Bollywood's mid-year report card 2014: Films that won over the audience as well as the critics

'Ek Villain', the latest offering by director Mohit Suri, stars Shraddha Kapoor, Siddharth Malhotra and Riteish Deshmukh in lead roles. Reported to be a rip-off of the Korean film 'I Saw The Devil', the film's fantastic soundtrack and nifty direction made it one of the most successful films of 2014.

From the deliciously naive 'Queen', to the picturesque 'Highway' and spine-chilling 'Ek Villain', the year 2014 has been a good year so far.Who could forget the amazing characters Babban and Khalujaan from 'Ishqiya?' In 'Dedh Ishqiya', the crisp and fun sequel, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi reprise their roles with Madhuri Dixit and Huma Qureshi playing their love interests. A favourite of the critics this year, the film has been described as, Abhishek Chaubey's Dedh Ishqiya. Like heady wine, it delivers a welcome kick."

'Hasee to Phasee' starrs Siddharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra in the lead roles. Brimming with witty dialogue and some genuinely heartfelt moments, the film doesn't snap even under the weight of its cliched climax. At 2 hours and 21 minutes, it's a tad long, yet saved by some solid acting. Chopra, in particular, deserves every accolade that'll come her way; this is her fourth film release and once again she's the best thing in it," said a review.

Starring Sanjay Mishra and Rajat Kapoor in the leading roles, the film 'Ankhon Dekhi' revolves around a single dilemma faced by an old man: How reliable is second-hand knowledge or experience?

Starring Kangana Ranaut, Rajkummar Rao and Lisa Haydon, 'Queen' turned out to be a favourite of the audiences as well as the reviewers. It's a raw, nuanced, delicately comical performance, and Bahl rightfully builds his film around his fearless, quirky heroine," said a review.

Starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda, 'Highway' was a huge box-office success. Mostly credited to the terrific performances by the lead actors and the delectable cinematography, the film also had a lovely soundtrack. Bhatt, in only her second film role, is refreshingly natural as she skillfully nails the vulnerability and the tenacity of her character. Hooda, meanwhile, fills out the part of the brooding thug as if he were born to play it," said a review.

Starring Sharib Hashmi and Inaamulhaq, the kidnapping of an aspiring Bollywood actor by Pakistani terrorists serves as a springboard for cheeky, bittersweet humor and a plea for cross-border brotherhood in first-time director Nitin Kakkar's 'Filmistaan', according to a review.

Based on the novel by Chetan Bhagat, '2 States' stars Arjun Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Amrita Singh, Ronit Roy and Revathy in lead roles. Alia Bhatt is the best thing in the film, sliding into the part with complete ease. She%u2019s natural and charming without having to try too hard," said a review.