We had almost thought that Bollywood’s best films this year released in the first half itself. But that’s how unpredictable Hindi films are- just when you are about to write one off- you are struck by a superb story.
2015 was no less. While there were the regular masala potboilers featuring superstars releasing throughout the year at regular intervals, it was the year when small films became the talking point for people. Some of them even manage to rake in a lot of the moolah at the Box Office. New filmmakers, new stories and even new actors were accepted by the audience with open arms.
In the third edition of IBNLive Movie Awards, we select nominees in various popular categories and allow our readers decide the outcome. Take our poll to vote and choose Best Directors of 2015.
Shoojit Sircar for 'Piku'
Shoojit Sircar hit right chord with his slice of life film ‘Piku’. When has a film on a father-daughter pair, with constipation being at its core, brought a smile on the viewer’s face so much? Never before perhaps until Sircar and writer Juhi Chaturvedi decided to give us this wonderful film. With a stellar star cast comprising of Amitabh Bachchan, Irrfan Khan, Deepika Padukone, Moushumi Chatterjee and Jisshu Sengupta, the film was accepted by not just the Bengali community (the story is about a Bengali family setteled in Delhi) but also by people across the country who smiled every time Bhaskor Banerjee visited the loo.
Kabir Khan for 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan'
Salman Khan’s films always do well at the Box Office but not always are they lauded by masses and critics alike. But Kabir Khan’s ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ was an exception to the rule. Even with a far fetched and over stretched climax scene, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ delivered a beautiful message of communal harmony and entertained everyone. The star of the film was, though, not Khan or leading lady Kareena Kapoor. It was a six-year-old girl called Harshali Malhotra who played a mute girl lost in a neighbouring country. Kudos to the film's director Kabir Khan who simplified the entire complexities of Indo-Pak and presented it so innocently.
Navdeep Singh for 'NH 10'
Navdeep Singh’s road thriller had no ghosts in the story yet it made for a terrific horror thriller. So many moments in the film had the viewers biting the nails or grasping the next person’s hand out of sheer fright! The film also had Anushka Sharma delivering one of her career’s best performances. The actress, who was also the producer of the film, was the sole ‘star’ of the film and on whose frail yet sturdy shoulders the film rested throughout. Touching upon the grave topic of honour killing, the film rackled the consciousness of the viewers without being jingoistic. Navdeep brought the certain elements in the film alive that haunts you long after the film is over.
Meghna Gulzar for 'Talvar'
A story already too familiar to the entire nation, ‘Talvar’ still managed to shake us up with its very subtle yet hard hitting facts. Director Meghna Gulzar’s decision of making a film on Arushi Murder Case had raised eyebrows but the risk that she took paid off. Perhaps her biggest strength was the star cast of the film and a tight script. From Irrfan Khan to Neeraj Kabi, Konkona Sen Sharma to Tabu- everyone were absolutely stunning in their roles. Meghna pulled off a daring thriller based on true incidents with much ease and terrific results.
Sonali Bose for 'Margarita, With A Straw'
Directed by Sonali Bose and having Kalki Koechin in lead role, 'Margarita, With A Straw' can easily be called the revolutionary film of the year. The movie was critical acclaimed all around the globe and showed the world that women film makers are ready to touch upon the ‘forbidden’ topic more freely than ever, with or without big names or budget, but definitely with a vision. Sonali definitely took a bold step with such a subject and was succesful in portraying it perfectly with her directional skills.
Pan Nalin for 'Angry Indian Goddesses'
India needed female buddy film and Pan Nalin gave us fun, spunky ‘Angry Indian Goddesses’ which people loved, despite all the horrendous cuts imposed by the censor board. Seven girls re discover themselves as they bond on a bachelor trip to Goa. The way Nalin brought the realities and demons of urban women on screen was commendable. The film struck a chord mainly because of the unassuming, real camaraderie that the actresses shared, making the film a real, relatable and enjoyable.
Neeraj Pandey for 'Baby'
An engaging thriller sprinkled with witty lines and crowd-pleasing moments given by thriller director Neeraj Pandey, 'Baby' starred Akshay Kumar in one of the best roles of his career. Pandey gives us some terrific moments of breathless action and genuine tension. With many think hard scenes and edgy thrill, 'Baby' was a good watch and even better directed.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali for 'Bajirao Mastani'
There are a few things one has come to take for granted in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film: a stunning visual aesthetic, immaculately choreographed songs, and an imposing sense of scale. One couldn't help being overwhelmed by Sudeep Chatterjee’s eye-watering frames, and the elegant production design. Bhansali delivered a film that’s artistic, grand and compelling at the same time.
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