Top Indian Films Of 2017: Bollywood & Beyond!

Hey guys! Ready to dive into the vibrant world of Indian cinema from 2017? Buckle up, because we're about to explore some absolute gems that hit the screens that year. We're talking Bollywood blockbusters, critically acclaimed masterpieces, and everything in between. Whether you're a seasoned Bollywood buff or just curious to explore, there's something here for everyone. Let's get started!

Bollywood Blockbusters of 2017

When it comes to Bollywood blockbusters of 2017, you just can't skip mentioning Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. This film wasn't just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon! The sheer scale, the breathtaking visuals, and the epic storyline had audiences worldwide hooked. Seriously, the hype was real, and it lived up to every bit of it. From the moment the film begins, you are transported to another world filled with intrigue, betrayal and bravery. The storyline picks up where the first film left off, answering all burning questions and providing a satisfying conclusion to the saga. One of the most remarkable aspects of Baahubali 2 was its ability to transcend language barriers. Although primarily a Telugu film, it was dubbed into multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam, allowing it to reach a broader audience. The film's universal themes of justice, love, and duty resonated with viewers from diverse cultural backgrounds, contributing to its widespread appeal. Additionally, the film's soundtrack became a sensation, with songs like "Jiyo Re Bahubali" and "Saahore Baahubali" topping music charts across the country. The music perfectly complemented the film's grand visuals and heightened the emotional impact of key scenes. The success of Baahubali 2 not only solidified the careers of its cast and crew but also paved the way for more large-scale, visually stunning Indian films in the years to come. It demonstrated that Indian cinema could compete with Hollywood in terms of production value and storytelling. Truly a game-changer!

Then there's Tiger Zinda Hai. Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif reunited to deliver some high-octane action that had fans going wild. Think thrilling stunts, exotic locations, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Tiger Zinda Hai is a sequel to the 2012 film Ek Tha Tiger and continues the story of Indian RAW agent Avinash Singh Rathore, also known as Tiger, and Pakistani ISI agent Zoya Humaimi. The film is inspired by the 2014 abduction of Indian nurses by ISIS and tells the story of how Tiger and Zoya team up to rescue a group of nurses held hostage in Iraq. What made Tiger Zinda Hai particularly appealing was its blend of action and emotion. While the film is packed with adrenaline-pumping action sequences, it also explores themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and humanity. Tiger and Zoya's unwavering commitment to their respective countries, as well as their compassion for the innocent victims caught in the crossfire, resonated with audiences. Katrina Kaif's portrayal of Zoya was especially praised for its strength and depth. She not only held her own in the action sequences but also brought a nuanced emotional performance to the character, making her a memorable and inspiring figure. The film's message of unity and cooperation in the face of terrorism struck a chord with viewers, making it a box office success and a cultural phenomenon. Tiger Zinda Hai reaffirmed Salman Khan's status as a superstar and further solidified Katrina Kaif's position as one of Bollywood's leading actresses. The film's success also paved the way for future installments in the Tiger franchise, with Tiger 3 released in 2023.

And who could forget Golmaal Again? This comedy flick was the fourth installment in the beloved Golmaal franchise, bringing back the hilarious gang for another round of chaos and laughter. Get ready for some slapstick humor and witty one-liners that will leave you in stitches. Golmaal Again revolves around a group of childhood friends who return to their old neighborhood and encounter a series of supernatural events. As they investigate the mysterious happenings, they uncover dark secrets from their past and must confront their inner demons. The film's ensemble cast, including Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, and Kunal Kemmu, delivered stellar performances, bringing their signature comedic timing to the forefront. What set Golmaal Again apart from its predecessors was its incorporation of horror elements. The film blended comedy with suspense, creating a unique and entertaining experience for audiences. The supernatural elements added a new layer of intrigue to the Golmaal universe, keeping viewers guessing until the very end. The film's success was also attributed to its catchy music and vibrant visuals. The soundtrack, composed by Pritam, featured peppy and upbeat tracks that perfectly complemented the film's lighthearted tone. The colorful cinematography and energetic dance sequences added to the overall entertainment value, making it a visual treat for audiences. Golmaal Again not only entertained audiences but also delivered a subtle message about the importance of friendship, forgiveness, and redemption. The characters learn to overcome their differences and work together to solve the mysteries of their past, highlighting the power of unity and understanding. The film's blend of comedy, horror, and social commentary made it a critical and commercial success, further cementing the Golmaal franchise's status as a Bollywood institution.

Critically Acclaimed Gems from 2017

Now, let’s talk about some of the films that won hearts and awards for their storytelling and performances. First up, we have Hindi Medium. This film tackled the topic of education and social class with humor and heart. Irrfan Khan was brilliant in it, delivering a performance that was both funny and poignant. Hindi Medium tells the story of a couple from Chandni Chowk, Delhi, who aspire to give their daughter the best education possible. They face numerous challenges as they navigate the complex and often discriminatory world of elite English-medium schools. The film satirizes the obsession with English-language education in India and highlights the disparities between the rich and the poor. Irrfan Khan's portrayal of Raj Batra, the protagonist, was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. He brought humor and warmth to the character, making him relatable and endearing to audiences. The film's script was also lauded for its sharp wit and insightful commentary on social issues. Hindi Medium resonated with audiences across India due to its relevant themes and relatable characters. It sparked conversations about the education system, social inequality, and the importance of preserving one's cultural identity. The film's success led to a sequel, Angrezi Medium, which was released in 2020. The film's impact extended beyond the box office, prompting discussions and debates about the need for a more inclusive and equitable education system in India. It also raised awareness about the challenges faced by parents from non-English speaking backgrounds who aspire to give their children a quality education.

