Five Star-Studded Films That Ruled Hearts In 2021

For Bollywood, the year 2021 was full of apprehension. Just when things seemed to be getting normal, with the promise of theatres opening up to the audience full-fledged, the second wave struck and derailed the release of many films. This is why, we saw numerous films getting postponed indefinitely, despite having announced a release date.

While some films like Sooryavanshi, Thalaivii and BellBottom did eventually release in theatres, many others big-budget films like Bhuj: The Pride Of India and Shershaah settled for OTT release. The remaining year is a mix of theatrical and OTT releases too, with Atrangi Re scheduled for a digital release, while films like Jersey and 83 heading for cinemas.

So here are Best Bollywood Movies Of 2021 that were star-studded and gave us the much-needed release and entertainment this year:

Shershaah

The movie starring Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra was a biopic based on the life and death of Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra. The film captured Captain Batra's journey from realising his childhood dream of joining the Indian Army, to attaining martyrdom during the 1999 Kargil War. The role of his girlfriend Dimple Cheema, played by Advani, is one of the very few characters that people loved this year.

Directed by Vishnuvardhan, the film was appreciated for its soulful soundtrack, slick war sequences and the warm chemistry between its leads that defined the dedication and love that Cheema and Batra had for each other in real life. No wonder, this film has been on the must-watch list of many this year.

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Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui

When it's an Ayushmann Khurrana film, we all know it will be a mind-bending experience with a subject that breaks taboos and challenges mass mindset. That's what this Abhishek Kapoor directorial did too. The film features Khurrana as a Chandigarh-based bodybuilder who is as stereotypically masculine as a man can be. When he meets the much feminine Zumba instructor Maanvi, played by Vaani Kapoor, sparks fly and it is attraction at first sight.

But, as many know by know, Maanvi is a transgender woman- a fact that doesn't go down well with Manu. How does this brawny munda overcome the preconceived notions of gender in his head and listens to his heart eventually forms the crux of the film. The film has been appreciated for performances of its lead pair and sensitive handling of a subject that still makes many people uncomfortable. However, many have also rightly questioned why was a cis-gender woman cast in the role of a transgender woman, but we are thankful Bollywood is at least taking baby steps of progress.

Thalaivii

Not just for the brilliant acting of Kangana Ranaut, the movie won over the audience for letting them relive the story of Puratchi Thalaivi (Revolutionary leader), J Jayalalithaa. The essence of Jayalalithaa's work and her mark in personal and professional commitment has been shown on point throughout the movie.

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The movie had a powerful ">scene showing the time when the leader after being humiliated by men in the assembly decided to return after emerging victorious against her rivals. Jayalalithaa keeps her word and makes her public life worth living even after being condemned by many.

BellBottom

This Akshay Kumar starrer film on multiple highjacks of Indian commercial planes in the 80s and its handling by the Indian government and secret agencies initially had a theatrical release. Unfortunately, the audience was still not ready for the cinemas, so close to the second wave experience. But once the film made it to OTT, it was received with much joy by the viewers.

Directed by Ranjit M Tiwari, this film is a mass entertainer that is both engaging and fast-paced. The film also boasts of a strong star cast. Apart from Kumar, it also features, Vaani Kapoor, Adil Hussain and Huma Qureshi. Lara Dutta's transformation into Indira Gandhi for the film surprised and wowed the viewers in equal measures.

Toofaan

Farhan Akhtar's ambition underdog story of a boxer too had to eventually opt for an OTT release due to the pandemic. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the film also featured Mrunal Thakur, Paresh Rawal, Vijay Raaz and Supriya Pathak in key roles.

Akhtar underwent a massive body transformation the play the role of a street-brawler turned boxer, then an unfit has-been boxer who gets back into shape to compete and redeem his lost glory. Toofaan was appreciated for its performances and treatment, however, many also questioned its length that was a tad too long, especially for the OTT format.