2021 was a year of great recovery for Bollywood after the tough times caused by the pandemic. Movie theaters, which had been shut down for months because of COVID-19 rules, finally opened again, bringing back the excitement of watching films on the big screen. People were excited to return to cinemas and enjoyed a mix of movies, including action-packed films, true stories, emotional dramas, and movies that reflected real-life issues. This made 2021 a strong year for the film industry, with many movies grabbing the audience’s attention. Here’s a look at the top 7 Hindi films of 2021 that not only did well at the box office but also connected with viewers in a meaningful way.
Pushpa: The Rise (Hindi Dubbed)
Originally a Telugu movie, Pushpa: The Rise turned into one of the most popular films of 2021, especially in its Hindi-dubbed version. Directed by Sukumar, the film tells the story of Pushpa Raj, a man from a simple background who rises to power in the dangerous world of red sandalwood smuggling. What makes Pushpa stand out is its bold, realistic storytelling, exciting action sequences, and the larger-than-life portrayal of its main character.
Allu Arjun’s role as the strong, fearless, and charismatic Pushpa was widely praised and helped him gain a massive following. Rashmika Mandanna played the female lead, and their chemistry was one of the highlights of the film. The movie’s powerful dialogues and songs, especially “Pushpa… Pushpa Raj,” became hugely popular, and the music, including the hit track “Srivalli,” went viral, adding to the film’s success.
Despite its intense and dark theme, the film was a big commercial hit. Made on a budget of just Rs 150 million, it became a major box office success.
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Box Office: Rs 365 crore
- Verdict: Hit
Haseen Dillruba
A movie loved for its gripping story and unexpected twists, Haseen Dillruba was one of the standout films of 2021. Directed by Vinil Mathew, the film follows Rani, a simple woman stuck between two men, both hiding big secrets. Taapsee Pannu played Rani, a character who is both fragile and strong. Her acting was widely praised for adding depth to her role and making the film’s thrilling plot even more engaging.
Along with Taapsee, the film stars Vikrant Massey and Harshvardhan Rane, who both delivered strong performances. The story kept viewers on edge with its unpredictable twists, touching on themes like love, betrayal, and revenge. While the film focused on the relationships between the characters, it also explored the darker side of human emotions and the outcomes of choices driven by passion.
Haseen Dillruba had a direct-to-OTT release on Netflix, allowing it to be seen by a large audience worldwide. The film’s unique narrative and suspenseful style resulted in mixed reviews. While some appreciated the film’s unpredictable nature, others thought it could have been more in-depth with its subject matter. Nevertheless, it garnered a lot of attention on streaming platforms and became one of the top-rated movies of the year.
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Verdict: Average
Bhuj: The Pride of India
“Bhuj: The Pride of India” is a movie based on true events from the 1971 war between India and Pakistan. It shares an uplifting story about the courage and strong will of Indian Air Force (IAF) officers. The film, made by Abhishek Dudhaiya, centers on Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik (played by Ajay Devgn) and his team, who worked tirelessly to repair the Bhuj airstrip after it was damaged in the war. The movie also highlights how local women played a key role in helping to rebuild the runway, even in very tough conditions.
The film stars actors like Sanjay Dutt, Nora Fatehi, and Sonakshi Sinha, who all have significant roles in the story. “Bhuj” is about patriotism, bravery, and sacrifice, showing how people united during a challenging time for the country. While some viewers felt the movie didn’t fully capture the emotions of the real events, it still became a hit, especially among fans of grand, dramatic war films.
- IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
- Box Office: Released on Disney+ Hotstar (Direct-to-OTT)
- Verdict: Average
Dhamaka
Directed by Ram Madhvani, Dhamaka is a gripping thriller that caught everyone’s attention because of its creative storytelling and strong acting. The movie stars Kartik Aaryan in a standout role as Arjun Pathak, a news anchor who gets caught in a dangerous situation when a terrorist makes a live bomb threat during his show. The film dives into the tough choices Arjun has to make, deciding between his career and saving lives.
With its fast-paced action and Aaryan’s intense performance, Dhamaka keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. The movie tackles important topics like how the media sometimes exaggerates stories, the ethics of journalism, and how stress affects people’s minds. At first, some people thought the story was too simple, but later, it was appreciated for its sharp take on the media industry. Released on Netflix, Dhamaka quickly became one of the most popular thrillers of 2021.
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Verdict: Hit
The Big Bull
The Big Bull is inspired by real events and tells the story of stockbroker Harshad Mehta, who was implicated in India’s largest financial scam in the 1990s. Directed by Kookie Gulati, the film stars Abhishek Bachchan as Harshad Mehta, with Ileana de Cruz and Nikita Dutta in important roles. It chronicles Mehta’s rise from a novice in the stock market to a significant player in India’s financial arena, leading to his eventual downfall.
The movie received a variety of responses. Some viewers praised Bachchan’s performance and the film’s insights into the financial system, while others believed it did not adequately explore Mehta’s character or the details of the scandal. Released on Disney+ Hotstar, The Big Bull shed light on corruption in India’s financial sector but was also criticized for its dramatization and exaggeration of events.
- IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
- Verdict: Average
Shershaah
Shershaah, a 2021 film, is a true-life war story that highlights the courageous journey of Captain Vikram Batra, a well-known hero from the Kargil War. Directed by Vishnu Varadhan, the movie stars Sidharth Malhotra in a standout performance as Captain Batra. It not only shows Vikram Batra’s bravery and sacrifices during the 1999 Kargil War but also explores his personal life, including his love story with his fiancée, Dimple Cheema, played by Kiara Advani.
The film deeply moved audiences with its emotional storytelling and intense war scenes. It was praised for its accurate portrayal of real events and the powerful acting, especially by Malhotra, who received a lot of appreciation for his role as the fearless soldier. Released on Amazon Prime Video, Shershaah quickly became one of the most popular films of the year, making it a memorable addition to the war drama category.
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Box Office: Released on Amazon Prime Video (Direct-to-OTT)
- Verdict: Super Hit
Shiddat
Shiddat is a love story that dives into the ideas of destiny and romance, showing how two people are destined to cross paths. Directed by Kunal Deshmukh, the movie stars Sunny Kaushal and Radhika Madan as the main couple. The story focuses on Jaggi, a man who falls deeply in love with a woman, but she doesn’t feel the same way, which takes him on a tough emotional journey.
The film has a lot of heartfelt moments, with great acting and a lovely soundtrack. It was praised for its exploration of relationships and how love can shape the decisions we make in life. While the story might feel a bit familiar, Shiddat still managed to connect with viewers, especially those who enjoy romantic dramas that focus on emotions and relationships.
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Verdict: Average
Conclusion
2021 was a very important year for Bollywood as the film industry bounced back strongly after the pandemic. When movie theaters opened again, people were excited to watch all kinds of films, from exciting action movies like Pushpa: The Rise to emotional dramas like Shershaah. The industry didn’t just recover, it thrived, with movies impressing audiences through amazing acting, interesting stories, and memorable music.
Movies like Pushpa, Dhamaka, and Shershaah showed Bollywood’s ability to create both big, exciting films and heartfelt, personal stories. Even with challenges, 2021 proved that the magic of cinema is still alive, setting the stage for a promising future in Indian filmmaking. These films didn’t just entertain, they also showed strength and resilience, building a strong foundation for what’s next.
