Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Movies that stood out in an action-packed 2023

Movies that stood out in an action-packed 2023

WHETHER it was in cinemas, streaming sites or at festivals around the world, audiences were offered an interesting variety of films from diverse genres and languages.

From artistic gems and groundbreaking narratives to huge blockbusters, they entertained film fans from different backgrounds.


Eastern Eye revisited 2023 to reveal 21 entertaining movies that are worth adding to any watchlist, listed in no particular order.

Pathaan: The first big blockbuster of 2023 saw Shah Rukh Khan portray a deadly secret agent taking on an equally lethal spy played by John Abraham, hellbent on destroying India. The flashy action entertainer joined the expanding spy universe kick-started by the Tiger film franchise and the blockbuster hit, War. Deepika Padukone also played a key role in a larger-than-life adventure, which combined flashy locations with fabulous fight scenes, superb stunts and a solid storyline. The highly entertaining film kick-started the resurgence of Bollywood’s biggest star after 12 years in the wilderness.

Jodi 902 Jodi

 Jodi: The year’s best Punjabi film, inspired by the lives of the late great singers, Amar Singh Chamkila and Amarjot Kaur, revolved around the rapid rise of the singing duo in 1980s Punjab. Diljit Dosanjh and Nimrat Khaira played their roles to perfection in the musical drama, which saw them showcasing their singing prowess by performing all the songs themselves. Seamlessly blending comedy, romance, and outstanding music, the film presented a compellinging narrative that captured the essence of the era.

In flames In Flames

In Flames: The Pakistani Canadian horror film had a successful world premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. The captivating feature debut from writer and director Zarrar Khan revolves around a woman in a patriarchal society haunted by visions of the dead returning to life. Praised for its depth and exploration of female empowerment, the film earned critical acclaim and was chosen as Pakistan’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.

Berlin: The Indian espionage thriller, set in the early 1990s, garnered high praise on the film festival circuit. It follows a sign language expert tasked with interrogating a deaf man accused of espionage, and uncovering a deeper conspiracy within. Aparshakti Khurana and Ishwak Singh delivered two of this year’s finest performances in their contrasting roles. Eschewing unnecessary song-and-dance sequences or subplots, the film captivates with its well-crafted narrative, driven by an engaging storyline packed with unexpected twists.

Berlin 7 2 Berlin

2018: The marvellous Malayalam-language survival drama film based on the severe 2018 Kerala floods was selected as India’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards. One of the year’s most successful Indian movies revolved around unconnected individuals battling their own respective challenges who step up to help others during a devastating flood. The gripping storyline with stirring moments was described as a tribute to ordinary people who became extraordinary because of their willingness to risk their lives to help total strangers.

Kathal 00146 A Jackfruit Mystery

3 Ekka: The great momentum of Gujarati cinema continued with this hit comedy. The family entertainer revolving around friends setting up a gambling den became the second-highest-grossing Gujarati film of all time. Less was more as the story and performances took centre stage. There are free-flowing jokes from start to finish in a film filled with plenty of hilarious sequences.

Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery: The Indian comedy-drama, drawing inspiration from a true-life incident, centres on a police investigation into the theft of two enormous jackfruits, leading unexpectedly to a missing girl. Sanya Malhotra delivers an outstanding performance as a dedicated officer juggling a trivial fruit theft case alongside the search for a missing girl, all the while navigating complexities in her personal life, including an emasculated fiancé who is a lower-ranked cop. The film seamlessly blends a unique storyline with well-developed characters against the backdrop of a vibrant rural setting. It subtly addresses themes of sexism and casteism without adopting a preachy tone.

Polite Society 2400 Polite Society

Polite Society: The martial arts action comedy ripped up the rulebooks and delivered a brilliantly original British Asian movie. After a world premiere at the Sundance film festival, it was shown in cinemas to rave reviews and delighted cross-cultural audiences of all ages. The story of a stunt performer, an audacious wedding heist, sisterhood and family drama cleverly combined comedy with action. The genre-blending movie mixed up diverse influences and offered entertaining moments from start to finish, with a winning cast in top form.

Maaveeran: This unique Tamil movie gave a new spin to the superhero genre in India with the story of a cowardly comic book artist who becomes heroic after an accident and starts hearing a mysterious voice. He takes on the dark forces in a multi-layered story that also tackles issues such as political corruption, poverty and basic human rights. The simple story of a man finding courage in the most unexpected way also had plenty of comedy moments. The lead star, Sivakarthikeyan, delivered one of the year’s best performances.

 Khufiya: The espionage thriller based on Amar Bhushan’s novel Escape to Nowhere had a successful world premiere on Netflix. Tabu delivered a terrific performance as a secret agent investigating the murder of an Indian spy and trying to catch an inside mole who may have betrayed her. Acclaimed director Vishal Bhardwaj delivered a gripping spy movie filled with surprises, surveillance cameras and secret agents. The intriguing game of cat and mouse also had multiple layers that included a very subtle same-sex romantic sub-plot.

