Interested in being a celebrity journalist one day. Here are our movie recommendations for Mass Comm students that include documentaries and biopics on Indian journalists. Besides entertainment, these cinematic stories will offer you invaluable insights into how the media world functions.
1. Sherni (2021)
Synopsis: Forest officer Vidya Vincent navigates the complex situation of capturing a man-eating tigress while facing pressure from villagers, politicians, and media sensationalism.
How does the movie portray journalists?
While not the central focus, journalists are present as opportunistic vultures, exploiting the conflict for headlines and ratings. They often misrepresent facts and hinder Vidya’s efforts by sensationalising the situation.
Story Truth: The movie is loosely based on truth but is highly fictionalised.
Journalistic Problems Movie Highlights: Sensationalism, lack of accuracy, and disregard for ethical reporting in sensitive situations.
Lessons for Mass Comm Students: Journalism should prioritise responsible reporting, considering human and animal lives, and avoiding manipulation for profit.
2. Operation Romeo (2022)
Synopsis: Two undercover journalists expose a honey-trapping racket targeting young men under the guise of love affairs.
How does the movie portray journalists?
The protagonists, Dhruv and Shail, are portrayed as brave and resourceful investigative
journalists who risk their lives to expose societal corruption.
Story Truth: Inspired by real-life events.
Journalistic Problems Movie Highlights: The vulnerability of young people to online scams and the need for investigative journalism to expose hidden dangers.
Lessons for Mass Comm Students: Investigative journalism can play a crucial role in uncovering unethical practices and protecting vulnerable individuals.
3. Jalsa (2022)
Synopsis: A hit-and-run incident involving a journalist’s maid and a powerful industrialist’s son exposes the starkly contrasting realities of privilege and social justice.
How does the movie portray journalists?
The protagonist, Maya Menon, is a veteran journalist grappling with professional integrity and personal guilt, facing pressure from media authorities and social media backlash.
Story Truth: Fictional.
Journalistic Problems Movie Highlights: The struggle for journalistic independence under political and social pressure, and the power of media manipulation.
Lessons for Mass Comm Students: Upholding journalistic ethics, resisting censorship, and using one’s platform to fight for the voiceless.
4. Neerja (2016)
Synopsis: The true story of Neerja Bhanot, a brave flight attendant who sacrificed her life to save passengers during a hijacking in 1971.
How does the movie portray journalists?
Journalists play a secondary role in documenting the aftermath of the hijacking and highlighting Neerja’s heroism.
Story Truth: Based on a true story.
Journalistic Problems Movie Highlights: The responsibility of reporting sensitive events with respect for victims and avoiding sensationalism.
Lessons for Mass Comm Students: Journalism can honour heroes and inspire acts of courage by showcasing real-life bravery and its impact on society.
5. Sardar Udham Singh (2022)
Synopsis: This biopic chronicles the life and motives of Udham Singh, a revolutionary who assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, in retaliation for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
How does the movie portray journalists?
Journalists are mostly absent or depicted as peripheral figures, focusing on documenting the historical events surrounding Udham Singh’s actions.
Story Truth: Based on historical events with fictionalised elements.
Journalistic Problems Movie Highlights: Not directly explored, but raises questions about the media’s role in covering sensitive historical events and balancing personal narratives with historical context.
Lessons for Mass Comm Students: Journalism can explore complex historical figures and events sensitively, ensuring factual accuracy and diverse perspectives.
6. Shakuntala Devi (2020)
Synopsis: This biographical drama tells the story of Shakuntala Devi, a renowned Indian mathematician known for her exceptional mental maths abilities.
How does the movie portray journalists?
Journalists are shown mainly in an interview setting, highlighting Shakuntala Devi’s intelligence and public persona.
Story Truth: Based on Shakuntala Devi’s life with creative liberties.
Journalistic Problems Movie Highlights: Limited portrayal of journalistic challenges, but emphasises the power of storytelling in documenting remarkable individuals and their contributions.
Lessons for Mass Comm Students: Journalism can celebrate personal achievements and inspire through impactful stories.
7. Ramprasad Ki Tehrwi (2023)
Synopsis: This documentary follows the family and friends of Ramprasad, a Dalit poet and activist, as they hold his tehrwi (memorial gathering) and grapple with societal discrimination and caste-based violence.
