Recently, Time magazine announced its list of the 100 greatest films of all time, and the eclectic selection includes five Indian films.

While none would question the brilliance of the selected Indian classics like Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy, Guru Dutt's Pyaasa and Mani Ratnam's Nayakan, rediff.com decided to ask Indian filmmakers, artistes, technicians and critics what they felt were the best Indian films of all time.

Today, we speak to star cinematographer Ravi Chandran (Dil Chahta Hai, Koi... Mil Gaya, Black)

"I have made the list from the films I have seen," he told Shobha Warrier.

Check out what our top moviemakers say about India's Best Films











Charulata

A landmark for photography, set design, music and brilliant performances. It has used minimal dialogues with great effect.

Director: Satyajit Ray










Pather Panchali

With it a great filmmaker like Satyajit Ray and a great cinematographer like Subroto Mitra were born.

Director: Satyajit Ray












Meghe Dhaka Tara

I like its complex use of sound and artistic use of melodrama. Ritwik Ghatak is a pioneer in filmmaking.

Director: Ritwik Ghatak










Sholay

The best commercial film Indian cinema has produced.

Director: Ramesh Sippy










Pyaasa

I like it for V K Murthy's photography, music and lyrics. Guru Dutt's song picturisation has become a guide for all filmmakers.

Director: Guru Dutt









Elippathayam

It shows deep understanding of feudalism in Kerala. Adoor is a master in story telling.

Director: Adoor Gopalakrishnan










Nayakan

It put Tamil cinema on the world map.

Director: Mani Ratnam










16 Vayathinile

It shows true village life in the most original cinematic way. The most original Tamil film. Bharati Raja's style is unique and original.

Director: Bharati Raja










Pokkuveyil

A deep rooted journey through a young poet's mind. Aravindan composed the music first and then matched it with visuals. Very poetically shot by Shaji N Karun. One of the most memorable Malayalam films.

Director: G Aravindan










Mughal-e-Azam

I chose it because it is Mughal-e-Azam!

Director: K Asif




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