While 2016 was quite a damp year for Bollywood, with big films tanking badly at the box office, this year has more reasons to celebrate.

JAGGA JASOOS

Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif come back on screen for one last time in this comedy caper, styled on the lines of Jean Pierre Jeunet’s films (remember Amelie?) and directed by Anurag Basu. Will Basu and Kapoor repeat a Barfi!?

RAHNUMA

No one knows what the film is actually called, and Rahnuma is what we hear it is titled for now, but Imtiaz Ali’s next film might just be his biggest endeavour yet. It stars Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma, and while we are scared that it will be on the same lines as Ali’s favourite depressed-boy-bubbly-girl- role-reversal-after-the- interval trope, we cannot help but drool over the project.

OK JAANU

While the Humma Humma remix debacle has gotten the whole country up in arms, we must admit that the film shows promise. With Shaad Ali leading the gang in this remake of Mani Ratnam’s OK Kanmani, and Aditya and Shraddha’s undeniably sizzling chemistry, OK Jaanu might just become Bollywood’s new mush mascot.

PHILLAURI

 

 

 

 

 

Remember our other favourite thing from Udta Punjab? Diljit Dosanjh teams up with Anushka Sharma for a romantic comedy based in Phillaur, Punjab. Expect fireworks, people.

KAABIL

Are we hopeful about Kaabil? Not really, but, after all, it is a Hrithik Roshan film. And the man must be really prepping to punch hard after the debacle that was Mohenjo Daro.

RANGOON

Shahid Kapoor is coming back this year with Vishal Bhardwaj’s Rangoon. The film also stars Kangana Ranaut and Saif Ali Khan. Enough said.

TOILET

We love the films Akshay Kumar is choosing these days. Kumar comes back this year with Bhumi Pednekar for a social satire on open defecation in the country. Much needed, we have to say.

A DEATH IN THE GUNJ

Konkona Sen Sharma’s directorial debut is a taut yet lyrical thriller set in the 1970s, with a crackling ensemble cast. Take it from someone who has already seen the film — it is not to be missed. Steeped in nostalgia, check it out for the direction, dry humour and Kalki Koechlin and Tillotama Shome.

RAEES

The Baadshah is bringing badassery back. Action, dialoguebaazi and Shah Rukh Khan at his arrogant best, this is one of the highlights of the year.

SIMRAN

 

 

 

 

 

Hansal Mehta partners with Kangana Ranaut for what looks like Ranaut’s next big solo outing since Queen. While Mehta has proven his mettle with serious, documentary-style features, it will be interesting to see him pair up with the eclectic powerhouse that is Ranaut.