2024: A Year of Shifts in Cinema - Bollywood Disappointment, Malayalam Triumph, and More
Discover the best films and series of 2024, from Malayalam cinema's rise to Bollywood's challenges. Explore top OTT releases, including Barzakh, I Want To Talk, and Kalki 2898 AD. Find out why All We Imagine As Light and Anora are making waves globally.
Movies
2024 was a year of contrasts for cinema lovers. While Bollywood experienced a downturn, 2024 marked a landmark year for Malayalam films and independent cinema.
A Landmark Year for Indie Cinema
The massive success of All We Imagine As Light opened doors for independent filmmakers, sparking a conversation about the direction of Indian cinema. This success also highlighted the shortcomings of the Film Federation of India’s Oscar selection, with Laapata Ladies receiving praise despite not being chosen as India's official Oscar entry.
In Hollywood, films like Anora (Mikey Madison) and The Substance (Demi Moore) earned critical acclaim and were favorites for award season.
The Rise of South Cinema
In South cinema, Kalki 2898 AD resonated with both box office success and critical acclaim, setting the bar high for ambitious cinema. On OTT, titles like Barzakh (Fawad Khan) and IC: 814 – The Kandahar Hijack (Vijay Varma) captivated audiences and critics alike.
Disappointing Sequels
While some highly anticipated sequels like Squid Game season 2, The Boys season 4, and House of the Dragon season 2 fell short of expectations, others such as Bridgerton season 3 and The Bear season 3 lived up to their hype.
Top Non-Hindi Language Indian Films of 2024
1. Aavesham
Fahad Fasil delivers a memorable performance in this emotionally charged film about a gangster protecting three boys from local bullies. His portrayal of Ranga is a powerful mix of cheerfulness and underlying sadness.
2. Manjummel Boys
A poignant survival thriller that celebrates friendship and sacrifice. The emotional journey of this film highlights human resilience.
3. Meiyazhagan
A heartwarming film that celebrates the beauty of male bonding in an era dominated by toxic masculinity.
4. Sookshmadarshini
A highly successful black comedy mystery thriller, Sookshmadarshini is an entertaining and thrilling ride, offering a fun balance of laughs and suspense.
5. Kalki 2898 AD
A futuristic yet deeply rooted film blending dystopia and mythology, Kalki 2898 AD is a bold step forward in ambitious cinema.
Best Hindi Theatrical Films of 2024
1. I Want To Talk
Abhishek Bachchan’s powerful portrayal of a man dealing with medical setbacks makes this film a standout for its raw emotion and depth. Director Shoojit Sarcar shines here.
2. All We Imagine As Light
This critically acclaimed film from Payal Kapadia, which was controversially not chosen for the Oscars, captivated audiences worldwide with its unique storytelling.
3. Laapata Ladies
Kiran Rao's film takes on patriarchy with a sharp, tongue-in-cheek narrative, earning praise for its candid portrayal of women’s struggles.
4. Merry Christmas
Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi shine in this Andhadhun-esque thriller, which found a wider audience after its OTT release.
5. Madgaon Express
A hilarious comedy that channels The Hangover spirit with a stellar cast, including Divyendu and Pratik Gandhi.
Best Hindi OTT Series of 2024
1. Barzakh
Pakistan continues to lead in high-quality OTT content with Barzakh, a beautifully crafted series that stands out in the crowded OTT space.
2. Raat Jawaan Hai
A feel-good show about the struggles of parents, Raat Jawaan Hai is a heartfelt series exploring family dynamics and perseverance.
3. IC: 814 – The Kandahar Hijack
A gripping, tense series about the longest hijack in Indian history, starring Vijay Varma and Naseeruddin Shah.
4. Zindaginama
This anthology series delves deep into mental health issues, offering an important and nuanced exploration of eating disorders and body dysmorphia.
5. Citadel: Honey Bunny
A spy-thriller that blends thrills with humor, Citadel: Honey Bunny is an engrossing series that delivers edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
Best Hindi OTT Films of 2024
1. CTRL
A gripping screenlife thriller that explores the dark side of technology, CTRL is a must-watch for anyone concerned about digital privacy.
2. Sector 36
Based on the infamous Nithari Village killings, this dark drama features strong performances from Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal.
3. Chamkila
Diljit Dosanjh’s portrayal of the controversial Punjabi singer in Chamkila is one of the standout performances of the year. The film explores Punjab's cultural landscape and critiques the moral policing that shapes it.
4. Bhakshak
A powerful film about child sexual abuse, Bhakshak explores the challenges faced by journalists covering such stories.
5. Berlin
A gritty spy thriller with political undertones, Berlin offers a thrilling, action-packed ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Best English Language Films of 2024
1. Anora
A heartbreaking story about betrayal, Anora tells the tale of a sex worker's fall from grace after a betrayal by a Russian oligarch's son. This Palme d'Or winner is a visual masterpiece.
2. The Wild Robot
A coming-of-age story about a robot learning to feel and understand humanity. This film highlights the beauty of community and self-acceptance.
3. All Of Us Strangers
This psychodrama about queer desire will resonate deeply with anyone who has struggled for parental validation.
4. Kinds of Kindness
A provocative, beautiful film that explores the limits of kindness and how it can be both repulsive and moving.
5. Inside Out 2
An animated psychodrama that explores the complexities of anxiety and emotions in the digital age. This film is more relatable for adults than children, making it a standout for 2024.
Special Mentions
The Substance, Monster, Zone of Interest
