At the start of this year, I had promised myself (let's call it my New Year resolution, :p) that I would try to watch more movies. Not just watch more movies, but in fact, watch movies that were not just Rom-Com, and venture into other genres as well. At the end of this year, it's safe to say that I have aced the challenge (almost :p).
While it's impossible to pen down all the movies I watched this year, here's a list of my 10 movies of 2022. (They're in top 10 according to me based on the different genres. okay? okay.)
1. Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey (Malayalam)
This movie is 10/10 getting the top place.
Released in October, this movie has definitely created uproar in Kerala. As it should.
Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey is a 2022 Malayalam film directed by Vipin Das and stars Darshana Rajendran, Basil Joseph, Aju Varghese in the lead roles.
Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey is a reflection of the society around us. If you've seen The Great Indian Kitchen, you'll have an idea what Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey is going to be. But unlike The Great Indian Kitchen, the viewers don't wait till the end for the redemption. Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey gives the viewers enough glimpses of it during the first part itself.
It's a slap (quite like the Will Smith slap, yes) to the society and an awakening to all the parents on how to raise their children-boys and girls alike. As a girl myself, I could very well relate to Jaya and how and what the society expects of her and in turn us. The movie gives us both Basil's perspective as well as Darshana's perspective, on the actions that were meted out to Darshana's character, and to see the final scene of the movie was truly the cherry on top. Do not miss out on this.
Watch it on Hotstar
2. Enola Holmes 2
I do not have much hope for the sequels. You see, the originals are already so good, and making a sequel is like treading on thin ice. One wrong step, and it's COLD WATER. Luckily, it was the opposite for Enola Holmes. In fact, I'd say that the sequel was better than the original.
If you've seen Enola Holmes, you'll know her as the sister of the most respected detectives of all time-Sherlock Holmes. While the original movie centers around her finding the whereabouts of her mother, Enola Holmes 2 brings with itself a new set of challenges. After her last adventure, Enola opens up her new detective agency but alas, no one comes to her with a case. It's the 19th Century, so no one really trusts her-a girl to solve a case. Suddenly a case opens up for Enola (based on the 1888 Match girls strike) and how she solves it with a little help from her friends and her brother forms the rest of the story.
Watch it on Netflix.
3. Bullet Train
Bullet Train is a 2022 Action-Comedy film that has a stellar ensemble cast featuring Brad Pitt, Joey King, Sandra Bullock, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon among others.
It's based on the 2010 novel Maria Beetle written by Kotaro Isaka and translated by Sam Malissa and follows Brad Pitt (Ladybug) in a Bullet Train as he tries to get a briefcase. The question is- How hard can it be to retrieve a briefcase?
It's easier said than done, as he realizes that there are others who have their eyes on the same briefcase with other motives.
Absolutely entertaining, it will have you glued for the whole 126 minutes.
Watch it for Brad Pitt and his therapist notes, cute pen names and endearing bromances :)Watch it on Netflix.
4. Monica O My Darling (Hindi)
Monica O My Darling, directed by Vasan Bala has to be one of the best Hindi films of 2022. Biased as I may be since it stars two of my favorite actors- Radhika Apte and Rajkumar Rao, it's safe to say that this fact was not the only reason it became one of the best films of 2022.
More than just being a routine Whodunit- this movie gives the viewers brilliant frames, fitting casting, pop culture movie references, A1 dialogues by Radhika Apte as Inspector Naidu and music that gives an old Bollywood feel which will keep you hooked throughout.
Vasan Bala in his thriller comedy has definitely tried something new and has grabbed eyeballs along the way. The film has some loose ends here and there, but even as it is- it's a fun watch.
Watch it on Netflix.
5. Avatar 2
It took James Cameron 13 years to come with the sequel for Avatar but it was definitely worth the wait. Avatar 2: The Way of Water follows the story of Human turned Na'vi Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), his wife, Na'vi princess (Zoe Saldana) and their kids to protect themselves and their people from the Sky people (humans from Earth).
