IIM Ranchi successfully inaugurated the two-day International Conference on Indian Cinema on the theme ‘Social Realities and Managerial Insights.’ The conference brought together filmmakers, academicians, management experts, and scholars to discuss how cinema reflects society and what management can learn from it.
The inaugural session was graced by Shri Dhiraj Singh, Vice Chancellor, FTII Pune; Prof. Monia Acciari, Ashoka University; Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Director, IIM Ranchi; and Conference Chairpersons Prof. Vikas Pathe and Prof. Neelu. Prof. Vikas Pathe introduced the theme of the conference and said that films are one of the most powerful ways to tell stories. He explained that every scene in a film carries lessons about leadership, decision-making, and human behavior. He noted that cinema not only entertains but also influences society and highlights how leadership qualities evolve with time.
In his welcome address, Director, IIM Ranchi, Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava stated that management is not just about numbers and balance sheets. While numbers tell us what happened, cinema helps us understand why it happened. To understand human choices, managers need social intelligence, and cinema is a powerful medium to develop that understanding. He described films as strong simulations that help students learn about human values, emotions, and decision-making beyond textbooks.
Prof. Monia Acciari, in her inaugural address, highlighted that cinema is more than entertainment. It plays a role in shaping national identity, social imagination, and global cultural positioning. She raised important questions for discussion: How does cinema represent leadership and enterprise? How do marketing and distribution strategies influence ideas and identity? She emphasized that the conference creates a valuable platform where culture meets commerce and creativity meets management.
Shri Dhiraj Singh, Vice Chancellor of FTII Pune, spoke about the changing nature of cinema. He said that many times in history people predicted the end of cinema, but it has always adapted and evolved – from silent films to television and now digital platforms. He stressed that cinema remains a collective art form that brings people together through shared emotions. He also warned about the impact of algorithms and digital bubbles on perception and said creators and audiences must remain thoughtful and responsible in this changing environment.
The keynote address by Ajeet N. Mathur, Director, ISPSO, explored how cinema reflects social values and influences public imagination. He discussed examples from Hindi and regional cinema, explaining how films often mirror societal expectations and sometimes even shape political and cultural leadership. He highlighted how cinema and popular culture can influence mass thinking and leadership journeys.
Another keynote speaker, Prof. Sari Mattila, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on “Hermeneutics of Vision: Examining Ways We Perceive What We See.” She encouraged participants to think deeply about how meaning is created from visual images and narratives.
The conference also featured a panel discussion on ‘Cinema and Society.’ The panel included Prof. N. Rajaram, Prof. Biswajit Das, Prof. A. F. Mathew, and Prof. Daya K. Thussu. The experts discussed how cinema reflects social realities, challenges dominant narratives, and contributes to public discourse. They highlighted the need for interdisciplinary research linking media studies, culture, and management.
On the other side scholars and practitioners presented their research papers and exchanged ideas on leadership models in films, cultural branding, distribution strategies, gender representation, migration narratives, and the business side of filmmaking. The conference will continue on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
During the cultural event of the Conference, a captivating evening of classical music was presented. The program was conducted in collaboration with SPIC MACAY.
Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist and recipient of the Yuva Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, Shri Omkar Shrikant Dadarkar, commenced the recital with Raag Kalyan. As the performance progressed, the seamless blend of melody, rhythm, and tempo deeply immersed the audience in the essence of classical music.
On the tabla, Shri Jayonto Sarkar provided a refined and balanced accompaniment. His jugalbandi with Shri Omkar beautifully enhanced the rhythmic depth and composure of the performance. Meanwhile, Gaurav Chatterjee on the harmonium skillfully sustained and enriched the melodic structure of the raag.
The enchanting evening continued with a presentation of Shuddha Kalyan in Drut Teentaal, maintaining the grandeur and flow of the musical journey. The entire atmosphere resonated with the purity and richness of Hindustani classical music.
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