With fairy lights and festive cheer in the air, stars share their Christmas movie picks. Shubhangi Atre loves The Holiday and The Noel Diary, Kanwar Dhillon prefers The Polar Express, while Neha Dhupia and Prajakta Koli swear by Home Alone
Neha Dhupia and Prajakta Koli
It’s that time of year when fairy lights twinkle, hot chocolate flows, and gifts spill out of stockings. ’Tis the season to be jolly, and we’re getting into the spirit with timeless Christmas classics taking over our screens. At the top of our festive watch-list is ‘Klaus’ (2019), the heart-warming hit that bagged the Best Animated Film honour at the 73rd British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) and earned a nomination at the 92nd Academy Awards. So, mid-day caught up with a few stars to discover their favourite Christmas films — and why these festive gems make the perfect watch on December 25, whether you’re curled up with family, friends, or that special someone.
Kunal Kapur; (right) A still from ‘Home Alone’
Chef Kunal Kapur, who is set to judge the new season of MasterChef India, shares that Home Alone (1980) is his all-time favourite film. He says, “It has always been special to me because it’s the ultimate family movie. It about being together during the Christmas season. There are times when we have differences between siblings or within our extended families, and we may not always feel aligned with them, but the moment they go missing, you realise how much [they] matter and how much you love and adore them. The film also brings out all the innocence and naughtiness of childhood. For me, the movie symbolises family, harmony, love, and the joy of rekindling bonds with your loved ones.”
Ranveer Brar; (right) A still from ‘Dunston Checks In’
While Home Alone remains an all-time favourite for many, including Neha Dhupia, MasterChef India judge Chef Ranveer Brar says, “One of my favourite Christmas movies of all time is Dunston Checks In [1996]. I think it’s one of those movies you can sit and watch with the entire family and share light moments of laughter. I think that’s what makes life special.”
Shubhangi Atre; (right) A still from ‘The Holiday’
Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain actor Shubhangi Atre has two films on her “To Watch on Christmas” list — The Holiday (2006) and The Noel Diary (2022). “Both movies touched my heart. The Holiday, especially Kate Winslet’s [track], is very inspiring. It is a wonderful film about finding yourself and making a comeback in life. When you accept your weaknesses and still achieve success, it gives you a lot of strength. That’s why this film means so much to me.” This December is extra special for Atre because her daughter is flying down from the US, where she is studying Astrophysics, to celebrate the festival with her family. “I will definitely spend quality time with her. I will become Santa Claus for my daughter and make sure she feels all the love and joy,” adds the actor.
Kunwr Vikram Soni; (right) A still from ‘Last Christmas’
Back home in Rajasthan, Kunwar Vikram Soni is making his list of films to watch this season, and at the top sits Last Christmas (2019), starring Emilia Clarke. “While growing up, we watched a lot of Christmas films that made us believe in miracles. But as we got older, we stopped believing in magic and miracles. This film, released just before COVID hit, somehow gave me hope and helped me keep believing in new beginnings and miracles,” shares the actor.
Kanwar Dhillon; (right) A still from ‘The Polar Express’
Kanwar Dhillon’s Christmas plan is already fixed if he is not shooting for the daily soap Udne Ki Aasha. After visiting Mount Mary and enjoying time at the Bandra night market, he plans to join friends for a Christmas house party. “I’ve always loved the concept of The Polar Express [2004], where a young boy takes a magical train journey to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. I have very fond memories of watching that film — in fact, I’ve seen it two or three times. It’s a beautiful story, and the way it was made is truly mesmerising and exciting. I personally like that film a lot,” says Dhillon.
Neha Dhupia; Prajakta Koli; A still from ‘Christmas at the Chalet’
Neha Dhupia, dressed in all green, says the festive season began much earlier for her. She cites Home Alone as one of her favourite films, and Prajakta Koli agrees. “I am a sucker for Netflix’s Christmas movies like Christmas at the Chalet [2023]. I already know what is happening, but I will still sit down and binge-watch all those movies,” says Koli. Dhupia adds to the conversation, saying, “The moment you watch those Christmas movies, you wish my Christmas looked the same.”
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