After a lull of nearly two years, cinephiles can finally look forward to all kinds of cinematic treats this year. 2023 is all geared up to welcome a fresh line-up of titles ranging from blockbusters and jaw-dropping action extravaganzas like Pathaan, Tiger 3, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and Jawan to inspiring biopics and crime thrillers like Maidaan and Animal. Comedy lovers and rom-com fans can expect new flicks from seasoned directors in this department like Karan Johar and Luv Ranjan, who will bring to the big screen the rom-coms Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani and Tu Jhooti Main Makkar respectively. Then there is the social comedy-drama Dunki, which marks the first collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and one of the most successful filmmakers of Bollywood — Raj Kumar Hirani. There is so much heading to the big screens this year that it is impossible to keep calm, especially if you are a cine buff. Here's our list of big screen movies to look forward to this year.
PATHAAN
Release date: January 25, 2023
Directed by: Siddharth Anand
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, John Abraham
Four years after the last entry (WAR) in YRF’s spy universe, the production house is back with its most awaited fourth instalment to its popular action-packed franchise — Pathaan. Starring none other than the Badshah of Bollywood, the film also marks Shah Rukh’s comeback to the big screen after a five year’s hiatus. Reasons enough to make a dash to the cinema halls as soon as the film hits the marquee. Speaking about the film and his lead actor, director Siddharth Anand said, “He is the alpha man on a mission in this action spectacle that will hopefully set new benchmarks for the action genre in India. When you have Shah Rukh Khan in your film, along with superstars like Deepika Padukone and John Abraham, you have to reach for the stars in every department, and I don’t think we will disappoint on that promise with Pathaan.” What’s more, Pathaan will also feature Salman Khan in a cameo role, essaying the role of Avinash Singh Rathore aka Tiger from the Tiger movie franchise. Exciting, isn’t it? Well, go ahead and mark your calendar right away!
SHEHZADA
Release date: February 10, 2023
Directed by: Rohit Dhawan
Starring: Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Sanon, Paresh Rawal, Manisha Koirala
Featuring the emerging star of Bollywood — Kartik Aaryan, Shehzada is another most anticipated film of 2023. Billed as an action-packed family drama, Shehzada is the Hindi remake of the 2020 Telugu blockbuster Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, and follows the story of Bantu (Kartik), who grows up being constantly subjected to his father's scorn. However, he later learns that he was taken away from his real parents, and decides to carve a place for himself within the family to which he truly belongs. The film will show Kartik in a never-seen-before-avatar and promises to be a complete entertainer. Manisha Koirala, who shall be seen after a long time on the big screen said, “I think Kartik Aaryan is a very talented, hard-working, and humble person. He understands the character and brings out something new.” Going by the teaser, one thing can be said for certain—this one is going to be one hell of an entertainer in 2023.
TU JHOOTI MAIN MAIN MAKKAR
Release date: March 8, 2023
Directed by: Luv Ranjan
Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Boney Kapoor
This upcoming rom-com, helmed by Luv Ranjan, is undoubtedly one of the most hotly-awaited films of 2023 for more than one reason. For starters, Tu Jhooti Main Makkar boasts of an interesting casting and brings together two talented Kapoors for the first time on the big screen — Ranbir and Shraddha. What makes this film a must-watch for cinephiles is the fact that this perhaps might be Ranbir’s last romantic film. Yeah, the actor had announced at an international film festival, “I don't know, it is probably going to be one of the last romantic comedies I do.” While we don’t know much about the film's plot, going by the teaser one can say that it has all the quirky trademark elements of a Luv Ranjan film and is sure to entertain. Speaking about the film, Ranbir said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this film. I have thoroughly enjoyed the way Luv has made the film. It was great to be working with Shraddha, we share similar creative energies.” Now, who would want to miss Ranbir’s apparently last rom-com film on the big screen?
