6. Naanu Avanalla…Avalu (2015)
B. S. Lingadevaru’s ‘Naanu Avanalla…Avalu’, based on Living Smile Vidya’s autobiographical work ‘I am Vidya’ is true to its core. The director took a bold step to bring in the life of a transgender onto the screen without compromising any of the content. Performances were yet another factor that took the movie to a whole new level. The movie won critical appreciation, bagging several awards. ‘Naanu Avanalla…Avalu’ remains as one of the best contributions from Kannada movie industry in recent times.
5. Mumbai Police (2013)
Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran is under the spotlight here. ‘Mumbai Police’ is a suspense thriller directed by Roshan Andrews that became the crowd’s favourite for a unique storyline and an unconventional plot. Despite being an experimental attempt, ‘Mumbai Police’ became a crowd pleaser, grossing to become one of the blockbusters of the year. Even after several talks about remaking the movie, things were never finalized as no actor dared to portray the role that Prithviraj did.
4. Naan Kadavul (2009)
Director Bala’s ‘Naan Kadavul’ was under spotlight ever since it started its production in 2006. The director took no hurry in crafting his masterpiece and it was a finally released in 2009. ‘Naan Kadavul’ is one of those rare cinematic experience that doesn’t come by often. ‘Naan Kadavul’ explores a man’s journey (a man who believes himself to be almighty), through a dark world that has never been discussed before. A world that exists among us, but we always fail to see it. ‘Naan Kadavul’ is backed up by incredible performances from all the actors. Arya deserves a special mention for bringing life to a such a complicated character with quite an ease. This remains one of the best performance from the actor.
3. Traffic (2011)
Late Rajesh Pillai’s ‘Traffic’ is considered as a pathbreaker in the movie industry. It came without any claims or publicity and became one of most favourite movies of all times among Kerala audience. The movie was well appreciated for its content and unique storytelling. ‘Traffic’ is a road-thriller that progress through several interwoven incidents that happen in a day. The film was later remade into multiple languages, but none received the success as the original.
2. Sexy Durga (2016)
The controversies started from the name itself. Written and Directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, ‘Sexy Durga’ was first screened at NFDC FILM BAZAAR in 2016, since then it has been screened at several International Film Festivals, praised by critics all over the world. ‘Sexy Durga’ is a regional Malayalam film that has a basic plot around a patriarchal society of Kerala. The film was recently denied for screening in MIAMI Mumbai Film Festival. The Censor Board has not yet certified the movie, asking the director to change the name as it may hurt religious sentiments. Though the director stands firmly by the original title of the movie.
1. Hey Ram (2000)
Bilingual (Tamil, Hindi)Indian historical fiction-political thriller written and directed by Kamal Hassan is considered as one of the finest films ever to be made in the country. Acted as the protagonist by the master himself, ‘Hey Ram’ has been backed up performances from several acclaimed actors including Shah Rukh Khan, Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri. The semi-fictional plot revolves around the partition of independent India and assassination of Gandhi. The film bagged several national and international praise, and obviously some serious controversies.
