Here are 11 Indian films about education – focusing on system, society, students and teachers – some highlighting the dark side of education system while some giving motivation.
The quote ‘cinema is a reflection of society’ seems true for these movies as they shine light on various issues about Indian education and it’s system. From parent’s pressure to class divide and making education a business, these Indian films showcased it all with some fine performances.
Higlights
1. 3 Idiots (2009).
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, this film is a comedy-drama telling the story of three engineering students. The film focusses on the society’s pressure on students to pursue engineering instead of encouraging their passion. The film stars Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi along with Boman Irani and Omi Vaidya. It is one of the best Indian films about education. While the film received much praises, some netizens also called out the director for copying the ‘mixing exam papers in examination hall scene’ from a foreign language ad.
2. Taare Zameen Par (2007).
Directed by Aamir Khan and Amol Gupte, this is another one of the best Indian films about education which tells the story of a young dyslexic boy whose parents and teachers are always scolding him about failing in academic and is sent to boarding school where a new teacher understands his medical problem. The film stars Darsheel Safari, Aamir Khan and Tisca Chopra.
3. Hichki (2018).
Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra, this film stars Rani Mukerji as a teacher with Tourette syndrome who is determined to make a difference in the lives of her students, who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
4. Super 30 (2019).
Directed by Vikas Bahl, this biographical drama is based on the life of mathematician Anand Kumar, who runs the Super 30 program to coach economically backward students for the highly competitive IIT entrance exam. The film featured India’s handsome hunk, Hrithik Roshan, in a never before seen avatar.
5. Nil Battey Sannata (2015).
Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, this film tells the story of a mother who works as a domestic helper and is determined to educate her young daughter and have a brighter future. The film shows a fine performance by Sawara Bhaskar.
6. Chalk n Duster (2016).
Directed by Jayant Gilatar, this film sheds light on the struggles faced by teachers in the modern education system where business is more important than education. The film stars Shabana Azmi, Juhi Chawla and Divya Dutta.
7. Hindi Medium (2017).
Directed by Saket Chaudhary, this commercially and critically successful comedy-drama follows the journey of a couple from a Hindi-speaking background who aspire to enroll their daughter in an elite English-medium school. The film addresses the class divide in education and the obsession with English-language education in Indian society. The film stars Irrfan Khan, Saba Qamar and Deepak Dobriyal.
8. 12th Fail (2023).
Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, this film is based on the life of Manoj Kumar Sharma who overcome extreme poverty and becomes an IPS officer after multiple tries. The film features an incredible performance from Vikrant Massey along with Medha Shankr. Ranked in top order among the best Indian films about education, it received much critical and commercial success. [Vikrant Massey appeared in these 5 old TV shows before joining Bollywood]
9. Chhichhore (2019).
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, this Indian film focusses on a group of engineering students who are seen as looser and how they remove this tag. The film features Sushant Singh Rajput with Shraddha Kapoor, Varun SHarma, Naveen Polishetty, Tahir Raj Bhasin and Prateik Babbar.
10. Paathshala (2010).
Directed by Milind Ukey, the film focuses on big schools torturing kids in the name of extra-curricular activities pressured by school management as they try to make education a business. The film stars Shahid Kapoor and Ayesha Takia along with Nana Patekar.
11. F.A.L.T.U (2011).
Directed by Remo D’souza, the film tells the story of a group of friends who fail to get admission in a college so they decide to make their own unique college breaking all traditional education systems. The film is heavily inspired by Hollywood film Accepted.
Source : Youtube