Gandhi
My favourite film would be Gandhi, which was hailed world over as a master piece. Richard Attenborough has taken immense efforts to glean the most important aspects of the Mahatma’s life. The spirit of the times was aptly portrayed in this film. The scene in which the judge rose up in respect for Gandhiji is my most favourite moment in the film.
S. Venkatachalam
via-email
Mother India
One can never forget Mother India, directed by Mehboob Khan. This movie was released in 1957, during the golden age of Indian cinema. Radha(Nargis), despite her hardships, brings up her sons. However, she as a true patriot kills her son, who is a criminal. Nargis’s performance is outstanding. With melodious songs, shot in the rural Indian landscape, this film deserves a unique place in the world of cinema.
Usha Kumari
via-email
Patriotism and valour
Veerapandiya Kattabomman, filmed in 1958, brought international recognition to Sivaji Ganesan and Tamil cinema industry.
It is about the life of the valorous Polagar, who laid down his life in the fight against the Britishers and became a synonym for courage and patriotism in Tamil Nadu. Sivaji Ganesan virtually lived the role and became a model for aspiring actors. The film won several awards for its music, photography and other technical aspects.
Commander R.Ramakrishnan
Ghaziabad
Paasamalar
Paasamalar remains ever-green in my memory. The realistic story of an orphaned brother and sister, who are inseparable, moved me. Sivaji Ganesan was just superb in the film. Gemini Ganesan also deserves a mention. The film has moving dialogues. The songs with beautiful lyrics by the late poet Kannadasan, were set to melodious music by the then famous duo, Viswanathan-Ramamoorthy. My most memorable scene in the film is where the brother falls sick and dies, after letting go of his entire wealth for the sake of his sister’s happiness.
K.D.Viswanaathan
Thadagam Road
Dirty Picture
Dirty Picture is my favourite. The film breaks away from the usual portrayal of film actresses as immoral. It addresses the hypocrisy of Indian society that ridicules actresses who play sensual roles, and at the same time enjoys their performances. Vidya Balan gives a fine and realistic performance as an actress who is isolated by her relatives and friends.
Divakar. T
via-email
3 Idiots
3 Idiots fascinates me, every time I watch it. This movie has all the fun elements such as romance, comedy and drama. Moreover, it gives you hope and energy. The strength of the film lies in its strong script. Each character remains etched in your heart.
Prashant
Vivek Nagar
Manthan
My favourite movie is Manthan, directed by Shyam Benegal and released in the 1970s. The movie is about the story of White Revolution which originated in Gujarat, under the leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien. The film portrays the germination of an idea blossoming into a movement -with all the impediments thwarting the process and finally its successful completion. The film is memorable for the great performances by Naseeruddin Shah, Amrish Puri, Girish Karnad, and Smitha Patil.
V. Natarajan
via-email
Lagaan
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Lagaan. The camaraderie amongst the villagers while playing the cricket matches is inspiring and touching. I found the cricket match in the film so gripping, that I even applauded unabashedly thinking it was a real match when I first watched it! The songs were appropriate to the mood of the movie. Sets were realistic and each actor deserves special mention.
M.S. Surekha Nair
Anugraha Gardens
Vaaranam Aayiram
Vaaranam Aayiram tops my list. It deals with love, pain and sorrow which are a part and parcel of life. The relationship between a father and a son is portrayed beautifully. The movie has lovely songs too. It is easily one of the best feature films in Tamil cinema.
P. Sharmista
G. N. Mills Post
Ghajini
Ghajini is a beautiful film .What I loved about the movie was the innocent romance between the lead pair, and of course, the thriller aspect. Asin is adorable as the bubbly Kalpana, who helps everyone. The scene where she guides a blind man is unforgettable. The film also raises questions on issues such as trafficking of girls, in a sensitive manner.
G. Rashmi
Via-email
Spirit
The latest Malayalam film, Spirit, would be one of my favourites. The movie is socially relevant as it addresses the adverse effects of alcoholism.
This movie would have definitely changed the lives of at least a few alcoholics, who watched it. Actor Mohanlal has delivered one of his best performances in the movie.
Aparna Rajeevan
Velandipalayam
Paa
I loved Paa, starring Amitabh Bacchan ,Abishek Bacchan and Vidya Balan. It has an excellent storyline and is a beautiful blend of humour and drama.
Lalitha Parameswaran
via-email
Taare Zameen Par
Taare Zameen Par is an all time favourite. The film showed the pain of an eight-year-old boy with learning disability. The complex portrayal of the mother's role adds to the emotional strength of the film.
Kshipra Amit
K. K. Pudur
Barfi!
Barfi! is a milestone in Indian cinema. One cannot forget the brilliant cinematography and excellent acting by Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. We need more of such performance oriented films.
Saravana V
Via-email
Ayudha Ezhuthu
Aayudha ezhuthu, scripted and directed by Maniratnam is my favourite film. The script, of the film, with powerful dialogues, is brilliant. I liked the simple story line of the film. It talks about how the youngsters of the country should get into politics, instead of just criticising the system. .
R. Karthigeyan
Sri Shakthi Institute of Engg & Technology
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