Watch: These directors were the most talked about in 2016

Wrestling, contemporary relationships and drug abuse all found a place in the films that released in 2016. Bollywood films took a departure from the standard formula and tackled new subjects. What are films without their directors? We compile a list of the most talked about directors of the year who were responsible for some great cinema. These people totally hogged the headlines in 2016. Shakun BatraOne of this year's most soul-stirring family dramas, 'Kapoor & Sons (Since 1921)' had Shakun Batra at its helm. The film boasted of hummable chartbusters, great performances, and scenes that tugged at the heartstrings.Nitesh TiwariIn late December, Nitesh Tiwari's third directorial 'Dangal' released and got the country clapping and whistling at every 'dhobi pachaad' the girls landed on their opponents.Ram MadhvaniAcclaimed ad film maker Ram Madhvani donned the director's hat one more time for the Sonam Kapoor starrer 'Neerja'. Many have hailed her performance as the lady's career-best. Abhishek ChaubeyEver since he created the successful 'Ishqiya' franchise, Abhishek Chaubey has hardly taken a misstep. He returned with 'Udta Punjab', the year's most controversial film that had the Censor Board and the film's producers at loggerheads before its release. Once in cinema halls, all was forgotten, and the film emerged as a clear winner.Karan JoharWhen he's not producing the year's biggest blockbusters, Karan Johar gets busy directing films that find a place in our hearts. KJo's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' was his first directorial outing since 'Student of the Year' (2012). The film boasted of all things grand ' the year's biggest album, Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in lead roles, and the quintessential Dharma flavour.Ali Abbas ZafarHis earlier films were panned by the critics, but this time around, Ali Abbas Zafar nailed it with 'Sultan'. The film had Salman playing the titular character, an ageing wrestler, who is past his prime with multiple layers to his personality.