Significant firsts, when done right, can create revolutions. They can redefine perspectives as well as genres. In the last year and a half, there have been some ground-breaking and hard-hitting films that released and captivated the minds and imaginations of the viewers. Some of these were the works of debutant directors who delivered a promising film from the get-go. And they definitely deserve some credit for getting it right in their first film itself.
Here are a few such debutant directors who delivered a noteworthy first film and left everyone expectant of much more to come:
Piyush Gupta – ‘Tarla’
'Tarla' is an extraordinary film that pays tribute to India's most iconic home chef, Tarla Dalal. The film is a product of Piyush Gupta's brilliance as both a writer and director. As a first-time director, he beautifully brought to life the inspiring journey of India's iconic home chef, Tarla Dalal, while unveiling the silent women empowerment movement of the past. Piyush's dedication to storytelling with depth and meaning shines through in this extraordinary film. 'Tarla' not only immortalizes the legacy of Tarla Dalal but also establishes Piyush Gupta as a promising filmmaker with a unique voice, leaving audiences eager for more of his captivating storytelling.
Anushree Mehta – ‘Mrs. Undercover’
In her impressive directorial debut, Anushree Mehta brings forth the thrilling world of espionage in 'Mrs. Undercover'. Breaking away from conventional narratives, she introduced the audiences to a seemingly ordinary Indian housewife, leading a double life as a special undercover agent. Anushree's debut film boldly explores the intricate complexities of her protagonist's parallel worlds that brilliantly captured the challenges and conflicts that arise as a housewife and covert operative. With her fresh perspective and skillful storytelling, Anushree Mehta leaves an indelible mark on the audience, setting high expectations for her future endeavors as a talented director in the world of cinema.
Apoorv Singh Karki – ‘Bandaa’
Apoorv Singh Karki, a gifted director with a background in theatre, proves his mettle with 'Bandaa' starring the national award-winning actor, Manoj Bajpayee. Drawing inspiration from real-life events, Apoorv skillfully narrates the riveting tale of a courageous lawyer, who fearlessly takes on a powerful godman in a relentless five-year battle for justice. His directorial finesse shines through in this compelling film that showcases the power of perseverance and the pursuit of truth against formidable adversaries, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
Tejas Vijay Deoskar – ‘Chhatriwali’
Tejas Vijay Deoskar's impressive directorial debut, 'Chhatriwali' fearlessly delves into societal taboos, and defies the generally accepted norms. Rakul Preet Singh portrays the character of Sanya in 'Chhatriwali'. She plays the role of a quality control head in a condom factory who is shy and embarrassed about her job initially but soon realises the importance of safe sex and then takes it upon herself to destigmatize the conversation around sex education. As a first-time director, Tejas skillfully addresses the issues of safe sex while infusing relevant social commentary into a compelling narrative, leaving a lasting impact on the audience, and establishing himself as a promising director.
Arif Khan – ‘U-Turn’
Arif Khan's directorial debut, 'U-Turn', is a testament to his remarkable skills as a filmmaker. With a deft touch, he beautifully crafts a gripping and suspenseful narrative that keeps the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats throughout the film. Arif's ability to maintain the perfect pace, build tension, and deliver unexpected twists demonstrates his finesse in storytelling and direction. He artfully weaved together a complex plot, allowing the audience to become deeply invested in the protagonist, Rachana, as she embarks on a thrilling investigation while also fighting for her innocence.
Discover the cinematic brilliance of these newbie filmmakers on Zee5.
