With life gradually returning to normalcy, the release of Bollywood films has increased. With the Corona pandemic, there was a significant increase in movie consumption via online streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon, Zee5, and others. While streaming platforms cannot compete with the feel and luxury of entertainment consumption in cinema halls with massive screens and immersive audio experiences with a live audience, they have provided consumers with a variety of inexpensive ways to enjoy movies and series produced all over the world in the comforts of their own homes.
The popularity of these online streaming services isn’t going away anytime soon. Aside from that, the popularity of such services has provided filmmakers with an excellent platform to showcase their films to the whole world, particularly in territories where they would not have otherwise been released in cinemas.
With so many movies and series of various genres available on such platforms, users can also become frustrated when deciding which ones to watch.
In this blog post, we present 7 top Bollywood movies of 2022 currently streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and ZEE5 which have impressed us and are surely going to be worth your time.
The Kashmir Files [Zee5]
Cast: Anupam Kher, Bhasha Sumbli, Darshan Kumaar, Chinmay Mandlekar, Mithun Chakraborty
Director: Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri
In Indian cinemas, the Kashmir Files became a massive hit. In India alone, it has a net collection of more than 200 crores. Because of its sensitive and religious plot, the film sparked several controversies along the way. The film is based on a sensitive issue that piqued the interest of the Hindu community.
The story’s theme revolves around the Kashmiri Pandit exodus that occurred in 1990. It’s a heart-wrenching depiction of the Kashmiri Pandits’ sufferings and struggles as seen through Krishna’s eyes. Based on true events, the film’s creators were praised for taking the risk of making an honest and factual film about such a sensitive subject. The main cast of the film includes Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Darshan Kumaar, and Pallavi Joshi.
All of the actors have done an outstanding job, particularly Anupam Kher, who gives one of his best performances to date. Zee5 is streaming the film online. It’s not an easy watch, but if you enjoy hard-hitting, gripping emotional storylines, you’ll appreciate this one.
Gangubai Kathiawadi [Netflix]
Cast: Alia Bhatt, Vijay Raaz, Seema Pahwa, Ajay Devgn, Jim Sarbh
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
The Alia Bhatt-starrer is about a young girl who wants to be an actress and runs away with her boyfriend to Bombay to make her dreams come true. Even in her wildest dreams, she never imagined herself being sold in a brothel at Kamathipura by the love of her life.
The film then follows her story as she rises through the ranks of Kamathipura’s mafia boss to become known as the “Gangubai Kathiawadi.” Though the film isn’t as fast-paced as one would have liked, it’s still worth watching because of the incredible performances and visual appeal. This is among the best work by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and surely ranks alongside his other masterpieces.
Alia Bhatt’s performance as Gangubai is the best by a female Bollywood actress this year. She is a superstar. Even his critics will be pleased with her performance. She carries the film like a pro and leaves too little to complain about. This one is worth watching solely for Alia Bhatt’s performance. The additional plus points like cinematography and background music are an added bonus.
Jalsa [Amazon Prime Video]
Cast: Vidya Balan, Shefali Shah, Rohini Hattangady
Director: Suresh Triveni
Jalsa, directed by Suresh Triveni, is a dark and brooding tale. When a young girl is brutally run over by a car one night, people from different social backgrounds are confronted with the harsh realities of life and moral dilemmas that exist in Indian society.
Vidya Balan plays Maya Menon, a well-known and reputable newscaster. Shefali Shah plays Ruksana, a cook at Maya’s house. She has grown into a trusted family member over time.
Everything is going well until Maya accidentally runs over Ruksana’s young daughter. The way both women deal with all of this creates an intriguing series of events. The gripping screenplay, dialogues, pouring emotions, and impactful performances keep you hooked until the end. Shefali Shah is just brilliant in her role. There are not many instances when Vidya Balan is overshadowed by a fellow actress in a movie. Her act is brutally convincing.
This is a must-see for Bollywood fans looking for hard-hitting films that will stay with them for days after they watch them.
Thar [Netflix]
Cast: Anil Kapoor, Harshvardhan Kapoor, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sathish Kaushik
Director: Raj Singh Chaudhary
The main cast of Thar includes Anil Kapoor, Harshvardan Kapoor, and Fatima Sana Shaikh. The film is set in rural Rajasthan in the year 1980. It’s the story of an inspector who is about to retire and has never done anything out of the ordinary in his entire career. That all changes when he becomes involved in an investigation into mysterious murders in the area.
The film has the right balance of thrills, emotions, chase sequences, laudable performances, and eye-catching cinematography. Anil Kapoor is fantastic in the film. His act is impeccable. The supporting cast also does an excellent job. Fatima Sana Shaikh’s career as an actress has evolved. Even though this isn’t a full-fledged role, she shines brightly. Thar is a Netflix-only release.
Gehraiyaan [Amazon Prime Video]
Cast: Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ananya Panday
Director: Shakun Batra
Gehraiyaan is not your typical Bollywood tale of love and betrayal. It takes a risk in depicting intimate relationships. Alisha (Deepika Padukone), a yoga instructor, develops feelings for a real estate developer named Zain (Siddhant Chaturvedi). Tia, Alisha’s cousin, is Zain’s fiancée (Ananya Pandey). Meanwhile, Alisha has been in a six-year relationship with Karan (Dhairya Karwa).
Can this relationship withstand the complexities and challenges of their professional lives, and do they have answers to the moral questions that will inevitably arise?
Deepika performs splendidly in her role. The cinematography and background music enhance the drama. The music is one of the film’s strongest points.
Badhaai Do [Netflix]
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Seema Pahwa
Director: Harshavardhan Kulkarni
It’s another film about a social issue starring Rajkumar Rao. He has recently been making films that highlight sensitive issues in Indian society. We all know Rao is a fantastic actor. He does an excellent job yet again. Bhumi Pandnekar is also fantastic.
The film’s plot revolves around Rao’s gay character. Gay people face many challenges, particularly in a conservative Indian society. As a result, he never reveals his true identity. The pressure to marry grows stronger by the day. The same thing is going on with Bumi Pandnekar who is a lesbian. When both characters marry, the plot takes an interesting turn. The film is available for streaming on Netflix.
Jersey [Netflix]
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur, Pankaj Kapoor, Ronit Kamra
Director: Gowtam Tinnanuri
If you’ve seen the original film starring Jersey, you’re probably going to start comparing the two. The original is far superior. However, if you haven’t seen the South version, this one is worth watching. Bollywood has attempted to recreate the magic but has fallen short.
This Netflix original starring Shahid Kapoor and Mrunal Thakur is about a cricketer and his struggles. The film is an emotional roller coaster with genuine performances. The child role played by Ronit Kamra is superbly acted. Interestingly, he has also played the same role in the original Telugu film ‘Jersey’ of the same name. Shahid Kapoor is fantastic in some scenes.
Overall, this is an excellent one-time watch for Bollywood fans.
Still looking for more suggestions then check out our list of Top 10 Best Indian Movies of 2021 On Netflix, Amazon Prime, Zee5 and Other Online Streaming Platforms
If you want the list of the most popular Indian Series of 2021 available on online streaming sites then click here.
By Javed Baloch (The writer is a blogger, and freelancer. He loves to watch movies, shows and follow everything related to cinema and entertainment)