TOP 10 INDIAN FILMS IN 2013

SHIP OF THESEUS (DIR: ANAND GANDHI):  This independent film explored questions of identity, justice, beauty, meaning and death through the stories of an experimental photographer, an ailing monk and an enterprising stockbroker, proving that a ship that has been restored by replacing all its parts remains the same ship. The film which took 3 years in it’s development, was appreciated nationally and internationally for it’s unconventional narrative as well as its cinematography, the intellectual content along with the performances, with many national and international critics calling it as one of the brilliant cinematic imports from India.

THE LUNCHBOX (DIR: RITESH BATRA):  Set in Mumbai, this film showcased the blossoming relationship between a widower and a troubled housewife through the “Dabbas” (Lunchbox) and the letters. The film, which was also shot in documentary style was appreciated for its beautiful depiction of romance and relationship problems set in a cosmopolitan city by the humane performances by the lead played by Irrfan, Nawazuddin and Nimrat Kaur, along with the screenplay , cinematography and editing which gave a canvas of pure European Cinema. The film also won the Critics Week Award at the Cannes Film Festival 2013.

PARADESI (DIR: P. BALA): Based on the book “Red Tea” by Paul Harris, the film depicted the enslaved tea planters of the Madras Presidency during the 1903’s showcasing neo realism within it’s narrative, along with its down to earth characters, great cinematography as well as music score within it’s dark frame. The film won a National Award and 2 Awards at the London International Film Festival 2013.

BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG (DIR: RAKYESH OMPRAKASH MEHRA):  This biopic on the Legendary Indian Athlete Milkha Singh was embraced by the masses for its brilliant depiction of the life and times of the Flying Sikh, with brilliant performances, especially by the protagonist played by Farhan Akhtar and it’s narrative which also focused on the youth empowerment.

DRISHYAM (DIR: JEETHU JOSEPH):  Despite its release along with the most awaited Hindi release “Dhoom:3”, this Malayalam film stood up well at the Box office as well as with the critics with its brilliant depiction on a family overcoming  various circumstances.  It’s brilliant storyline , cinematography, music score and performances by the lead, especially by the veteran Mohanlal, garned huge critical acclaim, making one of the best Malayalam films made till date.

MADRAS CAFÉ (DIR: SHOOJIT SIRCAR):  This slick thriller, based on the assassination of the erstwhile Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi  is loaded with great depiction of the terrorism and the political nexus, complimented with a taut screenplay, slick editing, excellent performances and beautiful cinematography.

CELLULOID (DIR: KAMAL): Celebrating the 100 years of Indian Cinema, this National Award winning Malayalam film focused on the life and times of the Father of Malayalam Cinema Sir JC Daniel,  with humane performances , especially by the lead played by Prithviraj Sukumaran and Mamtha Mohandas, along with a great narrative, production design work and music score.

LUCIA (DIR: DINESH KUMAR): One of the rare Indian films made through crowd funding, this Kannada  film which also won the Audience Award at the London Indian Film Festival 2012 showcased the effect of a dream pill on a Superstar actor by amazing screenplay, beautiful cinematography and performances, setting a new milestone for the Kannada film industry.

VISHWAROOPAM (DIR: KAMAL HAASAN): Another high packed bilingual action thriller film by the veteran filmmaker cum actor Kamal Haasan focused on Global Terrorism, with great performance by the lead, especially by Haasan who continues to showcase his versatility in his acting. The film is complimented with a taut screenplay scripted by the director himself, the production design work and choreography for which it also earned the National Awards and well choreographed action sequences. The film found itself in controversies for its depiction on the Muslims, thus raising a question on the Freedom of Expression with many artists and people supporting the director and the film became a box office grosser with its sequel releasing in February next year.

TASHER DESH (DIR: QAUSHIQ MUKHERJEE): A quirky take on the play by the name same written by the legendary writer Sir Rabindranath Tagore by the director of the 2010 cult film ‘Gandu’, this fantasy Bengali film explored the journey of a disillusioned prince going to the land of cards where he brings on a revolution to its citizens. The film was widely appreciated for its experimental cinematography, music score and its execution of a play on screen and it was premiered at the 7^th Rome International Film Festival 2012.

By - Yash Mishra