From Kumirmudi to national glory: Ravi Raj Murmu’s journey inspires a new generation of tribal storytellers
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, July 24: The journey of Ravi Raj Murmu from the tribal village of Kumirmudi near Jadugora in East Singhbhum…
Ravi Raj Murmu
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, July 24: The journey of Ravi Raj Murmu from the tribal village of Kumirmudi near Jadugora in East Singhbhum to becoming a National Film Award-winning filmmaker is a compelling story of perseverance, talent and the transformative impact of mentorship.
Today, Ravi is recognised as one of Jharkhand’s most promising filmmakers and editors, with his work reaching audiences across India. Yet, despite his national acclaim, his storytelling remains deeply rooted in the lives, traditions and cultural heritage of the state’s tribal and indigenous communities.
A dream born in rural Jharkhand
Raised in the quiet village of Kumirmudi, Ravi nurtured aspirations that extended far beyond his rural surroundings. His fascination with visual storytelling and cinema eventually became the foundation of a career that has earned national recognition.
A turning point came in 2008, when Tata Steel Foundation identified his potential and selected him for its Jyoti Fellowship. The programme provided academic support, mentorship and encouragement during his formative years, helping him pursue higher education with confidence.
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From student to filmmaker
After completing school, Ravi pursued a degree in Mass Communication with a specialisation in Video Production, where he sharpened his technical and creative skills.
His association with Samuday Ke Saath (SKS)—a Tata Steel Foundation initiative that uses cinema to amplify the voices of tribal and indigenous communities—proved instrumental in shaping his filmmaking career.
His early work received recognition when one of his films won the Community Category Award at SKS, reinforcing his belief that cinema could become both his profession and his medium for social change.
Over the years, Ravi evolved from a participant to a mentor within the programme, guiding aspiring filmmakers while continuing to refine his craft through interactions with industry professionals, creative practitioners and fellow storytellers.
Documenting grassroots change
Ravi further strengthened his understanding of visual storytelling during an internship with the erstwhile Tata Steel Rural Development Society (TSRDS), now Tata Steel Foundation.
Travelling across villages, he documented rural development initiatives and community stories, experiences that deepened his appreciation of cinema as a tool to preserve local identities, highlight grassroots transformation and amplify unheard voices.
FTII education opens new doors
Committed to building a career in filmmaking, Ravi explored multiple avenues, including documentary filmmaking, commercial photography, freelance editing and visual storytelling.
Although he secured admission to reputed management institutes, he chose to pursue his passion for cinema.
Recognising his dedication and potential, Tata Steel Foundation supported him as a Tata Steel Scholar, enabling him to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Filmmaking at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune—one of India’s premier film schools.
Building expertise across the entertainment industry
Following his graduation from FTII, Ravi established himself as a versatile filmmaker and editor, working across documentaries, promotional films, research-based visual documentation and commercial productions.
His expertise in editing led to collaborations on projects associated with leading streaming platforms, including Netflix, JioHotstar and Amazon Prime Video, where he contributed as an Associate Editor and Trailer Editor.
His work spans fiction, documentaries, branded content and digital productions, reflecting his versatility and command over visual storytelling.
National recognition for ‘Angen’
The defining milestone in Ravi’s career came in 2026 with “Angen,” a film inspired by indigenous culture, traditions and everyday life.
The film won the National Film Award, bringing national recognition not only to Ravi’s creative excellence but also to the rich cultural heritage and storytelling traditions of Jharkhand’s tribal communities.
The award established him among the country’s emerging filmmakers while shining a spotlight on stories that have historically remained underrepresented in mainstream Indian cinema.
‘The Foundation became my family’
Reflecting on his journey, Ravi said his association with Tata Steel Foundation extended far beyond financial assistance.
“My association with Tata Steel Foundation has always felt like being part of a family. I was fortunate to have mentors whom I could approach anytime for guidance on education, career or personal challenges. Through the Foundation and the Samvaad community, I found encouragement, opportunities and a support system that believed in me at every stage of my journey.”
A vision for Jharkhand’s stories
Looking ahead, Ravi hopes to establish a production house dedicated to authentic tribal and indigenous storytelling while creating feature films rooted in Jharkhand’s culture, language and lived experiences.
His vision is to take the voices and stories of his homeland to audiences across India and the world, ensuring that indigenous narratives receive the recognition they deserve.
From the quiet lanes of Kumirmudi to India’s highest cinematic honour, Ravi Raj Murmu’s story is more than a personal success—it is a celebration of resilience, opportunity and the enduring power of storytelling to bridge cultures and inspire generations.
