Shyam Benegal
DirectingAbout Shyam Benegal
Shyam Benegal (December 14, 1934–December 23, 2024) was a prolific Indian director and screenwriter. With his first four feature films Ankur (1973), Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Bhumika (1977) he created a new genre, which has now come to be called the "middle cinema" in India although he himself has expressed dislike in the term preferring his work to be called New or Alternate cinema. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991. On 8 August 2007, he was awarded the highest award in Indian cinema for lifetime achievement, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2005. He has won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi seven times. Benegal died of kidney disease on 23 December 2024 in Mumbai and is survived by his daughter.
Shyam Benegal Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Shyam Benegal reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 7 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Shyam Benegal's work falls within the Documentary genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 14% of Shyam Benegal's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Celluloid Man, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Shyam Benegal Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Shyam Benegal's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Shyam Benegal has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | The Master: Shyam Benegal | Himself | Flop | Similar → |
| 2014 | The Last Adieu | Himself | Flop | Similar → |
| 2012 | Celluloid Man | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | Light, Shadow, and Me | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2011 | Pride of India: Shama Zaidi | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 2001 | Smita | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1989 | In Search of Guru Dutt | Self - Director, Cousin of Guru Dutt | Average | Similar → |
Shyam Benegal - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Shyam Benegal?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Shyam Benegal is "Celluloid Man" with a rating of 7.0/10.
How many movies has Shyam Benegal acted in?
Shyam Benegal has been featured in at least 7 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Shyam Benegal?
Other notable films include "In Search of Guru Dutt", "The Master: Shyam Benegal", and "The Last Adieu".