The movie addresses human concerns through the fictional setting of Pandora, giving all of us a lesson to learn.
While the story may seem to drag at first, the visuals make up for it as the settings change from the lush forests to the seas in this movie. James Cameron leaves no stone unturned as he pulls in his viewers to the underwaters and does it, beautifully so.
One of the greatest immersive cinema experience of the year. Watch it in the theatres while you can!
6.Pada( Malayalam)
Pada is a Malayalam political thriller film, directed by Kamal K.M. starring Kunchacko Boban, Joju George, Vinayakan, and Dileesh Pothan and is based on a true incident that occurred in 1996 when the then Palakkad collector was held hostage by a group of people who identified themselves as 'Ayyankali Pada'.
The movie throws light at the plight of the Adivasi community by the government as the Ayyankali Pada try to to repeal the controversial Adivasi Land Amendment Bill through this act.
The fact that it was based on a true incident makes it an even interesting watch!
Watch it on Amazon Prime.
7. Speak No Evil (Danish)
Speak No Evil is one movie that made me really uncomfortable because it is so horrifying and twisted in every way.
The story follows a Danish family who visit a Dutch family they meet on a holiday to Italy. What was supposed to be a fun and easy weekend slowly starts becoming a nightmare for the Danes as they try to leave the family staycation quietly following a series of events.
I had to watch this movie in parts because of how uncomfortable I felt throughout watching this. By the last thirty minutes of the film, the film turns into dark twisted horror with absolute graphic violence which may not be everyone's cup of tea.
For people who liked watching Hereditary and the likes, this one is for you. For the rest of you, steer clear :)
Watch on Discovery+
8. Bheeshma Parvam (Malayalam)
The second collaboration between Amal Neerad and Mamooty after BigB, Bheeshma Parvam is an out and out MASS film that went on to become a super hit.
The story centers around the Anjooti family in Kochi who's patriarchal head is Michael (Mamooty) who is respected and feared by his family members.
The film takes time to establish the characters and their backgrounds giving male and female characters enough screen space to thrive. The dialogues, stunts and especially the music for the film by Sushin Shyam needs to be appreciated as it kept the movie going. It's definitely in my top 3 Best Malayalam movies.
Watch it on Disney+Hotstar
9. Sita Ramam (Telugu)-
Sita Ramam is a 2022 Telegu movie directed by Hana Raghavapudi and stars Dulquer Salmaan (Mallu gang, where you at?), Mrunal Thakur, and Rashmika Mandana in the lead roles.
Set in 1964, it centers around Lieutenant Ram, an orphaned army officer serving at the Kashmir border who gets anonymous love letters from Sita Mahalakshmi, who writes these letters as his wife. Ram then goes on a mission to find Sita and propose his love.
A real tear jerker-this movie will definitely make you ugly cry because of how good the story is and leave you wishing that you had someone like Lt. Ram, too. *sigh*
Watch it on Amazon Prime.
10. Mudhal Nee Mudivum Nee (Tamil)
Heads up- I'm not very fond of Tamil movies. As a child, watching dubbed Tamil movies on TV and watching human logic fall out the window while watching the movies made me realize that I could never watch it.
That is, until this year.
My friend, knowing my love for cute rom-coms, begged me (literally) to watch this Tamil movie. As hesitant I was toward it, I complied and watched it. And boy was I glad I did :)
Mudhal Nee Mudivum Nee, directed, written and music composed by Darbuka Siva is a coming-of age romantic drama that takes you back to your school days. The entire movie revolves around a group of high school kids in Tamil Nadu navigating their way through life with their innocent pranks, first loves, and awkward interactions. The movie showcases the school life and then cuts to 10 years later- where they all meet for their 10 year reunion. A surprise element in the form of cupid is a fun addition to the movie which will hit you right in the feels.
If not for anything else, watch it for Kishen Das being an A1 cutie! <3
Watch it on ZEE5
Have you watched these movies? How did you find them? Let me know in the comments below :)
Happy New Year! <3 Here's to hoping we have more good content this new year :D
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