2012, Into Your Films We Will Delve
It's that time for me to give little mini-reviews and recommendations for all the 2012 Bollywood films!
This year it's going to be a little different, I'm doing it award-style, so each film wins its own title! :P
(For anyone who cares, you can read my 2011, 2010 and 2009 roundups as well.)
Good Songs, Typical Movie
Rowdy Rathore
I wish I had more to say about this movie, but that's about it. An action film from Akshay Kumar where there's double-acting? Yeah, you're going to get exactly what you expect to. It delivers what it promises and so I already knew I wasn't going to love it or anything. But the songs are pretty enjoyable and I have a never-ending capacity to adore Prabhudeva, who directed the film, so I look upon it fondly for his sake. Also, Sonakshi Sinha showed some glimpses here and there of promise that I did not see in her during Dabanng. The same spark I saw in her when I met her at IIFA. Glad to see it translate onto screen finally!
The Deja Vu
Heroine
Didn't I already see this movie? And it was called Fashion? And it was a million times better?? I could not be happier that Aishwarya Rai didn't do this film, it was not worthy of her. Kareena doesn't even put in as good a performance as Priyanka did in Fashion, let alone as good as Konkona Sen Sharma in Page 3 or Tabu in Chandni Bar. The entire film felt tired and had a "seen-it" vibe to it. Except for the one track with Shahana Goswani, which pleasantly surprised me, but then was not explored in the least and was therefore wasted. Regardless, I don't think there was enough new material out there for this film to catch enough of the audience's interest. We all remember Fashion and The Dirty Picture vividly, you need to give us some time to forget!
Surprise Hit Of The Year
Kahaani
I can't tell you how much I loved this movie. And how surprised I was when everyone else loved it too! Sure, I was all Team Vidya Balan after The Dirty Picture, but even I wasn't delusional enough to think a movie starring her as a pregnant woman with NO OTHER RECOGNIZABLE ACTORS would fare well at the box office. Why would it? Who goes to the cinema halls for something like that? It's not Salman Khan punching people in the face while shirtless, that's for sure. But not only did Kahaani impress critics, it had enough longevity at the box office to be declared a Super Hit. I don't want to tell you much about the plot because it's a film that needs to be experienced firsthand to be enjoyed, but I most definitely recommend it. Not a typical Bollywood movie at all!
Gorefest 2012
Agneepath
Agneepath is a very dark film, very violent. I had forgotten how hardcore 80s action films were but this remake brought that all back. People were always getting raped on-screen or stabbed multiple times. And I regularly watched these movies as a three-year-old kid! Lmao no wonder I'm so messed up now. ;) That being said, if you're okay with gore then I recommend this movie. Hrithik does a fabulous job and sets himself apart from Amitabh Bachchan's original portrayal of Vijay Deenanath Chauhan. Sanjay Dutt and Rishi Kapoor also put in fairly creepy performances that have to be seen to be appreciated.
Least Likely To Get A Sequel No Matter How Badly The Producer Would Like To Make One
Agent Vinod
Last year this title would have gone to Ra.One, lol. This year it's most definitely Agent Vinod. It was an ambitious project but also very clearly wish-fulfilment on Saif Ali Khan's part. It didn't really know what it wanted to be and that's where creative differences of opinion between director Sriram Raghavan and producer Saif came in. You can't "create" a classic or "invent" a franchise, that kind of stuff just has to happen. It rarely happens when you try to. You can tell by the way the film ends that Saif was hoping to revisit this as a series, but he got burned so badly I doubt that will happen. Thankfully. This movie was mediocre and will not draw in a repeat audience.
Most Non-Threateningly Boring Movie
Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu
The movie wasn't BAD it just wasn't very interesting. At all. It didn't engage you in any way. And the chemistry between the leads was weak, which is fine because in the end that's not even where the story went, but I wish it had ended with Imran's character dating someone else (surprise guest appearance by Sonam Kapoor?? imagine that had happened, if only...) instead of still pining over Kareena who VERY. CLEARLY. turned him down. Reeked of Nice Guy Syndrome. *le sigh* Also, why did they take this cute and clever song about hot aunties and make Kareena dance to it?! Ruined the entire meaning of the song.
