Movies
National Cinema Day 2024|8 Inspirational Movies That No Students Can Afford to Miss!
Suparna Ghosh
Posted on 20 Sep 2024
16:23 PM
1/8
Nil Battey Sannata- A 2016 Indian drama film directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwary, revolves around education, social inequality, and the bond between a mother and her daughter. Chanda Sahay (played by Swara Bhaskar), is a high school dropout and single mother who works multiple menial jobs to support her 15-year old daughter ‘Apu’. Apu is disinterested in school and believes that her life, like her mother's, is destined for low-paying jobs. To inspire and teach her daughter the importance of education, Chanda enrols herself in Apu’s school to complete her education and show that no dream is too big. Ashwiny’s story of sheer optimism and inspiration leaves the audience with a sense of hope and perseverance- and with that, I remember to quote Aristotle here- ‘Hope is a waking dream.’
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2/8
Super 30- A 2019 Indian drama film directed by Vikas Bahl is based on the life of Anand Kumar (played by Hrithik Roshan), a passionate and brilliant mathematician who founded the Super 30 program, which trains and educates underprivileged students for the IIT entrance exam. Due to financial constraints and his father’s untimely death, Anand is unable to pursue his education, despite getting an offer to study at Cambridge University. Struggling to make ends meet, he starts teaching affluent students and soon, he comes up with his own coaching centre- ‘Super 30’. Highlighting the importance of the right to education for all, regardless of social or economic status, the film is an inspiring tale of resilience and the transformative power of education. While I talk about this movie, a very powerful dialogue crosses my mind. It’s when Anand says- ‘Raja ka beta Raja nehi banega. Raja wahi banega jo haqdar hoga.’
3/8
12th Fail- Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 12th fail, featuring Vikrant Massey as Manoj Kumar Sharma is a magical and inspirational tale of redemption. You get wings when you dream and that takes you higher. Manoj Kumar Sharma’s character is all about overcoming poverty and umpteenth failures only to make his dream come true. After failing the 12th board exams, Manoj is devastated, but his probity and determination to serve the nation by becoming an IPS officer remains rooted. He moves to Delhi, where he enrols in UPSC Civil Coaching Services Exam. With barely any money, he struggles to survive and confronts the pressure of competitive exams, social expectations and self-doubt. He is seen restarting, everytime he faces failure and it only took grit and hardwork to fulfil his dream.
4/8
Srikanth- A 2024 movie directed by Tushar Hiranandani, is a biographical drama of visually impaired industrialist- Srikanth Bolla. The film follows Srikanth’s (played by Rajkumar Rao) journey, starting from his childhood in a small village in Andhra Pradesh, where he faces societal and systematic prejudice due to his blindness. Despite being discouraged from pursuing education, Srikanth’s valor and intelligence lead him to excel academically. He earns a place at the prestigious Massachusetts Insititute of Technology (MIT) in the United States, marking a significant milestone in his life. Wanting to change the educational scenario for those with physical limitations in his country, Srikanth launches Bollant Industries. A company that manufactures eco-friendly products and ensures employment to individuals with disabilities. A heartwarming tale of empowering others and human goodness, Srikanth reminds me of nurturing the drive to bring a change and that barriers are meant to be broken.
5/8
Mary Kom- A fictionalised account of India’s most renowned female boxer- Mary Kom (played by Priyanka Chopra) chronicles her journey from a small village in Manipur to becoming a five time world boxing champion and an Olympic bronze medalist. Overcoming social and financial adversities, the story follows Mary Kom’s early interest in boxing, despite her father’s disapproval. Under the guidance of coach M.Narjit Singh, Mary Kom soon sees herself rising at the top of the boxing world, earning national and international acclaim. But after becoming a mother, she struggles with the decision of continuing her career. With her husband’s support, she triumphs against all odds and becomes world champion. Sealing a place in your heart, the movie celebrates the indomitable spirit of a woman who fought her way to the top in a male-dominated sport.
6/8
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag- Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, is an inspiring biographical sports drama that traces the life of legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh (played by Farhan Akhtar). The film narrates Milkha Singh’s journey from a troubled childhood, marked by the trauma of partition of India, to becoming one of India’s greatest track and field athletes. Overcoming the loss of his family during partition, Milkha rises to international prominence representing India in Olympics. Ticking off milestones, the story is crafted with inspiration and is a portrayal of sheer resilience. The movie leaves you with the realisation that the sky is not the limit
7/8
Mission Mangal- A 2019 Indian science fiction drama directed by Jagan Shakti, is all about the celebration of India’s first exemplary achievement- The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalayan) conducted by ISRO. The story follows a team of ISRO scientists, led by Rakesh Dhawan (played by Akshay Kumar) and Tara Shinde (played by Vidya Balan) which faces challenges like budget constraints, technical hurdles and skepticism from higher authorities. As the mission progresses, the film highlights the team’s collaborative spirit as they work tirelessly to achieve what many deemed impossible. As they successfully make it to the Mars Orbit, symbolizing a significant milestone for Indian space exploration, the audiences are only left with inspiring moments and pride.
8/8
Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl- Directed by Sharan Sharma, the film revolves around the inspiring and insightful tale of Gunjan Saxena, one of the first female pilots in the Indian Air Force. Played by Janhvi Kapoor Gunjan’s journey is a desire to break gender stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated field. Gunjan’s childhood aspirations of flying pushes her to follow her ambition of becoming a pilot. Overcoming the difficulties, she eventually commissioned into IAF, where she serves during the Kargil War in 1999. The film is a heartfelt tribute to a trailblazer who broke barriers, serving as an empowering narrative for womanhood.
Last updated on 24 Sep 2024
14:08 PM
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