The year brought forth a wave of cinematic creations that dared to break away from traditional norms, delivering fresh narratives and challenging societal norms. From Karan Johar’s nuanced storytelling in “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” to the groundbreaking series “Taali” based on the life of transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant, here’s a glimpse of the trendsetters that made waves in Bollywood in the past year.
1. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani: A Clutter-Breaking Tale
Karan Johar’s “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani” ventured into uncharted territories within commercial cinema. The film delved into gender equations, family dynamics, and a love story that defied regressive values. With moments like men performing “Dola Re” during Durga Puja and a heroine refusing to be intimidated, the film challenged conventional norms, offering a refreshing take on relationships. Starring Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and a stellar cast, the film is now available on Amazon Prime.
2. Taali: Mainstreaming an Unheard Tale
“Taali,” a series produced by Arjun and Kartk, unfolded the inspiring life of transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant. The series not only became a major hit on Indian OTT platforms but also played a crucial role in mainstreaming the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ community. Directed by Ravi Jadhav and featuring a powerful performance by Sushmita Sen, “Taali” sensitively portrayed the heartbreak and challenges faced by the transgender community. Stream it on JioCinema.
3. Dhak Dhak: Empowering Women on the Road
Directed by Tarun Dudeja, “Dhak Dhak” broke stereotypes with its road film narrative centered around self-discovery and rekindling the passion for life. The film showcased a rare Hindi film without a male lead, a woman biker in a hijab, and the empowering journey of four women as the heroes of their own stories. With stellar performances from Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sanjana Sanghi, “Dhak Dhak” is a must-watch on Netflix.
4. 12th Fail: Small Budget, Big Heart
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s “12th Fail” brought to life the inspirational story of Manoj Kumar Sharma, who overcame extreme poverty to become an IPS officer. Starring Vikrant Massey, the film opted for a small budget but delivered a powerful narrative that resonated with audiences. Avoiding melodrama, the film focused on one man’s courage to defy all odds and realize his dreams. Catch it on Zee5.
5. Jawan: Balancing Action with Social Relevance
“Atlee’s Jawan” found success not just through Shah Rukh Khan’s star power but by seamlessly balancing personal, political, and social themes. While an action-packed commercial flick, it touched on contemporary issues such as loan waivers, government hospital conditions, corruption, and environmental concerns. Directed by Atlee, the film is streaming on Netflix, offering a perfect blend of entertainment and social commentary.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, these trendsetting films mark a significant shift in storytelling, embracing diversity and challenging societal norms.