Top 10 Indian Movies in 2021: Beyond the Masala

Indian cinema has often been criticized for relying heavily on masala films and blockbuster productions. However, 2021 saw a remarkable shift, with a variety of genres and styles gaining significant recognition. Whether it's a biographical war film, a fantasy adventure, or a unique dramatic piece, here are ten notable Indian movies from 2021 that showcase the depth and diversity of cinema:

1. Shershaah (September 2021)

Genre: War
Summary: A biographical film based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra, it received critical acclaim for its storytelling and performances.

2. Tumbbad (May 2021)

Genre: Horror/Mythology
Summary: Although released earlier, it gained significant recognition in 2021 for its unique blend of horror and mythological themes.

3. Sooryavanshi (December 2021)

Genre: Cop Action
Summary: Directed by Rohit Shetty, part of the larger 'Master' series, it became a massive hit and was praised for its direction and music.

4. Master (December 2021)

Genre: Action-Thriller
Summary: A Tamil film starring Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi, it was a major hit and praised for its direction and music.

5. Kabir Singh (June 2021)

Genre: Romance Drama
Summary: This romantic drama continued to create buzz in 2021 due to its strong performances and controversial themes.

6. Sardar Udham (December 2021)

Genre: Biographical
Summary: A biographical film about the revolutionary Udham Singh, it was lauded for its direction by Shoojit Sircar and the performance of Vicky Kaushal.

7. Gangubai Kathiawadi (December 2021)

Genre: Biography/Drama
Summary: Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and featuring Alia Bhatt, this film received critical acclaim for its narrative and performances.

8. Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (September 2021)

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Summary: A highly anticipated fantasy adventure film featuring a star-studded cast, including Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.

9. Naarad (August 2021)

Genre: Drama
Summary: An intriguing drama that gained attention for its unique storytelling and performances.

10. RRR (October 2021)

Genre: Epic Action Drama
Summary: Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, this epic action drama became a massive hit known for its grand scale and engaging narrative.

A Note to the Misguided:

For those who think that Bollywood does not produce good films or cannot make hits, I must say, please come out of the trap of box office collections and star-studded productions. Simply watch commercial or drama masala movies. Real cinema is much more than that. Start watching good cinema. Begin with actors like Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Irfan Khan, Rajkumar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, and more.

Cinephile's Choice:

These films represent the diverse range of storytelling and styles in Indian cinema. Here are some other exceptional movies from 2021:

Masaan (April 2021)

Ankohon Dekhi (December 2021)

Dhanak (June 2021)

Jhalki (November 2021)

Salaam Bombay (1988, directed by Mira Nair)

Dhobhi Ghat (1991, directed by Mrinal Sen)

Photograph (2021, directed by Nandita Das)