New Delhi: 2022 was a great year for content that changed the way we looked at Hindi movies. OTT altered the kind of content served and we are loving it. The stories that came up this year spoke for the new genius within the writers, actors, and filmmakers today. With OTTs serving as viable platforms, these artists are blooming and we couldn’t be more proud! Here are our TOP 8 picks from the year 2022.
Gangubai Kathiawadi
Stream on: Netflix
Talking of the shift in storytelling, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ was a blockbuster in every creative and commercial aspect. Alia Bhatt as Gangubai made us say “Tum to full Hindi film hero ho, dude!”. A performance that made us whistle in the theatres, but also moved something within is a rarity to achieve. But in the universe of Sanjay Leela Bhansali it was achievable. Changing our perspectives while engaging us in a drama of that capacity, Gangubai was the highlight of 2022.
Monica O my Darling
Stream on: Netflix
Taking us back to the 80s, Vasan Bala created a film in a language that has long been forgotten. The music, the drama and everything about ‘Monica O my Darling’ was like traveling back in time. It is a murder mystery that will engage all your senses and make a lasting statement while you are busy enjoying the dance sequences and background music. ‘Monica O my Darling’ is another entertaining watch you can’t end your year without checking out!
Delhi Crime (Season 2)
Stream on: Netflix
A virtual standing ovation for the supremely talented Shefali Shah, who makes everything she does remarkable! Shefali Shah as Vartika Chaturvedi in Delhi Crime Season 2 will give you a sense of pride. In a world where the man is the muscle, Vartika Chaturvedi was a testament to a woman’s strength. A fictional crime thriller using the premise of a real-life gang, characters like Neeti Singh played by the extraordinary Rasika Duggal and Lata Solanki played by Tillotama Shome made Delhi Crime Season 2 momentous.
Jersey
A highly underrated story, Jersey was a personal favourite. This tale of a father-son relationship though doesn’t break norms the way others in this list do, but it touched our hearts in the same manner. The journey of a struggling cricketer and his battle with his own issues speaks of a man’s world that doesn’t really favour them. Shahid Kapoor in Jersey was an impactful narration of a father’s point of view that should not be missed.
Darlings
Stream on: Netflix
Addressing the recurring case of women that chose to stay in abusive marriages from a dark-comedic lens was another brilliant and brand-new approach. Starring Alia Bhatt as the wife, Shefali Shah as her mother and Vijay Varma as the abusive husband, Darlings was a scary yet somehow entertaining take on a triggering subject. Must-watch!
Modern Love Mumbai
Stream on: Amazon Prime Video
Deriving from the original Modern Love template, Modern Love Mumbai spoke of six unique love stories. Each with its own twists and uniqueness, every story will make you smile, laugh and even blush. Bringing the spirit of Mumbai back in love stories, Modern Love Mumbai manages to shed light on some unsung stories that have probably never been told in this manner. If you have by any chance missed watching this beautiful series, get on it right away!
Qala
Stream on: Netflix
An aesthetic treat for your eyes, Qala is another example of brilliant visual storytelling. A heavy and mind-bending story of the complexity of a mother-daughter relationship, Qala adorns this dark premise with some of the most beautiful songs of our generation. Tripti Dimri makes us believe in the character while Babil Khan in the best ways reminded us of his father, Irrfan Khan.
Jogi
Stream on: Netflix
Narrating a painful chapter in Indian history and especially in the memories of all the Sikh communities, Jogi was as scarring as it was healing. While it was necessary, to tell the truth behind this “Sikh genocide” as Diljit Dosanjh called it, it was his presence that made all the difference to the film. The love people have for Diljit Dosanjh made this portrayal all the more gut-wrenching to digest. Made by Ali Abbas Zafar, Jogi is a triggering yet immensely significant film.
