Home » archive » Best of 2018 » Top 5 Hindi Films Of 2018, Ranked
Top 5 Hindi Films Of 2018, Ranked
Tumbbad, Badhaai Ho, Raazi and more – Anupama Chopra ranks the best films of the year
The beauty of films is that each person sees a different one. To every film, we bring our own experiences and expectations. So of course year end lists are made for arguing. These are my top 5 Hindi films for 2018. Since it's a conflict of interest, I'm staying away from Sanju. And I didn't see Simmba in time to consider it.
First a special mention of Shoojit Sircar's October, Anurag Kashyap's Manmarziyaan, Anubhav Sinha's Mulk, and Lust Stories – the four film omnibus – which ended up on Netflix but was originally made for theatres. I enjoyed these films very much. And now, here's my countdown.
5. Raazi directed by Meghna Gulzar
Raazi is a spy film like no other. Firstly, it features a female spy which is rare. And then, it movingly portrays the price she pays for her success. With restraint and sensitivity, Meghna gives us the story of Sehmat who sacrifices everything for her country. Alia Bhatt is both determined and achingly vulnerable as a girl doing things she never dreamed of, including murder. And what's even more admirable is that Pakistanis aren't depicted as villains. They are simply doing their job like Sehmat is doing hers.
4. Tumbbad directed by Rahi Anil Barve and Adesh Prasad
Tumbbad is mysterious and magical and visually glorious. The narrative that spans decades is a horror film but also a morality tale that warns against greed, which destroys generations of a family. The film is powered by a unique vision and a strong performance by Sohum Shah. This is a very unusual Hindi film that didn't get seen enough. I recommend that you seek it out. It's a rewarding experience.
3. Stree directed by Amar Kaushik
Stree is a genre movie turned on its head. We went in thinking it's a straight-up horror movie about a chudail in Chanderi but we left pondering a larger message about women and our place in the world. Co-producers and script writers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. created a smart and savvy story that was, in equal parts, funny and scary. And all the actors – Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Banerjee – are terrific.
2. AndhaDhun directed by Sriram Raghavan
There is an over 10-minute sequence in AndhaDhun in which a blind pianist is present but not witness to a murder. As he plays the piano, the murderers dispose the dead body. There is no dialogue because they don't want him to hear anything so they are dragging the body and miming instructions. It is the best crafted sequence I've seen in Hindi cinema this year. Thankfully, the rest of the film is equally sparkling. AndhaDhun is deliciously wicked and brilliantly enacted – besides who except Sriram could combine Tabu, Ayushmann Khurrana, Anil Dhawan and a rabbit?
1. Badhaai Ho directed by Amit Sharma
I'm a sucker for romance and Badhaai Ho featured the love story of the year – that of a middle-aged couple who find themselves in a crisis because she gets pregnant. Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao as Mr and Mrs Kaushik gave us a tender and touching love story. And Surekha Sikri as the fierce and frank mother-in-law was unforgettable. Badhaai Ho seamlessly combined humour with rich emotions. The film isn't visually flashy but it spoke to the heart. Which makes it my favourite film of the year.
Anupama Chopra
Anupama Chopra is a film critic, television anchor and book author. She has been writing about Bollywood since 1993. Her work has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, Hindustan Times, The Los Angeles Times and Vogue (India).
Our Best Film Companion Conversations Are Now In A Book!
Junglee Movie Review: Impressive Elephants But Not Much Else
Sholay Officially On YouTube: The Magic Endures!
Author Ruchir Sharma On Propaganda Films And Bollywood Being 'Scared' Of Politics
The Most-Read Film Companion Articles Of 2018
Actors And Filmmakers Pick The Best Thing They've Watched In 2018
11 Reasons Why Fashion Played A Top Role in 2018
by Shefalee Vasudev
Top 5 Worst Hindi Films Of 2018
Love Aaj Kal Trailer Talk: Sara Ali Khan And Kartik Aaryan Star In What Appears To Be A...
7 Javed Akhtar Movie Dialogues That Feel More Relevant Today
by Dipti Kharude
How Historically Accurate Is Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior
by Dr Ruchika Sharma
During Pongal 1994, The Kamal Haasan-Starrer 'Mahanadhi' Tackled A Number Of Philos...
Do Bollywood Film Promotions Need An Intervention?
Posterphilia: 2020 Oscar Best Picture Nominees, Ranked By Poster
by Jahan Singh Bakshi