Film India 2017: Blockbuster Bollywood Hits
What's up, movie buffs! Ever wonder what Bollywood was serving up back in 2017? Well, guys, let me tell you, it was a jam-packed year for Indian cinema, with a whole lot of films that absolutely smashed it at the box office and captured our hearts. If you're looking to dive into some awesome Indian movies from that year, you've come to the right place. We're talking about a mix of everything – epic romances, gripping thrillers, laugh-out-loud comedies, and even some action-packed entertainers. 2017 was a year where Bollywood really showcased its versatility, bringing stories that resonated with audiences both in India and around the globe. From massive historical dramas to relatable slice-of-life stories, there was something for everyone. So, grab your popcorn, get comfy, and let's take a trip down memory lane to explore some of the most memorable and successful film India 2017 releases that made a huge splash.
Chart-Topping Blockbusters of 2017
Alright, let's get straight to the big guns, the movies that everyone was talking about and lining up to see in 2017. The year kicked off with a bang thanks to "Baahubali 2: The Conclusion". Now, I know what you're thinking, it's a Telugu film, but its impact on the Indian film industry, and especially the Hindi dubbed version, was massive. This epic historical fiction action film, directed by S. S. Rajamouli, isn't just a movie; it's an experience. It broke all sorts of box office records, becoming the first Indian film to gross over ₹1,000 crore (US$150 million) worldwide in gross ticket sales. The story, the visuals, the sheer scale of it all – absolutely mind-blowing! It continued the saga from the first part and delivered an emotional and action-packed climax that left audiences stunned. The performances, especially by Prabhas as Baahubali and Rana Daggubati as Bhallaladeva, were incredible, and the visual effects were groundbreaking for Indian cinema at the time. It's a must-watch if you want to understand the power of Indian storytelling on a grand scale.
Then we had "Dangal" continuing its phenomenal run from late 2016 into 2017, proving that good stories transcend time. While technically a late 2016 release, its dominance in early 2017 cannot be ignored. This biographical sports drama, starring Aamir Khan as wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, was a critical and commercial success, both domestically and internationally, especially in China. It tells the inspiring true story of Phogat's daughters, Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, who he trains to become world-class wrestlers. The film was praised for its strong performances, inspiring narrative, and social message about women empowerment in sports. Aamir Khan's dedication to his role, transforming his physique, was widely lauded. The movie's ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, highlighting themes of perseverance, father-daughter relationships, and breaking societal norms, made it a truly unforgettable film. Its success showed that content-driven films with strong messages could achieve global appeal.
Moving on to another massive hit, "Golmaal Again", a horror-comedy directed by Rohit Shetty. This film was a laugh riot and a huge commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2017. It's the fourth installment in the Golmaal film series and blended humor with supernatural elements, which turned out to be a winning formula. The ensemble cast, including Ajay Devgn, Parineeti Chopra, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, and Kunal Khemmu, delivered hilarious performances. The movie is known for its witty dialogues, slapstick comedy, and surprising spooky moments that kept the audience entertained. Rohit Shetty's signature style of masala entertainment, combined with a fresh take on the horror-comedy genre, made "Golmaal Again" a family favorite and a box office champion. It proved that light-hearted, fun-filled entertainers still have a huge market in Bollywood.
Another significant film that made waves was "Tiger Zinda Hai". This action thriller, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, is a sequel to the 2012 film "Ek Tha Tiger". Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the movie is inspired by the real-life rescue of Indian nurses held hostage in Iraq by the ISIL. Salman Khan's larger-than-life persona, combined with high-octane action sequences and a patriotic theme, made it a massive hit. The film was praised for its gripping narrative, stunning action choreography, and the sizzling chemistry between the lead pair. It showcased Salman Khan in a fearless avatar, undertaking a dangerous mission to save lives. The movie's impressive visuals, exotic filming locations, and a compelling storyline about a covert operation to rescue civilians resonated strongly with the audience, leading to huge box office collections. It cemented its place as one of the top-grossing films of the year, highlighting Salman Khan's enduring star power.
Critically Acclaimed & Popular Films
Beyond the massive blockbusters, 2017 also gave us some critically acclaimed films that were loved by audiences for their compelling stories and performances. "Secret Superstar", starring Zaira Wasim and Aamir Khan in a supporting role, was a heartwarming tale of a young girl who aspires to be a singer, defying her conservative family and societal norms. It was praised for its sensitive portrayal of ambition, dreams, and family relationships, and Zaira Wasim's performance was simply outstanding. The film's message about empowering young women and pursuing one's passion struck a chord with many viewers, making it a significant success both critically and commercially. Aamir Khan's role as a quirky music composer added a unique flavor to the narrative, and the soundtrack was also a major hit.
