The year 2022 has finally come to an end, and this year gave us so many classic hits. After the Pandemic, we saw a new trend where movie makers directly released their movies to OTT platforms.
The massive blockbusters KGF Part 2 and RRR were released this year. Among all this, director Ayan Mukherji gave us an experience of the Indian multiverse with Brahmastra. All these movies were released in theatres and received a good response from the audience.
In addition to these high-profile, high-budget movies, other movies with unique plotlines and outstanding directing were also released. Despite the fact that the general public has not given these films much praise, they are nevertheless worth seeing.
So, here is a list of the top 15 movies that are worthy of praise and appreciation.
1. Uunchai
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Genre: Drama and adventure
Release Date: November 11, 2022
OTT Platform: ZEE 5
In the movie, Uunchai, three old friends named Amit, Om, and Javed trekked to the Everest Base Camp in order to grant their fourth buddy Bhupen’s final desire. As they struggle with their physical constraints and learn the true meaning of freedom, what starts out as a straightforward hike becomes a personal, emotional, and spiritual adventure.
This film is noteworthy for a variety of reasons, the most notable of which is the storyline, which is both unique and refreshing. The movie is brilliantly shot, and last but not least is the performance of four legendary actors: Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, and Danny Denzongpa.
2. Qala
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: Drama and Music
Release Date: 1 December 2022
OTT Platform: Netflix
The Qala movie is an absolute craft, thanks to writer-director Anvita Dutta. This movie has everything, be it top-notch sets, artists, a compelling storyline, or excellent direction. The movie is very aesthetically pleasing, and the story is set in the film industry of the 1930s.
Babil Khan also made his debut with this film, and he is receiving a lot of appreciation from critics as well. Tripti Dimri is playing the lead character in the movie, and she has blended in so well with the character. The storyline of this movie flows like poetry. Everyone should see this film because it is different from the usual Bollywood fare.
3. Drishyam 2
IMDb rating: 8.6/10
Genre: drama, thriller, and crime
Release Date: November 18, 2022
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
As we all know, the first part of Drishyam was a massive hit, and soon after its release, the sequel to the movie was announced. Drishyam, the film, is a Hindi remake of a Malayalam film. Drishyam 1 and 2 are both among the few remakes that actually did justice to the original plot.
The story of the movie is definitely one that will bind the audience. The performances of Ajay Devgan and Akshay Khanna are the cherry on top.
4. Gangubai kathiawadi
IMDb rating: 7/10
Genre: biography and drama
Release Date: February 25, 2022
OTT Platform: Netflix
There is no doubt that Gangubai Kathiawadi is one of Alia Bhatt’s most successful films, and she has since proven how talented she is as an actor. But it’s not just Alia Bhatt; Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of the biggest reasons behind the success of the movie.
The plot revolves around the life of a prostitute who is duped by her husband and sold to Rashmibai’s brothel. The movie showcases how she fights and becomes one of the most respectable people in Kamathipura.
One of my personal favorites from the film was Gangubai’s final speech on Azaad Maidaan. The story of Gangubai is the story of courage, and it showcases the harsh reality of people involved in such practises.
5. Jogi
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: drama and thriller
Release Date: September 16, 2022
OTT Platform: Netflix
The film’s plot is set during the 1980s riots. This movie features some of the best actors in the industry. The movie received mixed reviews from the audience. Director Ali Abbas Zaffar has beautifully directed this movie.
Even though the film may not be among the finest at capturing the 1984 riots, this movie can definitely give an insight to the younger generation as to what life was like back then during such horrifying times.
6. Salam Venky
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Genre: Drama
Release Date: 9 December 2022
OTT Platform: ZEE 5
The movie Salam Venky addresses the extremely delicate subject of euthanasia. The film doesn’t set out to deplete the audience of all emotion; instead, it tempers the journey with humorous moments and guides us through an upbeat conclusion.
The movie’s plot has the potential to ignite a crucial conversation about euthanasia. Both Kajol and Vishal Jethwa deliver strong performances. You will feel hopeful and moved to tears by Venky’s story.
7. Doctor G
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Genre: comedy and drama
Release Date: October 14, 2022
OTT Platform: Netflix
Doctor G showcases the story of Uday Gupta, who wanted to become an orthopedist but, due to a lack of seats, got enrolled in gynecology, which he was least interested in. He believes that gynecology is a subject made for women, as most patients prefer female doctors at the time of delivery.
This film perfectly showcases how some professions are still considered on the basis of gender. The film is full of humor with a social message. This film will surely give the viewers a laugh.