Then there's Newton, a satirical black comedy that follows an election officer trying to conduct a free and fair election in a conflict-ridden area of Chhattisgarh. Rajkummar Rao was phenomenal, bringing depth and nuance to his role. Newton tells the story of Nutan Kumar, a rookie government clerk who is assigned to conduct elections in a remote and Maoist-controlled area of Chhattisgarh. Despite facing numerous obstacles and threats, Newton remains steadfast in his commitment to upholding the integrity of the democratic process. The film satirizes the bureaucratic apathy and political corruption that often undermine the electoral system in India. Rajkummar Rao's portrayal of Newton was widely praised for its sincerity and understated brilliance. He captured the character's idealism and determination, making him a relatable and inspiring figure. The film's script was also lauded for its sharp wit and insightful commentary on social and political issues. Newton received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of life in a conflict zone and its nuanced exploration of the challenges faced by election officials. It won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Hindi Film, and was selected as India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards. The film's success helped to raise awareness about the importance of conducting free and fair elections in all parts of the country, regardless of the challenges involved. It also sparked conversations about the need to address the root causes of conflict and poverty in marginalized communities.

And let's not forget Secret Superstar. This heartwarming story about a young girl who dreams of becoming a singer touched the hearts of many. Zaira Wasim delivered a powerful performance, and the film's message about following your dreams was truly inspiring. Secret Superstar tells the story of Insia Malik, a young Muslim girl from Vadodara, Gujarat, who dreams of becoming a singer. Despite facing opposition from her abusive father, Insia secretly uploads videos of herself singing on YouTube, wearing a burqa to conceal her identity. Her videos become viral, and she gains a large following, eventually attracting the attention of a famous music composer, Shakti Kumaarr, played by Aamir Khan. Zaira Wasim's portrayal of Insia was widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. She captured the character's determination and resilience, making her a relatable and inspiring figure. The film's script was also lauded for its sensitive portrayal of domestic violence and its uplifting message about female empowerment. Secret Superstar resonated with audiences across India and around the world due to its universal themes and inspiring story. It won several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Film, and became a major box office success. The film's success helped to raise awareness about the challenges faced by women in conservative societies and the importance of supporting their dreams and aspirations. It also inspired many young girls to pursue their passions, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

Underrated Films Worth Checking Out

Okay, so these movies might not have been huge box office hits, but they definitely deserve a watch! Ever heard of Trapped? This survival thriller starring Rajkummar Rao will have you on the edge of your seat. The whole movie is basically him stuck in an apartment with no food, water, or electricity. Talk about intense! Trapped tells the story of Shaurya, a young man who gets accidentally locked in a high-rise apartment in Mumbai. With no way to contact the outside world and limited resources, Shaurya must find a way to survive. The film is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that explores themes of isolation, desperation, and the will to survive. Rajkummar Rao's performance as Shaurya was widely praised for its intensity and realism. He captured the character's physical and emotional struggles, making the audience feel his pain and desperation. The film's minimalist setting and claustrophobic atmosphere added to the tension and suspense, creating a truly immersive experience for viewers. Trapped received critical acclaim for its innovative concept and its ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. It won several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Rajkummar Rao, and was praised for its originality and its effective use of limited resources. The film's success helped to establish Rajkummar Rao as one of the most talented and versatile actors in Indian cinema.

And if you're into sports dramas, check out Hawaa Hawaai. It's a heartwarming story about a young boy who dreams of becoming a skating champion. Get ready to be inspired! Hawaa Hawaai tells the story of Arjun, a young boy who works as a tea server in Mumbai. Arjun dreams of becoming a skating champion and starts practicing secretly with the help of his friends. The film is a heartwarming and inspiring story about pursuing one's dreams, overcoming obstacles, and the power of friendship. The film's young cast delivered stellar performances, capturing the innocence and determination of their characters. The film's script was also lauded for its uplifting message and its positive portrayal of children from underprivileged backgrounds. Hawaa Hawaai resonated with audiences due to its universal themes and its inspiring story. It won several awards and was praised for its ability to evoke emotions and inspire viewers to pursue their passions. The film's success helped to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children from marginalized communities and the importance of providing them with opportunities to pursue their dreams.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it – a whirlwind tour of some of the best Indian films of 2017! From massive blockbusters to hidden gems, there was no shortage of amazing cinema that year. Whether you're in the mood for action, comedy, drama, or something totally unique, you're sure to find something to love in this list. Happy watching, and let me know what your favorites are!