Entertainment

Top 10 Films of 2023 that stole the Spotlight

In the realm of cinema, 2023 unfolded as a captivating chapter for enthusiasts, offering a diverse tapestry of genres, narratives, and cinematic approaches. From compelling biographical dramas to whimsical comedies set in fantastical realms, the silver screen delivered a rich array of experiences for audiences. Dhanush Kumar now compiles a curated list of the year’s top 10 movies, showcasing the multifaceted brilliance that graced theatres throughout 2023.

1. Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer is a biographical thriller directed by the famous Christopher Nolan, based on the book American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. It stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist who led the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. The film chronicles his scientific achievements, moral dilemmas, and eventual downfall due to political persecution. Oppenheimer is a masterpiece of filmmaking, with stunning visuals, brilliant performances, and a gripping story that explores the human cost of scientific progress.

2. Barbie

Barbie is a fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig, based on the fashion dolls by Mattel. It stars Margot Robbie as Barbie, a doll who suffers an identity crisis and leaves Barbieland to explore the real world. Along the way, she meets Ken (Ryan Gosling), a beach bum who becomes her love interest, and other versions of herself, played by Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, and others. Barbie is a hilarious and heart-warming film that breaks the stereotypes and expectations associated with the iconic toy.

3. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse is an animated superhero film directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson and a sequel to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018). It features the voice of Shameik Moore as Mile Morales, a teenager who becomes Spider-Man after being bitten by a radioactive spider. In this film, he teams up with Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), another Spider-Person from a parallel universe, to stop a new threat that endangers the multiverse. The film is a visual feast with a unique animation style blends different comic book aesthetics. It also has a thrilling story, diverse characters, and a lot of humour and heart.

4. John Wick: Chapter – 4

John Wick: Chapter 4 is an action thriller directed by Chad Stahelski. It stars Keanu Reeves as John Wick, a former assassin on the run from the High Table, a global organisation of crime lords. In this film, he teams up with old allies and new enemies to fight out of a deadly situation. John Wick: Chapter 4 is a non-stop adrenaline rush with spectacular stunts, choreography, and cinematography. It also expands the John Wick universe’s mythology and lore, introducing new locations, characters, and factions.

5. Pathan

Pathan is an action spy film directed by Siddharth Anand and the fourth film in the YRF Spy Universe. It stars Shah Rukh Khan as Pathan, an exiled RAW agent who works with Rubina Mohsin (Deepika Padukone), an ISI agent, to take down Jim (John Abraham), a rogue RAW agent who plans to unleash a deadly virus on India. Pathan is a high-octane film with breath-taking action sequences, exotic locations, and a riveting plot. It also features a cameo appearance by Salman Khan as Tiger, another spy from the same universe.

6. Jawan

Jawan is an action drama directed by Atlee and the second film of Shah Rukh Khan in 2023. It stars Khan as Jawan, a prison warden who recruits inmates to commit outrageous crimes that expose societal corruption and injustice. He also has a personal motive, as he seeks revenge for a wrong done to him in the past. Jawan is a powerful film with a strong message, a compelling story, and a stellar performance by Khan. It also has a star-studded supporting cast, including Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi, and Deepika Padukone.

7. Bhagavanth Kesari

Bhagavanth Kesari is an action drama directed by Anil Ravipudi, starring Nandamuri Balakrishna in the titular role. It is based on the true story of Nelakonda Bhagavanth Kesari, a gallant circle inspector who fought against the atrocities of a corrupt politician and his son in a tribal area of Andhra Pradesh. The film showcases the bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice of Kesari, who became a legend among the people. It also features Sreeleela, Arjun Rampal, and Kajal Aggarwal in pivotal roles.

