Sujoy Ghosh [Kahaani]

The kind of plot that 'Kahaani' boasted of, the elements and people involved and the usage of technology forming a good part of the narrative, Sujoy Ghosh could have easily found himself in a zone a la Sanjay Gupta or an Abbas-Mustan, what with their highly urbanised stylish and over the top story telling taking prominence over the actual plot. However he came up with a style of his own which means he merged reality with an engaging narrative in such a manner that as an audience you felt like standing next to the character and feeling her emotions instead of just being passively entertained as a viewer.

Umesh Shukla [OMG - Oh My God]

'OMG - Oh My God' was a fantastic film. Even though it boasted of a complicated subject where everything from God, religion, faith and worship was challenged, Umesh Shukla never lost his way through the film's narrative. After all, a film like this was always walking a tight rope, what with more chances of a viewer going against it than for it. However one has to credit the way Umesh spun it all together as well as convincingly ensured that instead of feeling offended, audience ended up getting into an introspective mode.

Gauri Shinde [English Vinglish]

Going by the very first look of 'English Vinglish' where Sridevi stood against a Censor certificate backdrop to the subsequent talkie promos, there was certain apprehension that had built up around the eventual content of the film. However first timer Gauri ensured that the film turned out to be a very entertaining piece of cinema that was not just heart felt and emotional but also a highly class affair where one couldn't help but say 'wow' at various junctures. She followed a balanced approach towards the film and Sridevi was just an ideal actor to enact a memorable part.

Shoojit Sircar [Vicky Donor]

Director Shoojit Sircar indeed had a task in hand as this film with a one line plot needed enough content that could lead to ample episodes comprising of enjoyable moments so as to hold a viewer's attention. He had good support from his writer Juhi Chaturvedi who penned the story, screenplay and dialogues of the film in such a deft manner that as audience you were thoroughly entertained. 'Vicky Donor' fitted into the mould of a humorous tale which was not just the first of its kinds but also promised to bag a cult status for itself in years to come.

Anurag Kashyap [Gangs of Wasseypur I and II]

'An action thriller with dollops of humour and some zany music to support the narrative right through the running length of around two and a half hours' - this is what Anurag Kashyap delivered with both parts of 'Gangs of Wasseypur' which finally made him take giant leaps from his last best effort 'Black Friday'. Though in the interim period he has made memorable films like 'Dev D' and 'Gulal', it is 'Gangs of Wasseypur' with which he establishes quite firmly that he has it in him to tell a fully commercial film par apne andaaz se! He breaks rules, creates quite a few of his own and takes audience for a roller coaster ride.