
Cinema, at its core, is a celebration of storytelling. It is the art of weaving narratives that not only entertain but also resonate with the deepest facets of our shared humanity. Beyond the glitz, glamour, and grandiosity lies the essence of filmmaking: a story that captures the audience’s heart, provokes their intellect, and leaves an indelible mark. In evaluating films, the metrics that truly matter are not box-office figures or marketing gimmicks, but the foundational pillars of storytelling craft: believability, emotional engagement, intellectual depth, relevance, and meaningful impact.
As we turn our gaze to the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024, it’s impossible not to compare this Indian cinematic spectacle with its global counterpart, the Oscars. The nominees for Best Film represent a diverse cross-section of Indian cinema’s biggest names and boldest productions, but how well do they measure up when stripped of their star power and spectacle? How do they fare in crafting narratives that connect universally, challenge norms, and push the boundaries of artistic expression? And most importantly, how do these films stack up against the storytelling benchmarks set by the Oscars 2025 nominations?
This analysis unpacks the soul of Indian cinema’s most celebrated films of the year, dissecting their narrative arcs, character depth, and emotional gravitas. It’s an opportunity to celebrate what works, critique what doesn’t, and extract valuable lessons for the filmmakers, audiences, and storytellers shaping the future of Indian cinema. After all, the true measure of a film’s greatness lies not in its budget, star cast, or marketing blitz, but in its ability to tell a story that truly matters. Let’s begin.
Evaluation of the Storytelling Craft
Let’s evaluate the nominees for the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 Best Film category from a storytelling craft perspective, with ratings based on the same framework we used for the Oscars 2025 analysis. We’ll examine believability, emotional engagement, intellectual depth, relevance, and meaningful impact, assigning a score for each element and a final average score out of 10 for each film.
For a comparative benchmark, we’ll also reflect on the storytelling lessons learned from the Oscars 2025 Best Picture nominees, which showcased cinematic excellence in their narrative depth, emotional resonance, and global relevance.
1. 12th Fail

IMDB User Rating (Realistic): ~8.3/10Analysis:
Believability (9/10): This film is grounded in the struggles of students preparing for competitive exams, a topic rooted in real-life experiences of millions. Its realistic portrayal of systemic challenges and personal perseverance makes it highly credible.
Emotional Engagement (8/10): The film deeply connects with its audience, drawing on themes of failure, resilience, and determination. The emotional struggles of the protagonist resonate well.
Intellectual Depth (7/10): While the film highlights important social and educational issues, it doesn’t delve into their systemic roots as thoroughly as it could.
Relevance (9/10): The film’s themes are universally relatable, particularly in education-driven societies like India.
Meaningful Impact (8/10): The film inspires and motivates its audience, offering a positive takeaway about the power of persistence.
Final Rating: 8.2/10
Comparison to Oscars Nominees:“12th Fail” parallels the motivational themes of films like Nickel Boys (Oscars 2025), but its execution lacks the layered narrative complexity and character depth seen in the best Oscar nominees.
2. Animal

IMDB User Rating (Realistic): ~7.6/10Analysis:
Believability (6/10): While the father-son dynamic and emotional intensity are powerful, the exaggerated action sequences and melodramatic moments strain credibility.
Emotional Engagement (8/10): The emotional core—family bonds, unresolved trauma, and redemption—strikes a chord with the audience.
Intellectual Depth (6/10): The film doesn’t explore its psychological themes or character arcs with the nuance they deserve.
Relevance (7/10): The themes of familial relationships and intergenerational trauma are relatable but presented in a way that caters primarily to mass entertainment.
Meaningful Impact (6/10): The film entertains but doesn’t leave a lasting intellectual or emotional impression.
Final Rating: 6.6/10
Comparison to Oscars Nominees: Unlike The Brutalist or A Complete Unknown, which handle personal relationships with profound subtlety, Animal prioritizes style over substance, missing opportunities for deeper storytelling.
3. Jawan

IMDB User Rating (Realistic): ~6.4/10Analysis:
Believability (5/10): The over-the-top plot and unrealistic action sequences challenge believability, even for fans of commercial cinema.
Emotional Engagement (6/10): While the father-son bond is moving in parts, the emotional beats often feel contrived or overshadowed by spectacle.
Intellectual Depth (5/10): The film attempts to tackle systemic corruption and social justice but does so in a superficial, crowd-pleasing way.
Relevance (6/10): It touches on pressing societal issues but simplifies them for mass appeal.
Meaningful Impact (5/10): The film entertains but doesn’t provoke thought or inspire change in a meaningful way.
Final Rating: 5.4/10
Comparison to Oscars Nominees: Unlike Oscar nominees such as Conclave or Dune: Part Two, which balance spectacle with substance, Jawan leans heavily into visual grandeur while neglecting narrative depth.
4. OMG 2

