While stories have become a super important part of the Indian cinema's new wave, who tells those stories is also equally important. It would be fair to call the directors the backbone of each and every film they make. Be it their unique style of new-age storytelling or perfection with years of experience, these Indian filmmakers just know how to do it the right way. 

Now, as we bid goodbye to the year 2021, here's looking back at some of the best filmmakers of this year and how they contributed to quality cinema. 

KABIR KHAN - 83

Standing strong behind a film that's been much-anticipated for so long and is associated with the biggest event in the history of Indian cricket isn't easy. But Kabir Khan pulled it off with 83. The filmmaker made sure to showcase the story of India's victory in the 1983 World Cup with sheer honesty and passion. Kabir's casting was on point with getting Ranveer Singh on board to play Kapil Dev, his direction - well, even better! A story of one of the greatest sporting victories which Kabir brings back on the big screen deserves a watch. Prepare for major gooseflesh!

ABHISHEK KAPOOR - CHANDIGARH KARE AASHIQUI

Breaking all societal boundaries and stereotypical notions, Abhishek 'Gattu' Kapoor took a leap of faith and ditched the OG Bollywood rom-com for his super special film - Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor, Gattu presented an unconventional love story set in the hotbed of masculinity. It came across as essentially a case study of a man and a woman who are struggling inside the bodies that nature has allotted them. Gattu pitches a forward-looking idea and starts a conversation whose time has come. After Kai Po Che and Kedarnath, the director once again pushes the envelope and how. Despite facing criticism for casting Vaani as a trans actor, Abhishek left the audience to witness a job done well. 

ROHIT SHETTY - SOORYAVANSHI

Rohit Shetty brought the Indian audiences back to the theatres on the occasion of Diwali with his blockbuster Sooryavanshi. What was even more special in the film was the fact that the filmmaker was uniting his superhit cop universe for the very first time. Sooryavanshi, which is the fourth film in Rohit's famous cop world, featured Singham Ajay Devgn, Simmba Ranveer Singh in special appearances along with the main lead - Veer Sooryavanshi aka Akshay Kumar for the very first time. And yes, it is a big deal. To get 3 superstars on the big screen in their super cop characters needs a lot of resources, money & power and well, Rohit had it all. The filmmaker, who impressed the audience with Singham (2011), Singham Returns (2014) and Simmba (2018), checked all the expectations boxed and added another feather to his hat with Akshay's Sooryavanshi. The way RS directed the action sequences and high-octane scenes is commendable. 

AMOLE GUPTE - SAINA

To direct a biopic on the life of the only Indian woman badminton player to become world No. 1 – Saina Nehwal is no joke and Amole Gupte understood his assignment well. Getting it right with the casting by getting Parineeti Chopra on board, half of Amole's hurdles were cleared. In Saina, Amole traced the journey of the badminton champion who with her never-give-up attitude inspired billions. Amole's direction and screenplay flawlessly brought out a story that is emotional, inspiring, and thoroughly engaging. Not only did he make Saina an interesting watch but also imparted lessons of inspiration and passion through his biopic. 

DIBAKAR BANERJEE - SANDEEP AUR PINKY FARAAR

Fewer expectations made Dibakar Banerjee's Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar an even bigger hit. The film, which flunk in theatres back in March 2021, gained momentum with its OTT release. No one but Dibakar knows how to perfectly tell a story of layered and complex characters. In the film, Dibakar finally brought back the insane chemistry of Ishaqzaade co-stars Parineeti Chopra and Arjun Kapoor. Along with that, he gave the audience a story to remember! When it comes to depicting power play and class differences, no one does it better than Dibakar and Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar is a fine example of that.