8. Virupaksha

Virupaksha is a horror film directed by Karthik Varma Dandu, starring Sai Dharam Tej and Samyuktha Menon. It is set in a village named Rudravanam, where a series of mysterious deaths occur due to ancient superstitions. Tej plays Surya, a man who visits his ancestral village and discovers paranormal activities. He also falls in love with Viji (Menon), a local girl connected to the mystery. Virupaksha is a spine-chilling film with a gripping story, a haunting atmosphere, and a surprising twist

9. Baby

Baby is a Telugu romantic drama film starring Anand Devarakonda and Vaishnavi Chaitanya. It is directed by Sai Rjaesh Neelam and produced by Mass Movie Makers. It is a coming-of-age story about two childhood friends who fall in love but face challenges when they go to college and meet new people. This movie got many excellent reviews from the audience and the critics and collected a lot of money at the box office. Anand Devarakonda performed his heart out in the movie.

10. Killers of the Flower Moon

Killers of the Flower Moon is a historical crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, based on the book of the same name by David Grann. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone. It is set in 1920s Oklahoma, where the Osage Nation, a Native American tribe, became wealthy due to oil discoveries on their land. However, they also became the targets of a series of murders, known as the Reign of Terror that the FBI investigated. The film follows the lives of Ernest Burkhart (DiCaprio), a white man who marries Mollie Kyle (Gladstone), an Osage woman, and William Hale (De Niro), a powerful rancher who is behind the killings. Killers of the Flower Moon is a riveting film with a captivating story, a stellar cast, and a masterful direction by Scorsese.

Conclusion:

In 2023, cinema treated the audience to a remarkable assortment of films across various genres. The year, they had something for everyone, from biographical thrillers to imaginative comedies and action-packed dramas to dramas. These top movies have left a lasting impact on cinema and viewers’ hearts.

November 24, 2023

Movies to Watch This August 2025

August 2025 brings a power-packed lineup of films from explosive action thrillers to heartwarming romances and long-awaited sequels. With big names, bigger budgets, and stories that promise to entertain, here’s your guide to what’s hitting the screens this month. Dhadak 2 Cast: Tripti Dimri, Siddhant Chaturvedi Director: Shazia Iqbal A socially charged romance and spiritual sequel to Dhadak (2018), this remake of Tamil cult classic Pariyerum Perumal explores caste, identity, and institutional inequality through the intense love story of law students Vidhi and Neelesh. Kingdom Cast: Vijay Deverakonda (as Suri), Satyadev, Bhagyashri BorseDirector: Gowtam Tinnanuri Kingdom is a highly anticipated pan‑India spy action drama directed by Gowtam Tinnanuri. Featuring Vijay Deverakonda in a rugged cop role, supported by Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse, the film promises intense action and emotional depth. Originally delayed several times due to national events, it is now scheduled for a global theatrical release. War 2 Cast: Hrithik Roshan, NTR Jr., Kiara AdvaniDirector: Ayan Mukerji The next chapter in YRF’s Spy Universe, War 2, brings together two powerhouses Hrithik and NTR Jr.in a high-stakes, globe-trotting action thriller. Expect mind-blowing stunts, slick storytelling, and intense rivalries. Coolie Cast: Rajinikanth (as Deva), Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, cameo by Aamir KhanDirector: Lokesh Kanagaraj An explosive pan‑India action drama, Coolie sees Rajinikanth return in a high‑voltage gangster saga directed by celebrated filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj. Supported by a powerhouse ensemble including Nagarjuna as the antagonist and a surprise cameo from Aamir Khan, the film explores themes of crime, betrayal, and ambition. Shot across locations in Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Bangkok, the production wrapped in March 2025. Slated for a global theatrical release on August 14, 2025, the film marks a major highlight of Rajinikanth’s 50‑year cinematic legacy and is expected to spawn impressive pre‑sales figures overseas. Son of Sardaar

