Bollywood's new golden age - Pathaan, Jawan, Gadar 2, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani | Check out these films on OTT

The pandemic's impact was far-reaching, crippling both personal lives and the once-thriving entertainment industry. For two years, recovery seemed like a distant dream. Despite the occasional film release, box office numbers painted a bleak picture of staggering losses. However, 2023 brought a stark shift. Not only did a glimmer of hope emerge, but box office performance surged, exceeding even pre-pandemic expectations.

Bollywood's box office is on fire again, thanks to Pathaan, Jawan, Gadar 2, Tiger 3, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, Animal, and a whole bunch of blockbusters. Some say it's a golden age comeback, others say it's just a masala mosh pit. Either way this rollercoaster ain't slowing down anytime soon.

Ready for a cinematic journey? We've compiled five unforgettable dramas from 2023, now streaming on your favourite OTT platforms -

Pathaan

Undeterred by the disappointing box office performance of Zero (2018), Shah Rukh Khan took a five-year break, only to return with a triumphant bang. This film shattered all expectations, crossing the coveted the Rs 1000-crore mark and proving that even a romantic man can do action sequences, and still garner immense applause. It tells the story about a Pakistani general who hires a private terror outfit to conduct attacks in India while Pathaan, an Indian secret agent, is on a mission to form a special unit.

Pathaan is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Jawan

Shah Rukh Khan owned 2023. After the seismic impact of Pathaan, he unleashed another cinematic beast, leaving fans breathless and begging for more. This year wasn't just about Shah Rukh's films; it was about a reinvigorated Bollywood Badhsaah reminding the world why he wears the crown. Jawan awan tells a story about a man who is driven by a personal vendetta to rectify the wrongs in society, while keeping a promise made years ago. He comes up against a monstrous outlaw with no fear, who has caused extreme suffering to many.

Jawan is currently streaming on Netflix.

Gadar 2

Capturing the hearts of a new generation while staying true to its roots, this sequel has surpassed expectations. Over two decades after the original's triumph in 2001, it's proven that the legacy lives on, leaving millennials and newcomers speechless. Gadar 2 grossed Rs 692 crore at the box office, worldwide. The sequel takes us back to Tara Singh’s life. He goes missing during a skirmish and is believed to be captured in Pakistan, his son Jeete sets out to rescue him and enters a labyrinth from which they both must escape at all costs.

Gadar 2 is currently streaming on ZEE5.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Seven years after his last directorial, Karan Johar triumphantly returned to the box office throne with a dreamy Bollywood romance. While known for his fantastical narratives, this film surprised audiences with a sprinkle of social awareness, adding spice to the familiar blend and proving Johar's adaptability as a storyteller. It shows flamboyant Punjabi Rocky and intellectual Bengali journalist Rani’s love story despite their family and way of thinking differences. After facing family opposition, they decide to live with each other's families for three months before getting married.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Dhak Dhak

This film has an ensemble female-cast like Sanjana Sanghi, Fatima Sana Sheikh, Dia Mirza, and Ratna Pathak Shah. This adventure drama shows on the trip of a lifetime, four women set out on motorbikes from New Delhi to the highest mountain pass in the world in Ladakh, India. Although the film collected a bare minimum amount at the box office, it has ruled the giant streaming platform for several weeks.

Dhak Dhak is currently streaming on Netflix.