The global pandemic's lasting impact on personal lives and the entertainment industry led to a prolonged period of stagnation. The once-thriving Bollywood witnessed a resurgence of hope in 2023, marking a departure from the gloom that dominated the preceding two years. Box office numbers surged, exceeding pre-pandemic expectations, and several blockbuster releases contributed to this revival.
The cinematic landscape of 2023 showcased a mix of masala entertainment and compelling storytelling. Here are five unforgettable dramas from the year that are currently streaming on popular OTT platforms:
1. Pathaan:
Undeterred by the previous disappointment of "Zero" (2018), Shah Rukh Khan made a triumphant comeback with "Pathaan." The film shattered box office records, crossing the coveted thousand crore mark. Blending romance with high-octane action, "Pathaan" narrates the story of an Indian secret agent combating a Pakistani general's sinister plot to orchestrate terror attacks in India. The film is currently available on Amazon Prime Video.
2. Jawan:
Shah Rukh Khan continued his dominance in 2023 with another cinematic masterpiece, "Jawan." This action-packed drama revolves around a man driven by a personal vendetta to rectify societal wrongs. Facing a formidable outlaw responsible for widespread suffering, the protagonist battles fearlessly to fulfill a promise made years ago. "Jawan" is streaming on Netflix.
3. Gadar 2:
The sequel to the iconic "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha" (2001), "Gadar 2" captured the hearts of a new generation while paying homage to its predecessor. Surpassing expectations, the film grossed Rs. 692 crores worldwide. The storyline revisits Tara Singh's life, exploring his disappearance during a skirmish and his son Jeete's quest to rescue him from captivity in Pakistan. "Gadar 2" is currently available on ZEE5.
4. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani:
Karan Johar's return to the director's chair after seven years was marked by the enchanting romance of "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani." Departing from his signature fantastical narratives, Johar weaved a story that blended dreamy romance with social awareness. The film explores the love story between flamboyant Punjabi Rocky and intellectual Bengali journalist Rani, navigating familial differences. After facing opposition, they decide to live with each other's families before marriage.
5. Dhak Dhak:
"Dhak Dhak" emerged as an adventure drama featuring an ensemble female cast, including Sanjana Sanghi, Fatima Sana Sheikh, Dia Mirza, and Ratna Pathak Shah. The film follows four women embarking on a life-changing journey from New Delhi to Ladakh, navigating challenges and self-discovery. While the box office earnings were modest, "Dhak Dhak" dominated streaming platforms for weeks and is currently available on Netflix.
As Bollywood experiences a renaissance, these dramas showcase the industry's resilience and its ability to captivate audiences with diverse narratives. Dive into these compelling stories for a cinematic journey that reflects the spirit of contemporary Hindi cinema.
