My Favorite Scenes from Hindi Films (2017)

I never end up watching enough films to have my own objective & definitive 'Best of' lists. 2017 was no different. But God knows I love discussing the ones that I do watch. So whenever I do my 'Year End' things, I call it a list of my favorites so as to save myself from your judging stares. Last year I started this blog. But it has been quite some time since I wrote anything. I am hoping compiling this list will finally break the dry spell. So here goes my favorite scenes from the Hindi films of 2017. I will try to keep it short & cute!

The one where Miss Julia is introduced (Rangoon)

Reason I love it: 

I simply love a good "hero" introduction. The song sequence not only introduces Julia as a movie star at her prime but also with just a few lines establishes the borderline exploitative relationship between Russi & her. Through this song, the director also pays an ode to  the people who work behind the scenes to make a film. 

Oh wait,did I say aesthetics?

The one where Sugandha puts the shagoon exchange on hold (Shubh Mangal Saavdhan)

Reason I love it: 

The initial half an hour of Shubh Mangal Saavdhan delightfully depicts how Sugandha takes matters in her hands to change the narrative of her life. In the shagoon ceremony she makes sure her word  & wish are given as much priority as Mudit's which sets the tone for the relationship they go on to share and the film at large. Seema Pahwa as her mom pretending she lost the card and then finding it "right there" inside her bag as soon as she gave her go ahead is one of the funniest scenes for me last year.

The one where Pritam Vidrohi becomes Bad-ass Babua (Bareilly Ki Barfi)

Reason I love it:

I don't think this one needs much explaining. Pure seeti-taali moment!

The one where they finish reading Lipstick Waale Sapne Together (LUMB)

Reason I love it:

The ladies of Lipstick Under My Burkha, by the end of the film, are in a far worse situation than when the story started out. Still, as they sit together, finish reading the last few pages of 'Lipstick Wale Sapne', share a few laughs and some of their grievances, they somehow realize, they are in it together, not matter how different their issues are. We too dare to hope that these women will lift each other up just a little and maybe, just maybe, they will be alright.

The one where Anarkali meets Hiraman (Anarkali of Aarah)

Reason I love it:

The profession that gave Anarkali her small-town fame was the same that drove her from her home. The craft that she cherished with all her heart was what brought her one wave of humiliation after the other. Just when she was ready to give up her identity for a moment of peace, came Hiraman. He reminded her of the way she used to see herself- as an artist. After such trying circumstances, Anarkali needed external validation to be proud of herself again, and Hiraman gave her that.

The one where they finally meet Purnima (A Death in the Gunj)

Reason I love it

The build up to the scene is what makes it so interesting. We learn early on that Vikram (Shoray) has gotten married. He avoids introducing his wife to his friends family which creates a sense of curiosity about his wife, with his friends secretly assuming that this Purnima is merely a coarse local girl. But when everyone meets the graceful & charismatic Purnima, they are thrown off balance. This scene, besides being a storehouse of all things charming also works as a pivot point in the storyline after which everything goes horribly wrong. 

Although now that I think, it would've sufficed to say that I can relate with little Taani.

The One Where Sulu Practices being a Career-Woman (Tumhari Sulu)

Reason I Love It

Tumhari Sulu turned out to be the feel-best movie of the year. Honestly speaking, it's full of moments I really liked. It made me think of my mother who is just as multifaceted. She also has that innate, unassuming charm about her. I often wonder what she could have done had she pursued her talents. When Sulu sees the air-hostesses next-door returning from their work she's fascinated just to see them in uniforms. She invites them to tea so she could listen to some of their experiences. Later she comes into her room and poses with her bag & phone as she fancies herself a career-woman. When she returns that bag in the wardrobe, I wondered how many such dreams my mom must have closed her doors on.

The one where Bubla & Bindu Part Ways (Meri Pyaari Bindu)

Reason I Love It

"Yeh teri kahaani hai, Abhi. Meri wali thodi alag hoti"-one line, that added a whole new dimension to the film and made it really special for me.  The sequence is- for lack of a better word at my disposal- magical! The bittersweet flavor is reminiscent of La La Land, where the lead pair run through a mental show-reel of what could have been. Here Bubla has written an alternate ending to his love story where he gets the girl. But Bubla seems to have reached a far more definitive closure by letting go than either Mia or Sebastian ever did and that made my heart really happy. Also it was a treat to finally see Bindu (from a third person POV & not Abhi's) and to know that she has finally found what she has been looking for all her life, albeit in a form different from her expectations.