slip-ups....Both Sheorey and Neha Dhupia act well, but the script never convinces us why their characters are together...there is an abundance of tepid sub-plotting which adds to the running time without propelling the narrative."

Oppam - I can't call it a disappointment because my expectations were low, but this was a mostly bog standard potboiler. Mohanlal plays the same do-gooder hero he has played in previous mass market films, except his character is blind... It would have been interesting to see an ordinary blind protagonist deal with being a murder accused, but Lal's blind-man is over-compensated in hero-giri, capable of beating up a room full of goons in unarmed combat and accurately firing a gun guided purely by sound...Mixed with the mystery narrative is a stereotype Mallu family drama thread (sister's wedding, family's honor) whose purpose is to further outline what an awesome person Blind Lal is. I was just happy to see it end.

[Harvey Dent]

Here is my two cents on the movies which I thought merited repeat viewings this year

1.Lipstick under my Burkha
2. Newton
3. Death in the Gunj
4. The Hungry ( Its available on streaming through Amazon prime or Netflix, I don't remember which , so u need not wait for general release)

Honorable mentions :-

1. Mom
2. Jagga Jasoos
3. Barelly ki Barfi
4. Anarkali of Aarah

Yet to see but have heard good things :- Tumhari Sulu; Kadvee Hava; Shubh Mangal Savdhan

And there is a Bengali movie , Shankhachil , which I thot was pretty good

[kaykaysud]

Here's mine (with focus solely on Malayalam films I had watched):

THE GOOD

Angamaly Diaries - Review

Take-Off - Review

Godha - Review

Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela (A Sojourn in the Land of Crabs) - Crafting a comedy is tough, and crafting one with a cancer-stricken matriarch as its central character is even tougher. Fortunately, debuntant director Althaf successfully manages to craft one that both respects its ailing protagonist, and finds humor from the situations around her (especially those involving her family members who still have not come to terms with the unsettling reality).

Aadu 2 - Review. While never hitting the highs of the original's best moments, this one is consistently funny and wildly entertaining throughout, and even with its much longer runtime (160 mins vs 120 mins), doesn't feel overlong. Also notable for being the sequel that's already compensated - and still reaping the profits - for the losses of its predecessor.

Thondimuthalum Driksaakshiyum - Review

THE DECENT

Ramaleela - One of the few decent films from the last 10 years that had Dileep in the lead. That showed too, as the film managed to complete a 50-cr run despite all the noises that surrounded the actor's personal life (as well as his arrest and incarceration). Devoid of the usual lowbrow comedy he's often associated with, the political thriller has Dileep playing an ex-left wing young turk who defects to the right, only to get framed with murder. A strong supporting cast and a mostly logical screenplay help things greatly.

Rakshadhikari Baiju… Oppu. – Review

Ezra – Review

Udhaharanam Sujatha (Example: Sujatha): The official Malayalam remake of "Nil Batte Sannatta" stars Manju Warrier as the titular Sujatha, who does daily household jobs to ensure that her daughter doesn't end up like her. Apart from the very preachy mom-daughter dialogue near the end, the film maintains a realistic tone throughout, aided by inspired performances. This film also marks one of the rare instances where Gopi Sundar goes a bit subtle, as opposed to his usual Zimmerisms.

C/o Saira Banu: Starring Manju Warrier, Amala Akkineni and Shane Nigam in lead roles, the film does stutter a bit near the end (again, with Manju's preachy lines), but manages to effectively bring forth the issue of migrant workers not having an identity of their own while telling two intersecting Mother-son stories.


PS: Lists for “THE BAD” and "THE MUNDANE" to follow soon.

[ketan]

Hi everyone & Happy New Year. Title of the forum is - Your Best Indian Films of 2017 list but my list is what I watch in 2017 (may be some movies are 1 yr old)

Their (Tamil) and Sarrainodu (Telugu/Hindi) – both are Masala movies at it best. This is suspenful and revenge drama, it is well balance thriller for critics and mass audience. And sarrainodu is other hand more masala action film, just blown with action and screen presences of Allu Arjun.

Vikram Vedha (Tamil) – More refreshing thriller of this year. Both R Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi just fantastic especially Sethupathi is new find for me. I like the way director due pace this noir drama with amazing dialogue and nonlinear narrative.

Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru (Tamil) – This is another surprise movie for me ,the story is based on true events operation Bawaria Case.Karthi as Theeran Thirumaran DSP is just solid (defiantly he gave a tough competition to tom cruise for running in scenes). Movie is not perfect but tries to be honest with all their elements. (Totally disappointed to see Kishor Kadam in role of Haram singh )


Ti Saddhya Kay Karte (Marthi) – https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...&postcount=857

Muramba (Marathi) – https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...&postcount=956

Ringaan (Marathi) –

रिंगण | Ringan Official Trailer 2017 | National Award Winning Marathi Film | Shashank Shende, Sahil - YouTube

Film tells the story of farmer Arjun (Shashank Shende) and his son Abhimanyu aka Abdu (Sahil Joshi). The former has been looking after his son after his wife's death. Arjun is debt-ridden and has no hope of repaying the money. He ventures out with Abdu to near and dear ones to seek financial help. Fate brings them to the holy town of Pandharpur. The two have high hopes from god, but will their faith be repaid?
Ringaan is an excellent example of where innocence can be felt in a film. Movie is a beautiful journey and we are co passengers. It’s a touching journey of a father and son relationship. It’s Journey from unrestrained faith to belief in oneself. The characters in the film are those that we see around us in our lives. This is definitely an experiment in Marathi cinema but never does it flaunt and attempt.
Thanks to Director Makrand Mane and team, the performances of the two lead actors are what make the final result so heartwarming. Shashank Shende has been delivering top-notch performances over the years. This time he gets an opportunity to play the lead. To put it simply, he is incredible. His flawless portrayal of the father will move even a stone-hearted individual.Child actor Sahil Joshi matches up to Shende’s act and this is no mean feat. To be able to achieve this at such a young age is a mammoth achievement indeed.


