6 unconventional films you need to watch this year

Now that we're almost through September, let's have a look at some of the most promising films of this year yet

KARACHI: Every year, there's a plethora of films that are made. Some excel at the box office and others, not so much.

Now, there are a number of factors that make a blockbuster. The cast, the director and most importantly, the story. I'm not sure about you but when it comes to what kind of films I watch, my taste is a bit on the dark side.

Don't get me wrong; I like an occasional romantic flick. I mean, I absolutely adore Safe Haven but I can't say the same about The Fault In Our Stars or The Best of Me. Honestly, they were just too cliched and boring for me, not to mention depressing!



When I look for a good film, I tend to look at the story and its cast. So, if you're talking about reruns of Lagaan, Rang De Basanti, Se7en, The Godfather trilogy, Scarface, then hi!

2018 is offering a few really great watches. And now that we're almost through September, let's have a look at some of the most promising films of this year.

1. 'Love Sonia'

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

This Richa Chadha, Frieda Pinto-starrer tackles subjects such as human trafficking and forced prostitution in India. And from the looks of it, I think it will be a stellar watch.


The film revolves around the life of two sisters, one of which is sold by her debt-ridden father and the other follows after her in the hope of rescuing her but gets trapped into prostitution.

Love Sonia is produced by Oscar-winner David Womark and directed by Tabrez Noorani. The film also stars Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee, Demi Moore and Rajkummar Rao in pivotal roles.

2. 'Jugnu'

PHOTO: FILE

Jami Mahmood is an institution in his own; his previous films are living, breathing proof. The film-maker's upcoming project Jugnu has been embroiled in a controversy of late but that doesn't take away the fact that it looks intriguing.


While the teaser of the film has been unveiled, it's quite unsure to say what it might revolve around. From the looks of it, Jugnu seems like the story of a young boy and his goat. But in true Jami style, it also promises to touch other subjects such as disturbed relationships. I cannot wait for this one!

3. 'Nappily Ever After'

PHOTO: NETFLIX

When I first heard the title of this film, I thought it would be some sappy, boring rom-com. But the moment the trailer of this Netflix's release dropped, I was hooked. Nappily Ever After is the first installment of Trisha R Thomas’ bestselling eight-book series.


The film depicts an dilemma of women living the constant pressure of portraying an image of 'perfection.' Her clothes, her job, her life and of course - her hair. Sanaa Lathan, who plays Violet Jones, seems to have done a brilliant job with both parts of her character.

Moreover, the film's basic plot is that of self discovery. So, yep, it definitely caught my attention. Nappily Ever After premieres September 21 on Netflix.

4. 'Badhai Ho'

PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

This Ayushmann Khurrana, Sanya Malhotra-starrer deals with the taboo surrounding old age pregnancy in the best way possible.


The rib-tickling trailer perfectly captures the uneasiness amongst desis when it comes to pregnancy and sex education. Badhaai Ho sure looks like a fun roller-coaster ride, slated to release on October 19.

5. 'The Donkey King'

PHOTO: FILE

After the soaring success of Allahyar and the Legends of Markhor, Pakistan's animation industry seemed to have taken a high road. With its Pixar-isque attention to detail, it was about time.


Aziz Jidani' The Donkey King pledges you to follow your dreams. And it's refreshing to see such projects do well in our film industry. I, for one, am super excited to watch this film! The music is fun and light-hearted – just what the makers might have been going for.

The Donkey King is slated to release on October 13.

6. 'To All The Boys I've Loved Before:

PHOTO: NETFLIX

Finally, the most hyped out rom-com of the year. Yes, I know I said earlier that I'm not one for tedious love stories but hear me out. To All The Boys I've Loved Before is anything but.

The teenage drama is based on the life of high school students Lana Condor (Lara Jean Covey), Noah Centineo (Peter Kavinsky) and their journey from pretend to actual relationship.


The best bit is that - contrary to what the title of the film suggests - it's not a depressing watch. The characters are fun and I love Peter Kavinsky.

So, how many of these have you watched yet or will be watching when  they hit the screens?

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