Their work combines a deep understanding of the human psyche, incredible cinematography and a

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nuanced exploration of subjects — which are sometimes both simple and complicated — brought alive by an amazing soundtrack. And it’s only their first film. Introducing the Class of 2009, a list of new Hindi film directors who will either fly or fall at the box office, even as a curious audience and film industry wait with bated breath to see what new ideas and execution they would come up with next.

The year 2008 saw a slew of movies by first-time directors that gave new content and direction to Bollywood. Most of those movies met with both critical and commercial success.

Today, with the multiplex culture growing exponentially, there is a huge demand for good cinema. This naturally makes it a matter of urgency for the film industry to look for fresh filmmakers with a fine directorial sense and compelling stories to tell. And many have heeded this call. First off the starting block were Zoya Akhtar (Luck By Chance) and Madhureeta Anand (Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye) while Kiran Rao, Anthony D’Souza, Rensil D’Silva, Nandita Das and Abhinay Deo are expected to make their directorial debut soon. While Akhtar has been in the film industry for several years and worked in various capacities before turning director, Anand was a documentary filmmaker and has to her credit several award winning documentaries.

For many of these artistes, direction has been a natural progression; they’ve taken their creative passion for ad filmmaking, scripting or screenplay writing to the next level by donning the director’s hat. For example, Nandita Das has been an actor for several years and acted in various Indian language films. Her directorial movie Firaaq, produced by Percept Pictures, has already been invited to many international film festivals and has won a number of awards.

Yet to be released in India, Firaaq tells the story of the social impact of the Gujarat riots. For Das, filmmaking has been an overwhelming experience. “I think I became a writer and director by default and instinct. Making this film gave me the opportunity to express my concerns and beliefs, and in many ways, was a cathartic experience,” says Das.

For Akhtar, the success of Luck By Chance has been a tremendous joy. “I am overwhelmed by the response. And it is a great feeling to have your first movie do extremely well commercially and be appreciated by people,” she says. For her next project, Akhtar says she has in mind two stories — a love story and a political thriller — but has not come to a decision yet.

Delhi Belly, directed by Abhinay Deo, is a comedy revolving around several characters living in the capital. The film is being produced by Aamir Khan, who is also said to be doing a cameo in the movie, under his banner Aamir Khan Productions in association with UTV Motion Pictures. Deo comes to direction after making a whopping 350 ad films. The film stars Imran Khan and it is likely to release in August. “Because of the nature of the film, Aamir Khan wanted a fresh director. He stared scouting in the advertising industry. He saw some of my work and felt I was the right person to do Delhi Belly,” says Deo.

According to Deo, the processes and challenges of making a full-length feature film and an advertising commercial are the same. “One must keep the focus on performance and emotions of the characters because it is a matter of completing a film in 70 days spread over four months. The director should keep the graph and emotions intact as the movie is not shot in the order that it finally appears,” says Deo.

Talking about Aamir as a producer, Deo says: “Aamir contributes to casting. He has an excellent eye for talent and finds the best cast for the roles. As a producer, he is unbelievable, and quite contrary to popular belief, he does not interfere in the creative process at all.” Talking about the art of film-making, Deo has an important message: “Do not make projects, make films. That is where the passion of the filmmaker comes in.”

There’s another Aamir Khan connection to this list — his wife Kiran Rao, who makes her debut this year with Dhobi Ghat. The film is based on a famous dhobi ghat located next to the Mahalaxmi railway station in Mumbai. Rao, assistant director of the iconic Aamir Khan film Lagaan, had to struggle just like everyone else before Aamir offered her a film to direct. Although Prateik Babbar will essay the title role, Khan has agreed to play the role of a painter who lives and works in a tiny studio apartment in the noisy and congested Bhendi Bazar. The film is Mumbai-centric and revolves around the lives of four different characters, with Mohammad Ali Road, Marine Drive and the famous Dhobi Ghat forming an interesting backdrop.

Rensil D’Silva, a successful script-writer, will turn director this year with a yet-to-be-named film starring Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Viveik Oberoi and Om Puri. The movie is being produced by Karan Johar.

Another advertising professional joining the fray is Anthony D’Souza who is directing Blue, produced by Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision. With an impressive star-cast consisting of Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar, Lara Dutta, Katrina Kaif and Zayed Khan, along with some spectacular stunts and breathtaking underwater sequences, Blue is certainly one film to look forward to. Add to this the coup of getting Australian pop star Kylie Minogue to croon to music by A R Rahman.

The raw energy and fresh attitude of the new filmmakers seem to have infested and re-invigorated Bollywood. These new kids on the block seem full of new perspectives and know passion is the key. No wonder everyone is so eager and willing to wait and watch.