KISI KA BHAI KISI KI JAAN
Release date: April 21, 23
Directed by: Farhad Samji
Starring: Salman Khan, Venkatesh, Pooja Hegde, Shehnaaz Kaur Gill
As has mostly been the case with all Salman Khan movies, Kisi Ka Bhai…Kisi Ki Jaan too is awaited with lots of excitement. While the makers are tight-lipped about the film, it is learned that the core plot of Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan is based on the 2014 Tamil film, Veeram, and the movie will be an action-packed entertainer. Pooja Hegde, who shall be sharing screen space opposite Salman Khan, said in an interview, “I had a blast working with Salman sir, as he is one of the most welcoming people on the sets.” The film also features Shehnaaz Kaur Gill, popular influencers Just Sul and Abdu Rozik. Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan is supposed to be a blend of action and romance, which is expected to be high on drama, catchy music, and all the entertaining elements, which are quintessential to a Salman Khan film.
ROCKY AUR RANI KI PREM KAHANI
Release date: April 28, 2023
Directed by: Karan Johar
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan
April brings along another delight for cine lovers — Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. Headlined by two of the most talented actors of Bollywood, Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, the romantic drama which is helmed by Karan Johar also features other talented actors like Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Parambrata Chatterjee among others. As in the case of most films these days, the makers aren’t revealing many details about the film yet, however, sources close to the film claim that the film will have a grand release, which would be on par with Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. An excited Karan said in an interview, “It’s like going back to basics with that film. For me, it’s like that naach gaana, fun, happiness, joyousness, the celebration of love and family.” The filmmaker adds, “I am so excited to be working with Dharam ji, Shabana ji, and Jaya aunty, I am excited. From Dharam ji to Alia Bhatt, the range of talent in the film is phenomenal.”
MAIDAAN
Release date: May 12, 2023
Directed by: Amit Ravindernath Sharma
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Priyamani, Gajraj Rao, Rudranil Ghosh
Ajay Devgn and Priyamani’s biographical sports-drama finally arrives in theatres in 2023 after nearly a two-year delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Inspired by an incredible true story, Maidaan showcases the journey of one of the finest football coaches that emerged from India, the one who put India on the global map — Syed Abdul Rahim. What makes the film all the more promising is its cast. The film features versatile actor Ajay Devgn and National award-winning actress Priyamani in lead roles. Commenting about the film, Ajay said in an interview, “It is a fabulous story, director Amit Ravindernath has done a great job. Maidaan has been a very moving and emotional journey for me." Ajay Devgn movies always promise good entertainment, and this one seems no different.
JAWAN
Release date: June 2, 2023
Directed by: Atlee
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Nayanthara, Vijay Sethupathi
Shah Rukh Khan is unstoppable in 2023. After enthralling the audience with Pathaan, the Badshah of Bollywood shall grace the screen again in 2023 with Jawan, which will be released in five languages. Jawan marks SRK’s first collaboration with Tamil director Atlee, who is extremely excited to work with the King Khan. The director said, “I want to give the audiences an exceptional experience, an event which they all can enjoy together and who better to deliver it than Shah Rukh Khan himself, presented like never before.” Talking about Jawan and its teaser, Shah Rukh said in a statement, “Jawan is a universal story that goes beyond languages and geographies and is for all to enjoy. Credit goes to Atlee for creating this unique film, which has also been a fantastic experience for me as I love action films! The teaser is just tip of the iceberg and gives a glimpse into what’s to come.” The film also stars versatile actor Vijay Sethupathi and the talented Nayanthara. Talk about a power-packed star cast, and Jawan undoubtedly has the best.
ANIMAL
Release date: August 11, 2023
Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Starring: Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, Tripti Dimri
After playing intriguing characters in films like Barfi, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, Rockstar, Tamasha, Jagga Jasoos, Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani, Sanju, Brahmastra and many more, versatile actor Ranbir Kapoor is all set to wow his audience again with his never-seen-before avatar in Animal. Directed by Sandeep Vanga of Kabir Singh fame, Animal is a crime thriller and features Bobby Deol, Anil Kapoor, Tripti Dimri and southern sensation Rashmika Mandanna in pivotal roles. Speaking about his character in the film, Ranbir said, “It's quite a shocking character and has got a lot of grey shades to it. I am looking forward to Animal because that's a script that's way out of my comfort zone. I am scared, but at the same time very excited.” And we are excited to watch this film!
