We're only halfway into the year, but 2022 has already seriously delivered when it comes to new movies. And they're not just coming from Hollywood production studios, either. Bollywood is back in full force with exciting new films, and if you're in the mood for a Hindi-language flick, then we've got all the best new Bollywood movies from 2022 that you can stream right this very moment. If you thought 2021's best Bollywood films were good, then wait 'til you watch this year's best titles.
Believe it or not, Bollywood is the world's largest film industry, with more than 1,000 films released yearly (which is practically double the number of movies Hollywood churns out, jsyk). As a result, there are a rich variety of genres on the menu, from unconventional badass female narratives and family-friendly sports dramas, to serious action thrillers and epic period movies. So grab your popcorn, take a seat, and check out these amazing 2022 Bollywood movies.
1. Jersey
In this remake of the 2019 Telugu film of the same name, a talented cricket player from Chandigarh makes the tough decision to try out for the national team 10 years after retiring, hoping to earn his son a jersey.
2. Dasvi
Looking for something on the lighter side? In this comedy, a charismatic politician who dropped out of school after eighth grade decides to pursue a high school education after he's implicated in a scam and sent to prison—and it's funnier than it sounds, promise.
3. Bachchhan Paandey
This action comedy—which is a remake of the 2014 Tamil film Jigarthanda—revolves around a journalist with dreams of becoming a director who decides to investigate a ruthless gangster (slash wannabe actor) for movie inspiration...but unfortunately, her research attempts aren't as subtle as she'd hoped.
4. Cobalt Blue
In the mood for a gorgeous queer love story? Then check out Cobalt Blue, which is adapted from Sachin Kundalkar's novel of the same name. In it, a brother and sister from a traditional Marathi household both fall in love with their family's new enigmatic house guest, and as you can guess, drama follows.
5. Sharmaji Namkeen
In this feel-good flick (which also marks actor Rishi Kapoor's final film appearance), a middle-class widower forced into early retirement looks for other job opportunities, and along the way, he forms a relationship with a widowed boutique owner and rediscovers a passion for cooking.
6. Radhe Shyam
This swoon-worthy period drama may have been a box office bomb, but it's still very much worth the watch. In it, a renowned palm reader living in 1970s Italy finds himself unexpectedly falling for a doctor who relies far more on science than fate or destiny.
7. Toolsidas Junior
Toolsidas Junior is a heartwarming drama revolving around a young teen who—after watching his father lose the 1994 Club Snooker Championship in a humiliating defeat—dedicates himself to mastering the game of snooker so he can put his father's name on the Winner's Board.
8. Jalsa
This thriller tells the story of an 18-year-old hit-and-run victim who finds herself embroiled in a thorny legal case when it becomes clear that the circ*mstances surrounding the accident are more complicated than they initially appeared.
9. Thar
Set in the '80s, this Western-style action drama follows a mysterious antique dealer who moves from the city to a remote Rajasthani village to avenge his past, and his actions give a veteran cop a chance to finally prove himself.
10. Jayeshbhai Jordaar
This dramedy tells the story of Jayesh, the son of a traditional Gujarati sarpanch (aka an elected decision maker), who—after discovering that he and his wife are expecting a second daughter rather than a son who may someday become the next sarpanch after Jayesh—must fight for the rights of his wife and unborn child.
11. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2
In this stand-alone sequel (which is a follow-up to 2007's Bhool Bhulaiyaa), a fraudulent psychic is recruited to deal with the malevolent spirit, Manjulika, who's returned to torment a wealthy family 18 years later.
12. Heropanti 2
Another great sequel from 2022, Heropanti 2 continues the story of computer genius/vigilante Babloo as he's sent on a mission to track down psychopathic cyber criminal Laila...and ends up falling for Laila's sister Inaaya along the way.
13. Looop Lapeta
Looop Lapeta is a remake of the 1998 German thriller Run Lola Run, following a young woman named Savi whose boyfriend loses a mob boss' money. It's then up to her to try and save him from the deadly criminal—and to find a way out of the seemingly infinite time loop she's now stuck inside.
14. Gehraiyaan
In this romantic drama, a 30-year-old yoga studio owner stuck in a rut (and a boring long-term relationship) gets a new lease on life after her cousin Tia and her fiancé Zain come to visit...mostly because of the surprising bond she forms with Zain.
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15. Badhaai Do
Badhaai Do tells the story of policeman Shardul and teacher Sumi, who agree to get married out of convenience after they reveal to one another that they're gay. And though they decide to date other people while maintaining a balanced and happy married life, things get complicated when Sumi's girlfriend comes to stay with them.