IMDB User Rating (Realistic): ~8.0/10Analysis:
Believability (7/10): The film blends humor and social commentary but sometimes stretches plausibility in its courtroom drama.
Emotional Engagement (8/10): Its focus on the importance of sex education resonates emotionally with progressive audiences.
Intellectual Depth (7/10): It raises important questions about societal taboos but delivers them in a simplified, mainstream-friendly format.
Relevance (9/10): The film tackles a highly relevant and under-discussed topic in Indian society.
Meaningful Impact (8/10): It sparks important conversations, making it one of the more thought-provoking films on the list.
Final Rating: 7.8/10
Comparison to Oscars Nominees: OMG 2 holds thematic relevance akin to The Substance but lacks the layered storytelling and artistic ambition of Oscar-caliber films.
5. Pathaan

IMDB User Rating (Realistic): ~6.8/10Analysis:
Believability (4/10): The spy thriller genre demands suspension of disbelief, but Pathaan frequently crosses into implausibility.
Emotional Engagement (5/10): The high-octane action sequences often overshadow any genuine emotional connection.
Intellectual Depth (4/10): The film focuses on spectacle over substance, offering little intellectual engagement.
Relevance (5/10): While entertaining, it doesn’t address any themes of broader relevance or societal significance.
Meaningful Impact (4/10): It entertains momentarily but fails to leave a lasting impression.
Final Rating: 4.4/10
Comparison to Oscars Nominees: Pathaan pales in comparison to high-octane yet deeply thoughtful films like Dune: Part Two in terms of narrative sophistication.
6. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

IMDB User Rating (Realistic): ~6.5/10Analysis:
Believability (6/10): The romantic and family drama is entertaining but heavily reliant on clichés and melodrama.
Emotional Engagement (7/10): The film tugs at the heartstrings with its colorful characters and dramatic moments.
Intellectual Depth (5/10): It scratches the surface of intergenerational and cultural conflicts without delving deeper.
Relevance (6/10): The themes of love and family dynamics are timeless but presented in a familiar, unchallenging manner.
Meaningful Impact (5/10): The film is fun but doesn’t offer much beyond fleeting entertainment.
Final Rating: 5.8/10
Comparison to Oscars Nominees: This film lacks the narrative depth and emotional nuance seen in films like Anora or Nickel Boys.
Key Takeaways and Lessons from the Oscars 2025 Nominees:
Oscar-nominated films exemplify the power of nuanced storytelling, focusing on character depth, emotional resonance, and universal themes. These qualities are often missing in Indian nominees, which prioritize spectacle and stardom over substance.
Final Ranking and Best Film Pick:
12th Fail (8.2/10) – Strong, inspiring storytelling rooted in reality.
OMG 2 (7.8/10) – Relevant and thought-provoking.
Animal (6.6/10) – Emotional, though somewhat shallow.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (5.8/10) – Entertaining but lacks depth.
Jawan (5.4/10) – Overwhelming spectacle with little substance.
Pathaan (4.4/10) – Style over storytelling.
Best Film Recommendation: 12th Fail – Its balance of believability, emotional resonance, and meaningful impact makes it the most compelling nominee.
Evaluation of South Indian Films on Storytelling Craft
Here is the detailed evaluation of each of the South Indian films nominated for Best Film, analyzed from the storytelling craft perspective and compared to the standards of the 2025 Oscars Best Picture nominees. Each film is assessed for believability, emotional engagement, intellectual depth, relevance, and meaningful impact. Ratings (0-10) are provided for each criterion, along with a final score and comparison to global standards.
1. RRR (Rise Roar Revolt)

Believability (7/10): While the historical fiction elements are exaggerated for dramatic effect, the emotional core remains compelling. The action sequences stretch believability, but they align with the larger-than-life tone of the film.
Emotional Engagement (9/10): The bromance between Ram and Bheem is heartfelt, driving the narrative with powerful emotional beats. The layered personal sacrifices resonate deeply.
Intellectual Depth (7/10): The film touches upon themes of colonial oppression and revolution but doesn’t delve into these topics with significant nuance.
Relevance (8/10): RRR’s cultural pride and anti-colonial sentiment have universal appeal, making it relatable across diverse audiences.
Meaningful Impact (8/10): The film celebrates heroism and unity, leaving a lasting impression of inspiration.
IMDB User Rating: 8.0/10
Final Rating: 7.8/10
Oscar Comparison: While RRR dazzles with its scale and emotional core, its reliance on spectacle over nuanced storytelling limits its global appeal in comparison to Oscar-level narratives like Oppenheimer or The Brutalist.
2. Kantara

