Top 10 must-watch critically acclaimed films of 2015

Bajrangi Bhaijaan
A different offering from Salman Khan's world of talent, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ was not just another masala flick and managed to win the hearts of millions with its touching subject and emotional connect. This story of an Indian who takes the responsibility of taking a deaf and mute Pakistani girl to her country not only became the biggest blockbuster of the year but also inspired others to follow in Bhaijaan’s footsteps.

Tanu Weds Manu Returns
Regarded as Kangana Ranaut’s best work till date, ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’ proved to be a big box-office success. Kangana convincingly played the role of Datto – a Haryanvi sportswoman, besides continuing with the role of the motor mouth, Tanu, just like she did in the prequel. Hailed by the audience and critics alike, the film was a very humourous one with most memorable dialogue and scenes.

Talvar
Meghna Gulzar walked the thin rope between reality and cinema with ‘Talvar’ which was widely praised by critics and audience alike. Based on the Aarushi Talwar double murder case, the film was sharp and crisp as it presented contrasting views. With a gripping plot, haunting story and bold depiction, ‘Talvar’ emerged as the top favourite among those looking for some substance amid starry masala Bollywood flicks.

Titli
Kanu Behl’s ‘Titli’ opened to excellent ratings from several critics. This tale of a crime inflicting a dysfunctional family which makes a living out of car thefts stunned the audience with how such a chaotic family could exist and survive. How Titli charges his wife to let her meet her lover and how the family wishes to go to Vaishno Devi after committing a crime successfully, made for a thrilling watch. While Dibakar Banerjee called ‘Titli’ as Ranvir Shorey’s best film till date, the film also had very convincing performances from Shashank Arora in the title role and Amit Sial as his elder brother, Pradeep.

Piku
The mere subject of ‘constipation’ and the most unusual starcast combo of Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan made ‘Piku’ - a film that’s just not to be missed. How Deepika takes her health obsessed father to Calcutta via a road trip was worth a watch. Listening to her father’s weird discussions on the colour of his faeces to dealing with her own life’s choices, ‘Piku’ was surprisingly different.

Bajirao Mastani
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus ‘Bajirao Mastani’ managed to beat ‘Dilwale’ at the domestic box-office. With the fearless Ranveer stepping into the shoes of Bajirao Peshwa and Deepika Padukone wielding the sword in the battlefield, ‘Bajirao Mastani’ emerged as one of the most loved movies of the year after ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan.’ The film had it all - from a love story, romance, grandeur, battle and struggle.

Margarita With A Straw
Being a non-commercial film, ‘Margarita With A Straw’ could not rule the box-office but was highly appreciated for its subject and Kalki Koechlin’s portrayal of the wheel-chair ridden, paralysed girl, who believes in living a normal life. How she survives in the world with her mom’s support and how she falls in love with a girl, makes up for an emotional story that yearns to be heard. The film was a big hit at international film festivals too.

Drishyam
Ajay Devgn surprised everyone with the nail-biting thriller, ‘Drishyam,’ which had received a positive response from the audience and critics alike. The suspense drama revolving around a father going all out to protect his family had unexpected twists and turns. As Tabu played a strong-willed officer and mother of the missing boy and Ajay Devgn, a wise and caring father, the film made for a wonderful suspense flick that deserves to be appreciated.

Masaan
‘Masaan’ was hailed at several international film festivals and had even received a teary-eyed, standing ovation at the Cannes. The film told stories of a girl (Richa Chadha) caught by the police in an objectionable position with her boyfriend and a low-caste corpse burner who falls in love with a high-caste girl. How the tragedies of life bring two people from different walks of life together at the cremation ground was different and worth watching. This one should just not be missed.

NH10
Breaking free from entertaining flicks, Anushka Sharma set the benchmark high with her debut production, ‘NH10.’ This story of a metropolitan couple who go on a road trip but land in hell when they try to help out a girl being dragged by a gang of goons.