Khufiya 31 Khufiya

The Taste Of Mango: Chloe Abrahams’ inaugural feature documentary did the rounds of global film festivals, earning acclaim and the audience award for best documentary at the London Film Festival. This poignant film delves deep into the layers of family history, unravelling the painful traumas of the past while highlighting the intricate threads that bind mothers and daughters together. It fearlessly explores the dynamic between three generations of women, navigating through difficult moments and untangling knots of past familial tension.

The taste of mango the 01 The Taste of Mango

Jawan: The biggest Bollywood blockbuster hit of 2023 was also arguably the most entertaining. Shah Rukh Khan played the dynamic double role of a father and son in the vigilante actioner filled with plenty of surprises. Although Jawan had a strong supporting cast, a solid storyline and powerful social messages, what really drove the film were the spectacular action sequences from start to finish and the great performances from a strong cast. Director Atlee delivered escapist action cinema at its best. The film was so loved that an extended cut was made available when it was premiered on Netflix.

Jawan inset shah rukh khan in jawan 155837 Jawan

 Chithha: The Tamil-language film received great reviews and positive buzz upon its release. The story of a devoted uncle taking the law into his own hands to protect his niece was a slow-burning drama that packed a punch. It handled the sensitive issue of child sexual abuse with tact and stood out as one of the year’s finest Tamil movies. Siddharth delivers a dynamic lead performance in a movie that defies traditional heroism norms in Indian cinema.

Joram Manoj Bajpayee15

 Joram: The survival thriller delighted audiences at film festivals globally before going on general release. One of the year’s best Bollywood films skilfully combined action, emotion, human drama, political corruption, and a police procedural investigation. The story of an innocent tribal villager on the run with his baby daughter from police and darker forces took a hard look at those living on the margins and exploitation of the poor. Manoj Bajpayee delivered one of the year’s best performances in the multi-layered movie. Joram found that hallowed middle ground between a commercial entertainer and more artistic cinema.

Bheed 131239

I am sirat Sirat Taneja Am Sirsat

 Bheed: There have been many movies set during the Covid-19 pandemic and this multi-starrer was one of the finest. Director Anubhav Sinha assembled a strong cast that included Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Dia Mirza and Pankaj Kapur for an episodic film that showed multiple stories of struggle during India’s lockdown. The powerful drama, shot beautifully in black and white, was inspired by real events. It captured important moments without being preachy and revealed how people reacted during a turbulent time. It also looked at issues like the Indian caste system, religion and political neglect.

dear jassi 01

 Ponniyin Selvan II: The stunning Mani Ratnam-directed sequel concluded an epic story that began with an acclaimed 2022 film. The magnificently mounted multi-starrer based on an epic 1954 novel once again combined a stunning star cast, with eyecatching costumes, lavish sets, and thrilling action. These were complemented by some magnificent music from AR Rahman. The satisfying Tamil-language sequel received positive reviews and was particularly praised for its mesmerising visuals from start to finish. The memorable characters added an extra layer to a landmark movie.

Dunki Shah Rukh Khan in Dunki Dunki

Dear Jassi: This powerful drama based on real-life events won an award at its world premiere at the Toronto international film festival and was then screened in official competition at the London film festival. Hollywood director Tarsem Singh Dhandwar returned to his Indian roots with the story of a Canadian girl from an affluent family falling for an uneducated kabaddi player during a trip to Punjab. The Romeo and Juliet-inspired drama combined romance with a darker lawless element. The two young leads breathed life into extremely challenging characters and left a lasting impact.

I Am Sirat: This timely documentary received a terrific response at international film festivals that included Toronto and London. The fascinating film revolved around a transwoman in Delhi who is forced to lead a double life, as a dutiful son at home for his disapproving widowed mother and as Sirat in her everyday life. Apart from opening a fascinating window into a silent world, what made the Deepa Mehta-produced documentary remarkable is that it was filmed on a smartphone and retained its emotive power without any compromise. The movie also sparked important debates about a taboo issue in south Asian culture.

the queen of my dreams the 01 The Queen of My Dreams

Animal: Ranbir Kapoor delivered an explosive lead performance as a man abused by his overbearing father who grows up to become an out-of-control maniac. Ace writer and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga cobined a father-son story with elements of trauma, vengeance, gang wars and full-throated action in a powerful entertainer. Great musical numbers and stunning turns from the entire cast, including Bobby Deol, turned this into explosive entertainer. The film may have divided audiences, but it clocked up huge box-office numbers.

Animal 000 Animal

More For You

Kristin Cabot

Coldplay Concert Scandal Exposes Kristin Cabot’s Link to Boston’s Secretive Old-Money Elite

LinkedIn/wccftech

Did you know the woman in the Coldplay adultery scandal is married into a Boston Brahmin family?

