We are at the halfway mark of 2024 and Bollywood has mostly churned out massy, actioners in the past 6 months.  However, there have been certain films that have managed to rise above formulaic plots.

Amar Singh Chamkila

Based on slain Punjabi folk singer Amar Singh Chamkila, the film featured Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra in the lead. Released on Netflix, the film takes viewers back in time - to the 1980s to be specific- when Punjab and Punjabi culture was undergoing massive change.  

Laapataa Ladies

Kiran Rao's heartwarming tale about two missing brides was equal parts funny and equal parts emotional. Featuring newcomers Sparsh Srivastava, Pratibha Ranta, and Nitanshi Goel along with Chhaya Kadam and Ravi Kishan, Laapata Ladies talked of self-reliance, women empowerment, and the importance of education.  

Shaitaan

Based on the Gujarati film Vash, the psychological thriller by Vikas Behl kept the audience hooked from the first shot of the film. It featured stellar actors like Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan and Jyothika but young actress Janki Bodiwala stole the show with her possessed act.  

Maidaan

Sports biopics run a predictable course and it is the implementation and performances that make the difference.  At a time when cricket has almost become an unofficial national sport of the country, the story of Syed Abdul Rehman, often known as the architect of modern Indian football, is truly inspiring and one that everyone should know. 

Do Aur Do Pyaar

Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi's film focussed on a two flawed individuals and their troubled marriage. Directed by Shirsha Guha Thakurta, the film took an interesting take on modern marriage and the complications that come along with it. The part breezy, part contemplative, and part emotional film has Balan and Gandhi in top form.   

Chandu Champion

Kartik Aaryan's stupendous act as paraplegic swimmer Muralikant Petkar in Kabir Khan's sports biopic won hearts. Petkar was the first Indian to win gold at the German Paralympics in 1972 but never got his due credit in India until 2018 when he was finally awarded the Padma Shri.