Entertainment

Siddhant Chaturvedi Opens Up on Breaking into Bollywood

Siddhant Chaturvedi’s story isn’t your typical industry launchpad tale. From his small-town roots in Ballia to his breakthrough in Gully Boy, he’s carved a space for himself with grit, versatility, and quiet confidence. Ahead of the release of Dhadak 2, the actor opens up about the pressures of fame, resisting typecasting, struggling with self-styling, and how his parents’ unwavering support helped him through it all. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Siddhant talks about his journey, and more. Excerpts- Do you feel pressure ahead of Dhadak 2’s release? Yes, there is pressure with every film’s release, whether it is a sequel or an independent film. But there’s more pressure with a sequel; it is not that you have to match the earlier one. There is always a desire to show something new, to show it differently, to tell a new story, because the ultimate goal is that people are entertained, and if they like something in it, they will like the film. Have you consciously chosen varied roles to avoid typecasting? Well, the work I do and at this point in time of my career, if I understand the story and I feel that this story has connected with me, then I do it. There is a conscious effort somewhere that you don’t have to do the same; you have to act in different characters, you have to present yourself in different ways, because this is the time for me. Mistakes can happen, but now I am sure I will not typecast roles. I always think that if you do one kind of thing, then that becomes your market. After doing a variety of roles, you reach a point, I have done it all, now what more? Do you believe in building a ‘market’ for yourself? I always have a goal

Entertainment

I Feel This is the Best Year of My Career- R Madhavan

R. Madhavan is back in the spotlight with Aap Jaisa Koi, a heartwarming family drama that explores love, loneliness, and rediscovery in life’s quieter chapters. As Shrirenu Tripathi a quiet, 42-year-old man who unexpectedly rediscovers love and himself Madhavan delivers one of his most layered performances yet. Directed by Vivek Soni and co-starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film explores emotional vulnerability, second chances, and the beauty of finding “Barabari Wala Pyaar.” In a candid chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Madhavan opens up about the film, love, ageing, and his evolving journey as an actor. Excerpts- What drew you to Aap Jaisa Koi, and what was it like playing Shrirenu? Aap Jaisa Koi is unlike any love story I’ve done before; it’s quiet, awkward, and deeply human. Shrirenu is one of the most complex characters I’ve played, someone who longs for companionship and closeness, but doesn’t quite know how to ask for it, yet he is rich with emotion underneath. This film isn’t loud or dramatic it’s patient, gentle, and deeply affecting. I was drawn to how it speaks to all the people who’ve felt overlooked in life or love. The film is a reminder that it’s never too late to start living on your own terms. It’s a story about vulnerability, rediscovery, and the idea that it’s never too late to open your heart. How has your view on romance changed over the years? Back in our day, we didn’t have apps or access to this kind of dating culture. Whatever ways romance happened was considered just okay. [hamare zamane mein choice nahi tha jo sahi tha romance mein bhi sahi mana jata hai] We didn’t have the mode to access dating apps. Therefore, if we wanted to meet a person in the city, it was difficult to meet as that

Entertainment

Tripti Dimri on Dhadak 2, Inter-Caste Love, and Negative Roles

Tripti Dimri made her debut as a leading lady in Laila Majnu (2018) and received critical acclaim for her work in Anvita Dutt’s Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022). She rose to fame with her scene-stealing role in the blockbuster Animal (2023) and is now one of the most talked-about names in the industry. With Dhadak 2 on the way and her recent casting in Spirit, a role that was initially set for Deepika Padukone, Tripti is clearly on a career high. In conversation with LIPIKA VARMA, Tripti talks about her upcoming films, social change through cinema, and her desire to play complex, layered roles. Tripti Simri answers a volley of questions while promoting Dhadak 2. Excerpts: How do you feel about starring in Dhadak 2? Does doing a sequel bring added pressure? I think, if you don’t take that pressure, but perform with full honesty and trust in your director and your team, that’s when magic happens. And I think that’s what Siddhanth and I and everybody else did on this project. So, we made sure not to take any pressure and just take each day as it comes. What were your inputs to the character in terms of improvisation, intensity, and spontaneity? It was a collaborative work. Every day was different. We would rehearse the scenes and then just play off each other. Siddhant has been a wonderful actor. There were a lot of scenes that were based on his reaction, even though you didn’t plan it that way. Because acting is all about reacting. The way you interact with someone day to day, naturally, your expressions come out to the best of your abilities. So, that is what happened. I think I was lucky to have good actors in this film. Everybody is just brilliant. I am happy