Highlights:

 
     
  • Kristin Cabot, HR chief at Astronomer, was caught on camera at a Coldplay concert in an intimate moment with CEO Andy Byron.
  •  
  • Both Cabot and Byron are married to other people; the viral video led to Byron's resignation.
  •  
  • Kristin is married to Andrew Cabot, heir to the Privateer Rum fortune and descendant of the historic Boston Brahmin Cabot family.
  •  
  • The scandal has renewed interest in the Cabots and their place in Boston’s old-money aristocracy.
  •  
 

A viral moment at a Coldplay concert has unexpectedly revived public interest in one of America’s most private upper-class families: the Cabots. Kristin Cabot, the Chief People Officer at data software firm Astronomer, was seen in a close embrace with now-former CEO Andy Byron during the band’s performance at Gillette Stadium last week. The moment, caught on the stadium’s 'kiss cam', quickly went viral.

It wasn’t just the workplace affair that stunned viewers, both Cabot and Byron are married to others. But what’s fuelling deeper intrigue is Cabot’s family connection: she’s married to Andrew Cabot, a sixth-generation descendant of one of Boston’s most powerful and historically significant families, the Cabots, part of the elite class known as the Boston Brahmins.

Keep ReadingShow less
Drishyam 3
Drishyam 3 marks the return of Georgekutty and his secrets
OTTPlay

Jeethu Joseph confirms 'Drishyam 3' story will focus on Georgekutty’s family and psychological fallout

Highlights:

  • Drishyam 3, starring Mohanlal and directed by Jeethu Joseph, is set to begin shooting in September 2025.
  • The third part will focus more on Georgekutty’s family dynamics, rather than an external investigation.
  • Jeethu Joseph completed the first draft of the script after a mentally and physically draining process.
  • Both Malayalam and Hindi versions of the film will release simultaneously, a first for the franchise.

Drishyam 3 is officially in motion, and filmmaker Jeethu Joseph has teased just enough to heighten anticipation for what’s coming next in Georgekutty’s story. At a recent college event in Muvattupuzha, Joseph revealed that this chapter won’t be about outside threats or police investigations; instead, it will turn inward. The narrative will focus squarely on Georgekutty’s family, exploring how they’ve been psychologically shaped by their past.

Drishyam 3 is about how people within the family perceive past events differently as they grow,” Joseph shared, hinting that this time, the emotional tension will stem more from within the home than from authorities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Fantastic Four

Early reactions say Fantastic Four First Steps revives Marvel with heart humour and stunning visuals

'Fantastic Four: First Steps' earns glowing early reviews as Marvel’s best film since 'Endgame'

Highlights:

  • Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in cinemas worldwide on 25 July
  • Early reactions praise the cast’s chemistry, visuals, and emotional depth
  • Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and Joseph Quinn receive high praise for their performances
  • Fans call it “the best cinematic version of the Fantastic Four to date”

Marvel Studios' The Fantastic Four: First Steps has received glowing early reactions following its world premiere in Los Angeles. Set to hit theatres on 25 July, the film marks the official MCU debut of Marvel’s original superhero team, and early viewers are already calling it one of the studio’s strongest entries in years.

  Fantastic Four First Steps hailed as Marvel’s return to form in early audience reactionsIMDB

Keep ReadingShow less
WWE SummerSlam 2025

Fandango partners with WWE to bring two-night SummerSlam spectacle to movie screens

X/WWE SummerSlam

John Cena and Cody Rhodes rematch to headline WWE SummerSlam 2025 in US cinemas via Fandango deal

Highlights:

• WWE teams up with Fandango to stream Premium Live Events in cinemas across the U.S.
• SummerSlam 2025 to screen live on 2–3 August at Regal Cinemas nationwide
• Two ticket options available, including an exclusive bundle with a SummerSlam t-shirt
• Major matches include Cena vs. Rhodes and CM Punk vs. Gunther

WWE’s biggest summer spectacle is heading to cinemas. For the first time, SummerSlam will be a two-night event and will screen live in select Regal Cinemas across the U.S. on 2 and 3 August. This comes as part of a newly announced partnership between WWE and Fandango, the leading online movie ticketing platform.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan says women-led Hindi films have become too intense and need more fun and boldness

“Make them bold sexy and full of joy”: Vidya Balan says women-led Hindi films have stopped being fun

Highlights:

  • Vidya Balan urges Hindi filmmakers to rethink how women-led films are written.
  • She calls for stories that highlight joy, playfulness, and sensuality, not just pain or struggle.
  • The Tumhari Sulu star admits she hasn’t come across a single exciting female-led script in a while.
  • Post-pandemic caution, she feels, has stifled creativity and risk-taking in cinema.

Vidya Balan, known for shifting the narrative around female characters in Bollywood, is calling on filmmakers to shake things up once again. The actor believes Hindi cinema needs to reimagine women’s stories, not with heavier plots or louder messages, but with joy, playfulness, and creative risk-taking.

“In Hindi cinema, especially in women-led films, there’s a need for reinvention,” Balan said in an interview. “Most of the stories I read are so intense. Like, women aren’t having fun anymore. And I want to have fun.”

Keep ReadingShow less