Why Are There So Many Characters? And Why Are They All Yelling??
Housefull 2
That pretty much sums up Housefull 2, doesn't it? :P I never thought a movie would make me reminisce fondly about the first Housefull but this actually achieved that! A less impressive female cast bummed me out a bit. I loved Deepika and Lara in the original. Also, there is something so weird about Akshay and John fighting in this movie. Maybe it's because I had just seen Desi Boyz and I didn't understand why film-makers thought their dynamic lends itself to conflict? I know that's a really random critique. But my point still stands that everyone just sat around yelling at each other. And barring Anarkali Disco Chali none of the songs stood out to me the way the original Housefull soundtrack did. Ah well, they made their money and those who enjoy these kind of over-the-top comedies had their fun.
That Wasn't As Bad As I Expected It To Be
Ek Tha Tiger
Hey, I wasn't sure what to expect! I had suffered through Ready, you guys, I have seen the worst of our times. :P But Ek Tha Tiger was an enjoyable experience that wasn't marred by stupid comedic sidetracks. Salman actually seemed like he cared about what was happening around him, which I find to be a rarity these days. Katrina was more than just a pretty face and her role added some good substance to the story. I don't see myself rushing to re-watch the movie any time soon, but it's definitely one of the best Salman Khan films in a long time.
Harmless Timepass
Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi
Just a random little movie. Complete timepass. I don't really think anyone would recommend it. I don't know, are there big Boman Irani fans out there? Lol. He does a really good job, but he has always been such a dependable actor. Farah Khan is alright in her debut but I doubt she'll do much acting after this. It was a role fit for her, after all. Not much more to say about it...
Bigger Is Not Always Better
Teri Meri Kahaani
You don't need to see this movie unless you are a die-hard fan of Shahid Kapoor or Priyanka Chopra. I'm neither but am a Bollywood nut who watches everything - good, bad and ugly - so I don't count... ;) Anyway, this is that Kunal Kohli movie where he covers three different eras and has three love stories spanning those time periods with Shahid and Priyanka romantically paired in each timeline. None of the love stories are terribly exciting, which is probably why instead of using them for full-fledged movies Kohli shoves them into a third of a film hoping we won't notice. But we do. I liked the songs. I thought Shahid and Priyanka do a decent job in their various roles. The chemistry is there but if you're feeling nostalgic for Kaminey don't hold your breath. There's nothing terrible novel or unique about Teri Meri Kahaani, which is why it's fine to give it a miss.
That Movie I Will Never Watch In A Million Years
Joker
No. Just no. I will never watch it. I don't care that it's available on Netflix. Hell, even the lead actor didn't want to be associated with it, why should I put myself through that?!! So yeah, I have no review because I will never watch it. Freaking ALIENS, yo...
How Is This Possible...Boring First Half and Improved Second Half?!!
Barfi
I was so shocked when I watched Barfi. When was the last time we had a movie that bored me to tears in the first half and then IMPROVED in the second half? The second half is notoriously terrible in Bollywood, especially for movies made within the last few years. I couldn't believe it! I almost didn't finish the film because I thought "it's only going to get worse from this point, why bother?" but it didn't! The reason being that the dynamic between Ranbir Kapoor and Ileana D'Cruz was super boring and the dynamic between Ranbir and Priyanka Chopra was highly entertaining to watch. Ranbir's Barfi and Priyanka's Jhilmil became real to the viewer as the second half went on. No, it wasn't as amazing as critics have been hyping it to be, but in the end it was an enjoyable film. Put a smile on my face. And isn't that the way it should be? Movies should leave you happy, not make you feel like a good thing got ruined and didn't reach its potential.
Oh Yeah, I Watched That...
