2015 did not begin with an explosion of hits at the box office. In fact, many of the first releases failed to leave a lasting and significant impression on audiences. The prevailing ideology is that big star, and big budget films usually see success. However, this year we are in for a surprise as the audience’s tastes and preferences have been changing. Actors and actresses have started becoming quite experimental with their choice in roles and films, and fortunately it has been working in their favor. Lets take a look at some films that proved to be game changers this year.
1) Badlapur
Varun Dhawan’s ‘Badlapur’ managed to finally become the first hit of the year. Not only did this film strike a chord with film critics and audiences, but it also performed well at the box office. Varun’s performance garnered great praise from film critics and his contemporaries, ultimately moving him to a different level.
2) Dum Laga Ke Haisha
Yash Raj Film’s ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’ turned out to be a game changer for Ayushmann Khurrana’s career after the serious blow he faced with his film Hawaizaada. Debutante Bhumi Pednekar entered the film industry with this hit in February, and managed to prove her acting worth. This simple, light (yet heavy), love story left a lasting impression on audiences.
3) NH10
Anushka Sharma hit a bulls eye with her acting in the film ‘NH10’, which she had also co-produced. This feministic film drew the limelight on women oriented films and power packed roles. Initially not much was expected from the film, yet it scored at the box office, and emphasized Anushka’s talented acting skills. Women- oriented films have definitely been making a recent breakthrough.
4) Piku
Although Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan are accomplished and heralded prizes of the industry, the story line of their film ‘Piku’ was quite unconventional. Despite the story line being out of the ordinary, their film met with critical appraisal as well as box office success. This film brought attention to the fact that the audience gave more importance to content rather than commercial entertainment that appeals to the mass. According to critiques, Deepika portrayed the young, responsible, modern woman with great skill, highlighting the feministic role. Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Irrfan Khan all received recognition for their work in the film.
5) Tanu Weds Manu Returns
‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’ not only became the first film to cross the 100 crore mark, but it also turned out to be the highest grossing film so far in 2015. Kangana finally made her mark in the industry after the success of her film Queen last year, and had another huge success with this film. Recurring feminist themes will usually be found in any film of Kangana’s. ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’ surpassed all expectations, as have many of her other films.
