For a skilfully made film on a major problem of the times; the communal divide and rise of militant Hindutva groups that led to demolition of Babri Mosque
For a well researched and detailed investigation of the fears and tribulations of the people living under the looming shadow of a long-delayed multipurpose hydel project.
For insight-fully and sensitively probing the masked lives of college students of Manipur, who are compelled by socio-political circumstances to pull rickshaws for their livelihood.
The film is a forceful statement on the disastrous consequences of millions of people drinking water contaminated with "arsenic". In a simple but effective manner, the filmmaker explores and then brings out the enormity of the problem.
For portraying the apathy and the hardships of drought effected villagers from Bolangir District, and their struggle to survive under an atmosphere of compulsive exploitation in excellent investigative and poignant style.
For a small film with a big impact! In the best traditions of Investigative reportage, the film highlights the burning issue of hazards to health and pollution norms.
For exploring in depth the problem of falling agro-production and poisoning of the food chain due to use of chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides.
For trying to uncover the sequence of events that led to the gruesome murder of the Wall-street journalist, Daniel Pearl. This film is very well researched and the investigation provides an insight into the working of a militant organisation.
For evoking painful memories of World War II as experienced by people of North East India, after the Japanese invasion. Through war wreckages found in the jungles and first person accounts, the film stitches together a moving story of affected families long forgotten.
For the pet detective in a reverse act, an emotive documentary exposing not only stories of cruel impact of pest control on human health but also arrests out attention to a more fundamental question – who is a pest ?.
For exposing the growing apathy of the state, the tightening grip of multinationals and the web created by middlemen and moneylenders towards small cotton growing farmers in Vidarbha. The film successfully investigates the vicious trap of debts, deceptions and suicides.
For unflinchingly and boldly stepping into unearthing the truth about Kashmir. A passionate inquiry connecting with the people, discovering what is called 'Kashmiriyat' and at the same time exposing the role the state, police and army have played in alienating them from India.
For its cutting edge investigation into the life of a typical Indian city, the film uses strong characters, juxtapositions and humour to create a visual arch that delineates the haves and have-nots of power.
For its quiet and fair-hearted investigation of the fishermen communities and their floating dwellings on Loktak Lake, Manipur, even as government agencies and conservationists struggle to save the lake.
An important and intelligently crafted film that investigates the malaise plaguing one of India's premiere educational institutions, showing us a mirror of our times.
For its gritty examination of why and how young girls are coerced into commercial sex work, destroying their lives and minds, and for depicting their courage to survive.