MUMBAI: Over the years, anthology films have served as a platform for visionary filmmakers to collaborate, bringing unique storytelling styles into one cinematic experience. These projects often explore diverse themes, offering audiences a variety of narratives within a single film.
These anthology films prove that when visionary filmmakers come together, the result is an extraordinary blend of storytelling that offers fresh perspectives and diverse narratives. Whether it's exploring love, horror, human resilience, or societal shifts, these films have pushed the boundaries of conventional storytelling, making them a must-watch for cinephiles.
Here’s a look at some of the most exciting anthologies that brought together maverick filmmakers.
1. My Melbourne (2025):
Bringing together acclaimed directors Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Onir, and Rima Das, My Melbourne is a powerful anthology set against the multicultural backdrop of Melbourne. Each filmmaker presents a unique story inspired by true incidents, exploring themes of identity, race, gender, and resilience. The film is set to release in India on March 14, 2025.
2. Lust Stories I & II (2018 & 2023):
Curated by some of Bollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers, Lust Stories (2018) featured Karan Johar, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, and Dibakar Banerjee, tackling the theme of intimacy in modern India. The sequel, Lust Stories 2 (2023), saw another powerhouse lineup with R. Balki, Konkona Sen Sharma, Sujoy Ghosh, and Amit Ravindernath Sharma, once again exploring the complexities of human relationships.
3. Unpaused I & II (2020 & 2022):
Created as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Unpaused (2020) featured short films by Raj & DK, Nikkhil Advani, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Avinash Arun, and Nitya Mehra, highlighting stories of hope and survival during lockdown. The second installment, Unpaused: Naya Safar (2022), continued the theme of resilience, with directors Ruchir Arun, Shikha Makan, Nagraj Manjule, Ayappa KM, and Nupur Asthana.
4. Modern Love - Mumbai (2022):
Inspired by the beloved Modern Love series, the Mumbai edition brought together six distinct filmmakers—Hansal Mehta, Vishal Bhardwaj, Shonali Bose, Dhruv Sehgal, Nupur Asthana, and Alankrita Shrivastava—each presenting heartfelt stories on love, relationships, and identity, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Mumbai.
5. Ray (2022):
A tribute to legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, this anthology featured four contemporary adaptations of his short stories. Helmed by Srijit Mukherji, Vasan Bala, and Abhishek Chaubey, Ray offered a mix of noir, psychological drama, and satire, showcasing Ray’s timeless storytelling in a fresh, modern format.
6. Ajeeb Daastaans (2021):
This anthology, produced by Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, delved into unconventional human emotions and relationships. With short films directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Kayoze Irani, Shashank Khaitan, and Raj Mehta, Ajeeb Daastaans explored themes of class divide, patriarchy, and forbidden love.
7. Ghost Stories (2020):
For lovers of horror, Ghost Stories was an exciting collaboration between Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, and Dibakar Banerjee, the same team behind Lust Stories. Each director brought a chilling take on supernatural and psychological horror, delivering eerie narratives that left audiences on edge.
8. Bombay Talkies (2013):
Released to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema, Bombay Talkies featured four distinct stories directed by Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, and Dibakar Banerjee. Each film paid tribute to the magic of cinema while exploring deeply personal and socially relevant themes.
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