Hindi film fans are looking forward to 2025 with optimism. sourness of baby johnFailure remains in the mouth. Bollywood will continue to face tough competition from its southern counterparts as well as Hollywood in the new year. With notable exceptions, it looks like another year of chronic sequelitis (all those 3’s and 4’s and 5’s). There were no major releases on the first Friday, but hopefully things will pick up soon.
Here are some titles worth supporting:
Satisfaction
Shana Goswami in ‘Santosh’
Shortlisted for the Oscars (as the UK entry), the police drama from British-Indian director Sandhya Suri hits theaters on January 10. The international co-production has been creating waves since its Cannes premiere and was picked up for domestic distribution by PVR Inox. Picture. In this procedural set in Uttar Pradesh, Shahana Goswami plays a newly appointed constable named Santosh, who is investigating the rape and murder of a Dalit girl. According to the film, new York TimesOffers ‘sharp social criticism’ tackling caste, Islamophobia and institutionalized misogyny.
emergency

Kangana Ranaut in ‘Emergency’

Surviving censor troubles, the Kangana Ranaut directorial will finally release in theaters on January 17, marking the first big release in the Hindi film calendar. Written by Ritesh Shah, the film presents an account of the dark years of the Emergency (1975–77), where civil and political liberties were curbed and the press subjugated. Ranaut plays the lead role of Indira Gandhi, a serving BJP MP.
shade

Vicky Kaushal in ‘Chhaava’
Vicky Kaushal is in heavy and bearded look in this historical action. The Uri actor plays Sambhaji, Shivaji’s eldest son and successor, who fought bravely against the Mughals. In an exciting example of stunt casting, Akshaye Khanna – once the suave hero of Taal and Dil Chahta Hai – plays the role of a tyrannical and calculating Aurangzeb. This is the kind of project that could crash and destroy, or set the box-office on fire.
jolly llb 3

Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi in two ‘Jolly LLB’ films
The two jollies, played by Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi in the previous films, return for a throwdown in Abhishek Kapoor’s courtroom comedy. The Jolly LLB franchise has continued its run over the years and has gathered a committed fan base. Fancy wordplay and obvious one-upmanship are expected.
ikkis

Sriram Raghavan
Sriram Raghavan, fond of crime thrillers, switches genres to make a heroic war biopic. The film, starring Agastya Nanda, is inspired by the exploits of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, who was martyred at the age of 21 in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Coming from a distinguished military family, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, becoming the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honour. “It’s not a biopic in the usual sense,” Raghavan said. The Hindu in an interview. “There is another part to it, which happens to his father 30 years later, when he goes to Pakistan. So it’s a kind of drama.”

war 2

Hrithik Roshan in ‘War’; Jr NTR Photo courtesy: Shilajitmitra
how time flies. A megahit of 2019, Yash Raj Films’ espionage actioner is back on the offensive for the second time, this time pitting Hrithik Roshan’s supernatural fighting and dancing skills against Jr NTR. Interestingly, the director in charge is not Siddharth Anand but Ayan Mukherjee, who was till now known for the romantic comedy and gentle superhero film Brahmastra. Let’s be honest – when the time comes, we’ll all see this movie in theaters.
Vishal Bhardwaj’s next film

Vishal Bhardwaj with Shahid Kapoor
Vishal Bhardwaj has many ideas. Yet, when it comes to on-screen flamboyance, actor Shahid Kapoor is his most trusted partner. The pair has given us two iconic films in the past – Kaminey and Haider – while their third, Rangoon, was a glaring flub. They have reunited for a crime drama, Arjun Ustara, which is reportedly inspired by real-life Mumbai gangster Hussain Ustara. Invoking a Gulzar song, Chal Chal Sadko Pe Hogi Dhan Tan?
Alpha

Alia Bhatt, Sharvari Wagh
Alia Bhatt showcased her action liverTo politely shed light on an ungrateful turn at Netflix heart of stoneE. Now, he is ready for AlphaThe first female-led entry in the YRF espionage universe. The film also stars Sharvari Wagh in the story of two female agents who go on a “dangerous mission in the world of espionage”. Take it away, ladies.
Alexander

Salman Khan in ‘Sikandar’
2024, whoever wins, was somehow incomplete without Salman’s release – Hindi film critic’s answer to Brain Spa. Khan’s films run on a simple wavelength – offer massive action blocks and swagger and we will be shocked. AlexanderDirected by AR Murugadoss, it looks like it has the makings. A teaser cheekily played on Khan’s recent troubles as he tore into assassins in a gallery. Brother-Lamos!
published – December 31, 2024 03:30 PM IST