Finally, the year ended, leaving us with a big conundrum. 2022 has been an eventful year nonetheless for Indian cinema. The main reason is the state lines are becoming blurred, and audiences are getting more receptive to regional language movies.
For Bollywood, it has been quite a dull year. But for other movie industries around the nation, it has been a very worthwhile year. They have had some home runs during some terrible outlets.
While the Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam film industries shined once again, the Kannada film industry shined the most. And the best part was that even the audience was receptive to it. Here are the Top 10 Best Indian Movies Of 2022:
Rocketry
This happens when you do proper research before making a movie about someone’s life. Rocketry excels in that department. There was not a single scene where you will feel there has been a lack of research.
Even though this biographical drama was fictionalized through patriotic pushes, the untold story of Nambi Narayanan is extraordinary. And the way R.Madhavan brought his character to life on screen is something to marvel at.
Sita Ramam
After a very long time, there came an Indian romantic movie that did not feel rushed or forced and gave me a good crying session. India lacks a pure love story that comes across as poetry because that is what love is.
Sita Ramam does that beautifully. Both Dulqeer and Mrunal came as a surprise package and stole the show with their performances. A beautiful album adds to the innocence and emotions of Sita Ramam and truly takes you on a trip down the crying lane.
Nna Than Case Kodu
The only regret I have about this movie is that I could not watch it in the packed theaters in Kerala. Because the fun I would have had there can’t be compared to anywhere else.
This movie is one of the most hilarious things I have ever seen. It never gets dumb and never relies on one trope. The characters will remain with you for a long time. It was an absolute treat in being hilarious yet socially relevant.
Jana Gana Mana
Courtroom drama always has a soft spot in my heart, so I try to keep them away from these lists. But Jana Gana Mana deserves to be on this list. Unlike other courtroom dramas, this movie hits us with all the hard-hitting truths.
There are so many questions raised on so many issues in our country. The credibility of the media, the puppeteers, the human emotions, and the mere concept of justice. This looks like a lot to cover in less than 3 hours, but Jana Gana Mana does that brilliantly.
Vikram
Does a movie need to be a 5-star classic to be considered one of the best? No, it does not. Mass commercial films that have a ground impact on the masses deserve to be on that list, too, because it is an art that has been underestimated so much among moviegoers.
Vikram is definitely the best mass commercial movie of 2022. The sheer amount of halls I had to look to find a seat for this movie was a joke. The actors are in fine form, the music is so good, and the last cameo of Rolex is executed so brilliantly.
The excitement and sheer joy of watching this movie in a packed theater was another world experience.
Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey
This marriage drama deals with a very sensitive issue of toxic marriages in everyday life. And it does that so wonderfully. Some of the most sensitive topics related to weddings are dealt with in such an excellent ironical way that it is a surprise.
Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey might be the biggest shock of the year. With a budget of a measly five crores, it resonated with such a big audience, and the director was able to make a movie that could easily make so many spin-offs with this.
Kadaisi Vivasayi
This is a movie with a whole heart surfaced in life’s emotions, humor, energy, and philosophy. It breaks every stereotypical genre trope and portrays farming as a way of life.
Manikandan, with a gem of a performance, and Vijay Settupati’s well-layered performance was just the final push this movie needed. This is yet another gem of a lighthearted lifestyle/satire drama from Manikandan.
Qala
I was genuinely concerned about Bollywood cinema and whether it will give us a standout movie this year or not. And then came Anvita Dutt’s gut-wrenching yet aesthetical marvel ‘Qala.’
Riding on the back of Tripti Dimri who gave a heartbreak performance. Qala showcases an artist in the truest sense when they have everything apart from love, acceptance, and empathy. Truly a masterpiece, and Amit Trivedi’s angelic music was just the cherry on top.
Gargi
I think the last time I was this shocked by this movie was watching ‘Pink’. Gargi hit me from everywhere, and it took me almost 15 minutes to leave the hall after the credits of the film.
Sai Pallavi stole the show with one of the most jaw-dropping performances of the year. But the screenplay of Gautham Ramachandran is something to marvel at. The climax of the movie will leave you in shatters truly.
RRR
2022 belonged to RRR, and no one could deny that. It is sad to see foreign audiences and even big stars praising this movie while our fandom dissing this one so hard.
S. S. Rajamouli is being celebrated in the whole world and his cinema as well. But the criticism he and his filmmaking is getting in his own country is laughable. People are becoming so toxic towards RRR that they are downright mocking S. S. Rajamouli for his top 10 choices.
RRR has been one of the best experiences in a cinema hall I have ever had. It is just an otherworldly movie. Imagine not being the official submission for the Oscars from your country and still getting nominated and then getting criticized for it.
Honorable Mentions
- Gangubai Kathiawadi
- Jalsa
- 777 Charlie
- Kantara
- Darlings
- Monica O My Darling
- An Action Hero
