2023 was a big year for streaming! Loads of exciting movies and shows hit our screens on different streaming platforms. They created a buzz even before they came out, promising us amazing stories, top-notch acting, and plots that kept us on the edge of our seats. Let’s take a peek at these top 10 OTT releases that everyone was talking about, and see how people reacted to them:
The Archies
Audience Verdict: The Archies, directed by Zoya Akhtar was one of the most hyped OTT releases of 2023. The movie marked the debut of Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, and Agastya Nanda along with Dot, Mihir, Vedang Raina, and Yuvraj. Despite high expectations, the audience felt disappointed with the movie for various reasons. From bad acting to a boring storyline, many people felt it was Zoya Akhtar’s weakest movie.
The Railway Men
Audience Verdict: With the talented star cast – R Madhavan, KK, and Babil Khan, the series – The Railway Men – left both audiences and critics impressed. For its authentic portrayal, hard-hitting performances, and gripping storytelling, the show earned widespread acclaim.
Bawaal
Audience Verdict: When the director of the superhit movie ‘Dangal,’ Nitesh Tiwari, announced his movie ‘Bawaal’, our expectations were high. Known for his entertaining movies with powerful messages like ‘Chhichhore’ and ‘Dangal,’ Nitesh Tiwari rarely disappoints. Unfortunately, ‘Bawaal’ failed to impress, neither in its plot nor in the performances of Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor.
Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai
Audience Verdict: Continuing his streak of impactful films, the esteemed Manoj Bajpayee gave us yet another compelling cinematic masterpiece – Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. The movie delves into the extraordinary journey of a regular session court lawyer [played by Manoj Bajpayee], whose unwavering commitment to the truth drives a five-year-long legal battle. The story revolves around his relentless pursuit of justice for a group of young girls who have suffered at the hands of a self-proclaimed godman. The movie, especially Manoj Bajpayee’s speech, has received positive reviews from the audience as well as critics.
Guns & Gulaabs
Audience Verdict: The show garnered appreciation from the audience as well as critics for its engaging storyline and hard-hitting performances. But, unfortunately, the viewers expected more from Raj & DK – the creators behind ‘Family Man’
Chor Nikal Ke Bhaaga
Audience Verdict: Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga is an upcoming Indian heist film, starring Yami Gautam, Sunny Kaushal, Sharad Kelkar, and Indraneil Sengupta. The story follows a flight attendant (Yami Gautam) and her boyfriend (Sunny Kaushal), who plan to steal a stockpile of diamonds to pay off an old debt. Unfortunately, their theft goes wrong and turns into a hostage scenario 40,000 feet above the ground. Leaving a lasting impression on audiences, the movie received praise for its intriguing storyline and captivating performances that left viewers impressed.
Farzi
Audience Verdict: Shahid Kapoor made his digital debut in one of the most hyped series of 2023 on Amazon Prime Video. The web series also starred Raashii Khanna and Vijay Sethupathi. This dark humor revolves around crime, scams, and corruption, with Shahid serving as the focal point of a world dealing with fake currency and the black market. The web series turned out to be one of the most entertaining and engaging series of 2023. Both audiences and critics admired the storytelling, portrayals, and hard-hitting performances.
Jaane Jaan
Audience Verdict: Marking the OTT debut of Kareena Kapoor, the crime drama unfolds the tale of a single mother and her daughter, drawn into a murder case. Amidst an ongoing police investigation, they discover an unlikely ally in their neighbor, a humble yet brilliant mathematics teacher. The series captivated audiences with its emotional depth and engaging storytelling, earning praise for its touching narrative, well-crafted characters, and brilliant performances.
Gaslight
Audience Verdict: The movie marked the OTT debut of Sara Ali Khan. This overhyped project left the audience and critics massively disappointed for various reasons. From a lackluster performance to a boring screenplay, the movie left the audience and critics massively disappointed.
Bloody Daddy
Audience Verdict: Another hyped OTT movie of 2023 that left the audience disappointed was Shahid Kapoor’s Bloody Daddy. After giving us a much loved Farzi series, when Shahid announced that he will be returning on OTT with the movie Bloody Daddy, we all got excited. But, unfortunately, the movie was not even a cinch closer to Shahid’s Farzi and left the audience disappointed.
Kathal
Audience Verdict: “Kathal” weaves together a tapestry of humor, mystery, and intrigue as a police officer unravels the enigma surrounding the missing jackfruits. The film centers around Mahima Basor, a young police officer assigned with the task of locating a pair of stolen jackfruits from an MLA’s residence in the fictional town of Moba. As Mahima delves into her investigation, the plot thickens, and the audience is taken on a thrilling ride. Drew attention for its unique storyline and powerful performances, Sanya Malhotra starrer received positive reviews for its thought-provoking narrative and strong character portrayals.
Which OTT series and movies released in 2023 did you love and hate the most? Let us know in the comments below!