2024 Bollywood Films To Watch During Festive Season
Whilst a rather slow year and mainly underwhelming films, 2024 has offered some compelling and thought-provoking films. From biopics to sequels, the industry has showcased strong underdog stories, paving way for talent who have either fresh or have been marginalised by the eco-system. As streaming platforms widen access to these cinematic gems, here is a closer look at the top Bollywood films of the year, celebrated for their storytelling, performances and cultural significance.
Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, India’s official submission to the Academy Awards, streams on Netflix. It stands as one of the most heartfelt films of the year. Set in rural India, the story follows two young brides who are separated from their husbands during a chaotic train journey. What ensues is a charming exploration of identity, freedom, and societal expectations. Rao skilfully blends humour with emotional depth, while newbies Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta and Sparsh Shrivastav bring authenticity to their roles, enriching the narrative with their nuanced performances.
Shifting gears, Maidaan offers a deeply inspirational tale of Syed Abdul Rahim, the legendary Indian football coach who spearheaded the nation’s “Golden Era” of football. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, the biopic stars Ajay Devgn, who delivers a stirring performance imbued with passion and emotional complexity. Directed by Amit Sharma, the film boasts striking visuals and an evocative soundtrack by A.R. Rahman, making it a moving tribute to an unsung sporting hero. A film that truly deserved a better box-office result.
Amar Kaushik’s blockbuster Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank, also streaming on Prime Video, marks the triumphant return of one of Bollywood’s most beloved horror-comedy franchises. Picking up from where the first instalment left off, this sequel delves further into the folklore surrounding the enigmatic “Stree” haunting Chanderi. Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor reprise their roles with effortless charm, while Pankaj Tripathi’s impeccable comic timing ensures moments of levity. The blend of supernatural intrigue and humour makes Stree 2 a worthy successor to the original.
For fans of action, Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s Kill is an adrenaline-fuelled ride that pushes the genre’s boundaries. Available to rent on Prime Video, the film centres on a group of passengers fighting for survival against a gang of ruthless bandits aboard a train. Featuring Lakshya Lalwani and Raghav Juyal in a major breakout role, Kill impresses with its raw intensity, expertly choreographed fight sequences, and relentless pace, setting a new benchmark for Bollywood’s action films.
On a more sentimental note, Imtiaz Ali’s Amar Singh Chamkila, streaming on Netflix, explores the poignant story of Punjab’s legendary pop singer. Diljit Dosanjh delivers a magnetic performance as Chamkila, whose controversially racy yet adored music defined the 1980s. The film, enriched by Parineeti Chopra’s strong supporting act, sensitively traces the singer’s rise to fame and his tragic demise. Ali’s nuanced direction, paired with Chamkila’s soul-stirring music, evokes nostalgia and reverence for the music icon.
Kabir Khan’s Chandu Champion, available on Prime Video, narrates the remarkable story of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. Kartik Aaryan’s transformative performance as Petkar is deeply moving, capturing the athlete’s resilience and triumph over adversity. Khan’s direction strikes a fine balance between emotion and celebration, ensuring the biopic inspires while entertaining audiences.
Kunal Kemmu turns director for Madgaon Express. The movie adds a dose of light-hearted fun to this year’s cinematic roster. Streaming on Prime Video, the film follows three childhood friends on a journey to Goa that spirals hilariously out of control. Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi, and Avinash Tiwary deliver vibrant performances, and Kemmu’s sharp direction ensures consistent laughs while celebrating the bonds of friendship and the charm of nostalgia.
Turning to a more intense theme, Article 370, now streaming on Netflix, tackles a significant moment in India’s political history. Yami Gautam takes centre stage as a special agent tasked with a high-stakes mission amid the backdrop of the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Aditya Suhas Jambhale’s debut as a director blends suspense, action and political intrigue into a gripping thriller, whilst contributing to the subtle revolution of feminist Indian action pictures.
Tushar Hiranandani’s Srikanth, streaming on Netflix, presents the inspiring true story of visually impaired entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla. Rajkummar Rao delivers a deeply resonant performance, portraying Bolla’s journey of overcoming challenges with courage and determination. The film’s uplifting narrative, combined with Rao’s emotional depth, ensures it is both inspiring and profoundly moving.
Finally, Aditya Sarpotdar’s Munjya, streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, brings a unique horror-comedy to audiences. Rooted in folklore, the film revolves around a mischievous supernatural entity that disrupts a family’s peace. Sharvari Wagh and Abhay Verma lead a spirited cast in this fresh take on the genre, balancing humour and horror in equal measure.
As the year concludes, Hindi cinema continues to cater to its diverse audience with Varun Dhawan’s Baby John, a high-octane action entertainer, set to release in cinemas this Christmas. Promising to deliver the kind of larger-than-life spectacle that Bollywood is known for, the potboiler is poised to end the year on an exciting note, capturing the festive spirit of masala cinema. These ten films, along with the upcoming release, showcase creative evolution in 2024. From biographical dramas to pulse-pounding thrillers and uplifting comedies, the year has highlighted the industry’s ability to connect with audiences globally.
Name: Anuj Radia
