Just like any other year, even 2006 saw a number of first time directors trying to make their presence felt in the Bollywood film making scene. A super successful year only helped the cause as number of directors showed potential and promised an extended outing in the years to come. Here we present a list of Top-10 newcomers who impressed with their work behind the camera and made sure that they are talked about in the coming years as they bag more projects.
1. Shirish Kunder - Jaan-E-Mann
Shirish Kunder may still be regretting the time when he said yes to the clash of his 'Jaan-E-Mann' with 'Don' on Diwali. Because if that wouldn't have been the case, his film may have created a different story at the box office! A well made film that showcased Shirish as a multi faceted personality who knew his job at storytelling in an innovative manner, 'Jaan-E-Mann' had an experimental narrative which may have become iconic if only the film could have sustained at the box office. Last heard, he was on the verge of signing up with a big production house for yet another multi crore extravaganza.
2. Kabir Khan - Kabul Express
'Qabool Hai' - This is what one ended up saying after seeing Kabir Khan's first feature film 'Kabul Express'. Certainly not a novice behind the camera due to numerous documentary films behind him, Kabir knew his job well when it came to making a film. Though the film's theme was not of the kind that would appeal to one and all, he ensured that for his target audience, there were enough dramatic, thrilling and light moments to keep them engaged for the two hours they were spending in the auditorium. Knowing YRF's penchant for encouraging promising newcomers to make different projects for them, one looks forward to see if Kabir has something more interesting to offer in the months ahead.
3. Saket Chaudhary - Pyaar Ke Side Effects
He kept his film simple. And in the process ensured that audience had a sweet and simple outing when they went in to watch 'Pyaar Ke Side Effects'. There wasn't any extensive expectation building for the film that only worked in the film's favor. This light hearted frothy entertainer had lots to offer in a small package - some romance, some comedy, some emotional moments, some good songs and some very good performances! And yes, Saket was the first man in the world to actually imagine a fully clothed Mallika getting his film pass the safety mark at the box office.
4. Dibakar Banerjee - Khosla Ka Ghosla
Oh, what a wait! But hasn't that been simply worth it? Aided by Jaideep Sahni's script, first time director Dibakar Banerjee came up with a near flawless tale in the form of 'Khosla Ka Ghosla'. If only the film was made in UK or US with an Indian cast, it may well have been heralded as a crossover film. But in India, it took almost 3 years to finally see the light of the day! Still, when it came, it did wonders due to its fresh style of narrative, some brilliant natural performances and a tale that never tended to drag even for a moment. Dibakar, chak de phatte!
5. Naseeruddin Shah - Yun Hota To Kya Hota
An actor par excellence, Naseeruddin Shah may have realized the importance of marketing and power of product placement once 'Yun Hota To Kya Hota' came and went. A very good film that was told in an utmost sensitive manner, YHTKH suffered on multiple counts for reasons which were beyond the actual two hour movie. The film wasn't marketed aggressively and saw an abrupt release at the theatres. The screen count and placement wasn't much impressive either and the film proved to be a disaster at the box office. Sad to see a truly involving tale not reaching out to the audience in the way it rightly deserved.
