Shashwat

Action is a tricky genre. While a lot of people think that it is an empty exercise in showcasing stunts and spilling out violence, the smarter filmmakers do take a step ahead and create a multitude of situations and human drama to give the empty entertainment the kind of physical space that it more than deserves.  This year was filled with gems of surprising action-packed movies which did not compromise on their storytelling for the sake of fan-service/crowd-pleasing. These are five of my favourite action films of the year.  But before we get on with their appreciation, special mention to Robert Eggers for his sincere and ambitious attempt with the genre in The Northman, a disappointing yet stunning adaptation of the ancient Nordic fable that inspired Shakespeare for Hamlet.  Kantara and RRR, two of the best Indian films of the year, redefined the mass masala capers with genuine conviction, and must be applauded for the same. 5. Vikram   Lokesh Kanagraj i...

It's a true testament to the diversity of all art that crime is a genre in itself. A tough one to decipher, yes, but just as delicious. When in the right hands, it truly comes to life as we either revel in the pleasures of bodies being chopped or get into the investigation of an incident of abuse, all seen and heard before but done with ample conviction. This was a fairly better year for crime cinema than the last two. More importantly, it showed how solid filmmakers have learned to crack the code of a fictional thriller through the key of a true-crime narrative. Although there were many films that worked, I have compiled my five favourites.  Special mentions to the solid Hindi films Gangubai Kathiawadi , Chup , and Monica O My Darling , the pulpy vigilante exploitation drama Saani Kaayidham , and the deliciously campy black comedies Windfall and Emily the Criminal . Also notable is the gripping Netflix true crime thriller The Good Nurse , featuring two of the most excellent perfo...