Student Of The Year
I know a lot of people enjoyed this movie for different reasons, but I found it mostly boring. It was just too gratuitous. And I never took a real shining to any of the three debutantes. *shrug* They were good but not great. The plot itself was just drama after melodrama. Hey, we need a dance sequence let's stick it in there! We need a love song, let's add that too! Indian traditional? Check! Modern Western? Yup, that too! Bikinis! Bike races! School competition! Scavenger hunt! Did they really need to cram so much stuff into one film? Slow your roll, KJo. :P The thing that worked for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was the simplicity of the college campus locale. There was class, there was flirting and then there was that one singing competition. That was it. Imagine if they had made Anjali and Tina race each other lol or get into a catfight? Nah, no thanks. What I'm trying to say is that the movie works if you end up really clicking with any of the leads, but I personally didn't. SOTY is that film you see and then forget it ever existed a few weeks later.
Most Authentic Movie-Going Experience
Jab Tak Hai Jaan
It's very hard for me to be objective about Jab Tak Hai Jaan since I am extremely biased when it comes to Shahrukh Khan and Anushka Sharma and even of course the late Yash Chopra. No, it wasn't my favourite movie of the year, but it is the only movie that made me act like a Bollywood fangirl, eagerly awaiting every new promo, listening to the album endlessly and giggling like an idiot now whenever I re-watch parts of the film. I will always remember the wild crowds lining up to see the movie in theatres, the hustle and bustle trying to get tickets, the reactions from the audience. I think my dad put it best when he said after we watched it again for a second time "that actually felt like I saw a movie". It's sad to say but the same can't be said for all of the films of 2012.
Taking On Organized Religion, No Biggie
OMG: Oh My God!
This is a tough topic to cover, fraught with controversy. The movie is preachy too. I mean, there are a lot of parts I liked about this film - I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Akshay Kumar's portrayal of, well, god - but your appreciation of the film definitely depends on your personal views on religion. If you're religious to a T you probably won't enjoy it. If you're a complete atheist it might not sit well with you either. But you do have to give OMG points for tackling the topic of religion and being unlike any other film that came out in 2012.
Worst Case Of The Stupid
Ishaqzaade
I really enjoyed the first half of this movie. The interval hit and my parents and I just gasped at the screen and were super excited to watch the rest. They had laid out such a devilishly excruciating set of circumstances that would undoubtedly be delicious to unravel. Except, instead, they went the lame route and infected the leads with a big ol' case of the stupid. Ugh. Every single decision the leads made in the second half of the film was idiotic. That's the nicest way I can put it. And then the film tries to end off on a moral note, sending the audience a message, but the message and movie itself are in complete contrast! If that was the story you were trying to portray then why did you even create that extremely interesting twist in the plot at intermission? All that being said, Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra give fantastic performances and the music is really good. But like every film in the world of Bollywood, it's a great first half and a bad second half. Is it even the same writers doing both parts? I'm starting to get suspicious...
Spotted That Mystery From A Mile Away
Talaash
If you go into Talaash expecting a mystery twist that will blow your mind...don't. I figured out what the twist was just by watching the promo trailer. But Talaash is a callback to those great mysteries from the 60s and 70s that everyone loves and even those were predictable (it was always Pran! :P) so that's neither here nor there. It's the atmosphere of the film that sets it apart from others. As well as the top-notch acting from Aamir, Rani, Kareena and the host of supporting characters. I think the personal story between Aamir and Rani - their struggles and issues - was more interesting to me than any murder. It's the human aspect that works for Talaash, along with its darker feel. So, you may not necessarily be sold on the ending, but the journey itself is worth a watch.
Most Unnecessary Sequel
Dabangg 2
I don't even like Chulbul Pandey but they literally ruined him in this movie. He used to be a badass! Now he's just annoying, with domestic squabbles and the like. *snooooore* I can't imagine how this movie did so well at the box office, I would think Sallu fans would have been irritated at the direction their precious franchise took! Let me summarize Dabangg 2 for you all: Fight sequence. One liner. Song picturization. Repeat. ...So unnecessary. So boring.
