2017 was a year with so many surprises for Bollywood. While many big budget films turned out to be a disappointment at the box office, it was truly a year for the films that delivered content to the cine-goers. From showcasing the importance of toilets, use of sanitary napkins for women to erectile dysfunction, the film industry indeed felt the need to spread a message. And doing something positive always have its rewards as these films did an exceptional job at the box office and even surpassed the collections of some of the most anticipated films of 2017.
Hindi Medium
The film starring Irrfan and Saba Qamar showcased the struggles of a family it goes through when it comes to the education of their daughter. The film’s message was Right To Education. The film depicts the story of a higher upper class family, who want the best school for their daughter. The film picked up on a slow start but because of the strong word of mouth and the content, the film emerged out to be the first sleeper hit of 2017. The film earned more than Rs.100-crore at the box office worldwide.
Mom
A revenge drama showcasing a mother’s struggles for getting justice for her daughter, who was gang raped at a party. The film was a comeback for Sridevi after more than four years and critics appreciated the actress and said the film truly belongs to the actress. The plot and storyline that deals in the judiciary system and how women are treated in the nation was also well received. The grossed more than Rs.60 crore at the box office worldwide.
Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
The film is a satirical comedy in support of the government campaigns to improve the sanitation conditions with majorly focusing on the eradication of open defecation in rural area. The film was a huge success as it earned more than Rs.130 crore at the box office with many calling it as one of the best films with a message in recent years.
Shubha Mangal Saavdhan
The film narrates the story of a man (Ayushmann Khuranna), who is happily in love with his to be bride Bhumi Pednekar. But wait there’s a twist in this fairy tale! Ayushmann’s character suffers from erectile dysfunction. Something, which according to the actor is the need of the hour and is among many taboos of the country which needs to be talked about. This depiction was shown in a lighter theme, which can be watched by all age groups. The film was a commercial success as it earned Rs.65 crore approx at the box office worldwide.
Newton
Nutan Kumar aka ‘Newton’ (Rajkummar Rao) is a rookie clerk sent on the election duty to a Naxal controlled town in the conflict ridden jungles of Chhattisgarh, India. The film showcases that despite being a democratic country how many individuals in the nation does not have access to Right To Vote or are even unaware of the fact. The film was universally acclaimed by fans and critics alike and even made it to the selection for Best Foreign Films at the 90th Academy Awards. The film earned more than Rs.30 crore at the box office worldwide.
Secret Superstar
A musical drama showcasing the journey of an aspiring young singer, who had to fight against the mindset of many people in the nation– Girl’s are only meant for house making. The film deals in feminism and domestic violence. The film has become one of the most profitable films of 2017 and ranks among the top ten highest grossing films of Bollywood in overseas. Zaira Wasim was widely appreciated for performance in the titular character. The film earned Rs.132 crore at the box office despite an intense competition from a commercial film, Golmaal Again.
Tumhari Sulu
Women power was heavily promoted in 2017 with so many films showcasing feminism and women empowerment and Tumhari Sulu was one of the best examples to do so. The film showcases the journey of a house maker, who becomes a radio-jockey for a late-night relationship advice show. Vidya Balan, made a powerful comeback with this film and was unanimously appreciated for her character. The film was made on a low budget of Rs.17 crore and went on to earn more than Rs.57 crore at the box office.