Khaas Baat selections for best movies of 2013
Our recommendations for the must see Hindi movies of 2013.
“Kai Po Che” - Based on a novel by Chetan Bhagat, three friends pursue their cricket-centered dreams amidst political turmoil.
“Special 26” - Anupam Kher and Akshay Kumar are fabulous in this heist drama based on actual events from the 1980s.
“Jolly LLB” - Courtroom satire featuring Booman Irani and Arshad Warsi on opposing sides of a fatal hit and run case.
“Bombay Talkies” - An anthology of four unique short films from acclaimed modern directors as homage to 100 years of Hindi cinema.
“Raanjhanaa” - Dhanush makes a delightful Hindi debut in this love story set in Banaras with music by the maestro, A. R. Rahman
“Lootera” - Tragic romance set in the 1950s with sensitive performances by Sonakshi Sinha and Ranveer Singh.
“Bhaag Milkha Bhag”- The inspiring story about an Indian Olympic runner by director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
“D-Day” - An engaging action thriller about a fictitious mission to capture India’s most wanted terrorist with superb acting by Irfan Khan, Ajun Rampal and Rishi Kapoor.
“Chennai Express” - Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone rule, the first 30 minutes are worth the price of admission.
“The Lunchbox” - Endearing original story told with sensitive performances by Irfan Khan and Nimrat Kaur.
“Ram-Leela” - Lavish sets, cinematography, and music in signature style by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
“Dhoom 3” - Aamir Khan, Aamir Khan… need we say more.
UPCOMING HINDI MOVIE RELEASES
“Dedh Ishqiya” Starring Naseeruddin Shah, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Arshad Warsi, Huma Qureshi, Vijay Raaz; directed by Abhishek Chaubey; music by Vishal Bharadwaj.
Produced by Vishal Bharadwaj, this sequel to 2010’s “Ishqiya,” the lively duo of Khalujaan played by Naseeruddin Shah and Babban played by Arshad Warsi are back. Joining them in her first starring role in six years is Madhuri Dixit-Nene playing the beautiful Begum of Mahmudabad, Begum Para. The Begum Para is hosting a festival of poetry and music in her mansion. Khalujan poses as the Nawaab of Chandpur, to participate as a poet to impress the widowed Begum who is searching for a husband, preferably a poet. Babban arrives to take Khalujan back to their old life but his plans quickly change when he sees Muniya, the Begum’s maid and confidant, played by Huma Qureshi. Muniya has plans of her own and is seen leaving the palace in disguise to meet strangers in dark alleys. The palace is full of intrigue. Later, the shayari takes a back seat to guns, chases and hidden intentions. The makers call the film a poetic journey underlined with revenge, drama and deception. Expect to see Madhuri at her dancing best. The soulful soundtrack by Bharadwaj featuring lyrics by Gulzar is already a winner.
Monali Thakur plays the title role in “Lakshmi.”
“Lakshmi” Starring Monali Thakur, Satish Kaushik, Ram Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Gulfam Khan; directed by Nagesh Kukunoor; music by Tapas Relia.
Talented filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor, known for his films “3 Deewarein,” “Iqbal” and “Dor,” takes on the subject of human trafficking. Based on true events, “Lakshmi” tells the tragic yet courageous story of a young girl who is abducted from her family and sold into prostitution. Talented young singer Monali Thakur plays the title role. Thakur sang 'Zara zara touch me' from “Race,” and “Sawaar loon,” from “Lootera.” Shefali Shah plays Jyoti, the "tough love" madam who runs the brothel where Lakshmi is sent. While the other girls help her cope with the daily degradation, Lakshmi refuses to accept her fate despite several failed attempts at escaping. Thrown into a horrific world, she survives thanks to her strong will. After being rescued in a police raid, Lakshmi eventually gets justice. Against all odds, she shows remarkable courage. Resisting violent threats, coercion and bribes, she takes a stand in court in a landmark case and succeeds in putting the traffickers behind bars. The director himself is also featured in a supporting role.