Deepika Padukone in Padmaavat, Alia Bhatt in Raazi, Anushka Sharma in Pari - 9 Best Performances By An Actress In The First Half of 2018

We are done with the first half of 2018, and now it's time to analyse what worked well in the period when it comes to Hollywood. We have already made our list of best films, worst films, the most WTF moments in Bollywood cinema this year, as well as the best performances by an actor. And now it is time to figure out the best performances by an actress in these six months. As always, there are pretty good candidates here!

2018 has been a great year for women-dominated cinema, and the success of some of these movies show how audiences are definitely looking for a perspective change. Alia Bhatt's Raazi went on to make Rs 100 crore at the box office, while Kareena Kapoor-Sonam-starrer Veere Di Wedding was a huge hit, despite being an A-rated film. Then we also had Lust Stories that had four big directors come together to make a film that celebrates women's sexuality and received critical acclaim in the process. So all in all, a great year of female-led films till now, and hope that the situation improves in the months ahead.

So coming back to our special feature, here's looking at the nine best performances by an actress in the first half of 2018, in no particular order.

Deepika Padukone in Padmaavat

It feels a little annoying that for a movie named after her character, it has Ranveer Singh getting more footage than Deepika. Even then, with whatever material she gets her hand on, Deepika Padukone is scintillating and manages to bring the grace and the poise needed for a Rajput queen. Since she was also the target of the Karni Sena threats, along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, this performance feels a lot more worthy in its impact than it should have!

Angira Dhar in Love Per Square Foot

First catching our attention in YRF's web-series Bang Baajaa Baaraat, the girl with a cherubic winsome smile collaborates with the same creative team to deliver another incredible performance. As the Catholic girl who wants to go independent with her own flat, Angira is so natural in her act that like Vicky Kaushal in the movie, you can't help but develop a soft corner for her.

Renuka Shahane in 3 Storeys

I have reiterated this many time before, but do give 3 Storeys a chance. It will surely amaze you, especially the first 'storey' involving Renuka Shahane and a surprisingly good Pulkit Samrat. Though it takes some time for us to adjust to that bad wig and the fat-suit, when her performance kicks in, it is easy to ignore other anomalies to be lost in Shahane's amazing dexterity.

Anushka Sharma in Pari

Without getting into Bipasha Basu territory, Anushka Sharma produced a well-made horror film, where she herself played the lead role. Shorn of glamour and willing to go squeamish, Anusha put up a terrifying act as a feral woman, born of an evil spirit. With Pari, she delivered both as a producer looking to make different cinema, and an actress who is willing to get out of her comfort zone to get the act right.

Rani Mukerji in Hichki

In her comeback film, Rani Mukerji is quite delightful as the teacher with the golden heart, who doesn't let a speech condition come in the way of brightening young minds. You can't help but all over in love with Rani again, as the actress gets all the tics right for her character. Even Brad Cohen, on whom her character was based on, was left impressed with her performance.

Gitanjali Rao in October

While so many praises have been sung for Varun Dhawan's sublime performance in this Shoojit Sircar movie, let's not forget Gitanjali Rao who gives an equally incredible performance here. Playing the comatose Shiuli's worried mother, Rao, who is a well-known theatre artiste, manages to convey the pain, angst and the helplessness of the character that only rarely escapes through the tough facade that she puts up for the kids. Looking forward to seeing this talented actress in more movies.

Alia Bhatt in Raazi

There is no denying that Alia Bhatt is on a roll and perhaps, she is at the top of the game. In this spy drama, Alia carries the entire film on her slender shoulder to deliver a class act that remains one of her finest performances. The audience also agreed with this thought, as the movie went on to gross more than Rs 100 crore at the box office.

Swara Bhasker in Veere Di Wedding

While Kareena and Shikha Talsania are likable enough in this breezy light entertainer, it is the talented Swara Bhasker who ends up being the scene-stealer in the gang. Though her character is sketchily written, it is Bhasker who manages to nail the Dilli ki laundi act correctly, be it her language or her mannerisms. And let's not forget, she also delivered this year's most WTF moment, if you know what I mean!

Manisha Koirala in Lust Stories

Out of the four stories in the Netflix anthology, it is Dibakar Bannerjee's take on infidelity that takes the lead in terms of good content and writing. The performances are also good, with a comeback-making Manisha Koirala heading the pack. She just hits all the right notes as the woman who seeks more than comfort in the arms of her husband's best friend. Subtly manipulating both her husband and lover in feeling guilty for making such a twisty situation, it is quite a stunning turn from the actress, known for her girl-next-door roles in the '90s.

Agree with our choice of actresses chosen for the best performers of the year? Share your thoughts and choices in the comments section below

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 07, 2018 04:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).