THE FILM CRITIC: Countdown 2012 II

Some of the films made this year were very offbeat, most of them didn't even have bankable stars and yet they managed to make a mark at the box office. It made me wonder whether there is a substantial audience for these kind of films, and if there is its a very good sign for the Indian Industry.

The best film list ranges from films with simplistic treatment to ones with complex screenplays.

An extremely difficult list to make, i have done the best i could.

Here's presenting you the pride of Indian cinema in 2012..

Best films of 2012

5. Vicky Donor

A sweet and simple film directed by the usually serious Shoojit Sircar had MTV man Ayushman playing a typical delhi-ite who after a chance encounter with Annu Kapoor, a fertility specialist, becomes a sperm donor. Thrown into this is his love story with bengali girl Ashima and the fierce cultural rift that ensues. Smartly written and laced with quirky characters, this film drew you in from the word go. Sometimes keeping it simple is the best option

4. Barfi!

If there was ever any doubt about the talent of Ranbir Kapoor, it all evaporated with this wonderful, bittersweet film. Barfi traces the life of a deaf and mute over 40 years highlighting his failed yet not so failed love story with a pretty bengali girl and his understated,special bond with an autistic girl. Agreed, the film seemed to be dragging in the second half, but RK and Anurag Basu had infused enough charm into this one. Ranbir Kapoor has landed in the best actor favourites list of many awards functions, and it wont be too much of a surprise if he sweeps it all. Priyanka chopra too pitched with an exemplary performance.

3. Gangs of Wasseypur I&II

Anurag Kashyap's two part epic set in the badlands of India was a tale of vengeance between generations of gangsters. A heady combination of violence, lust and greed, tinged with humour and a thumping score this starless film scored big time at the box office. Evenly paced and gut wrenchingly funny in parts, GOW introduced to us the crackling talent of Nawazuddin Siddique. At 5'4 the man commanded the camera from the first frame in which he enters. Gritty performances from Manoj bajpai and Tigmanshu Dhulia also helped.

One of the most commercial ventures undertaken by Kashyap, this bullet ridden saga was a winner.

2. Kahaani

Sujoy Ghosh peaked with his debut film but lost his spark with no brainers like Alladin. He regained his name and fame with this deliciously taut thriller that the entire nation took notice of. A story of a pregnant woman who comes to Kolkata, the city of joy, in search of her missing husband kept us on the edge of the seat as it traversed many twists and turns. An ensemble cast featuring some of the best talents of Bengal, the nation got a peek of what actors from Kolkata are capable of. Whether it was Parambrata or Kharaj or Saswata (whose Bob Biswas became a legend) everyone aced their roles. Never has Kolkata looked better on screen. The solid storytelling of ghosh helped the film immensely. Shot in noir-ish style in a time of festivities in Kolkata, Kahaani was a display of strong performances and an even stronger direction.

1. Paan Singh Tomar

Irfan Khan is synonymous with versatility, add to that a director of Tigmanshu Dhulia's stature and you are sure to have fireworks. It is the amazing yet true story of a national athlete forced to turn into a dacoit. Shot with a rustic style, it potrayed an India not many of us can claim to know. Moving and amusing in equal measure, Irfan Khan keeps you hooked to this one. The man can express so much with his eyes. I was happy to see that this film did well at the box office. films of this kind need to be appreciated. As for me, this is undoubtedly the best film made this year.

Others who failed to make the cut (but are amazing nonetheless)...