How does the movie portray journalists?
The filmmakers themselves play a crucial role, actively engaging with the community and questioning their own position in society as journalists.
Story Truth: Based on real-life events.
Journalistic Problems Movie Highlights: Raises critical questions about journalistic ethics, representation, and amplifying marginalised voices without exploitation.
Lessons for Mass Comm Students: Journalism requires self-awareness about power dynamics, practising empathetic storytelling, and giving voice to those often silenced.
8. Writing with Fire (2018)
Synopsis: This Oscar-nominated documentary follows a group of fearless female Dalit journalists running a newspaper in rural India, fighting for social justice and giving voice to their community.
How does the movie portray journalists?
The film celebrates the courage and resilience of these women as they overcome systemic limitations and use their platform for social change.
Story Truth: Based on real-life events.
Journalistic Problems Movie Highlights: Highlights the challenges faced by marginalised journalists, including sexism, caste discrimination, and limited resources.
Lessons for Mass Comm Students: Journalism can be a powerful tool for empowering communities and advocating for social justice.
9. Searching for Sheela (2022)
Synopsis: This documentary delves into the life of Ma Anand Sheela, Osho’s controversial personal secretary, exploring her complex persona and the events surrounding the Rajneeshpuram commune scandal.
How does the movie portray journalists?
The film uses archival footage and interviews with journalists, showcasing their role in investigating and documenting the Rajneeshpuram story.
Story Truth: Based on real-life events with subjective perspectives.
Journalistic Problems Movie Highlights: Raises questions about media sensationalism, investigative methods, and the ethical obligation to present various viewpoints.
Lessons for Mass Comm Students: Journalism requires critical analysis, fact-checking, and presenting nuanced perspectives on complex and controversial figures.
10. Sachin: A Billion Dreams (2017)
Synopsis: This biographical drama chronicles the life and career of legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, showcasing his journey from childhood prodigy to national hero.
How does the movie portray journalists?
Journalists are primarily present as commentators and interviewers, providing context and capturing public reactions to Sachin’s achievements.
Story Truth: Based on Sachin Tendulkar’s life with artistic liberties.
Journalistic Problems Movie Highlights: Limited portrayal of journalistic challenges, mainly highlighting the celebratory role of media in sports reporting.
Lessons for Mass Comm Students: Journalism can inspire and celebrate success stories, showcasing the impact of individuals on a national and emotional level.
11. Mimi (2021)
Synopsis: A young dancer, Mimi, agrees to be a surrogate mother for an American couple, facing societal ostracization and ethical dilemmas while navigating the complexities of surrogacy and motherhood.
How does the movie portray journalists?
Journalists exploit Mimi’s story for sensational headlines and ratings, creating additional emotional stress and jeopardising her privacy.
Story Truth: Fictional, inspired by real-life surrogacy stories.
Journalistic Problems Movie Highlights: Raises critical questions about media ethics, sensationalism, and exploiting vulnerable individuals for profit.
Lessons for Mass Comm Students: Journalism must prioritise empathy, responsible reporting, and protecting individuals from sensationalization, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects.
12. Masaan (2015)
Synopsis: Two intertwining stories explore themes of love, loss, and societal taboos in the context of Varanasi, a city on the Ganges River. The film does touch upon the societal impact and the way news spreads in the community, reflecting the role of media to some extent.
The film subtly hints at how the news, whether accurate or distorted, spreads through word of mouth, emphasising the influence of community communication over traditional media.
How does the movie portray journalists?
Journalists are depicted as peripheral figures, primarily documenting the societal reactions and aftermath of the tragedies.
Story Truth: Fictional, but reflects social realities.
Journalistic Problems Movie Highlights: Limited direct portrayal, but raises questions about media’s role in perpetuating social stigmas and amplifying marginalised voices.
Lessons for Mass Comm Students: Journalism can explore sensitive social issues with nuance and empathy, avoiding biased narratives and giving voice to those often silenced by societal norms.
So here are some of the movies for aspiring journalists and Mass Communication aspirants that are thought-provoking, present the challenges faced by investigative reporters, cover the ethical dilemmas of storytelling – and overall, impart powerful lessons in responsible journalism.
Watch, learn, and be inspired on your path to becoming a media professional dedicated to truth and impact!