Lamest Comeback
Dangerous Ishq
I really really love Karisma Kapoor. I was such a huge fan of hers back in the day. But this comeback film was so beneath her. Sure, Madhuri's Aaja Nachle flopped, sure Rani's Aiyyaa was panned, but in the end their fans loved it. Maybe it didn't have universal appeal but it did appeal to those who have been wanting to see their favourite back on screen. Dangerous Ishq failed to capture the audience that was in fact eagerly anticipating the film and instead had them sit through two hours of complete garbage. I hope that producers are able to look past this terrible film and give Karisma another shot, because it would be a shame if this is the last thing we all remember her by.
Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves
Cocktail
I really enjoyed Cocktail. I just wish there was some way to excise Saif Ali Khan from the proceedings and still have the movie make sense! Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty give such great performances, but Saif drags the film down. He has done the playboy role so many times that maybe he doesn't even remember how to do it without hamming anymore? Whereas Deepika and Diana seem fresh and real. I was thoroughly impressed with Diana Penty for her strong debut. Deepika blew me away and was one of very few actors this year to make me cry. In fact, I think she was the only other to make me cry this year besides the lead actress in my favourite film of the year (we'll get to that). Yes, this is a modern tale and some people don't like all that urban in their Bollywood, but if you're going to watch a rom-com from 2012 I would recommend Cocktail all the way.
Best Film Of 2012
English Vinglish
I really wish I could properly put into words how much I love English Vinglish but I can't! I was never a big Sridevi fan, so that didn't play a part in it whatsoever. But Sridevi is amazing in the role of Shashi. She brings this woman to life, you literally feel every single emotion that Shashi does throughout the entire film, every single scene. It's an extremely realistic story with true-to-life portrayals of all the characters. I can't begin to tell you how many times I thought to myself "that is so true!" while I watched. And to be honest, I don't want to tell you much more. I just want you all to go out there and watch English Vinglish if you haven't already. There's a reason this movie is centered on a 50-year-old woman and still did exceptionally both in India and Overseas; it really clicks. You have to experience it to understand, though... So go watch it now!
In conclusion, watch these films: Kahaani, Barfi, Agneepath, Ek Tha Tiger, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Talaash, Cocktail and English Vinglish. Surprisingly, 2012 fared better than previous years have, imho.
Lemme know all of your thoughts on these movies if you happened to watch them.
This year it's going to be a little different, I'm doing it award-style, so each film wins its own title! :P
(For anyone who cares, you can read my 2011, 2010 and 2009 roundups as well.)
Good Songs, Typical Movie
Rowdy Rathore
Click to viewI wish I had more to say about this movie, but that's about it. An action film from Akshay Kumar where there's double-acting? Yeah, you're going to get exactly what you expect to. It delivers what it promises and so I already knew I wasn't going to love it or anything. But the songs are pretty enjoyable and I have a never-ending capacity to adore Prabhudeva, who directed the film, so I look upon it fondly for his sake. Also, Sonakshi Sinha showed some glimpses here and there of promise that I did not see in her during Dabanng. The same spark I saw in her when I met her at IIFA. Glad to see it translate onto screen finally!
The Deja Vu
Heroine
Didn't I already see this movie? And it was called Fashion? And it was a million times better?? I could not be happier that Aishwarya Rai didn't do this film, it was not worthy of her. Kareena doesn't even put in as good a performance as Priyanka did in Fashion, let alone as good as Konkona Sen Sharma in Page 3 or Tabu in Chandni Bar. The entire film felt tired and had a "seen-it" vibe to it. Except for the one track with Shahana Goswani, which pleasantly surprised me, but then was not explored in the least and was therefore wasted. Regardless, I don't think there was enough new material out there for this film to catch enough of the audience's interest. We all remember Fashion and The Dirty Picture vividly, you need to give us some time to forget!
Surprise Hit Of The Year
Kahaani
I can't tell you how much I loved this movie. And how surprised I was when everyone else loved it too! Sure, I was all Team Vidya Balan after The Dirty Picture, but even I wasn't delusional enough to think a movie starring her as a pregnant woman with NO OTHER RECOGNIZABLE ACTORS would fare well at the box office. Why would it? Who goes to the cinema halls for something like that? It's not Salman Khan punching people in the face while shirtless, that's for sure. But not only did Kahaani impress critics, it had enough longevity at the box office to be declared a Super Hit. I don't want to tell you much about the plot because it's a film that needs to be experienced firsthand to be enjoyed, but I most definitely recommend it. Not a typical Bollywood movie at all!
