Movies of 2011

(written in Jan 2011)

2011 stands out as the most disappointing year in movies I can remember. Even the movies I liked the most barely stand up to earlier favorites. I must admit though that I am partly at fault – I didn’t see several movies which got very favorable reviews.

Even so, the year was filled with disappointments – established filmmakers and stars, who so far had had a keen eye for quality, delivered turkeys. A terrible, terrible film became the biggest grosser of the year (even if blockbusters weren’t known for their artistic merit, there had always been a baseline level of quality, which disappeared this year). And the overall caliber of actresses plummeted further with Kareena settling for being arm candy, Katrina being the most chased of Barbie dolls, and other talented actresses being out of work. In comparison, Vidya Balan sparkled, albeit partly on her own merit. Which is probably why no top “hero” is working with her. Compare this with the hey-days of Sridevi and Madhuri, or even Kajol and Karisma, when they worked with the top actors of the time, and the gap is even more stark.

If I do need to find the silver lining, it would be that the performances of lead actors were far superior than the films surrounding them – they were often let down by lazy scripting or loose editing. Also, the scripts themselves were quite varied, continuing the trends of the last few years. Smaller films made with lower budgets and lesser stars no longer get ignored but do decent business in a niche market, somewhat compensating for the success of the monstrous ones.

So here’s the best of the worst in 2011, according to me…

Delhi Belly – great fun, well told, quietly broke a lot of new ground in Hindi cinema especially in terms of characters.
Rockstar – to me, this was a pitch perfect performance by Ranbir, conveying the passion and angst the film demanded. Nargis performed at the other end of the spectrum, dulling the overall impact.
Don 2 – extremely disappointing compared to anticipation and potential. But SRK saved the day and made it very watchable.
Dhobi Ghat – I didn’t expect much and maybe that’s why was pleasantly surprised. Smooth, subtle and one of those movies that lend itself to repeated watch
Ragini MMS – a well made horror. Always welcome!
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara – again, disappointing compared to what it could have been. But still a cut above the rest – unusual premise, interesting characters, good music and a very attractive Farhan.
The Dirty Picture – great performances, fresh script, average execution
Yeh Saali Zindagi – gritty and edgy with good performances.
Shor in the City – experimental format of multiple stories linked together (also seen in Dhobi Ghat) – and it worked to a point. Good pace and performances but missed the impact somehow.
No One Killed Jessica – again, could have been a great movie. Ended up being a rather unimaginative recital elevated by Rani and Vidya.

Movies that could have made the grade had I watched them - Budddha Hoga Tera Baap, Bol, Stanley Ka Dabba, I AM, Mujhse Fraandship Karoge.

And the most disappointing movies of the year – Saat Khoon Maaf and RA-One. Even though I am a Vishal Bhardwaj and SRK fan, I wouldn’t dare list them as favorites. At the most, I found both the movies mildly entertaining.

FYI, my favorite movies of 2010 were the following. Even the bottom of the list in 2010 is better than the top in 2011!

Band Baaja Baraat
Lahore
Tere Bin Laden
My Name is Khan
Dabangg
13B
Rajneeti
Ishqiya
Karthik Calling Karthik
Once Upon a Time in Mumbai
Jhootha Hi Sahi
Guzaarish
Do Dooni Char