Director Tigmanshu Dhulia, whose crime thriller Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster opened to positive reviews this year, picks his five top films of 2011:

The Dirty Picture

Director: Milan Luthria

Cast: Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar

 A difficult subject to tackle, it is a performance-driven film, and not plot-driven. Vidya gave a very bold performance.

This kind of a role has not been done before; she totally deglamourised herself and put on so much weight to look the character. Milan and his writer Rajat Arora got the mood and setting absolutely right.

Director: Anand L. Rai

Cast: R Madhavan, Kangna Ranaut, Jimmy Shergill and Deepak Dobriyal

It is my type of a film. I am from Uttar Pradesh and I could relate to it but the film's all-India success proves that everyone loved it.

I like that woman (Tanu played by Kangna), the atmosphere, characterisation and the twist in the end when she leaves Jimmy for Madhavan. It has the best music of the year. This film is a small gem.

Director: Kiran Rao

Cast: Prateik Babbar, Kriti Malhotra and Aamir Khan

Its structure and script make Dhobi Ghat very interesting.

For a first-time director to attempt such an unconventional film is really commendable. Dhobi Ghat is boosted considerably by its performances, especially Kriti (as Yasmin) who was phenomenal.

Director: Rohan Sippy

Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, Aditya Pancholi, Prateik Babbar and Rana Daggubati

It's incredible the way the story unfolds.

I find the whole crime scene in Goa, the drugs and drinks business, fascinating.

However, I didn't agree with its ending. I think such a film should have ended on a high note, on a more positive note and that leaves you slightly unsatisfied

Director: Imtiaz Ali

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri

Ranbir holds this film tightly. If you keep his performance aside, you want to know why he (Jordan, Ranbir's character) was angry.

This angst wasn't fully developed. Also, one never saw his political motivations; so one wasn't convinced about his stand on Tibet. But Rockstar comes alive because of Ranbir. He and Vidya should be walk away with all the awards.