Engrossing Scripts & Stellar Performances: 14 Movies That Released in 2021 & Left Us Speechless

Apart from a few movies, 2020 barely saw any big releases. Between rewatching old movies and the limited new shows, we struggled quite a bit for some entertaining content. Thankfully this year, things have been different. 

We’ve had a slew of film releases across different OTT platforms that stood out for their plots and their storytelling. So we decided to put together a list of new movies that we loved for their engrossing scripts and stellar performances. Go ahead, check it out! 

Sherni

Sherni is one of the underdogs that managed to win over both the critics and the audience for its outstanding script. In the movie, Vidya Balan plays a forest officer who’s assigned the task of capturing a troubled tigress. Along with the help of the locals and the officials, she tries to resolve the man-animal conflict in the village that she has been posted in. However, between corruption and red-tapism, solving the problem isn’t all that easy but Vidya does a commendable job. 

Mimi

Where do we even start? Mimi is a complete family entertainer and it takes you on a beautiful ride. The makers of the film have done a great job of picking a relevant topic and turning it into an empowering story on motherhood. The movie offers a light-hearted yet moving take on surrogacy and the way people treat surrogates in the country. The plot revolves around Mimi, who needs money to make it big in Bollywood. To achieve her dream, she signs up to be a surrogate for an American couple without thinking about the social and legal implications of her decision. However, things go downhill when the couple abandons her after learning about some baby-related complications. Which is when Mimi decides to keep the child and raise it herself. 

Haseen Dillruba

Haseen Dillruba begins on a thrilling note and manages to have our attention right from the opening scene. It tells the story of a wife who is on trial for allegedly murdering her husband. That’s it, we’re not going to share more details and spoil it for you! All we’d say is that the smashing performance of the lead pair and unpredictable plot twists will keep you on the edge of your seats! 

Ajeeb Daastaans

The anthology Ajeeb Daastaans brings together four contrasting stories that shed light on complex equations. These engaging stories talk about awkward emotions in complicated relationships. The movie also does a brilliant job of talking about sensitive issues such as caste, class, and sexuality in the small towns of India. The impressive star cast including Fatima Sana Shaikh, Nushrratt Bharuccha, and Konkona Sensharma among others makes it a must-watch. 

Shershaah

Shershaah does a splendid job at telling us the story of Captain Vikram Batra, whose indomitable spirit and unparalleled courage contributed immensely to India’s victory at the 1999 Kargil war. Overall, the film is a well-made war saga that is sure to make your heart swell with pride and your eyes moist. 

Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar

 Ever since the movie was released on Netflix, it took social media by storm. The dark comedy-drama revolves around a suspended Haryanvi police officer, Pinky, who saves the life of a successful banker, Sandeep. The two despise each other but have to stay together to survive forces that have them running for their lives. This is not your typical filmy movie about a road trip but something far better. It’s interesting, witty, and high on sarcasm which makes it a must-watch. 

The White Tiger

When you put together powerful actors like Rajkummar Rao, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Adarsh Gourav in the lead roles, only good things can happen. The White Tiger is proof of that. The film shows us the rise of Balram Halwai, a poor driver of a rich family who uses his wit and cunningness to rise to the top as an entrepreneur. But, the path that he chooses is dark and hostile. The movie does a great job of calling a spade and spade and keeping it real AF. It’s no wonder that it bagged several prestigious awards globally. 

Kaagaz

Pankaj Tripathi’s movie Kaagaz is an exceptional watch. It is based on the life of Lal Bihari, a man who spends two decades trying to reclaim his existence in government records, after being falsely declared dead. If you haven’t already watched this interesting movie, then we suggest you get to it right away. 

Chehre

Rumi Jaffery’s Chehre is an interesting watch that will keep you hooked to the screen. The beginning of the movie might seem a little slow but we can assure you that it only gets better. The film is about an ad agency professional who takes shelter at an old man’s home after being stuck in a snowstorm. After interacting with the owner of the house and his friends, he soon gets trapped in their game of crime and punishment. The twist? There’s no way out of the dangerous game! Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Emraan Hashmi and Dhrithiman Chatterjee, this thrilling movie has our vote. 

Hum Do Hamare Do

 If you’re looking for a family entertainment flick, then this one fits the bill. The story is about Dhruv, an orphan, who is on the lookout for fake parents as the girl he loves wants to marry someone with a sweet fam! Total siyapa! Hum Do Hamare Do is fun, heart-warming and will remind you of the importance of having a family.

Bell Bottom 

Bell Bottom is a gripping spy thriller based on a 1980s plane hijack incident. It portrays the story of India’s forgotten heroes. The movie is exciting and thrilling and Akshay Kumar is a treat to witness on-screen. 

The Guilty

The movie is based on the Oscar-shortlisted Danish film, Den Skyldiege. The Guilty revolves around Joe Baylor, a troubled police detective demoted to 911 operator duty who scrambles to save a distressed caller. It is tense, full of thrills and won’t make you feel bored even for a minute!

Off The Rails

Off The Rails follows three best friends as they reunite at the request of their late best friend Anna, to recreate the same adventure they embarked on 30 years ago! The only difference is that Anna requested her friends to take her 18-year old daughter, Maddie, along. A heartwarming movie that will make you laugh and cry and remind you to live life fully!

Cinderella

We’ve never met a new version of Cinderella we weren’t excited about and this one is no exception! If anything, we love this modern twist to our fave Disney tale! The story is about Ella, an ambitious young woman with plans of becoming a fashion designer. Unlike her predecessor, she doesn’t dream of being rescued but of being independent. Refreshing, right? It’s empowering to watch her speak her mind and put herself and her career first. 10/10 for the contemporary twist!

So fam, all set for a movie night with the fam? 

Featured Image: Instagram