And the final list is out. Here are the ten best films of 2016. If you have not seen them already, you are missing out on intelligent, meaningful and engaging cinema. 

1. Kapoor and Sons

 

Definitely one of the best films to have been made in a very long time, Kapoor and Sons scores high because of the powerhouse performances, engaging screenplay and wins brownie points for a beautifully sensitive treatment of homosexuality in mainstream cinema.

2. Udta Punjab

 

Alia Bhatt steals the show in this wonderful ensemble cast, followed by Shahid Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh. Kudos to Abhishek Chaubey for such a brave, honest and unapologetic endeavour.

3. Dhanak

 

Sensitive, simple and deliciously heartwarming, Dhanak is one of the best outings by Nagesh Kukunoor.

4. Pink

 

Brutal and badass, Pink is one of the most important and socially relevant films this industry has made in a very long time.

5. Parched

 

Heartbreaking yet liberating, Parched is a fantastic attempt to make ground realities that are often ignored a part of mainstream conversations.

6. Phobia

 

This has been a great year for Radhika Apte and the actress has blown us away with her performance in Phobia – a film that aptly discusses sexual abuse and mental health with maturity and empathy.

7. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

I confess that ADHM was meant to be guilty pleasure but what won me over was the proud middle finger to society-enforced ideas of masculinity and gender normative behaviour. Also, how many mainstream actresses would be fine being bald for a film? Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor were at their career best.  

8. Nil Battey Sannata

 

A beautiful story with some crackling performances, NBS was an absolute treat, balancing commerce and sensible cinema.

9. Brahman Naman

 

Disgusting, weird and unabashedly nostalgic, Q’s Brahman Naman is a hormonal ode to our hormone-crazy school days. If you haven’t seen the film yet, trust me, it is a riot.

10. Dangal

While there has been a lot of conversation about the enforced patriotism, askew feminism and manipulative melodrama, one has to agree that the film flaunts excellent performances and shines with hard work. Special shout out to Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sakshi Tanwar for such powerful performances. Thank you ladies for bringing the year to a beautiful end.