Top 5 Indian Films That Should Be Taught in Filmmaking Schools

Cinema is not just entertainment—it is a classroom of human emotions, culture, history, and technical brilliance. Every great film teaches aspiring filmmakers valuable lessons in storytelling, cinematography, screenplay structure, editing, and even business aspects of cinema. While film schools across the world introduce students to classics by Kurosawa, Fellini, or Scorsese, there are gems closer to home and beyond that offer equally powerful lessons.

Here are five films that deserve a permanent spot in filmmaking schools, and what every student of cinema can learn from them.

---

1. Fandry (2013) – The Reality of Marginalized Voices

Nagraj Manjule’s debut feature Fandry is a heart-wrenching portrayal of caste-based discrimination in rural India. The story follows Jabya, a young boy from a marginalized caste linked with pig-catching, who secretly falls in love with an upper-caste girl from his village. His innocent belief that the ashes of a burnt black sparrow could win her love reflects both his desperation and his yearning for dignity in a society stacked against him.

The film’s climax is unforgettable—an ending that refuses to console, instead forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths.

Things to Learn from Fandry:

• The power of natural acting and directing non-professional actors.

• Strong character development rooted in social reality.

• The art of low-budget filmmaking without compromising authenticity.

• Crafting an open-ended climax that leaves a deep emotional impact.

• Delivering a strong social message through personal storytelling.

Why Film Schools Should Teach It: Fandry is a masterclass in socially conscious filmmaking, reminding students that cinema can be an instrument of change while still being artistically compelling.

---

2. Kumbalangi Nights (2019) – A Study in Human Emotions & Toxic Masculinity

This Malayalam gem, directed by Madhu C. Narayanan, is often hailed as one of the finest Indian films of recent times. Kumbalangi Nights tells the story of four brothers living in a dysfunctional household against the picturesque backdrop of Kerala’s Kumbalangi backwaters. It’s a layered film that explores toxic masculinity, broken families, and the redemptive power of love and acceptance.

The breathtaking cinematography not only enhances the story but also turned Kumbalangi into a popular tourist destination. Fahadh Faasil’s portrayal of Shammi, the chilling antagonist, adds psychological depth rarely seen in mainstream cinema.

Things to Learn from Kumbalangi Nights:

• How to balance character-driven storytelling with strong visuals.

• Cinematography that not only narrates a story but also promotes tourism.

• The subtle yet powerful portrayal of an unsettling antagonist.

• Building authentic human emotional connections on screen.

Why Film Schools Should Teach It: This film demonstrates how deeply personal stories can achieve global relevance. For students, it’s a case study in combining realism with artistry.

---

3. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008) – The Art of Screenplay & Relatable Relationships

Directed by Abbas Tyrewala and produced by Aamir Khan, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na is the quintessential coming-of-age romantic comedy. At its heart, it’s about best friends Jai and Aditi, who refuse to acknowledge their love until circumstances force them to confront it.

The screenplay strikes a rare balance—it feels light and youthful, yet the emotional beats are strong enough to resonate with audiences of all ages. The film also excels in portraying the complexity of human relationships without resorting to melodrama.

Things to Learn from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na:

• Screenplay writing that feels engaging and relatable.

• Crafting complex relationships with humor and depth.

• Delivering a satisfying climax that ties emotional arcs beautifully.

Why Film Schools Should Teach It: For young filmmakers learning to write their first scripts, this film is a blueprint for how to write engaging, dialogue-driven narratives that connect with mainstream audiences.

---

4. Mr. India (1987) – Storytelling with Mass Appeal

Shekhar Kapur’s Mr. India is nothing short of a classic in Indian popular cinema. The story of Arun, a kind-hearted man who looks after orphans and discovers his father’s invisibility device, is a thrilling mix of drama, comedy, romance, and action.

The film gave Indian cinema one of its most iconic villains, Mogambo, and set benchmarks for storytelling that appeals across generations. It is both a spectacle and an emotional joyride.

Things to Learn from Mr. India:

• Compelling storytelling that blends multiple genres seamlessly.

• Directing non-actors, especially children, with authenticity.

• How to create emotional highs and lows that engage diverse audiences.

• Building a film with mass appeal without losing narrative depth.

Why Film Schools Should Teach It: This film exemplifies how mainstream cinema can balance entertainment with strong storytelling. It’s essential for students to study films that combine commercial success with timeless cultural impact.

---

5. Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) – The Business of Epic Storytelling

S. S. Rajamouli’s Baahubali redefined Indian cinema on a global scale. Set in the fictional kingdom of Mahishmati, the story of Shivudu discovering his true legacy is told through breathtaking visuals, massive sets, and cutting-edge VFX.

What makes Baahubali essential in film studies is not just the cinematic brilliance but also the business model—it became a global franchise, proving the commercial viability of larger-than-life Indian cinema. 

To be honest, Rajamouli’s Eega (Makkhi in Hindi) still tops my list of his finest works. However, in the context of this article, Baahubali deserves a place here for the way it revolutionized Indian cinema, bridging the gap between previously segmented regional industries.

Things to Learn from Baahubali:

• Writing larger-than-life stories that still connect emotionally.

• The role of screenplay and structure in epic narratives.

• The craftsmanship of grand sets, costumes, and production design.

• Integrating VFX and SFX seamlessly into storytelling.

• Understanding cinema as a business and global brand.

Why Film Schools Should Teach It: Aspiring filmmakers must learn that cinema is not just art—it’s also an industry. Baahubali demonstrates how vision, scale, and execution can make films transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Film schools often rely on Western classics, but it is equally important to study Indian and contemporary cinema that reflects our society, culture, and evolving audience tastes. From the raw social realism of Fandry to the grand spectacle of Baahubali, these films cover the entire spectrum of filmmaking—acting, directing, cinematography, screenplay writing, production design, and even business strategies.

For any student of cinema, these five films are not just movies—they are textbooks in themselves.

These views are intended to spark discussion on some of cinema’s finest works. We recognize that many other brilliant films could rightfully belong in this conversation, and this selection in no way diminishes the achievements of the countless talented professionals behind them.

Which films do you think should be taught in filmmaking schools? Let us know in the comments.