Shah Rukh's Jawan and Pathaan, OMG 2, and 12th Fail Among the Best Films of 2023 in Shubhra Gupta's List

Shah Rukh's resilience and cinematic boldness shine in Shubhra Gupta's 2023 film picks. Bollywood's evolving narrative captured in a curated list

Written by: Shivani Kumari

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: 2023-12-15 07:10:42

Summary: Shah Rukh's dual impact and a movie tackling a taboo subject through religious context secure spots in Shubhra Gupta's 2023 top films list. Explore to see if your favorites made the cut.

As 2023 draws to a close, it's evident that not a single high-budget, star-studded Bollywood spectacle this year truly qualifies for a spot in the "straight-up excellent" category. The movies that made it to my Top 5 list, albeit with some struggle, are the ones that altered their tone, introduced something innovative, or revived a near-forgotten star. However, it's important to note that each of them comes with certain limitations.

It's not solely about the moolah, dear: Bollywood raked in more money this year than the cumulative earnings of the past few years, particularly during 2021-22 when it grappled with the triple challenges of closed theaters due to Covid, a lingering impact of poorly received films, and the dominance of Southern films (Pushpa, KGF2, RRR) that proved unstoppable at the box office.

Ultimately, it boils down to novelty and ingenuity. That spark that lures us to the theaters, embracing the darkness, eagerly anticipating the narrative and characters to unfold on the illuminated screen. In many of the selected films, there were numerous delightful moments, yet as soon as they concluded, we found ourselves sighing, thinking, "This could have been so much better.”

As we stand at the brink of 2024, I ponder whether studio-supported, celebrity-driven Bollywood has forfeited its knack for crafting unadulterated cinema. Are we destined to receive only meticulously calculated corporate decisions on 'what works,' resulting in meticulously crafted 'content' devoid of genuine emotions?

Approaching 2024, I reflect on whether the influence of studios and star power in Bollywood has compromised its ability to create pure, unfiltered cinema. Are we heading towards a landscape dominated by calculated corporate strategies focused solely on 'what works,' resulting in meticulously produced 'content' lacking authentic emotions?

Meanwhile, I share with you the films that brought a smile to my face.

A teen is shamed for a natural act, leading to expulsion, family ridicule, and even his father hanging his head in shame.

In "Pathaan," SRK epitomizes resilience, enduring a brutal assault before breaking free – a moment mirrored by the actor's liberation. About time.

In 2023, Hindi film "Thank You For Coming" boldly addresses 'masturbation' and 'orgasm,' shedding light on female desire. Bhumi Pednekar leads the charge in this groundbreaking exploration of sexuality and relationships.