My top 10 films - Alfeeya Donna

RAPIDLY rising star Alfeeya Donna is an Arab-Indian award-winning actress, classically trained singer, and dancer, who made her film debut with recently released film Jihad –The Holy War, which was released across various online platforms in Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Bhojpuri. Her last music release was romantic breakup ballad, Do Hisse. Eastern Eye got the beauty to select 10 films she loves.

Jihad – The Holy War (2021): This film is close to my heart and will always be as it’s my very first Hindi feature film as an actress. It’s a good concept and message-oriented film, where I got the opportunity to play such a significant and challenging role. As an actress, I have always been a follower of parallel/realistic cinema and wanted to act in good subjects, with profound scripts like this. This film allowed me to take up a challenging role, where I got a huge scope to portray my acting and performance skills.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001): We all know what a great filmmaker Steven Spielberg sir is! This is one of the greatest works he has come out with. It takes great directorial skills to depict a mother and son’s unbreakable bonding with a deeply emotional touch woven in a sci-fi background. Very few movies have been able to make such a strong impact with script, screenplay, direction and stellar performances. I get emotional whenever I watch it. All the actors have done a marvellous job, especially the child actor.

Beauty and the Beast (2017): I am a follower of all Disney movies. The original animated Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite Disney films. The musical score, songs, suspense, and, of course, the unique love story is so beautifully crafted. This was arguably the best of the live-action remakes and captured the original magic really well.

Veer Zaara (2004): This cross-border romance is an absolute masterpiece. It’s a classic to remember and cherish for many years to come. From joy, love and passion to grief, anger and sorrow, the must-watch film for all ages is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This film is everything and makes sure to keep the audience engaged in each and every scene. The legendary Yash Chopra sir has done a remarkable job with Aditya Chopra’s beautiful script. It is another film that impacts me emotionally whenever I watch it.

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006): It’s not the best representation of what married couples can go through in terms of having mixed emotions in their relationships, but it is definitely close to the most realistic approach. The Karan Johar-directed drama is a controversial concept that many Indian filmmakers would hesitate to make, but he took on the challenge. I loved everything about this film, including the acting, location, direction, story, cinematography and music.

Maid in Manhattan (2002): A sweet romcom Hollywood film that I can never get bored of watching. One of my all-time absolute favourites, I have watched it more than 20 times. This film will make you feel happy. The movie cast headed by the brilliant Jennifer Lopez was just wonderful in this feelgood story.

The Tourist (2010): The twist-laden plot is just fabulous. You barely get to see a unique action movie plot these days and this was exactly that. It’s an action movie which doesn’t get intense or rushed. It focusses on the beauty of Venice, and you end up enjoying yourself like a tourist as well. Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp are amazing in their characters. There is a nice suspense, great mystery and a terrific ending.

Racer and the Jailbird (2017): Fast-moving, kind of nasty, emotional, and very moving. This was a film I watched at the Goa International Film Festival and was very emotionally impacted. It’s a film that very much focuses on good storytelling. It’s a typical French realistic film with many good qualities, from the amazing acting to the little things like how the characters interact with each other. It isn’t a film for the faint-hearted and is pretty graphic, but still a story to behold nonetheless.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006): A motivational movie based on a real-life struggle of a man with his small kid. It’s very inspiring and again is a message-oriented film that I loved. The hard-hitting dialogues and certain scenes have a lingering effect on you. Also, it has good acting by real-life father-son duo, Will Smith and Jaden Smith.

Baahubali: The Beginning (2015): The stunning cinematic masterpiece and its sequel are two of the best movies ever made in Indian cinema history. I am sure all Indians globally are proud of this film. Hard work and dedication were truly reflected by its director SS Rajamouli sir, along with the entire troupe, including actors, on this project. A visual treat. The acting, concept, story, cinematography, direction, music and everything else was fabulous.

Visit Instagram: @alfeeyadonna