Saare Jahaan Se Achha (Best in The World)

In a cramped government school in an older part of Mumbai, a history class on the Mughals is abruptly interrupted by the exciting announcement that three students from Nav Chaitanya Girls High School have been selected to represent India at the Global Science Olympiad in the United States. Among them are Ambika, a no-nonsense overachiever; Madhuri, an exuberant dreamer; and Ismat, a tall girl in a burqa whose visible excitement masks a daunting reality. As they navigate the initial thrill of their achievement, Ismat grapples with the logistics of obtaining a passport—an overwhelming task complicated by her family's financial constraints and societal expectations.

Ismat's world unfolds against the backdrop of her father’s struggles as a fabric vendor and her mother’s hopes for a better future. Conversations at home reveal the financial burdens tied to Ismat’s dreams, particularly the hefty registration fee for the Olympiad. Amid the cacophony of daily life, from vibrant Ganesh Visarjan celebrations to political visits that highlight the neighborhood’s pride, Ismat feels increasingly caught between her aspirations and her family's realities. A moment of respite comes as she glimpses girls dancing on a nearby rooftop, stirring a longing for self-expression that contrasts sharply with her restrained existence.

As the countdown to the passport appointment begins, Ismat’s anxiety escalates. At the passport office, she waits anxiously, her heart racing with each passing moment. When it’s finally her turn, she confronts her fear of exposure as she must show her face to the camera, a symbolic act of unveiling her identity. In a moment of unexpected kindness from a woman at the office, Ismat finds reassurance, prompting her to embrace her identity with pride. As the camera shutter clicks, capturing not just her image but her burgeoning sense of self, Ismat’s journey transitions from one of hesitation to one of hope, reflecting the resilience of a girl striving for her place in a world filled with possibilities.

Key Team

Producer: Maxwell David Marcus

Director: Abhiroop Basu

Cast: Adil Hussan, Megha Chowdhury

Production Company: Shining Armor Studios