10 Indian Films We’re Excited To Watch In 2019

2018 was marked by a range of amazing movies, across every genre – from Andhadhun’s unexpected thrill to Manto’s beautiful storytelling, Badhaai Ho to Love Sonia, Raazi to Mulk – and a number of powerful independent films that truly made a mark. More and more independent filmmakers have found platforms to express themselves and share their visions, and mainstream Bollywood has begun to really restructure itself and move away from its formulaic history. Indian cinema is evolving alongside Indian audiences in all their diversity, with talented filmmakers, artists and actors on the rise from all walks of life.

There’s plenty more to look forward to this year – we’ve put together a list of films we are incredibly excited to watch in 2019.

I. Gully Boy

One of the years most awaited films, Zoya Akhter’s Gully Boy tells the story of Mumbai’s thriving underground hip-hop scene, based loosely on the fascinating and inspiring journeys of rappers Divine and Naezy. Starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, this movie is an absolute must-watch and will hit the big screen on February 14. Watch the trailer here.

II. Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota

This action-comedy film is filled with Bollywood iconography, humour and heart. Vasan Bala’s second run at directing, the film follows ‘superboy’ Surya who has congenital analgesia – simply, cannot feel or comprehend pain. In an almost mixed-media format that uses VHS tapes, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota was MAMI’s opening film in 2018 and will have a wide release in 2019. Watch the trailer here.

III. Hamid

Hamid is the heartwarming story of a little boy who believes 786 is God’s number and tries to call it. By chance, he is connected with a stranger on the other end of the line and the two lives are intertwined in the search for peace and love in a conflict-ridden Kashmir. Directed by Aijaz Khan and starring Rasika Dugal, Hamid has received critical acclaim in several film festivals around the world – included MAMI, DIFF and Palm Springs – and plans to be released widely later this year. Watch the trailer here.

IV. The Sky Is Pink

Based on the true story of Aisha Chaudhary, a teenage motivational speaker suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, this film is a captivating family drama. From director of Margarita With A Straw, Shonali Bose, it stars Zaira Wasim, Farhan Akhtar and Priyanka Chopra and is expected to be one of 2019’s best films.

V. Pashmina

Told through the point of view of a young Kashmiri girl, Pashmina is a film about four different people – how their separate lives collide as interconnected stories of loss. Set against the little-shown conflict in Kashmir, this film is expected to be one of the most poignant independent ones to be made in India.

VI. Tryst with Destiny

With a title referring to Jawaharlal Nehru’s speech to Parliament on August 14, 1947, Tryst with Destiny is a film focusing on the deep social issues faced by India post-independence. Directed by Prashant Nair of Umrika fame, the film’s production is a tie-up between Dhrishyam Films and the French company Backup Media. After its rounds in film festivals last year, it will be publicly released in 2019.

VII. Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyun Aata Hai

A revamping of this classic Bollywood film from 1980 is set to hit theatres this here. Directed by Soumitra Ranade featuring Manav Kaul as the protagonist attempted to avenge his father’s death, this movie is said to be a riveting road one. An added bonus is that it will feature Nandita Das in seven different roles.

VIII. Pind Daan

The directorial debut of Seema Pahwa, Pind Daan will feature a star-studded cast including Naseeruddin Shah, Konkana Sen, Vinay and Supriya Pathak. The film is still in production and details are scarce, but it’s expected to be released late in the year and its ambitious undertaking is sure to be a worthwhile watch.

IX. Photograph

This film follows the life of a struggling street photographer, who convinces a reclusive stranger to pretend to be his fiancé to escape his family pressuring him to get married. Starring the brilliant Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sanya Malhotra, this film is definitely one to watch.

X. Kaamyaab

The film is about a seasoned character actor, played by Sanjay Mishra, who decides to come out of retirement. He soon realises that all his life’s work has missed something and left him incomplete.

Special mentions: The Fakir of Venice

If you enjoyed reading this, we suggest you read:

9 Indian Independent Films That Truly Made A Mark This Year

2018 Marked The Death Of ‘Bollywood Blockbusters’ Thanks To A Changing Audience

Six Contemporary Indian Short Films You Should Watch