Gorefest 2012
Agneepath
Agneepath is a very dark film, very violent. I had forgotten how hardcore 80s action films were but this remake brought that all back. People were always getting raped on-screen or stabbed multiple times. And I regularly watched these movies as a three-year-old kid! Lmao no wonder I'm so messed up now. ;) That being said, if you're okay with gore then I recommend this movie. Hrithik does a fabulous job and sets himself apart from Amitabh Bachchan's original portrayal of Vijay Deenanath Chauhan. Sanjay Dutt and Rishi Kapoor also put in fairly creepy performances that have to be seen to be appreciated.
Least Likely To Get A Sequel No Matter How Badly The Producer Would Like To Make One
Agent Vinod
Last year this title would have gone to Ra.One, lol. This year it's most definitely Agent Vinod. It was an ambitious project but also very clearly wish-fulfilment on Saif Ali Khan's part. It didn't really know what it wanted to be and that's where creative differences of opinion between director Sriram Raghavan and producer Saif came in. You can't "create" a classic or "invent" a franchise, that kind of stuff just has to happen. It rarely happens when you try to. You can tell by the way the film ends that Saif was hoping to revisit this as a series, but he got burned so badly I doubt that will happen. Thankfully. This movie was mediocre and will not draw in a repeat audience.
Most Non-Threateningly Boring Movie
Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu
The movie wasn't BAD it just wasn't very interesting. At all. It didn't engage you in any way. And the chemistry between the leads was weak, which is fine because in the end that's not even where the story went, but I wish it had ended with Imran's character dating someone else (surprise guest appearance by Sonam Kapoor?? imagine that had happened, if only...) instead of still pining over Kareena who VERY. CLEARLY. turned him down. Reeked of Nice Guy Syndrome. *le sigh* Also, why did they take this cute and clever song about hot aunties and make Kareena dance to it?! Ruined the entire meaning of the song.
Why Are There So Many Characters? And Why Are They All Yelling??
Housefull 2
That pretty much sums up Housefull 2, doesn't it? :P I never thought a movie would make me reminisce fondly about the first Housefull but this actually achieved that! A less impressive female cast bummed me out a bit. I loved Deepika and Lara in the original. Also, there is something so weird about Akshay and John fighting in this movie. Maybe it's because I had just seen Desi Boyz and I didn't understand why film-makers thought their dynamic lends itself to conflict? I know that's a really random critique. But my point still stands that everyone just sat around yelling at each other. And barring Anarkali Disco Chali none of the songs stood out to me the way the original Housefull soundtrack did. Ah well, they made their money and those who enjoy these kind of over-the-top comedies had their fun.
That Wasn't As Bad As I Expected It To Be
Ek Tha Tiger
Hey, I wasn't sure what to expect! I had suffered through Ready, you guys, I have seen the worst of our times. :P But Ek Tha Tiger was an enjoyable experience that wasn't marred by stupid comedic sidetracks. Salman actually seemed like he cared about what was happening around him, which I find to be a rarity these days. Katrina was more than just a pretty face and her role added some good substance to the story. I don't see myself rushing to re-watch the movie any time soon, but it's definitely one of the best Salman Khan films in a long time.
Harmless Timepass
Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi
Just a random little movie. Complete timepass. I don't really think anyone would recommend it. I don't know, are there big Boman Irani fans out there? Lol. He does a really good job, but he has always been such a dependable actor. Farah Khan is alright in her debut but I doubt she'll do much acting after this. It was a role fit for her, after all. Not much more to say about it...
