Best Indian movies of 2023 that entertained us and where to watch them

Avid Bollywood fans got back to the theatres in full force this year, with one blockbuster hit after another (a welcome relief for many) hitting the screens. While some crossed the 500-crore figure, some proved to be the underdogs of box office. For us, movies have always meant much more than the amount they collect at the box office—if we don’t connect and resonate with a film, its message, and its characters, it’s just not good for us. The highlight for us this year was how regional cinema continued to push boundaries by serving films that left viewers with ample food for thought. Of course, you will find these gems listed in our compilation below. So, without any further ado, here are some of the top Indian films of 2023.  

'Jaane Jaan'

In this terrific thriller, the characters stand out more than the plot. Adapted from the Keigo Higashino novel, The Devotion of Suspect X, the film is Kareena Kapoor Khan's streaming debut, who stars alongside Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma. The film revolves around a murder that takes place by murderer(s), who have a strong alibi. Khan and Varma’s performance are brilliant and it's amazing how the quaint town of Kalimpong is a character in itself in this narrative. But it’s Ahlawat’s performance that stands out. His character, the most complex in the film, is also the most captivating because there are so many layers that you just don’t know what he truly is and which way he will turn. In one scene, you might think he’s a loner and in another, a stalker. At one point, he is a genius, who plans and analyses his every single move with logic, and at another, he is a sociopath. The character keeps you guessing and makes you wonder what his true intentions are, and that’s what makes Jaane Jaan a fascinating watch. 

Also read: #SpoilerAlert: 'Jaane Jaan' is a terrific thriller where the characters stand out more than the plot

Where to watch: Netflix

'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani'

If we had to pick the most entertaining film of the year, it would be this one. Back in the director’s chair after seven long years, Karan Johar’s film was one of the most-anticipated films of the year. It certainly lives up to the hype as viewers missed his kind of cinema. Though it’s not a perfect film, just like the families shown in it, it is worth a watch for the love of KJo's cinema. And its two lead actors are the main reason why. 

This film certainly wouldn’t have been as entertaining had it not been for Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. Singh's character Rocky is Ranveer Singh in real life. He is the tailor-made actor for a director like Karan Johar and shows what a powerhouse of talent and good looks he is. On the other hand, Bhatt aces the role of the calm and balanced person who holds it together amid the craziness around her and looks stunning, especially in her saris, throughout the movie. 

Also read: #SpoilerAlert: Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is Karan Johar at his very best

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

'Joram'

We love this movie for the creator’s sheer bravery and belief in making a film on such a delicate subject. This film by Devashish Makhija follows a father (Manoj Bajpayee) who is on the run with his little baby girl to escape the ghosts of his past and the forces that want him dead. It might have been a survival thriller, but the film is a social commentary that sheds light on more issues than one can possibly imagine. It strikes the perfect balance between politics and the plot through a well-written protagonist character and every other character that makes an impact and enables us to connect with it and empathise with them. The film reminds us what a fine actor Manoj Bajpayee is and what he is truly capable of as a performer. 

'12th Fail'

We are not supposed to take sides here, but we truly believe this movie is the best Hindi film we watched this year. Based on a real-life account written in a book by the same name by Anurag Pathak, this Vidhu Vinod Chopra film about a UPSC aspirant is all about the striving spirit of the protagonist. While he does his best to crack the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) entrance exams, the lead faces a multitude of challenges including his lack of proficiency in speaking English. Vikrant Massey delivered a performance that was one for the ages in a film that made audiences shed a tear because of its honest and sincere narrative. This story about hope and never giving up will make you cry, but also leave you with a smile. 

Where to watch: Disney Plus Hotstar

'Pathaan'

Four years, one month, and four days; that’s how long audiences had waited to see King Khan on the big screen as SRK made his much-awaited return to the big screen in a lead role on January 25 this year. While the plot has ample loopholes and the movie doesn't seem convincing if one were to use logic, Pathaan had all the ingredients of what one would call a masala potboiler. And Bollywood sure needed one badly! As far as living up to the hype was concerned, no movie did it better than Pathaan. It has slow-motion entries, a good vs. bad battle that had us at the edge of our seats, stunning locations, and a very sexy SRK. No surprises for guessing that it was one of the biggest box-office hits of the year, one that proved that Shah Rukh Khan was and will always be the Badshah of Bollywood. 

Also read: Dear SRK, thank you for ‘Pathaan’

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

'Jawan'

SRK set the cash registers ringing with Pathaan, could lighting strike twice with Jawan? He answered that question with style and utmost swag as Jawan, riding on high-octane action, smashed box office numbers. Just when you thought the king is getting older and his charm is waning, he makes a comeback and how! The film had everything one could ask for—SRK and Atlee Kumar, a name most lovers of South Indian cinema are well-versed with, joining hands to deliver an action-packed masterpiece with jaw dropping stunt sequences. It also had a sprinkle of the other right ingredients—emotions and patriotism. 

Also read: #SpoilerAlert: Jawan smashes box office numbers riding on high-octane action, a social message, and SRK

Where to watch: Netflix

'Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai'

If you’re a fan of courtroom dramas, then you wouldn't want to miss this film. It’s not only entertaining, engaging, and gut-wrenching in its narrative, but also has an actor like Manoj Bajpayee who carries the film on his able shoulders. This hard-hitting film is an eye-opener, one that drives the message that just one person is more than capable of making a positive change to society, the way it thinks and the things it believes and has blind faith in. And just like its title, Manoj Bajpayee is enough to attract the audience to the cinema halls. 

Where to watch: ZEE5

'Chithha'

We hardly see movies based on the topic of abuse, and that number is negligent when it comes to films revolving around child abuse. And it’s this very topic that director SU Arun Kumar touches upon in this powerful film. It is sure to make you feel uncomfortable, but it’s a timely reminder that child abuse is prevalent in society and that we don’t talk about it enough. The film is backed by impressive performances by the cast, especially the child artists. But at the end of the day, the credit for bringing this movie to our screens and home goes entirely to Kumar. He shows us the mirror and opens our mind to a realistic and relevant story, one that’ll shake you to your very core. 

Where to watch: Disney Plus Hotstar

'Kaathal: The Core'

Starring Mammootty and Jyotika, the film is about a middle-aged couple whose life takes a drastic turn, when the wife seeks a divorce from her husband despite having a pretty happy and understanding relationship. The only thing that they don’t have is love for one another due to the sexual orientation of one of the partners. The movie focuses on homosexuality and how tough it can be to live a closeted life. With the film having outstanding characters that add to its impactful voice and message, Kaathal: The Core is cinema at its engaging and intriguing best. 

'Purusha Pretham'

If made well, black comedy, as a genre, always garners eyeballs for its ability to find something funny in even the darkest of moments. It revolves around the fascinating topic of unidentified corpses spotted by the police with many people having their motives to claim these bodies. The film effortlessly manages to shift gears from being a procedural cop drama to an investigative thriller, a horror story, and then a dark comedy. It’s one to watch indeed. 

'Iratta'

Joju George is a fantastic actor in Malayalam cinema. He plays a double role showcasing two completely contrasting characters. While they may be different in personalities and the way they behave, it’s what ties them together that makes this film engrossing at every point. The movie shows the audience how the actions of one person have a severe impact on their loved ones and can change their life forever, despite the culprit having accepted their mistake and punishment. 

Where to watch: Netflix