The year 2010 proved to be significant for Bollywood, where the directors tried out various genres and ways of storytelling. Along with commercially successful mainstream films, socially relevant dramas, quirky comedies, political thrillers, romantic films and coming-of-age stories hit the big screen. Movies like Udaan, Band Baaja Baarat, My Name Is Khan, and Peepli Live have been popular ever since for their performances and interesting plots. Here is a list of the 15 best Bollywood movies of 2010.
1. Udaan
Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, Udaan is a coming-of-age drama. Played by Rajat Barmecha, Rohan dreams of becoming a writer, but he finds himself unable to break free from the rigid rules of his father, played by Ronit Roy. In its realistic approach to teenage dreams and ambitions, freedom and parental pressure, the movie shows the boldness needed to go for your passion. Ultimately, Udaan becomes a cult classic.
2. Band Baaja Baaraat
Band Baaja Baaraat is a romantic comedy starring Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma. Set against the backdrop of Delhi’s wedding industry, this story of young entrepreneurs became a breakthrough for Ranveer Singh.
3. Ishqiya
Ishqiya contains elements of dark comedy, romance, criminal action, and drama. In the film, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi star as two criminals who become romantically interested in their dead friend’s widow, played by Vidya Balan. Ishqiya gained popularity thanks to witty scriptwriting, peculiar characters and outstanding acting performances.
4. Peepli Live
Directed by Aamir Khan, Peepli Live is a political satire that concentrates on issues of farmer suicides and exploitation of tragedy by the media and politicians. This film presents great acting performances of Raghubir Yadav and Omkar Das Manikpuri. Peepli Live combines a humorous approach to a very serious social problem and was presented as an Indian entry for the Academy Awards in that year.
5. Raajneeti
Raajneeti, directed by Prakash Jha, is a political drama based partially on themes of the Mahabharata. This film features Ranbir Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpayee and Nana Patekar.
6. Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai
Set against the backdrop of the underworld of Mumbai, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai features Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi in the lead roles. The film shows the rise of a gangster and his complicated relationship with his disciple. Dialogues, period depiction, and strong performances made this film successful.
7. Love, Sex Aur Dhokha
This experimental anthology by Dibakar Banerjee explores modern relationships, hidden cameras, scandals, and social exploitation. Filmed using different types of digital technologies, this film brought a new style that was uncommon in Bollywood productions.
8. My Name Is Khan
Featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, My Name Is Khan revolves around Rizwan Khan, who is suffering from Asperger syndrome and travels to America after making a promise to his wife. This film deals with the issues of discrimination, prejudices, love, and humanism after 9/11. Khan’s role in the film was one of the most important parts of the movie.
9. Phas Gaya Re Obama
This satirical comedy film shows an NRI who comes to India with the intention of selling his property to solve his financial troubles but gets involved in the kidnapping business. Sanjay Mishra’s performance was especially valued.
10. Shor in the City
Shor in the City is an Indian dark comedy and crime drama film. In the movie, several characters get entangled with each other because of crime, desperation, and opportunity. The realism in the plot and unique story have made it one of the underrated movies of the year.
11. Guzaarish
Guzaarish is a movie directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and stars Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. In the movie, Hrithik has played the role of Ethan Mascarenhas, a magician who is now quadriplegic after an accident. He applies for permission for euthanasia. Dignity, suffering, love, and individual choice are the themes of the movie.
12. Karthik Calling Karthik
This movie was directed by Farhan Akhtar. It is a romantic psychological thriller movie and stars Farhan Akhtar and Deepika Padukone. It is the story of Karthik, a reserved individual, whose life changes after getting some mysterious calls from the person who claims to be himself.
13. Tere Bin Laden
In this satirical comedy movie, Ali Zafar made his Bollywood debut. The movie is about a journalist who meets a person who looks like Osama bin Laden and makes a fake video of Osama.
14. Rakht Charitra
The film was directed by Ram Gopal Varma and stars Vivek Oberoi in the lead role. In the movie, a man joins the brutal and rough world of politics in order to get his revenge after facing tragic events in his life.
15. Do Dooni Chaar
This family comedy-drama stars Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh in the lead roles. It talks about a middle-class school teacher and his family trying to improve their lifestyle and get a car, although financially they are not very rich.
Conclusion
Thus, the year 2010 saw a lot of great films being released in Bollywood. Right from the inspiring story of Udaan and the romantic story of Band Baaja Baaraat to the political thriller of Raajneeti and the social satire of Peepli Live, there were films of all sorts produced in that year. Not only that, but many of these movies were good in terms of their writing, performance, direction and characterisation.
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