Why is the Indian Film Fraternity amazed by these 5 modern age directors?

Indian Cinema has just recently completed a glorious period of 100 years! In these 100 years, India has churned out some of the finest movies which are famous not just in India, but in other countries as well. And although mostly, the actors of the film industry are the most popular, the actual heroes behind the phenomenal success of Bollywood are actually the directors.
Direction is not an easy task. Right from managing the story and the star tantrums, to making a movie that appeases all the different kind of tastes of the audiences, a director requires true skill and sheer passion to make movies.
When it comes to movies in India, the norm of mindless action and slapstick humour is set. Although entertaining, these movies can don’t showcase the talent of any person associated to the movie. Real talent, or in other words, a good director, is he who can bring something new to the table that not only appeases the audience but is also unique in its own way.
Here is a list of 10 such directors who actually went to an amazing filmmaking course in India!

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Sanjay Leela Bhansali

A director, producer, screen writer and music composer, this man is truly an all-rounder. Making amazing movies and giving superb hits has become his forte. Black, one of the best movies made by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was featured as one of the top 10 movies in 2005 across the globe. This man is surely making India proud!

Anurag Kashyap

This director brought a completely new wave of cinema that does not cater to stereotypical Bollywood guidelines. His film Dev-D which was a modern remake of ‘Devdas’ broke all the conventional norms and set off on a path breaking road of success. From there, Anurag Kashyap has never looked back. Making amazing cult movies like Gangs of Wasseypur and more, he is truly here to stay!


Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra

A truly well balanced and complete director, he makes movies for the masses as well as the critics, which is actually a very tough job to do. His movies are filled with life, songs, action, drama and everything that an awesome movie needs. But what makes his movies truly exceptional is the heart warming message that he leaves behind. Rang De Basanti and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag are the two movies that truly made this man what he is today.

Zoya Akhtar

Yes, a lady director did make this list! And rightfully so. Born into the family of already well-established men like Javed Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar, it must have been quite a task to come out of the shadows and create a name for herself. But a lot of hard work and a good filmmaking course in India can actually do wonders! Her first movie, not only took the film industry by a storm, but it actually put it into shock! Luck by Chance, a cult classic, where the true story of Bollywood is portrayed, not only showed the amazing skills that Zoya had up her sleeve, but also her fearless attitude was really appreciated by the audience.

Imitiaz Ali

Tamasha may have received a mixed response overall, but masses and critics alike had just one thing to say. Imitiaz Ali has truly taken the level of direction in India to another stage! This is one director that not only makes amazing movies for the masses and critics alike, but he also is known for his skill of making an actor perform his absolute best. Be it Kareena Kapoor in Jab We Met, or Ranbir Kapoor in Tamasha and Rockstar, or even new comer Alia Bhat in Highway, these actors have performed exceptionally well when directed by Imtiaz. What more skill can any director need!

All of these directors have truly shown that a box office hit doesn’t necessarily have to be filled with mindless action and humour! A real script, but great actors and of course, commendable direction can truly make a classic as well. There are many more directors like Rajkumar Hirani, Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra, Anurag Basu, and more, who actually took the efforts of going to a great filmmaking course in India as they had a real passion of making movies.
“When I am making a film, I am the audience.” – Martin Scorsese.
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Written by: Jijin P K

Last updated: 15-03-2024

Jijin has 2 years of experience in the film industry as an Assistant Cinematographer and has worked as a still photographer in two movies in Malayalam. He was part of many other short films and documentaries as director and cinematographer.

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