Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Top 10 favourite screenplays of Mansi Jain

Top 10 favourite screenplays of Mansi Jain
Mansi Jain

A CONNECTION to creativity led Mansi Jain to pursue a Masters in Screenwriting from Columbia University in New York, eventually showcasing her talent on diverse projects.

Her writing credits include Amazon Prime series such as Dahaad and Made in Heaven Season 2, along with acclaimed short films Nawab, Chhuri, and Everything is Fine, which she also directed.


In line with her creative flair, Eastern Eye asked the Mumbai-based writer/director to select 10 screenplays she loves.

Before diving into her intriguing picks, she said: “Given that there are many exceptional screenplays from around the world, I set a few parameters for myself. I am focusing on scripts that don’t receive enough attention. Classics like The Godfather, The Shawshank Redemption, and The Apu Trilogy are obviously masterpieces. I’ve also included both films and shows because some of my favourite writing comes from television.

“In no particular order, here are my top 10.”

The Lost Weekend (1945): Although Sunset Boulevard is arguably Billy Wilder’s most wellknown film, The Lost Weekend is one of my favourites. It offers a sensitive and insightful portrayal of alcoholism without veering into melodrama. The fact that Wilder could write both tragedies like The Lost Weekend and laugh-out-loud comedies such as Some Like It Hot speaks to his brilliance.

 Uunchai (2022): Last year, my go-to recommendation for anyone asking ‘kuchh achha naya bata’ was Uunchai. It’s a beautifully crafted film with rich characterisation, insightful storytelling, and memorable performances. I was thrilled to see it win the National Award for best director, and I hope that it continues to gain recognition.

Coco

Coco (2017): Animated or not, Coco ranks in my top five films of all time. The story, characters, script, music, and cultural detailing are simply perfect. In general, I find animated films very disarming and successful in touching a place that’s very innocent, vulnerable and raw.

Jojo Rabbit (2019): Given the political climate and sensitive subject matter, Jojo Rabbit achieved something remarkable. Taika Waititi (writer/director) deserves immense credit for navigating such delicate terrain with humour and heart, without crossing any dangerous lines.

The Prestige (2006): It’s tough to pick from Christopher and Jonathan Nolan’s filmography, especially since science fiction is my favourite genre to watch and read. I chose The Prestige because it’s a rare blend of sci-fi and period drama. I admire how the Nolans tackle complex subjects and effortlessly turn them into captivating films with multiple layers.

The Prestige

The West Wing (1999-2006): I am a sucker for idealistic narratives, and it almost doesn’t get better than The West Wing. While the show might seem too naïve and preachy today, it does that in a very hope-igniting way. Aaron Sorkin is easily one of my favourite writers. And when it comes to monologues, he, hands down, does it best. The Newsroom is a prime example. The lead character’s monologue from the pilot is beyond iconic. Another plus about both shows is that while they are very well cast, they are not heavily dependent on actors. The writing is very much the star of the show/s.

It Happened One Night (1934): I chose It Happened One Night not just for its brilliance but also to highlight how great screenplays can transcend cultures. Although the Indian film Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin (1991) wasn’t an official remake, it shows how good stories, when adapted with care, can resonate anywhere.

It Happened One Night

A Simple Life (2011): This Hong Kong drama is hard to find, but it’s worth the effort. A Simple Life is a tearjerker with a simple storyline – which makes it even harder to write. It relies purely on well-captured human experiences, with no bells and whistles to hide behind.

Arrival (2016): I love a good twist, and Arrival delivers that beautifully. The film’s understated performances complement the storytelling, making it all the more powerful.

It’s A Wonderful Life (1946): People need to stop sleeping on this gem. It’s A Wonderful Life is pure cinematic goodness that makes you believe in life and magic. That’s no small feat, which is why it remains a timeless classic and an essential holiday favourite.

More For You

Val Kilmer

From Iceman to Jim Morrison, Val Kilmer's transformative performances cemented his place as one of Hollywood’s finest actors

Instagram/Getty Images

Hollywood legend: 5 most iconic roles of Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer wasn’t just an actor for all of us, right? He was like a force of nature. A man who didn’t just play characters but became them, leaving pieces of his soul on the screen every single time. With his passing in 2025, we lost one of the greats, but his performances? They’re immortal.

Here’s a tribute to the roles that made us laugh, cry, and sit in stunned silence, the ones that proved, again and again, that Kilmer was pure magic.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jennifer Lawrence & Cooke Maroney Welcome Their Second Child

Jennifer Lawrence spotted with husband Cooke Maroney

SplashNews.com/Christopher Peterson /

Jennifer Lawrence welcomes second child with Cooke Maroney

Jennifer Lawrence and her husband, Cooke Maroney, have welcomed their second child, expanding their family of three to four. The couple, who are already parents to their three-year-old son Cy, were seen taking a stroll in New York City just days after the baby’s arrival.

Although the couple has not publicly shared details about their new-born, insider sources have confirmed the news. The Hunger Games actress and Maroney have been married since October 2019, tying the knot in a private ceremony at the historic Belcourt of Newport mansion in Rhode Island.

Keep ReadingShow less
Adolescence

Netflix’s Adolescence quickly climbs the all-time charts, surpassing major hits like Stranger Things 3

Netflix

‘Adolescence’ surpasses ‘Stranger Things 3’ on Netflix in 17 days with 96.7 million views

Netflix’s latest limited series, Adolescence, has taken the platform by storm, racking up 96.7 million views in just 17 days. This unexpected success has pushed Stranger Things 3 down to the tenth spot on Netflix’s all-time most popular English-language TV series list, while Bridgerton Season 2 has dropped off completely.

Released on March 13, Adolescence follows the gripping story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, played by Owen Cooper, who finds himself charged with the murder of a classmate. The series, directed by Philip Barantini and starring Stephen Graham, has connected with viewers worldwide, making its way into the Top 10 charts in all 93 countries where Netflix rankings are available.

Keep ReadingShow less
David Fincher Directs ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ Sequel

This sequel is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated film projects in recent years

Getty

'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' sequel on Netflix: David Fincher helms film written by Quentin Tarantino starring Brad Pitt

David Fincher is set to direct a sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, with Quentin Tarantino penning the script for the follow-up to his Academy Award-winning film. The project, confirmed by Variety, does not yet have an official title but is being developed at Netflix, where Fincher holds a first-look deal. Brad Pitt will reprise his role as Cliff Booth, the stuntman with a dark past.

The film marks a particularly unique collaboration, not only due to one renowned filmmaker directing a sequel to another’s work but also because of its transition from theatrical release to a streaming platform. The original Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was released in 2019 by Sony Pictures, but Tarantino had negotiated a deal that would grant him ownership of the film’s underlying rights after a set period. The fact that this sequel is being developed under Fincher’s Netflix agreement suggests that Tarantino may already hold the sequel rights privately.

Keep ReadingShow less
Laapata Ladies

Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed film is now under fire after a viral video compared its plot to Burqa City

Instagram

'Laapata Ladies' makers accused of plagiarism as similarity with Arab film 'Burqa City' surface

Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, which received critical acclaim and was selected as India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, is now facing accusations of plagiarism. A viral video circulating on social media has drawn comparisons between Rao’s film and Burqa City, a 2019 Arabic short film by French filmmaker Fabrice Bracq.

What’s the controversy?

Keep ReadingShow less