Believability (9/10): Grounded in folklore and rural traditions, the narrative feels authentic and rooted. The supernatural elements are seamlessly woven into the story, enhancing rather than undermining believability.
Emotional Engagement (10/10): The depiction of man’s connection to nature and culture strikes a universal emotional chord, with the climactic sequence delivering an unforgettable impact.
Intellectual Depth (8/10): The film explores themes of environmental preservation, cultural heritage, and spiritual identity, offering intellectual depth alongside its raw emotional power.
Relevance (9/10): In an era of environmental crises and cultural erosion, Kantara’s themes are profoundly relevant.
Meaningful Impact (9/10): The film inspires respect for indigenous traditions and leaves audiences contemplating their relationship with nature and heritage.
IMDB User Rating: 8.3/10
Final Rating: 9.0/10
Oscar Comparison: Kantara stands tall with its universal themes and emotional resonance, potentially rivaling global contenders in its ability to evoke intellectual and emotional engagement.
3. Vikram

Believability (6/10): The hyper-stylized action sequences and elaborate plot twists compromise believability, though the film is firmly grounded in its action-thriller genre.
Emotional Engagement (7/10): Kamal Haasan’s performance as a weathered yet determined operative drives the emotional core, but the film relies heavily on action over character depth.
Intellectual Depth (6/10): The story touches on themes of justice and morality but lacks the layered exploration seen in more cerebral thrillers.
Relevance (7/10): The themes of justice and revenge resonate but are not particularly unique or groundbreaking.
Meaningful Impact (6/10): While entertaining, the film lacks the depth to leave a lasting philosophical or emotional impact.
IMDB User Rating: 8.4/10
Final Rating: 6.8/10
Oscar Comparison: Vikram is a well-executed action film but falls short in comparison to Oscar-nominated thrillers like The Substance or A Complete Unknown, which balance intensity with intellectual complexity.
4. Ponniyin Selvan 1 & 2

Believability (8/10): The historical setting and intricate politics are meticulously crafted, lending credibility to the narrative. Some melodramatic elements undermine this slightly.
Emotional Engagement (7/10): While the characters’ motivations and arcs are compelling, the emotional resonance is diluted by the film’s sprawling scope and slower pacing.
Intellectual Depth (8/10): The narrative delves into power dynamics, loyalty, and ambition, offering a rich tapestry of themes.
Relevance (7/10): The film’s exploration of historical events has niche relevance but struggles to connect universally with modern audiences.
Meaningful Impact (7/10): As a visual and historical epic, the film is memorable but doesn’t leave a profound emotional or intellectual impact.
IMDB User Rating: 7.8/10 (Part 1), 7.4/10 (Part 2)
Final Rating: 7.4/10
Oscar Comparison: Ponniyin Selvan shines in visual storytelling but lacks the narrative intimacy and universal themes that elevate historical dramas like The Brutalist.
5. KGF (Chapters 1 & 2)

Believability (5/10): The larger-than-life heroics and exaggerated action sequences make suspension of disbelief a requirement.
Emotional Engagement (8/10): The rags-to-riches tale of Rocky is emotionally compelling, appealing to audiences’ love for underdog stories.
Intellectual Depth (5/10): The narrative prioritizes style and action over layered storytelling, focusing more on spectacle than substance.
Relevance (6/10): The themes of ambition and power have universal appeal but are handled superficially.
Meaningful Impact (6/10): While entertaining, the film doesn’t offer much in terms of lasting intellectual or emotional impact.
IMDB User Rating: 8.4/10 (Chapter 1), 8.3/10 (Chapter 2)
Final Rating: 6.0/10
Oscar Comparison: KGF delivers pure entertainment but lacks the depth and nuance of Oscar-worthy films like Dune: Part Two.
6. Pushpa

