Hit and misses of Bollywood movies released in 2016

Mumbai: What a fabulous year it has been for Bollywood movies! From biopics, patriotic themes, sequels and franchises, controversial flicks to the highly anticipated ones, movies this year have definitely raised a bar for Bollywood.

While some movies have been an absolute delight to watch, some came out as major disappointments. A few movies impressed critics and most importantly the ‘aam janta’.

As the year 2016 comes to an end, here’s a look at the hits and misses of Bollywood movies.

Hits

Airlift

Continuing the legacy of making patriotic movies after ‘Baby’ and ‘Special 26’, ‘Gabbar Is Back’ and ‘Holiday: A soldier is never off duty’ Akshay Kumar plays Ranjit Katyal, a man who is on a mission to lead and carry out the biggest evacuation in the history of mankind. Also starring Nimrat Kaur and Purab Kohli, the movie ignited patriotism in every Indian. It not only impressed the critics but also triumphed at the box office by entering the 100 crore club.

Neerja

The biopic on Neerja Bhanot did wonders with critics, audiences and at the box office. The movie starring Sonam Kapoor recreated the 1986 hijack of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi with gripping performances, brilliant direction and captivating screenplay.

Kapoor & Sons

Shakun Batra’s take on a dysfunctional family was finely executed with lauding performances by Fawad Khan, Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Rishi Kapoor, Ratna Pathak Shah and Rajat Kapoor. The family drama crossed the 50 crore mark at the domestic level and earned 100 crores worldwide.

Baaghi

With a 100% profit rate, Baaghi starring Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor was a clear winner at the box office. The action-romantic flick revolved around friendship, love and revenge. The storyline of the movie didn’t quite do well with the audiences. However, the action sequences of the film did an impressive job.

Housefull 3

The ‘Housefull’ franchise was an out an out entertainer as no logic or brains were meant to be out into use in the movie theatres. This multi-starrer managed to attract audiences to the theatre, especially family people. As for the box office, it entered the 100 crore club.

Udta Punjab

The most controversial movie of the year, Udta Punjab did wonders with the audiences and critics. The movie starring highly talented bunch of artists like Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh thundered at the silver screens. The movie showing the ugly reality of drug dealing mafia in Punjab did quite okay at the box office.

Sultan

The highest grosser of the year with 300 crore in its kitty, transcended the box office records. Director Ali Abbas Zafar wisely used ‘Bhai’ and the immensely talented Anushka Sharma. The movie set in Haryana, revolves around Sultan’s soaring journey in wrestling. Both actors gave terrific performances and conquered the audiences’ hearts.  

Rustom

The Akshay Kumar starrer ‘Rustom shattered the box office records by being one of the highest grossers of 2016. The 100 crore club entrant was based on 1959 real-life court case of KM Nanavati v State of Maharashtra. The movie had all the recipes of being a hit- brilliant performances by Ileana D’Cruz, Esha Gupta and Akshay, a script with twists and turns, intriguing dialogues and a beautifully woven screenplay.

Pink

Director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s courtroom drama crossed the 100 crore mark worldwide. The movie explored the unseen side of a Delhi girl who fights back not only in the court but also with the perpetrators. Amitabh Bachchan and Piyush Mishra excel as lawyers. Taapsee Pannu aces as a ‘Dilli’ girl along with the other two actresses. Pink raised several questions with respect to the way women are seen in our society.  

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story

A masterstroke by Sushant Singh Rajput, the biopic on Indian captain M.S. Dhoni ruled hearts of the audiences, critics and box office. The second highest grosser of 2016, showcased the struggle of Mahi in the world of cricket. What made the movie exceptional was the splendid performance of Sushant, good direction and finally the real life cricketing moments incorporated in the movie.

Shivaay

Being the latest entrant to the 100 crore club, Ajay Devgn’s flick received a mix reaction from the audiences and critics. Overall the movie is high on action sequences, visuals and performances.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

After much controversy surrounding the star cast, the film did manage to enter the 100 crore club. As expected Karan delves into the various aspects of human relationships. The roller coaster of emotions, Aishwarya’s eternal beauty and acting, Ranbir and Anushka’s chemistry and special cameos kept the audiences engaged in the movie.

Dear Zindagi

With highly talented artists - Gauri Shinde, Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan collaborating, magic is bound to be created on-screen. The movie sees Kiara’s (Alia) varied emotions and the problems she encounters as youth and how Jehangir Khan (SRK) helps her overcome them. As expected, the film crossed the 100 crore mark worldwide.

Misses  

 Mirzya

Based on Mirza-Sahiban love saga, Mirzya saw Anil Kapoor’s son, Harshvardhan Kapoor and Sayami Kher’s debut. Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra excelled at executing the beautiful love story set in two eras. However, the cinema halls remained quite empty and hence the movie tanked at the box office.  

Rock On!! 2

The much-awaited sequel to Rock On, proved to be a dud at the box office despite having a powerful star cast.

Baar Baar Dekho

Hit concept, failed execution- this is what happened with the Sidharth Malhotra and Katrina Kaif starrer. Despite Kat and Sid’s sizzling chemistry onscreen, the movie was a flop at the box office.

A Flying Jatt

After delivering a hit like Baaghi, much more was expected from Tiger Shroff. The movie directed by Remo D’Souza attempted to highlight several social issues but the execution was deeply flawed.

Wazir

Giving a poor performance at the box, Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar’s emotional thriller failed to grab the attention of Indian masses.

Fitoor

Abhishek Kapoor’s much hyped Fitoor starring Katrina Kaif, Aditya Roy Kapoor and Tabu shattered the hopes of audiences.      

Ki & Ka

The most anticipated movie on addressing gender roles featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan received a lukewarm response from the audience.

Fan

Shah Rukh Khan essaying the roles of a ‘superstar’ and an ‘obsessive fan’ was a huge disappointment at the box office as it didn’t enter the 100 club.

Mohenjo Daro

The Ashutosh Gowariker movie based on the Indus Civilisation era failed miserably.

Azhar

Emraan Hashmi’s movie based on Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin’s life was a total disappoint at the box office. Apart from the cricket lovers and a few loyal fans of Emraan, the theatres didn’t witness large crowds.