Bigger Is Not Always Better
Teri Meri Kahaani
You don't need to see this movie unless you are a die-hard fan of Shahid Kapoor or Priyanka Chopra. I'm neither but am a Bollywood nut who watches everything - good, bad and ugly - so I don't count... ;) Anyway, this is that Kunal Kohli movie where he covers three different eras and has three love stories spanning those time periods with Shahid and Priyanka romantically paired in each timeline. None of the love stories are terribly exciting, which is probably why instead of using them for full-fledged movies Kohli shoves them into a third of a film hoping we won't notice. But we do. I liked the songs. I thought Shahid and Priyanka do a decent job in their various roles. The chemistry is there but if you're feeling nostalgic for Kaminey don't hold your breath. There's nothing terrible novel or unique about Teri Meri Kahaani, which is why it's fine to give it a miss.
That Movie I Will Never Watch In A Million Years
Joker
No. Just no. I will never watch it. I don't care that it's available on Netflix. Hell, even the lead actor didn't want to be associated with it, why should I put myself through that?!! So yeah, I have no review because I will never watch it. Freaking ALIENS, yo...
How Is This Possible...Boring First Half and Improved Second Half?!!
Barfi
I was so shocked when I watched Barfi. When was the last time we had a movie that bored me to tears in the first half and then IMPROVED in the second half? The second half is notoriously terrible in Bollywood, especially for movies made within the last few years. I couldn't believe it! I almost didn't finish the film because I thought "it's only going to get worse from this point, why bother?" but it didn't! The reason being that the dynamic between Ranbir Kapoor and Ileana D'Cruz was super boring and the dynamic between Ranbir and Priyanka Chopra was highly entertaining to watch. Ranbir's Barfi and Priyanka's Jhilmil became real to the viewer as the second half went on. No, it wasn't as amazing as critics have been hyping it to be, but in the end it was an enjoyable film. Put a smile on my face. And isn't that the way it should be? Movies should leave you happy, not make you feel like a good thing got ruined and didn't reach its potential.
Oh Yeah, I Watched That...
Student Of The Year
I know a lot of people enjoyed this movie for different reasons, but I found it mostly boring. It was just too gratuitous. And I never took a real shining to any of the three debutantes. *shrug* They were good but not great. The plot itself was just drama after melodrama. Hey, we need a dance sequence let's stick it in there! We need a love song, let's add that too! Indian traditional? Check! Modern Western? Yup, that too! Bikinis! Bike races! School competition! Scavenger hunt! Did they really need to cram so much stuff into one film? Slow your roll, KJo. :P The thing that worked for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was the simplicity of the college campus locale. There was class, there was flirting and then there was that one singing competition. That was it. Imagine if they had made Anjali and Tina race each other lol or get into a catfight? Nah, no thanks. What I'm trying to say is that the movie works if you end up really clicking with any of the leads, but I personally didn't. SOTY is that film you see and then forget it ever existed a few weeks later.
Most Authentic Movie-Going Experience
Jab Tak Hai Jaan
It's very hard for me to be objective about Jab Tak Hai Jaan since I am extremely biased when it comes to Shahrukh Khan and Anushka Sharma and even of course the late Yash Chopra. No, it wasn't my favourite movie of the year, but it is the only movie that made me act like a Bollywood fangirl, eagerly awaiting every new promo, listening to the album endlessly and giggling like an idiot now whenever I re-watch parts of the film. I will always remember the wild crowds lining up to see the movie in theatres, the hustle and bustle trying to get tickets, the reactions from the audience. I think my dad put it best when he said after we watched it again for a second time "that actually felt like I saw a movie". It's sad to say but the same can't be said for all of the films of 2012.
Taking On Organized Religion, No Biggie
OMG: Oh My God!
This is a tough topic to cover, fraught with controversy. The movie is preachy too. I mean, there are a lot of parts I liked about this film - I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Akshay Kumar's portrayal of, well, god - but your appreciation of the film definitely depends on your personal views on religion. If you're religious to a T you probably won't enjoy it. If you're a complete atheist it might not sit well with you either. But you do have to give OMG points for tackling the topic of religion and being unlike any other film that came out in 2012.