"Toilet: Ek Prem Katha", starring Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar, was a socially relevant film that tackled the issue of open defecation in rural India. Based on a real-life story, the movie cleverly blended humor and drama to deliver a powerful message about sanitation and hygiene. Akshay Kumar's performance as a simple man fighting for his wife's dignity was commendable, and Bhumi Pednekar was equally impressive. The film's unique premise and its ability to highlight a crucial social issue in an entertaining way made it a critical and commercial success. It sparked conversations about sanitation and brought attention to the challenges faced by many in rural India, making it a film with a purpose.
"Newton", directed by Amit V. Masurkar, was a black comedy-drama that garnered significant critical acclaim. Starring Rajkummar Rao, the film follows a Chhattisgarh election official who tries his best to conduct a fair election in a Naxal-controlled area. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of the complexities of conducting elections in challenging environments and for its subtle satire on democracy. Rajkummar Rao's performance was lauded for its nuanced depiction of an honest government servant caught in a difficult situation. The film was India's official entry to the Oscars in 2018, showcasing the quality of Indian cinema on a global stage. Its thought-provoking narrative and sharp commentary made it a standout film of the year.
Another film that impressed was "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan". Starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar, this romantic comedy-drama addressed the sensitive issue of erectile dysfunction in a light-hearted and sensitive manner. The film was praised for its progressive theme, relatable characters, and humorous yet mature handling of a taboo subject. Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar delivered natural and charming performances, and their chemistry was a highlight. The movie successfully normalized a conversation about sexual health and relationships, making it a refreshing and important film that resonated with audiences looking for content that was both entertaining and meaningful.
Underrated Gems and Other Notable Mentions
Besides the big names, 2017 also had its share of films that might not have made the absolute top grosser lists but were still fantastic watches and deserve a shout-out. "Lipstick Under My Burkha" was a bold and empowering film that explored the secret desires of four women from different walks of life in India. It faced censorship issues but eventually released to critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of female sexuality and agency. Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak Shah, Aahana Kumra, and Plabita Borthakur delivered stellar performances.
"Trapped", starring Rajkummar Rao, was a survival thriller that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, it told the story of a man who gets accidentally locked in his own apartment without food, water, or power. The film was praised for its suspenseful narrative, claustrophobic atmosphere, and Rajkummar Rao's brilliant performance in a role that demanded immense physical and emotional commitment. It's a testament to the fact that compelling storytelling and strong acting can create gripping cinema even with a minimalist setup.
"Kaabil", starring Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam, was a romantic thriller that performed well at the box office. Directed by Sanjay Gupta, it told the story of a visually impaired man who seeks revenge after his girlfriend is assaulted. Hrithik Roshan's performance was a major highlight, showcasing his action prowess and emotional depth. The film was appreciated for its slick production values, engaging screenplay, and thrilling climax, making it a solid entertainer.
Also, let's not forget "Hindi Medium", starring Irrfan Khan and Saba Qamar. This satirical comedy-drama cleverly addressed the societal obsession with English-speaking education in India. Irrfan Khan's performance was, as always, exceptional, bringing depth and humor to the role of a father trying to get his daughter admitted into a prestigious school. The film was lauded for its witty writing, social commentary, and heartwarming narrative, making it a critical and commercial success that resonated with parents across the country.
The Overall Vibe of Film India 2017
So, guys, looking back at film India 2017, it's clear that it was a year of incredible diversity and success for Bollywood and Indian cinema as a whole. We saw a fantastic blend of commercial potboilers that kept the cash registers ringing and content-driven films that garnered critical acclaim and sparked important conversations. The industry continued to push boundaries, both in terms of storytelling and technical execution. From epic sagas like "Baahubali 2" to socially relevant films like "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" and "Hindi Medium", and from laugh-out-loud comedies like "Golmaal Again" to inspiring dramas like "Secret Superstar" and "Newton", 2017 truly had it all. It was a year that reaffirmed the power of strong narratives, stellar performances, and the ability of Indian films to entertain, inspire, and provoke thought. Whether you're a long-time Bollywood fan or just getting into Indian cinema, exploring the films from 2017 is a brilliant way to experience the vibrant and dynamic landscape of Indian movies. So go ahead, explore these titles, and enjoy the incredible talent that Bollywood had to offer in that memorable year!
