Nominations for 69^th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 - Best Film (Critics')

Best Film (Critics') -

12th Fail

Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail has created waves in the film industry, standing strong against big-budget productions. Starring Virant Massey and Medha Shankr, the film has garnered praise for its outstanding storytelling and performances. Centred around a UPSC aspirant, the movie is adapted from Anurag Pathak's novel, detailing the journey of IPS officer Mohan Kumar Sharma. The film triumphs in delivering a compelling narrative and notable acting, securing its place among cinematic successes.

Best Film (Critics') -

Bheed

Anubhav Sinha

Anubhav Sinha's Bheed candidly recounts the harrowing experiences of migrants amid the 2020 coronavirus lockdown. As nationwide restrictions were imposed on March 24, 2020, forcing the closure of state borders, countless individuals who had migrated to cities for employment were compelled to return to their hometowns. This film starkly exposes the hardships endured by these migrant families, providing an unflinching portrayal of the unprecedented mass migration during the pandemic's initial lockdown.

Best Film (Critics') -

Faraaz

Hansal Mehta

Hansal Mehta's film, Faraaz, revolves around the 2016 Dhaka terror attack, where armed individuals attacked the Holey Artisan Bakery, claiming the lives of 20 people, predominantly foreigners, and taking others hostage, mainly Bangladeshi Muslims. The movie sheds light on the systemic bigotry faced by society. Through compelling performances, "Faraaz" delivers a poignant narrative, leaving a lasting impact.

Winner

Best Film (Critics') -

Joram

Devashish Makhija

Devashish Makhija and Manoj Bajpayee team up for the third time in Joram. Known for depicting the struggles of the underprivileged, Makhija explores the impact of 'development' on the common man. The story follows Dasru (Manoj Bajpayee), a former Naxalite who fled violence in his tribal village. Now working as a Mumbai construction worker, Dasru's life takes a dangerous turn when he encounters a woman from his past, leading to a series of violent events that force him back to Jharkhand. Inspector Ratnakar from the Mumbai police, assigned to apprehend Dasru, discovers corruption and deceit in Jharkhand, setting the stage for a gripping confrontation in a mine.

Best Film (Critics') -

Sam Bahadur

Meghna Gulzar

Sam Manekshaw, an esteemed Indian army officer with over four decades of service and participation in five wars, is the inaugural Field Marshal. Sam Bahadur chronicles the peaks and valleys of Manekshaw's remarkable career, marking him as the first Indian Army officer to attain the prestigious rank of Field Marshal.

Best Film (Critics') -

Three Of Us

Avinash Arun Dhaware

In the midst of dementia's onset, Shailaja confronts her past, present, and future. Battling fading memories, she sets out on a poignant journey to rediscover her childhood. Travelling along the Konkan coastline with her husband and childhood sweetheart, Shailaja grapples with the trauma of her youth, the routine of her marriage, and the intricacies of what lies ahead. Three of Us weaves a narrative of self-discovery amid the challenges posed by memory loss and the complexities of life's journey.

Best Film (Critics') -

Zwigato

Nandita Das

After the pandemic costs him his factory job, Manas (Kapil Sharma) turns to Zwigato, a food-delivery app. Manoeuvring through Bhubaneswar on his motorcycle, he faces daily challenges and impatient customers. Seeking financial stability, his wife Pratima (Shahana Goswami) takes a job as a mall cleaner. This decision challenges Manas' traditional views on being the sole provider, pushing him to reevaluate his beliefs as the strain of his new routine takes its toll.