GADAR 2: THE KATHA CONTINUES
Release date: August 11, 2023
Directed by: Anil Sharma
Starring: Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel, Utkarsh Sharma
Among the long list of movies, which are releasing in 2023, another film that has got movie buffs excited is Gadar 2: The Katha Continues. A sequel to 2001 hit romantic period drama Gadar: Ek Prem Katha, featuring Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel, Gadar 2 brings back the braveheart Tara Singh (Sunny) and his beloved Sakeena (Ameesha) to the big screen after 22 years. Gadar 2 takes a 20-year leap and chronicles a situation that brings Tara Singh back to Pakistan. While in the first part, we saw him fight for the love of his life, in the sequel, we shall see Sunny’s character go all the way to protect his son, Jeete, played by Utkarsh Sharma. Gadar 2 has retained the angst, drama and intensity of the first film. Revealing details about the film, director Anil Sharma said, “Much like Gadar, even the sequel is in the period set up because it is a continuation of what happens in the lives of Tara, Sakina and Jeete. The world wants to know more about them. Tara Singh has become folklore, he is like Superman, soft at heart but powerful. Our tagline ‘The Katha Continues’ should be taken in a literal sense as the story continues much like Bahubali and Godfather.” No wonder, the excitement around this one is bound to get doubled.
TIGER 3
Release date: November 10, 2023
Directed by: Maneesh Sharma
Starring: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ranvir Shorey, Emraan Hashmi
Salman Khan returns once again with his Tiger franchise with director Maneesh Sharma behind the camera. The much-awaited film is the fifth instalment in YRF’s spy universe and the third in the Tiger franchise headlined by Salman Khan. It features Salman as the RAW agent Avinash Singh Rathore and Katrina Kaif as Zoya Humaini. The newest addition to the cast is Emraan Hashmi, who shall be seen playing the main antagonist in this espionage thriller. That’s not all, Shah Rukh Khan will also have an extended cameo role in Tiger 3 as a crossover from the film Pathaan. Soon after dropping the announcement video, film’s director Maneesh Sharma said, “When I was handed over the reins of Tiger 3, I had one singular vision — to take this massively popular and beloved franchise to a level that would set a new benchmark. With the launch announcement, we wanted the personalities of the much-loved Jodi of Tiger and Zoya to shine through, and I think that’s what made the announcement such a hit with fans. Having whetted their appetite, I can only say that the actual movie is something that will be well worth the wait.” Well, we are certainly blocking are dates right away.
DUNKI
Release date: December 22, 2023
Directed by: Rajkumar Hirani
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani
Dunki is indeed one of the most hotly awaited films of the year for more than one reason. Firstly, it marks Shah Rukh Khan and Rajkummar Hirani’s first-ever collaboration. Director Rajkummar Hirani has been wanting to work with SRK since his first directorial venture, and his dream to work with Shah Rukh is finally coming true. What’s more, Hirani is known for bringing unique, intriguing subjects to the big screen, and Dunki, with its title itself has piqued the curiosity of all movie-going audiences. While not much is known about the subject, film’s leading man, SRK, explained the title of the film in a recent interview. He said, “In English, my film would be called Donkey, it is Donkey. But the way a part of the country pronounces donkey in India, it is ‘dunki’. The Punjabis say it (donkey) like dunki… How much to tell you about the story? It is a film directed by one of the most brilliant filmmakers we have had in our country, Mr Raju Hirani. It is written by a very fantastic writer, Abhijat Joshi. It is a story of people who want to come back home… when you finally get the calling.” Reportedly, the film will highlight the rampant use of an illegal backdoor route called ‘Donkey Flight’ that Indians undertake to migrate to countries like Canada and the USA. Now, this one certainly can’t be missed.