Believability (7/10): The film’s depiction of the sandalwood smuggling industry and its characters’ struggles feels grounded despite some over-the-top sequences.
Emotional Engagement (9/10): Allu Arjun’s charismatic performance and the film’s portrayal of ambition and rebellion strike an emotional chord.
Intellectual Depth (6/10): While the film tackles themes of class struggle and survival, it doesn’t explore these with significant depth.
Relevance (8/10): The story of marginalized communities and their fight for survival resonates universally.
Meaningful Impact (7/10): Pushpa entertains and inspires but doesn’t achieve the transformative impact of more introspective narratives.
IMDB User Rating: 7.6/10
Final Rating: 7.4/10
Oscar Comparison: Pushpa is a crowd-pleaser but lacks the intellectual and thematic depth of films like Conclave.
Final Rankings
Kantara - 9.0/10
RRR - 7.8/10
Pushpa - 7.4/10
Ponniyin Selvan - 7.4/10
Vikram - 6.8/10
KGF - 6.0/10
Key Learnings
Story-First Filmmaking: South Indian cinema, particularly films like Kantara, demonstrates the importance of rooted, authentic storytelling that resonates universally.
Character Depth: Films like KGF and Vikram rely on style over substance, showcasing the need for stronger character arcs and emotional depth.
Universal Appeal: South Indian films are increasingly closing the gap with Oscar-worthy storytelling by tackling culturally specific yet globally relatable themes.
Kantara emerges as the strongest contender, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of global cinema. Its seamless integration of folklore, emotional depth, and thematic relevance exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling craft.
Despite their monumental success and global recognition, South Indian films like RRR, Kantara, and Pushpa are conspicuously absent from the Filmfare nominations—a glaring testament to the Bollywood-centric bias that dominates Indian cinema's mainstream awards. These films have redefined storytelling with authenticity, emotional resonance, and universal themes, transcending regional boundaries to capture the hearts of global audiences. Yet, their exclusion highlights an unsettling truth: Filmfare's obsession with Bollywood spectacle and star power often overshadows the artistic brilliance emerging from other regional industries. This exclusion not only undermines the diversity of Indian cinema but also raises serious questions about the credibility and inclusivity of these awards. It's time for Filmfare to broaden its horizons and honor stories that resonate universally, not just those that cater to the echo chamber of Bollywood's glitzy facade.
Bollywood, South India, and the Future of Storytelling
The nominees at the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 offer a window into the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, but they also reflect the stark disparities within the industry. On one hand, these films dazzle with spectacle, star power, and high-octane marketing. On the other, they expose the systemic bias that continues to favor Bollywood over the rich, nuanced storytelling emerging from South Indian cinema.
Bollywood’s Triumphs and Shortcomings
Bollywood’s nominated films—Jawan, Pathaan, and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani—excel in delivering what their fanbase craves: grandeur, drama, and charisma-driven performances. These films score high on emotional engagement in the sense of creating high-energy, mass-appeal moments, but they falter when evaluated against the universal standards of storytelling craft. The narratives are often burdened by formulaic plots, weak character arcs, and an over-reliance on spectacle. While they command massive fanbases and box-office returns, their lack of believability, intellectual depth, and relevance on the global stage leaves them in the shadows of true cinematic excellence.
South Indian Cinema: The Unsung Vanguard
In contrast, South Indian films, though underrepresented in these nominations, have consistently raised the bar for story-first filmmaking. Films like RRR, Kantara, and Vikram have shown that spectacle can coexist with depth, that regional stories can resonate universally when told with authenticity and finesse. These films prioritize character development, cultural richness, and emotional authenticity, often outshining their Bollywood counterparts in global acclaim and awards recognition. Yet, the Filmfare nominations reflect a bias that overlooks this merit, focusing instead on Bollywood’s tried-and-tested formulas.
Lessons for Indian Cinema
The divide between Bollywood and South Indian cinema isn’t just geographical—it’s philosophical. Bollywood’s reliance on marketing hype, star-driven narratives, and inflated box-office numbers distracts from the craft of storytelling. The South, meanwhile, demonstrates the power of rooted narratives and disciplined performances that transcend regional boundaries.
To elevate Indian cinema as a whole, the industry must embrace a story-first mindset across regions. Filmmakers must focus on crafting narratives that balance emotional engagement with intellectual depth, rooting their stories in universal truths while celebrating cultural specificity. Awards like Filmfare, too, have a responsibility to recognize and reward merit over marketability, ensuring that every corner of Indian cinema gets its due.
The Path Forward As we reflect on the nominees, it’s clear that the future of Indian cinema lies in bridging this divide. By learning from South Indian cinema’s commitment to craft and authenticity, Bollywood can move beyond the echo chamber of stardom and deliver films that truly resonate on a global stage. The journey from spectacle to substance requires courage—from filmmakers to prioritize story over star power, from audiences to demand authenticity, and from institutions to reward true artistry.
Indian cinema is at a crossroads. The question is, will it choose the path of easy spectacle or enduring substance? The answer will determine whether Indian films remain confined to regional acclaim or rise to redefine global storytelling. It’s time for a united Indian cinema to shine—not as Bollywood or Tollywood, but as a global powerhouse of meaningful, impactful storytelling. The world is watching. Let’s rise to the occasion.
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