MY PICK FOR THE 10 BEST FILMS OF 2024

As we step into the new year, I want to share my thoughts on the year gone by for the Indian film industry. 

2024 saw the Telugu film industry dominate the box office, with Pushpa 2 - The Rule, leading the charge with a stellar run. The other highest-grossing films of the year are Kalki 2898 AD (Telugu), Stree 2 (Hindi), The Greatest of All Time (Tamil), Devara (Telugu), Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (Hindi), Singham Again (Hindi), Fighter (Hindi), Amaran (Tamil), and HanuMan (Telugu).

However, the true treasures of Indian cinema have emerged from the Malayalam and Tamil film industries. While they may not have reached blockbuster heights, they have offered a wealth of enjoyment for film aficionados.

Here’s my list of my favorite 10 films of 2024 in alphabetical order:

1. Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life (Malayalam), directed by Blessy, features Prithviraj Sukumaran, K.R. Gokul, Amala Paul, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Shobha Mohan, and others. Adapted from the celebrated novel by Benjamin, this survival drama explores the trials of an Indian man in Saudi Arabia. You can catch it streaming on Netflix.

2. All We Imagine as Light (Multilingual), helmed by Payal Kapadia, delves into the dreams of countless invisible migrants who arrive in Mumbai seeking a brighter tomorrow, only to confront the hurdles of urban adaptation. The film poignantly narrates the experiences of those who struggle with the isolation and disconnection that often accompany their shift from small towns to a vibrant city. With a remarkable cast that includes Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam, and Hridhu Haroon, the film features dialogues in Malayalam, Hindi, and Marathi. It is currently showing in theaters.

3. Bramayugam (Malayalam), directed by Vipin Das, boasts an impressive cast including Mammootty, Arjun Ashokan, Sidharth Bharathan, Amalda Liz, and Manikandan R Achari. This enchanting period folk-horror film, rich in folklore and mythology, captivates audiences with its engaging narrative. You can catch Bramayugam on Sony Liv.

4. Kishkindha Kaandam (Malayalam), directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, features Asif Ali, Aparna Balamurali, Vijayaraghavan, and others. Set in a forest teeming with monkeys, this film has garnered acclaim for its thrilling storyline and Asif Ali's remarkable performance. It is available for streaming on Disney Hotstar.

5. Kottukkaali (Tamil) showcases the compelling performances of Soori and Anna Ben, telling the tale of a woman's indomitable spirit in a patriarchal society. Meena, who loves a man from a lower caste, faces severe backlash from her family, prompting them to seek the help of a shaman, believing she is possessed. Directed by PS Vinothraj, this road drama has been hailed as one of the most masterfully crafted and acted films of the year. It's available for streaming on Aha.

6. Laapataa Ladies (Hindi), helmed by Kiran Rao, skillfully delves into the intricacies of a gender-biased society that fosters a power disparity between men and women, revealing the adverse effects on both sides. The film features a talented cast of lesser-known actors who deliver authentic performances without unnecessary melodrama or forced heroics. The ensemble includes Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam, and Ravi Kishan, among others. You can currently watch it on Netflix.

7. Maharaja (Tamil), directed by Nithilan Saminathan and featuring Vijay Sethupathi, unfolds a gripping tale of revenge centered around a barber who reports a missing trash bin from his home. However, his complaint conceals a deeper motive. Maharaja not only emerged as the first box office hit of the year but also captivated audiences with its sharp screenplay and Vijay Sethupathi's outstanding performance. It's now available for viewing on Netflix.

8. Manjummel Boys (Malayalam), directed by Chidambaram, showcases a remarkable ensemble featuring Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, and Balu Varghese. This intense survival thriller, based on the real-life Kodaikanal rescue operation, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its compelling narrative. You can enjoy Manjummel Boys streaming on Disney Hotstar.

9. Meiyazhagan (Tamil), presents a heartfelt story centered on themes of homecoming, friendship, and the lasting effects of memories, exploring the deep connection between two men. With Karthi and Arvind Swamy in leading roles, this film by Prem Kumar is notable for its impactful dialogues that resonate with audiences. It is available for streaming on Netflix.

10. Vaazhai (Tamil), directed by Mari Selvaraj, has emerged as one of the most discussed films of the year, despite featuring a cast of relatively unknown actors. Drawing inspiration from the director's own life, the film portrays the experiences of school children who also work as laborers in banana plantations. With impressive performances from Ponvel, Rahul R, Kalaiyarasan, Nikhila Vimal, and Divya Duraisamy, Vaazhai beautifully captures the innocence of youth while addressing the significant challenges they face. You can watch it on Disney Hotstar.

It would be inspiring to see filmmakers aspire to create more than just commercially successful films. They should aim to tell meaningful stories that resonate with their passionate audiences.

Manjummel Boys is a shining example of outstanding filmmaking, making history as the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!