1. Super 30 (2019)
This Hrithik Roshan starrer is based on the life story of Anand Kumar, an Indian mathematician who quit his job as a teacher in a top coaching institute to teach underprivileged children. The movie highlights his grit and relentless efforts despite many hurdles and hardships to tutor his students in securing an IIT seat.
2. Hichki (2018)
Inspired by Brad Cohen’s autobiography, ‘Front of the Class’, this film revolves around a teacher (played by Rani Mukerji) with Tourette syndrome and how she turns her weakness into her biggest strength. She is given the herculean task of schooling kids belonging to the economically weaker section of society, who strongly resist and mock her as their teacher. She fights all odds and proves to be not only their teacher and mentor, but also their friend. With top-notch performances, this emotional ride is truly worth your time!
3. Do Dooni Chaar (2010)
This comedy drama starring Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh in titular roles is about a middle-class school teacher and his struggles in running a home in tough times and desiring to buy a car. The film highlights his journey and various ups and downs in wanting to climb up the ladder and afford a somewhat necessity. It is his students’ love and respect that motivate him to avoid taking bribes and make his family see him as an honest and hardworking teacher.
4. Chalk n Duster (2016)
Starring Shabana Azmi and Juhi Chawla, this movie is about the relationship between two teachers and how one stands up for the other’s unjust dismissal by the school’s newly appointed principal. The movie shows two teachers in the best light and reminds us of their selfless efforts in schooling students for a better future. With their portrayal of tireless persistence to impart not only knowledge, but also moral values, these two top-notch actresses have us from the word go.
5. Taare Zameen Par (2007)
The list is incomplete without the inclusion of this award winning film. Aamir Khan plays an art teacher who helps a young, 8 year old child (played by Darsheel Safary), suffering from dyslexia overcome his fears and inhibitions in a world he doesn’t think he fits into. Aamir plays the best ever teacher one could ask for, bringing out the real talent of the boy. The close-knit bond between student and teacher will get even the toughest of us weeping like babies!
6. Iqbal (2005)
The film led by Shreyas Talpade and Naseeruddin Shah, is one of the most heartwarming tales of a student-teacher relationship. This sports drama follows a young, deaf and mute, village boy, Iqbal and his dreams to play cricket for India. Naseeruddin Shah plays an alcoholic, ex-cricketer, persuaded by Iqbal to be his coach. With an IMDb rating of 8.1, this film should definitely be on your watchlist.
7. Chak De India (2007)
This film focuses on the bond between the Indian National women’s hockey team and their coach (played by Shah Rukh Khan). The film follows the journey of an ex hockey player, ostracized from the sport, and his comeback in coaching the team to win a tournament. Filled with motivational speeches, this one is surely a film not to be missed!
8. Dangal (2016)
Another Aamir Khan film totally worthy of featuring in this list, this film revolves around the journey of a father, coaching his two daughters into becoming National and International Wrestling gold medalists. This movie based on the real life story of Mahavir Phogat (played by Khan) and his daughters Geeta and Babita (played by Fatima Sana Sheikh and Sanya Malhotra), is an emotional roller-coaster with mind-blowing performances. This lovely father-daughter relationship portrayal, as that of a student and Guru, is one of the most inspirational movies to be made.
9. Nil Battey Sannata (2015)
A truly unique movie that showcases a mother’s strategy to pose as a student to motivate her daughter to study. A young girl hates studying and thinks of education to be futile, since her mother is a maid and she will most probably end up with the same future. The film truly shows us in the most unique way, that a mother is no less of a teacher and a Guru when it comes to schooling her child. With an IMDb rating of 8.3, this feel-good movie is not to be missed.
10. Saala Khadoos (2016)
This film based on real-life coach Muhammad Ali Qamar from Kolkata, revolves around a badass coach (played by Madhavan), ignored by the boxing association and his tireless efforts to push his protege (played by Ritika Singh), to overcome hurdles and become a boxer. The movie takes us on an emotional journey of a coach who lives his dream through his student’s eyes.