With the end of 2023 the Indian film industry has seen some very good movies, something which caught me very off guard.  The films have witnessed a very positive change in terms of direction, storytelling, plot, production, music,  cinematography, concepts, tone, among others. This is indeed a very pleasing change when compared to the absolute shitstorm that hit Hollywood the same year.

My top 10 best Indian films of the year.

10. Ghost (8/10) - This Kannada action-heist- thriller directed by Srini starring Shivakumar and Anupam Kher is one hell of a thrill ride.

9. Jawan (8.2/10) - SRK's mega-blockbuster Bollywood hit directed by Atlee is one amazing ride filled that is packing in every element to make a film worth rewatching.

8. Mangalavaaram (8.5/10) - This Telugu psychological-horror--thriller directed by Ajay Bhupathi tells a very dark and tragic village tale with great sincerity.

7. Mission Raniganj (8.7/10) - Based on the real life coal mine disaster of 1989, this flick starring Akshay Kumar and directed by Tinu Suresh Desai beautifully tells the story of the rescue operation led by Jaswant Singh Gill.

6. Leo (8.8) - Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Vijay and Sanjay Dutt, Leo tells a badass tale filled with action, violence, a great story, and kickass music by Anirudh Ravichander.

5. Kannur Squad (9/10) - A masterpiece in Malayalam filmmaking, this action-crime flick by Roby Varghese starring Mammootty is one hell of a ride that takes you places with its story, pacing, acting.

4. Jailer (9/10) - This badass action directorial by Nelson starring Rajinikanth is just an all out adrenaline packed thrill ride filled with violent action.

3. The Vaccine War (9.5/10) - Directed by Vivek Agnihotri and starring Nana Patekar, Pallavi Joshi, this is a complex docu-movie telling in great detail the creation of Covaxin during the peak of Covid.

2. Sam Bahadur (10/10) - Directed by Meghna Gulzaar and starring Vicky Kaushal, this biopic sublimely documents the tale of Indian Army Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

1. Ponniyin Selvan 2 (10/10) - This Tamil epic directed by Mani Ratnam boasting a stellar cast is just sheer perfection that induces goosebumps.