Worst Case Of The Stupid
Ishaqzaade
I really enjoyed the first half of this movie. The interval hit and my parents and I just gasped at the screen and were super excited to watch the rest. They had laid out such a devilishly excruciating set of circumstances that would undoubtedly be delicious to unravel. Except, instead, they went the lame route and infected the leads with a big ol' case of the stupid. Ugh. Every single decision the leads made in the second half of the film was idiotic. That's the nicest way I can put it. And then the film tries to end off on a moral note, sending the audience a message, but the message and movie itself are in complete contrast! If that was the story you were trying to portray then why did you even create that extremely interesting twist in the plot at intermission? All that being said, Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra give fantastic performances and the music is really good. But like every film in the world of Bollywood, it's a great first half and a bad second half. Is it even the same writers doing both parts? I'm starting to get suspicious...
Spotted That Mystery From A Mile Away
Talaash
If you go into Talaash expecting a mystery twist that will blow your mind...don't. I figured out what the twist was just by watching the promo trailer. But Talaash is a callback to those great mysteries from the 60s and 70s that everyone loves and even those were predictable (it was always Pran! :P) so that's neither here nor there. It's the atmosphere of the film that sets it apart from others. As well as the top-notch acting from Aamir, Rani, Kareena and the host of supporting characters. I think the personal story between Aamir and Rani - their struggles and issues - was more interesting to me than any murder. It's the human aspect that works for Talaash, along with its darker feel. So, you may not necessarily be sold on the ending, but the journey itself is worth a watch.
Most Unnecessary Sequel
Dabangg 2
I don't even like Chulbul Pandey but they literally ruined him in this movie. He used to be a badass! Now he's just annoying, with domestic squabbles and the like. *snooooore* I can't imagine how this movie did so well at the box office, I would think Sallu fans would have been irritated at the direction their precious franchise took! Let me summarize Dabangg 2 for you all: Fight sequence. One liner. Song picturization. Repeat. ...So unnecessary. So boring.
Lamest Comeback
Dangerous Ishq
I really really love Karisma Kapoor. I was such a huge fan of hers back in the day. But this comeback film was so beneath her. Sure, Madhuri's Aaja Nachle flopped, sure Rani's Aiyyaa was panned, but in the end their fans loved it. Maybe it didn't have universal appeal but it did appeal to those who have been wanting to see their favourite back on screen. Dangerous Ishq failed to capture the audience that was in fact eagerly anticipating the film and instead had them sit through two hours of complete garbage. I hope that producers are able to look past this terrible film and give Karisma another shot, because it would be a shame if this is the last thing we all remember her by.
Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves
Cocktail
I really enjoyed Cocktail. I just wish there was some way to excise Saif Ali Khan from the proceedings and still have the movie make sense! Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty give such great performances, but Saif drags the film down. He has done the playboy role so many times that maybe he doesn't even remember how to do it without hamming anymore? Whereas Deepika and Diana seem fresh and real. I was thoroughly impressed with Diana Penty for her strong debut. Deepika blew me away and was one of very few actors this year to make me cry. In fact, I think she was the only other to make me cry this year besides the lead actress in my favourite film of the year (we'll get to that). Yes, this is a modern tale and some people don't like all that urban in their Bollywood, but if you're going to watch a rom-com from 2012 I would recommend Cocktail all the way.
Best Film Of 2012
English Vinglish
I really wish I could properly put into words how much I love English Vinglish but I can't! I was never a big Sridevi fan, so that didn't play a part in it whatsoever. But Sridevi is amazing in the role of Shashi. She brings this woman to life, you literally feel every single emotion that Shashi does throughout the entire film, every single scene. It's an extremely realistic story with true-to-life portrayals of all the characters. I can't begin to tell you how many times I thought to myself "that is so true!" while I watched. And to be honest, I don't want to tell you much more. I just want you all to go out there and watch English Vinglish if you haven't already. There's a reason this movie is centered on a 50-year-old woman and still did exceptionally both in India and Overseas; it really clicks. You have to experience it to understand, though... So go watch it now!
In conclusion, watch these films: Kahaani, Barfi, Agneepath, Ek Tha Tiger, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Talaash, Cocktail and English Vinglish. Surprisingly, 2012 fared better than previous years have, imho.
Lemme know all of your thoughts on these movies if you happened to watch them.