Best films of 2012

Paan Singh Tomar: Irrfan Khan excels in this character-driven film and his raw exuberance is what makes him endearing and a joy to watch. And the best part of the film is, despite the premise as a 'dacoit drama', it doesn’t force any rapes or unwarranted abusives to beef up the plot.

 

Kahaani: The suspense in Sujoy Ghosh’s ‘Kahaani’ may not be nail-chewing-worthy but he succeeds in getting Vidya Balan and Kolkata to perform outstandingly. Though the film has a few loose ends, It still manages to score with an ‘unpredictable end’.

 

Ishaqzaade: This is not the first film to be made on inter-religion couples but film makes a very crucial point: The story doesn’t need to be radically different to throw you off your feet. It is the treatment and the finer nuances of presentation which qualify as laudable differentiators and debutant actors Parineeti Chopra and Arjun Kapoor shine in their respective characters.

 

Vicky Donor: Sperm donation has never achieved the kind of dignity or respect that this film manages to lobby for it. Director Shoojit Sircar takes us to downtown old Delhi where we breeze through this hilarious adventure that ends in just 122 minutes, leaving you craving for more. This film is VJ Ayushman's ticket to permanent citizenship in Bollywood while Yami Gautam's delicate charm reminds one of Chitrangada Singh and Tabu and is surely a unique find. 

 

Gangs of Wasseypur 1&2: While the first half is slow and slick, the second part is on auto pilot. Characters are introduced at a leisurely pace in the first part and much time is consumed in setting the mood and environment. Even the people are sliced and diced skillfully and a lot of time is invested in establishing the place and the people. The second part however breezes through in setting up the revenge drama.

 

Barfi!: This film allows the viewer to experience a range of emotions and even if it doesn’t invite much empathy, it keeps you interested, attentive and anxious to learn what will unfold next even after you’ve figured it all out. ‘Barfi!’ manages to make you forget just that by narrating a lighthearted tragedy that wins particularly for what it doesn’t do: It doesn’t draw a pitiful picture of the deaf-mute lead.

 

Shirin Farad Ki Toh Nikal Padi: This film goes on to prove that the hero doesn't need to be right out of Mills and Boons and his love interest can have a few extra love handles. This may not be the greatest love story ever told and may not have a novel plot but it leaves you with a snuggly feeling and yearning to experience what you've seen on the screen.

Makkhi:Despite its absurdities, this dubbed version of the Telugu superhit Eega, scores high with some great VFX.Director Rajamouli is able to carve a hilarious revenge drama of a housefly who comes back to avenge his death in the previous birth..