2007 in Perspective - PB Critics´ Roundtable - Amodini Sharma´s Top 10

- Amodini Sharma           Let us know what you think about this article

This was the year of the little known film-maker. While big banners floundered with their attempts at crowd-pleasing cinema, small-time, independent film-makers carved out the top-spots with innovative and imaginative moves. Very pleased with the outcomes, I bring to you my picks for the Top 10 films of 2007:

10. Taare Zameen Par

In the mood for a ‘weepie’? A heart-tugging tale of a dyslexic little boy and an unsympathetic world, this one brings up the rear of the Top 10 count-down.

9. Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd

Reema Kagti’s first directorial venture, by way of Farhan Akhtar is a tale of a bunch of honeymooners, out celebrating. With well-etched out characters, the elements of love, drama, humor, surprise, fantasy are nicely intertwined to create a clean, fresh, and enjoyable film.

8. Jhoom Barabar Jhoom

This is your above average masala film with a twist. Shaad Ali’s second attempt at film-making - this one’s a little loopy, a little kitschy, and can boogie with the best.

7. Bheja Fry

One of the better comedies of the year! This one still takes the cake for situational (and realistic) humor. Quirky characters abound, and inflict themselves upon poor, unsuspecting souls, creating a comedy of errors you won’t forget.

6. Life In A Metro

A group of stories all inter-twined, and each one well told. An amazing star cast brings the characters to life, and a great soundtrack brings home the emotion. Metro is surely the thinking man’s cinema, and an engrossing film.

5. Cheeni Kum

What, want more romance? And you want it sans the juvenile inanities that make ‘desi’ romances such a chore? Well then, Cheeni Kum is it for you. A grown-up attitude towards amore, it sizzles with wry wit, humor and superb acting. Love, is now, in the air.

4. Jab We Met

I like Jab We Met so much because it’s light, fluffy and melts in the mouth. Not without its flaws, and a slightly “heavy” second half - this one still comes in at Number Four because of its humor, feel-goodness and nicely done romance. The on-screen chemistry between Kareena and Shahid is a lovely bonus.

3. Manorama Six Feet Under

Perry Mason, Poirot, move over! Make way for our very own home-grown, small-town desi detective, Satyaveer Singh Randhawa. Not very Herculean by nature, Satyaveer’s attempts to do the right thing inspite of all odds, garners the film much appreciation and the Number Three slot on this countdown.

2. Johnny Gaddar

There are crime mysteries galore, but ever hear the one about how he got away? An interesting, intelligent crime thriller; Johnny Gaddar is top grade desi noir.

1. Chak De India!

How do you like your under-dog: rare, medium or well-done? Well-done it seems with Chak De India!, which takes the age-old formula, infuses it with charm, and feel-good vibes to trot out the most endearing film of the year. Classy flick this one.

Other watchable films for 2007 are few, and they are; Guru, Aaja Nachle, Gandhi, My Father, Salaam-E-Ishq, Ek Chaalis Ki Last Local and Risk.

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this article are entirely those of the writer and are neither those of Planet Bollywood nor its management.

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