INDIA: When it comes to Indian Cinema, a writer is the one who lays the cornerstone for a film’s inception. Actors and directors are the most talked-about film personas behind every critically and commercially hit movie. However, there is more than a star and a star maker.
There are personas who add every single bit of creativity that serves as the soul of a film. Yes, you guessed it correctly, they are writers whose work is highly influential for any film but is rarely discussed.
Today, we’re shining a light on writers in Indian cinema who are revolutionizing the industry with creative stories that captivate critics and audiences alike.
Note: The list below is not in ranking order.
V. Vijayendra Prasad
Vijayendra Prasad is the literary genius of Telugu Cinema, whose work speaks volumes on every level of filming. He is the man behind blockbuster Telugu films such as Magadheera, the Bahubali film series, and the most recent Oscar-winning RRR. His vision to craft a story around a culturally rooted phenomenon gives a unique touch to a film.
Prasad as a writer has given so many Telugu films, which have been remade numerous times. His Vikramarkudu (2006) was remade in Bollywood as Rowdy Rathore (2012), in Kannada as Veera Madakari (2009), in Tamil as Siruthai (2011), and the list goes on.
Talking about his most recent work, RRR, the historical drama carried out a fictional take on what would have happened if two Indian revolutionaries, Komaram Bheem and Alluri Sitarama Raju, had met each other. When it comes to imagining the unimaginable, only V. Vijayendra Prasad can do it.
Film personality trivia: V. Vijayendra Prasad is the father of SS Rajamouli.
S Shankar
Shankar is a maverick and multi-talented director of Tamil Cinema. His directorial vision is responsible for the unique stories and concepts in Kollywood. Though as a filmmaker his work is nationally recognized, his literary side serves as a cornerstone of his directorial vision.
We all know how talented Shankar is as a director, but his work as a writer is on par on every level. His out-of-the-box concept as a writer in Indian (1996), Anniyan (2005), Enthiran (2010), 2.0 (2018), and I (2015) is ahead of its time.
His work in Enthiran puts light on a robot exploring human emotions and what could go wrong if the technologically advanced entity fell into the wrong hands. Plus, Rajinikanth’s swag in it forms a perfect recipe for a hit film. Be it Anniyan or I, Shankar has given phenomenal workpieces as a writer.
Currently, S Shankar is working on Indian 2 and Ram Charan starrer RC15, which will once again explore his side as a writer first and a filmmaker later.
Vasan Bala
Another multifaceted personality joining our list is Vasan Bala. He rose to prominence with his directorial debut Peddlers (2012). Bala gained popularity among the masses for Abhimanyu Dasani and Radhika Madan starrer Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota (2018).
Vasan Bala served as the man in the director’s chair, which bagged heavy praises for a totally different take on the film. In addition to direction, Bala also penned the story for the film which blended a heavy martial artistic touch with a balanced banter. The semi-super heroic touch to Dasani’s character as a painless man gives us an idea of Bala’s fiery writing skills.
Bala’s work as a screenwriter has given him multiple prestigious titles in the field. As a writer, he has penned 10 scripts exploring his literary side. When it comes to his directorial work, he deserves a separate list.
Pawan Kumar
Pawan Kumar can be considered a film personality ahead of his time. Kumar started his work in the Kannada film industry as a writer in Manasaare (2009). The romantic film with a psychological touch received praise for its concept, earning an IMDB rating of 7.5/10. However, Kumar’s name was yet to become mainstream among the masses.
Pawan Kumar did something incredible in 2013 that cemented his reputation as a visionary filmmaker in Kannada cinema. In 2010 when the world was under a hangover from Christopher Nolan’s Inception (2010), just 3 years after that Kumar released the psychological thriller film, Lucia (which in my opinion is India’s answer to Inception).
The film was funded through crowdfunding, which raised Rs 50 lakh at the time. Made on an extremely low budget the film bagged Rs 3 crores at the box office. Besides commercial success, the film is solely a fusion of Kumar’s writing and directorial vision.
In addition to the film sector, Pawan Kumar has also proven his mettle in web series by directing and writing the Telugu show Kudi Yedamaithe (2021).
Hussain and Abbas Dalal
Hussain and Abbas Dalal aka the Dalal Brothers, are rising names in Bollywood. The writer duo is responsible for the majority of recent television reality shows, web series, and films.
Hussain Dalal has mainly worked as a dialogue writer in popular films such as Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (2013), 2 States (2014), Brahmastra (2022), Shehzada (2023), and many more.
Hussain Dalal’s most recent work accolade includes the Shahid Kapoor starrer Farzi (2023). Hussain’s magic in dialogue is clearly visible, which has phenomenally sparked a laugh riot among the viewers. Especially, the comedic punches have become a meme sensation on the internet.
Not to forget the hilarious conversation between Vijay Sethupati and Zakir Hussain, thanks to Hussain Dalal and Raghav Dutt’s dialogue writing which has made the scene a memorable one.
Talking about Abbas Dalal, he along with his brother are responsible for tight screenwriting in Vidya Balan’s Jalsa (2021). He has also penned the Ajay Devgn starrer Rudra: The Edge of Darkness (2022). In addition, Abbas has also explored his literary side in Shark Tank India Season 2.
Dalal Brothers’ most recent creation involves Bhuvan Bam starrer Taaza Khabar (2023). The duo knows how to blend a YouTube personality’s stardom and a striking story in an entertaining series.
Besides Taaza Khabar, their brilliant screenwriting of the Dalal Brothers is visible in yet another Bhuvan Bam starrer Dhindora (2021). The series showcased Bam playing multiple characters, which worked brilliantly because of the gripping screenwriting.
Also Read: Top 10 Movies of 2022: Witness the Best of Indian Cinema from Action to Emotion