16. Gangubai Kathiawadi
This semi-biographical drama is loosely based on the life of Ganga Harjivandas Kathiawadi, following a young woman who starts out as a brothel worker and ends up becoming a powerful underground figure. There's also an intriguing controversy surrounding the film, which is almost always a good reason to watch.
17. Love Hostel
Who doesn't love a good romantic thriller?? In Love Hostel, two lovers from different religions (who know their families won't approve of their relationship) decide to elope in secret, and as a result, they find themselves pursued by a relentless mercenary who's determined to put an end to their marriage.
18. Jhund
Based on the life of Vijay Barse (who founded NGO Slum Soccer, a soccer program for children living in slums), this sweet sports drama recounts the story of how the retired sports teacher created his program to rehabilitate street kids.
19. The Kashmir Files
This wild drama—which is currently the highest-grossing Hindi film of 2022—revolves around the early 1990s exodus of Kashmiri Hindus in the disputed region of Kashmir, following a college student as he investigates the exodus in the hopes of finding an explanation for his parents' deaths.
20. Ardh
In this quiet drama, a theater actor living in Mumbai attempts to become a big-time movie star, and he must go to great lengths in order to pull himself and his wife out of poverty. 51-year-old actor Rajpal Yadav may not play a *totally* convincing 37-year-old, but this one is still worth watching for his fabulous performance.
Corinne Sullivan
Editor
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Jasmine Ting
Writer
Jasmine Ting is a Filipino journalist based in New York City. You can spot her either at the movie theater for the latest A24 release, on the couch binge-watching the latest K-dating show, or on the 7 train listening to her latest audible obsession (be it music or a podcast). To see what she’s up to when she’s not plopped in front of a big screen, follow her on Instagram @jasminepting.
As a seasoned film enthusiast with an extensive background in global cinema, particularly in the realm of Bollywood, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My passion for cinema extends beyond casual viewing, and I actively engage in film analysis, critique, and stay abreast of the latest releases. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the history, trends, and cultural nuances of the film industry, including Bollywood.
The article highlights the diverse array of Bollywood movies released in 2022, showcasing the industry's dynamic storytelling and genre offerings. Here's a breakdown of the concepts and movies discussed in the article:
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Bollywood Overview:
- Bollywood is emphasized as the world's largest film industry, releasing over 1,000 films annually, showcasing its prolific output compared to Hollywood.
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Genre Diversity:
- The article mentions the rich variety of genres available, ranging from unconventional narratives, family-friendly sports dramas, action thrillers, to epic period movies.
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Top Bollywood Movies of 2022:
- The article lists several notable Bollywood films released in 2022:
- "Jersey" (Cricket drama, Telugu remake)
- "Dasvi" (Comedy about a politician pursuing high school education)
- "Bachchhan Paandey" (Action comedy, Tamil remake)
- "Cobalt Blue" (Queer love story)
- "Sharmaji Namkeen" (Feel-good film, Rishi Kapoor's final appearance)
- "Radhe Shyam" (Period drama set in 1970s Italy)
- "Toolsidas Junior" (Heartwarming drama about snooker)
- "Jalsa" (Thriller involving an 18-year-old hit-and-run victim)
- "Thar" (Western-style action drama set in the '80s)
- "Jayeshbhai Jordaar" (Dramedy about a traditional Gujarati sarpanch's son)
- "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2" (Stand-alone sequel with a fraudulent psychic)
- "Heropanti 2" (Sequel involving a computer genius/vigilante)
- "Looop Lapeta" (Remake of the German thriller "Run Lola Run")
- "Gehraiyaan" (Romantic drama involving a yoga studio owner)
- "Badhaai Do" (Story of a gay policeman and teacher in a convenience marriage)
- "Gangubai Kathiawadi" (Semi-biographical drama about a powerful figure)
- "Love Hostel" (Romantic thriller about eloping lovers)
- "Jhund" (Sports drama based on NGO Slum Soccer founder)
- "The Kashmir Files" (Drama about the early 1990s exodus of Kashmiri Hindus)
- "Ardh" (Quiet drama about a theater actor's aspirations)
- The article lists several notable Bollywood films released in 2022:
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Noteworthy Details:
- The article includes additional details about specific films, such as "Jersey" being a remake of a Telugu film, "Sharmaji Namkeen" marking Rishi Kapoor's final appearance, and "Looop Lapeta" being a remake of the German thriller "Run Lola Run."
This comprehensive overview provides a glimpse into the vibrant and evolving landscape of Bollywood cinema in 2022, showcasing the industry's commitment to diverse storytelling and cinematic experiences.