8. Jhund
IMDb rating: 7.4/10
Genre: Drama, Biography, and Sport
Release Date: March 4, 2022
OTT Platform: ZEE 5
There really is no need to introduce Amitabh Bachchan; he is without a doubt the biggest star in Bollywood. Amitabh Bachhan’s film choices, whether they be Peeku, Uunchai, Pa, Pink, or Jhud, are what most intrigue people. He always chooses a different script, and that comes out in his acting as well.
The plot of Jhund centers on a sports teacher who frequently encounters a group of young criminals from the neighborhood slums who loiter around and kill time by fighting, smoking, playing cards, and robbing bystanders.
To help these slum residents find a productive outlet for their energies, Vijay takes the initiative to introduce football to them.
There isn’t a single thing about this film, but the whole thing is a masterpiece that everyone should see.
9. Chup
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Genre: drama, thriller, and romance
Date of release: September 23, 2022
OTT Platform: ZEE 5
The movie is a spine-chilling thriller, and the performances of the whole cast are something to look for. The cinematic experience of this movie is something that will bind the audience.
Although the reviews of this movie are mixed, you never know what you might like. The performance of Dulquer Salman is to die for. Everybody has a story, and so does a killer, and one must watch this film if you are interested in thriller movies.
10. Sita Ramam
IMDb rating: 8.6/10
Genre: Drama and Romance
Release Date: August 5, 2022
OTT Platform: Disney Plus Hotstar
This movie is a masterpiece, and it definitely deserves much more recognition than it got. Not just one thing, but every aspect of this film is outstanding. There is no doubt that the performance of Dulqueer Salman and Mrunal Thakur is beautiful.
This film makes you want to see more of it, and the unexpected twist is breathtaking. The soundtrack to the film is the icing on the cake. Everybody should watch it at least once.
11. Darlings
IMDb rating: 6.6/10
Genre: Drama, Comedy, and Thriller
Release Date: August 5, 2022
OTT Platform: Netflix
The year 2022 was definitely Alia Bhatt’s year, and this year she gave us massive hits like Gangubai, Brahmastra, and Darlings. Dralings’ story was cryptic but entertaining. We often don’t see Bollywood experimenting a lot with dark comedy, but this definitely worked in its favor.
The movie is well-written by Jasmeet and Parveez Sheikh and tightly edited by Nitin Baid; it will keep you hooked until the climax. The background score and songs go well with the film.
Not only in terms of direction and writing, but the movie also excels in terms of performance.
12. Jaadugar
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, and Sports
Release Date: July 15, 2022
OTT Platform: Netflix
This film is nothing extraordinary, but it is also nothing less. This is the perfect movie to uplift your mood after a tough day. The story is very fresh and new, and the first half might seem a bit slow, but the climax of the movie is worth a watch.
Javed Jafferi and Jitendra Kumar, also known as Jeetu Bhaiya, stole the show. Jitendra is one of the few actors who have the capability to make their audience smile with just their presence. Again, this movie deserved much more than what it received.
13. Jalsa
IMDb rating: 6.6/10
Genre: thriller and drama
Release Date: March 18, 2022
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
This movie is purely perfect in terms of story, direction, and acting. Jalsa is a slow-burn, intense drama that unfolds as a psychological thriller. The movie observes human behavior when put to the test.
In this movie, Vidya Balan and Shefali Shah stole the show. The intensity of Vidya Balan and the warmth in Shefali were amazing, and the last scene will definitely take your breath away.
14. Anek
IMDb rating: 6.6/10
Genre: Thriller, Drama, and Action
Date of release: May 27, 2022
OTT Platform: Netflix
Ayushman Khurrana’s Anek is a geo-political thriller and is based on a peace treaty between the government and a separatist group in the North East. This film depicts the harsh reality of many northern Indian states and their separation from the rest of the Indian states.
The movie showcases how northeasterners are different in terms of their looks and language. This film should be seen, and it is not like other commercial Bollywood films, but it is definitely worth seeing.
15. A Thursday
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Genre: Drama and thriller
Release Date: February 17, 2022
OTT Platform: Disney Plus Hotstar
The story is based on how a schoolteacher takes her children hostage. Every movie has its loopholes, but despite that, this movie deserves to be seen. The engaging screenplay and the background score make it a worth-watching thriller.
Yami Gautam is definitely one of the underrated actors of this time, and she deserves much more recognition. The concept of this movie is not very new, but it is worth a watch.
