From Pushpa 2’s box office collection of over Rs 900 crores to Laapataa Ladies becoming India’s official entry, 2024 has seen some big releases that impressed fans and some impressed critics. Meanwhile, Bollywood’s biggest releases Stree 2, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Singham Again are success stories of the year, but they are not the leading films on our list. Take a look at the top performances of the year 2024.
Munjya
While Stree 2 was one of the biggest releases in Bollywood of the year, Munjya has made it to our list due to its refreshing story. The filmmaker’s tact and the new take on VFX made the Maddock film a fun watch. Led by Abhay Verma and Sharvari, the film also comments on women’s rights and safety with comic relief. Munjya also did a great job of maintaining the balance between horror and comedy.
Maharaja
One of the most heartbreaking films of the year follows the story of a man looking for the thief who raided his home while he was away. On the other hand, the house is raided by a goon who sets out to take revenge on the man he believes sent him to jail. The climax of the film is one of the most unexpected and best moments in the year.
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Manjummel Boys
The drama is based on the true story follows a group of friends who go on a trip to Kodaikanal and get trapped in the Guna Caves. The direction, music as well and performances in the film have left a lasting impact making it one of the best releases of the year.
Aavesham
While Fahad Faasil won our hearts with his performance in this film, the screenplay, plot and direction of the film are just as commendable. It follows the story of kids who are bullied at school and set out to look for a local goon to back them up to stop the bullying. However, they end up as part of the gang and begin to question their choices.
Amar Singh Chamkila
Led by Diljit Dosanjh, the film follows the life of Amar Singh Chamkila a controversial singer song writer from the 70s who was assassinated for the brazen lyrics. Chamkila had led to some of the biggest changes to the music industry also bringing Indian artists to the international level. He was also called the Elvis of Punjab, and the Imtiaz Ali film did not shy away from telling the truth of its time.
Kill
The film has become one of the most gory movies in recent years. The film led by debutantes impressed fans and critics alike. While it explores a love story with a simple plot, the twists and direction by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat made for a great film.
SEE ALSO: The Wild Robot Review: Best Animated Film Of The Year
Laapataa Ladies
The film backed by Aamir Khan and directed by Kiran Rao was also selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025. While it did not get through the shortlist for the international feature film category, it still remains in our top 10 films of the year list, due to its screenplay, soothing performances and themes of empowerment and exploration.
Wicked
Led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the film is an adaptation of the Broadway show of the same name. The musical shares a new take on the Wicked Witch of the West from Wizard of Oz. The performances by both leads and their chemistry together have put this on our list.
Heretic
The recent horror release has a thought-provoking plot but the screenplay and performances by Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East bring a balance to the horror and thriller elements. The film explores themes of the capitalistic world, religion, propaganda on society and more while also exploring the themes of common horror from a woman’s perspective.
The Wild Robot
One of the biggest animated films of the year follows the breathtaking story of a lost robot who ends up catering to the needs of wild animals and a baby duck. It explores the themes of the machine and human divide but also the concept of love and will of things.
Cover artwork by Patrick Gawande/Mashable India
