Where to watch Shala (2011)

Story

In 1970s rural India, a group of ninth-grade students navigate the complexities of adolescence and emerging emotions. At the centre is Joshi, a 14-year-old grappling with his feelings for a classmate named Shirodkar. As these young people come of age in their small village setting, the film explores what it means to grow up and understand the nature of human connection during formative years.

Why watch

• A Marathi-language drama that captures rural Indian village life in the 1970s
• Directed by Sujay Dahake with a cast including Dilip Prabhavalkar and Amruta Khanvilkar
• A coming-of-age story centred on adolescent experiences and self-discovery

Good for: Viewers interested in character-driven dramas exploring teenage experiences; certificate status unknown, so check before watching with younger audiences.