Kasav (Marathi) -

Trailer - Kaasav - YouTube

The film has integrated many facets of life through animals (here the turtle), nature and human beings all from the point of view of self-protection. Kaasav is the simplistic story told through cinematic excellence, through each and every frame of brilliance. The film has many hidden meanings, which will need many viewings. The director duo of Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukthankar has thrown light on the main topic of depression as mental disorder from many perspectives and given many solutions, accept whichever suits you. Irawati Harshe and Alok Rajwade give complete justice to the main characters they portray. The first half of the film Alok does not have any dialogues, but he speaks through his silent acting and expressions. Irawati shows why she is best with such intense roles.
Kishor Kadam, Santosh Redkar and Dr. Mohan Agashe acted their part very well. The scenes involving Parshu played by Omkar Ghadi are the bestest as he bring his innocence through his acting. Songs has meanings and the whole background score, sound design and cinematography adds value to the theme and story-telling.


Faster Fene (Marathi) - https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...postcount=1027

Baapjanma (Marathi) - https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...postcount=2120

[ravenus]

Thanks to KKS and Ketan for providing glimpses into noteworthy non-Hindi cinema. Will definitely check out some of these recommendations.

[raSpberRy]

1. Lipstick under my burkha
2. Mukabaaz
3. Maheshinte Prathikaaram
4. Dear Zindagi
5. Dangal
6. Newton
7. Baahubali 2: the conclusion
8. Trapped
9. Toilet: ek prem katha
10. Raees

[Harvey Dent]

Mukkabaz is released ? Isn't that a 2018 release ?

Originally Posted by raSpberRy

1. Lipstick under my burkha
2. Mukabaaz
3. Maheshinte Prathikaaram
4. Dear Zindagi
5. Dangal
6. Newton
7. Baahubali 2: the conclusion
8. Trapped
9. Toilet: ek prem katha
10. Raees

[ravenus]

It was screened at the MAMI fest. I didn't get to see as it was on a weekday, but my friend saw it and was very impressed. He is skeptical that the film will get released without trouble at the censors because apparently high-caste gaurakshaks are portrated as bad guys in it.

[zombeaner]

I posted my top 16 at my website, but the Amazon crash took us down last night. I can't mention or link it or I'll get banned again. Some of you will know where to look.

[zombeaner]

Mukkabaaz should be fine, release is set for 2 weeks from now,
if there were censor issues, we'd have heard about them. It's very good.

Originally Posted by ravenus

It was screened at the MAMI fest. I didn't get to see as it was on a weekday, but my friend saw it and was very impressed. He is skeptical that the film will get released without trouble at the censors because apparently high-caste gaurakshaks are portrated as bad guys in it.

[akbombay]

Hindi lang - same opinion for movies listed above

Few extra mentions below:
Malayalam (Outstanding in 2017) -
Angamaly Diaries,
Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum,
Mayaanadhi
Plus good ones - Take Off, Rakshadhikari Baiju Oppu, Parava

Tamil (Very good) - Vikram Vedha, Maanagaram

[samala]

I have recently started watching Indian films but I really liked

Trapped
Anarkali of Aarah
Thondimuthalam Driksakshiyum
Angamaly Diaries

Cheers

[ravenus]

Try to see Newton. It's a highly acclaimed film of recent times, and I personally recommend it.

[TheTenth]

I don't see Tubelight listed, I found it entertaining - not the genre I like usually, but I got to the end getting interested in the characters and the story, the pair Salman Khan - Sohail Khan always works for me

[ravenus]

^I don't think a lot of people liked Tubelight (I myself haven't seen it).

[mdking]

My list is already on my website but can't post the link right now. Anyways here are my top 25 Bollywood films of 2017 (Hindi Language Only)

25. Ittefaq
24. Qarib Qarib Single
23. Naam Shabana
22. Tumhari Sulu
21. Simran
20. Toilet
19. Chef
18. Kadvi Hawa
17. Jolly LLB 2
16. Poster Boys
15. Poorna
14. The Ghazi Attack
13. Secret Superstar
12. Sachin
11. Raees
10. Lipstick Under My Burkha
09. Bareilly Ki Barfi
08. Mom
07. Ribbon
06. Trapped
05. Monsoon Shootout
04. Bahubali - the Conclusion
03. Kaabil
02. Hindi Medium
01. Newton

BTW I really wanted to include Death in the Gunj and it would've been at #4 but since it was not released theatrically and wasn't in Hindi in its entirety I replaced it with Bahubali which was atleast fully dubbed and at the same time a visual feast.