Over the years many filmmakers have paid tribute to the gurus in our lives by making films that depict the teacher-student relationship. Here are six such movies with rural stories that revolve around inspiring teachers.
September 5 marks the birth anniversary of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, India’s second president and a celebrated teacher. In 1962, during his presidency, his students and friends approached him to celebrate his birthday with a special event. However, Radhakrishnan suggested that September 5 be designated as Teachers’ Day to honour the significant contributions of teachers to our society in both rural and urban areas.
This Teachers’ Day, Village Square draws up a list of six celluloid outings that celebrate the teachers in our midst. After all, films are a great way to pay homage to all the teachers out there, and what better way to feel the sentiment of the proverbial guru-shishya (mentor-disciple) bond than to watch it come alive on a screen before you?
The 2017 film Dhh, which translates to ‘stupid’ in Gujarati, follows the lives of three school friends as they navigate the challenges of their studies. Initially indifferent to academics, their perspectives change after attending a magic show. Impressed by the magician, the children write him a letter seeking help to clear their exams. In response, he guides them to discover their abilities and intelligence, enabling them to study well and pass. The film, directed by Ahmedabad-based filmmaker Manish Saini, earned the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Gujarati. It beautifully captures innocence and simplicity through well-crafted scenes, thoughtful direction and impressive performances by the child actors.
Talking about the Dhh, Saini had told Village Square in an earlier interview, “I’m drawn to simple stories of common people from small towns and their everyday struggles. These minor challenges fascinate me because they’re so relatable.”
The 1972 film, written and directed by Gulzar, is based on the Bengali novel Rangeen Uttarain by Raj Kumar Maitra and is partially inspired by the 1965 movie The Sound of Music. Parichay tells the story of a young man named Ravi, played by Jeetendra (incidentally, Ravi was also Jeetendra’s real name), who moves to a village after struggling to find a job in the city. There, he becomes a tutor for five orphaned children.
The story explores how his influence gradually instils discipline in the children and fosters their interest in studies. Besides Jeetendra, the film stars Jaya Bhaduri, AK Hangal, Pran, Asrani, Leela Mishra and Sanjeev Kumar. Vinod Khanna had a special appearance in this film.
Made in 2005, Iqbal is a sports drama directed by Nagesh Kukunoor. It is regarded as one of the finest sports films produced in India. The film won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues. Shreyas Talpade stars as Iqbal, a deaf and mute boy from a remote Indian village who dreams of playing cricket for India. Naseeruddin Shah plays the role of an ex-cricketer and coach who takes Iqbal under his wing, training him and helping him realise his dream.
The 2024 biographical film on Srikanth Bolla tells the inspiring story of a man born to a farming family in a village in Andhra Pradesh’s Machilipatnam district. Despite facing numerous challenges in his education due to blindness, Srikanth overcame the odds and went on to study business management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The film, directed by Tushar Hiranandani, stars Rajkummar Rao in the title role, with Jyothika playing the role of his mentor and teacher, Devika Malvade.
Written and directed by Prakash Jha, Pareeksha is a 2019 film inspired by the true story of IPS officer and educationist Abhayanand. Along with Anand Kumar, Abhayanand co-conceptualised Super 30, an initiative designed to teach and coach underprivileged children to prepare for and pass the IIT-JEE exams. Pareeksha serves as a commentary on the class divide and the state of education in India, and features Adil Hussain, Priyanka Bose, Shubham Jha and Sanjay Suri in pivotal roles.
Released in 2011, I Am Kalam tells the inspiring story of Chhotu, a young boy from a village in Rajasthan, portrayed by Harsh Mayar. Working at a roadside eatery owned by his uncle, Chhotu’s joyful spirit and sharp intellect drive him to dream of a better future. After hearing a speech by Dr. Abdul Kalam, the former president of India, Chhotu adopts the name ‘Kalam’ as a symbol of his aspirations. This compelling film, directed by Nila Madhab Panda, offers a poignant exploration of child labour and the urgent need to rethink education for the underprivileged in our society.
Also Read: All you need to know about Village Square’s Chitrashaala short film festival
The lead image on top shows a still from Pareeksha, a 2019 film written and directed by Prakash Jha.
