From Boman Irani to Reema Kagti: 5 Directors who made us feel, think, and dream

Cinema is at its best when it doesn’t just entertain us but leaves us moved, inspired, and sometimes even leaves an imprint. In 2025, a handful of filmmakers reminded us of exactly that the power of storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll. From heartwarming dramas to thought-provoking narratives, here are five filmmakers who shaped the cinematic year and made us feel, think, and dream.

Boman Irani - The Mehta Boys

Known to audiences for his effortless acting across decades, Boman Irani stepped into the director’s chair this year with The Mehta Boys. The film dived into the strained bond between a father and son, capturing all the unspoken tension, awkward silences, and buried emotions that come with it. What made it click wasn’t loud drama or preachy messaging, it was how real and relatable it felt. Boman Irani kept it grounded, letting the performances breathe and the emotions hit home. For someone who’s been celebrated as an actor for decades, this move proved he’s just as strong a storyteller behind the camera as he is in front of it.

R.S. Prasanna – Sitaare Zameen Par

R.S. Prasanna delivered one of the year’s most heartwarming films with Sitaare Zameen Par. Carrying forward the emotional legacy of Taare Zameen Par, this story shone a light on children with Down Syndrome, with Aamir Khan stepping in as a mentor-like presence. But what truly made it special was Prasanna’s touch; he balanced sensitivity with warmth, sprinkling in humor and plenty of heart. Instead of focusing only on challenges, the film celebrated possibilities, joy, and individuality. The result? A story that had audiences wiping their tears one moment and grinning ear to ear the next.

Arati Kadav – Mrs.

Arati Kadav, known for pushing genre boundaries, co-wrote Mrs. along with Harman Baweja. A quietly powerful story of identity, choice, and a woman reclaiming her space in a world that often sidelines her. While adapted from the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen, this Hindi version stood on its own, offering a fresh, bold, and deeply relevant take for today’s times. Nimisha Sajayan’s compelling performance as the protagonist brought remarkable depth, while Arati's nuanced writing ensured Mrs. became one of the year’s most important conversation starters.

Neeraj Ghaywan – Homebound

Neeraj Ghaywan gave us Homebound, a moving tale about friendship, dreams, and the pressures of ambition. Set in a North Indian village, it follows two childhood friends determined to join the police force not just for a job, but for the respect and dignity it promises. As the stakes rise, their bond is tested in ways that feel raw, real, and deeply relatable. Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa bring warmth and intensity to their roles, making every moment of their journey hit home. With Homebound, Ghaywan proves once again why he’s a filmmaker who can capture life’s quiet struggles with honesty, heart, and soul.

Reema Kagti – Superboys of Malegaon

Reema Kagti’s Superboys of Malegaon is pure joy on the big screen. A celebration of friendship, creativity, and small-town dreams, it follows a group of friends from Malegaon as they set out to make a superhero film that reflects their own hopes, struggles, and big-hearted ambitions. Adarsh Gourav, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Shashank Arora light up the screen, bringing charm, humor, and warmth to every scene. Reema Kagti’s direction makes you cheer, laugh, and fall in love with these dreamers, reminding us that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories come from the most ordinary places.