Today on the occasion of National Youth Day, which is also celebrated as Vivekananda Jayanti 12 January, reports from the United Nations have informed that half of the people from the planet are of age 30 or younger, and this figure is expected to rise more to 57% by the end of the year 2030. The survey showcases why it is important to consider youth-centric and coming-of-age movies. On the occasion of National Youth Day, have a look at the stories that take you into the journey of the aspirations, challenges, dreams and hopes of the young characters achieving dreams.

Sir Sir Sarla  (Teleplay)

The Zee Theatre teleplay is a coming-of-age story featuring young love as a conflict between the world of fantasy and reality. The story explores the feelings of the lead character Sarla, a student who has an unconventional desire for her professor. Professor Palekar and she share an unspoken relationship. The story showcases the older professor being unable to come to terms with his feelings for Sarla. The story has a third character as well. Another student Phanidhar also admires the professor. Years later, when the three meet again, the emotions burst and Professor Palekar realises to what limit he has played with two young lives. Filmed by Suman Mukhopadhyay, this Makrand Deshpande teleplay features him as the professor with  Aahana Kumra,  Sanjay Dadhich and Anjum Sharma.  

12th Fail (Film)

The biographical movie produced, written and directed by ace director Vidhu Vinod Chopra 12th Fail is a dose of inspiration. Based on Anurag Pathak's book about IPS Officer Manoj Kumar Sharma who succeeds through countless setbacks to become an Indian Police Service officer. The movie showcases how a hardworking student from a marginalized section of society manages to achieve his dreams. The movie stars Vikrant Massey in the lead role, alongside Medha Shankar, Anant V Joshi, Anshuman Pushkar, and Priyanshu Chatterjee. 

Jawan (Film)

A complete Bollywood masala movie in the genre of massy high-octane action thriller works as a wake-up call for the youth. The story of the movie delves into the power youth holds to make wrongdoings of powerful people. The lead character played by Shah Rukh Khan who was born in a jail is named 'Azaad' who grows into a man with a mission and brings the nation's attention to its neglected citizens which includes debt-ridden farmers, doctors in government hospitals among others. Much like 'Rang De Basanti', this movie brings a call for change and has connected with the youth of the country. Directed by south director Atlee, the movie stars Shah Rukh Khan in a double role with Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi in the role of villain.

Dhak Dhak (Film)

Directed by Tarun Dudeja and produced by Taapsee Pannu, it stars  Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanjana Sanghi. Dhak Dhak is a travel-themed movie that is made for people who are not only young and age but also by heart. It's about the two young protagonists who are dealing with a loveless arranged marriage and social media trolling respectively. A homemaker and an older woman on the other hand are eager to live a free life and leave the weight of duties and expectations from society behind.  The story shows these four women from different age groups and social backgrounds riding their motorbikes from New Delhi to the highest mountain pass in the world in Ladakh. As they go on this journey they get in touch with their inner-self. 

 Dhumrapaan (Teleplay)

The play narrates the never-ending frustrations of young people who are caught in the struggle of a life-sucking corporate career. This Zee Theatre teleplay is directed for stage by Akarsh Khurana and filmed by Adhaar Khurana. The characters in the play meet in the smoking area of their office and share their frustration over appraisals, interpersonal politics, and relationships. The teleplay is a comedy about a rat race in corporate but also talks about mental health. Dhumrapaan stars Shubhrajyoti Barat, Akarsh Khurana, Sarthak Kakar, Taaruk Raina, Sidharth Kumar, Lisha Bajaj and Ghanshyam Lalsa.

The list of these movies features movies that are made for the younger generation. These movies showcase the complexicity of young age, aspirations, inspirations and stories which can help youth to move forward in their lives.