1.Gargi (Tamil)

Starring the graceful Sai Pallavi, Gargi is one if the most powerful stories told in 2022. It may not be the most technically astute film out there but it is a film that leaves us with mixed emotions, in fact, shocked. Gargi is on a mission to free her father from the charges of rape of a minor. She wants to tell the world that her father is innocent and the scrutiny she faces in the journey is what the film is mainly about. The film takes some unexpected twists and turns which make us rethink our whole perspective.

Also Read: Female characters who inspire me

2. Thiruchitrambalam (Tamil)

The fact that Dhanush and Nithya Menon working together on a film is more than enough to count me in. Apart from this new duo, Thiruchitrambalam does not particularly offer anything new. It is the same old rom-com, but the one that really connects with us and fills us with happiness. It had been a while since I saw something so sweet and warm. Also, the chemistry between the lead pair is something that I really enjoyed.

3. Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (Mal)

I just can not get enough of this film. There are quite a few films that deal with gender issues and domestic violence and Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey is one of the most entertaining ones among them. With its absurd superficiality and refreshing humor, the film makes its point very clear. There’s so much to laugh and think about in Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey.

Also Read: Why Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey is one of the most entertaining films on domestic violence

4. Thallumala (Mal)

Thallumala was the best cinematic experience for me this year. So many flashy colors, transitions, and action. There was so much energy in the film and the way the film is shot is so catchy. The energy of the film actually reflects in the theatre, making it worth every penny.

Also Read: Thallumala – Ballad of the brawls in every literal sense

5. Puzhu (Mal)

Mammootty never stops to amaze me. The extent to which he can go to reinvent himself as an actor is visible in Puzhu. I have written my thoughts on the film in detail here.

6. Ariyippu (Mal)

Ariryippu is a very raw and hard-hitting film that highlights gender relations and female solidarity. Shot in the classic Mahesh Narayanan style, certain scenes of Ariyippu really feel haunting to a certain extent. The film is available on Netflix.

7. Gangubai Kathiawadi (Hindi)

A female-led film breaking box office collection to become one of the highest-grossing films of the year gives me hope. Not just that, this Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a pure visual extravaganza and tells Gangu’s story with the right amount of emotional layers.

8. Jalsa (Hindi)

Every Bollywood film that is not a remake gives me a lot of happiness. Jalsa is one of those few good films that were released this year but may not have got discussed enough. Two women, mothers actually, are in a battle that will test their motherhood. I have written more about it here

9. Badhaai Do (Hindi)

Badhaai Do would be perhaps the best movie on queer representation this year. Packed with humor, it tells the story of two queer people who agree to a lavender wedding to escape the pressure from their families. What follows is a heartwarming journey of revelation and acceptance that wins us over.

10. Chup (Hindi)

Chup is a film that made me reaffirm my love for film. It made me realize why I started this blog in the first page. It made me see what it means to love cinema and share your thoughts on cinema. And this revelation was something that I really needed at that time.

Also: Chup is a highly significant film in today’s times

11. Nna Thaan Case Kodu (Mal)

One of the funniest, most sarcastic courtroom dramas I have seen in a while, Nna Thaan Case Kodu is a film of social and political significance. A nice dose of humor makes the film more memorable and entertaining.