2008 was undoubtedly bad as compared to other years. For Bollywood too, the year wasn’t impressive. What was most shocking was that films having big stars and prominent directors or producers bit the dust (Tashan, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, Kidnap, Drona Yuvvraaj, etc). Corporate houses further ruined the situation by buying the film at inflated rates and paying stars heavily. But on the flipside, it was also a year of qualitative films such as Race, Mumbai Meri Jaan, ‘Rock On!!’, ‘A Wednesday!’, Aamir etc.
Like the previous year, it was difficult preparing a list of ten best films so again this time, I have prepared a list of twelve best films! (Films arranged acc to their release date)
- HALLA BOL
Cast: Ajay Devgan, Pankaj Kapoor, Vidya Balan
Producer: Abdul Samee Siddiqui (Sunrise Pictures)
Director: Rajkumar Santoshi
The first film of 2008, HB was powerful hard-hitting drama. Rajkumar Santoshi came up with a brilliant story and screenplay and succeeded completely in putting the message across the viewers. Pankaj Kapoor was the best performer in the film, followed by Ajay Devgan, who does a commendable job. Sadly, the film flopped at the BO.
2.JODHAA AKBAR
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwariya Rai
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala (UTV Motion Pictures) and Ashutosh Gowarikar (AGPPL)
Director: Ashutosh Gowarikar
JA was one of the winners of 2008! The film had so many odds going against it. It was a historic epic and such films had failed in the past. It was 3 hrs+ and faced opposition from certain groups and in many states. Yet, it managed to become a blockbuster! The screenplay and direction were powerful enough to keep the viewers engrossed from start to finish. Hrithik, Ash and Sonu Sood do a fantastic job. And the song ‘Azeem-O-Shaan’ was like an icing on the cake! Mr Gowarikar, thanks a ton for this magnificent film!
- RACE
Cast: Saif, Bipasha, Akshaye Khanna, Katrina, Anil Kapoor, Sameera
Producer: Tauranis (Tips Films)
Director: Abbas-Mustan
Race can easily be termed as one of the best suspense thriller of all times! The twists and turns were too shocking and totally unpredictable. Most importantly, it was original and something not seen before in Indian cinema. The characters were interesting and each of them aimed at double crossing the other. Shiraz Ahmed’s screenplay was outstanding. Equally good was Saif’s performance. Others also did excellent job, esp Akshaye and Anil.
- AAMIR
Cast: Rajeev Khandelwal
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala (UTV Spotboy)
Director: Raj Kumar Gupta
Aamir was too unrealistic as what’s shown in the film is quite impossible to carry out. But Raj Kumar Gupta’s extraordinary direction made Aamir one of the finest films of 2009. The background score added to the thrill. Rajeev Khandelwal single handedly carried the film on his shoulders and was just perfect! In fact, it’s justified if he’s given Best Debut Award instead of Imran or Farhan.
- JAANE TU…YA JAANE NA
Cast: Imran Khan, Genelia D’souza
Producer: Aamir Khan (Aamir Khan Productions)
Director: Abbas Tyrewala
When 2008 started, no had expected this film with no star cast to become such a big hit! But Aamir Khan’s excellent promotion and Imran’s sudden huge popularity paid off and the film took a thundering start. But the film sustained in theatres because it touches the viewer. The silly characters, excellent performances and music and wonderful screenplay and execution made for an enjoyable watch. And the best thing about the film-You can watch it 10 times and still you’ll enjoy it!
- BACHNA AE HASEENO
Cast: Ranbir, Minissha, Bipasha, Deepika
Producer: Chopras (Yash Raj Films)
Director: Siddharth Anand
When Siddharth Anand is at the helm of a film, things just can’t go wrong! Like his previous film, Siddharth’s BAH also is a rocking flick which is romantic, youthful, fresh and most importantly, satisfying! Devika Bhagat’s screenplay was a major reason for film’s success. The 1st half had Ranbir getting involved with each of the three heroines, i.e. the 1st half had 3 different tracks. Each of these tracks was sweet and interesting, thanks to the screenplay. Ranbir gave one of the best performances of the actor, probably, award winning. Songs were great; cinematography was splendid and background score too was excellent!
- MUMBAI MERI JAAN
Cast: Paresh Rawal, Kay Kay Menon, Madhavan, Soha Ali Khan, Irrfan Khan
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala (UTV Motion Pictures)
Director: Nishikant Kamat
I knew this film will rock as it had Nishikant Kamat as the director, who had earlier made an amazing Marathi film, Dombivli Fast. And sure enough, MMJ was one of the finest films of 2008. The film succeeded in giving a completely true account of post 7/11 situation and that’s why it worked big time. Paresh Rawal was just outstanding. MMJ, in my opinion, also deserved as much praise as ‘A Wednesday!’
- ‘A WEDNESDAY!’
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Jimmy Shergill
Producers: Ronnie Screwvala (UTV), Anjum Rizvi (ARFC) and Shital Bhatia (Friday Filmworks)
Director: Neeraj Pandey
This film can easily be considered as 2008’s best! With so many terror attacks happening in the country, one can easily relate to this film and its lead protagonist. The film moves at a super-fast pace with not a single boring moment. And Naseeruddin Shah’s marvelous lengthy dialogue in the pre-climax was the film’s highpoint. Naseer, Anupam and Jimmy were equally brilliant, but Naseer comes out as the winner! Fortunately, the film struck a chord with the audiences and ran successfully for lots of weeks! Hats off to this film!
(CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS SECTION)
