Ever dreamed of making it big in the movies? Well, you’re not alone. Chennai being the vibrant hub of Tamil cinema, this aspiration is more than just a fleeting dream for many; it’s a journey they’re eager to embark upon. If you’re ready to take the first step towards realizing your cinematic ambitions, we’re here to assist you in discovering the finest institutes to nurture your talents. These film institutes aren’t just schools; they’re launching pads for those who want to soar in the cinematic sky.
In this blog, we’ve brought you a list of the top 10 film institutes in Chennai. These places are more than just classrooms and textbooks; they’re where creativity meets the craft, dreams meet discipline, and aspiring filmmakers find their footing in the ever-dazzling world of cinema.
List of top 10 film Institutes in Chennai
1. Tamil Nadu Government M.G.R. Film and Television Institute
The Tamil Nadu Government M.G.R. Film and Television Institute was Originally inaugurated as a comprehensive “Film City” in 1994 by then Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha, it offers state-of-the-art facilities for filmmaking, including air-conditioned shooting floors, editing labs, recording studios, and more, making it a complete setup where one can enter with an idea and exit with a finished film.
Courses: Diploma in Direction and Screenplay Writing and Television Production, Diploma in Film Technology and Television Production (Cinematography), Diploma in Film Technology and Television Production (Film Processing), Diploma in Film Technology and Television Production (Sound Recording and Sound Engineering), each with a duration of three years.
Notable alumni: actors: Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi, and Nassar, cinematographers: K. S. Prasad, Mankada Ravi Varma, and P.C. Sreeram, directors: Keyaar, R.V. Udayakumar. And more.
Location: 4th Cross St, adjacent to Mathematical Science Institute, CIT Campus, Tharamani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600113
Contact number: 044 2254 2212
Google Rating: 4.2 based on 470 reviews
2. South India Film Institute
The South India Film Institute (SIFI), established in 1994, is a premier private institution in Chennai dedicated to media education. It is a government-registered and ISO 9001:2015-certified Institute. SIFI offers NCVTE-affiliated diploma courses that are also affiliated with the Government of India, ensuring that the curriculum and training provided meet high educational standards.
Courses: Diploma in Direction, Diploma in Film Editing, and Diploma in Acting, with durations ranging from one to three years.
Location: 5/8, 4th Cross Street, Brindavan Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600087
Contact number: 09025910044
Google Rating: 4.8 based on 128 reviews
3. Chennai's Visualite Film Institute
Chennai’s Visualite Film Institute stands out as a comprehensive hub for those interested in film, photography, journalism, media, and communication. Affiliated with the Council for Vocational Education and Skill Development (CVESD) and licensed from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, Visualite Academy is dedicated to fostering creative talents across a wide range of disciplines.
Courses: Diplomas in Photography, Cinematography, Acting, Direction, Film Making, Visual Communication, Video Editing, Sound Engineering, and even unique offerings like Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, YouTube Broadcasting, Gimbal Training, Helicam Drone Operations, Radio Jockey, and Video Jockey. Additionally, it provides B.Sc courses in Photography, Visual Communication, Visual Media, and Game Design and Development.
Website: https://www.visualite.in/
Location: 117/138, Second Floor, above Unique Furniture, Nelson Manickam Road Opp. Metha Bus stop, Aminjikarai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020
Contact number: 93608 22211
Email: visualiteacademy@gmail.com
Google Rating: 4.9 based on 212 reviews
4. L V Prasad College of Media Studies
L V Prasad College of Media Studies was founded by Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient Mr. L.V. Prasad. Since its inception in 2005 by Mr. Ramesh Prasad, the academy has cultivated a robust educational environment that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience, aimed at nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and media professionals.
Courses: UG BFA, BSC Visual media, PG diploma in Direction, Cinematography, Editing, and Sound Design & Music Production
Notable alumni: https://www.prasadacademy.com/alumni/
Website: https://www.prasadacademy.com/
Location: 58, Arunachalam Rd, Mathiazhagan Nagar, Shanthi Nagar, Saligramam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600093
Contact number: 08870148484
Email: enquiry@www.prasadacademy.com
Google Rating: 4.5 based on 150 reviews
5. Raging Bull Actors Studio
Raging Bull Actors Studio in Chennai, established by Jack Prabhu in 2007, is renowned for its comprehensive training programs in acting. The studio emphasizes method acting, offering participants a deep dive into the nuances of acting for camera and cinematic acting. RB actors have landed roles in movies like “November Story,” “Gargi,” “KD Engira Karuppudurai,” “Don,” “RK Nagar,” “Kavan,” and more.
Courses: curated courses that include a final short film project for regular and weekend options
Website: https://www.ragingbulls.in/
Location: 2nd Floor, 4, 2B, Anthony St, Royapettah, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600014
Contact number: 097907 67771
Google Rating: 4.9 based on 167 reviews
6. CHENNAI FILM SCHOOL
Chennai Film School, operational since 2003, is a premier institution in Chennai dedicated to educating students in the art of filmmaking and allied visual media. It is affiliated with The Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University and provides a fast-track, one-year full-time diploma course in various disciplines including Direction, Cinematography, Editing, and Sound Design. Upon completion, graduates receive a certificate recognized by the Government of Tamil Nadu, which is also eligible for government job applications.
Courses: https://www.chennaifilmschool.co.in/courses.html
Notable Placements: Rajath Ravishankar as the director of the Tamil film “Dev”, Kavin Moorthy as director of “Velan”, and Saran Raghavan in music for the Hotstar series “November Story”, https://www.chennaifilmschool.co.in/placementdetails.html
Website: https://www.chennaifilmschool.co.in/
Location: 4/16, First Cross Street, 9th Main Rd, Swaminathan Nagar, Kottivakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041
Contact number: 09841437101
Email: chennaifilmschool@gmail.com
Google Rating: 4.6 based on 131 reviews
7. BOFTA - Blue Ocean Film and Television Academy
Blue Ocean Film and Television Academy (BOFTA) in Chennai specializes in teaching Screenplay Writing-Direction, Cinematography, and Film Editing. Managed by film industry professionals, BOFTA stands out because its faculty includes master’s directly from the industry, providing students with invaluable, real-world filmmaking insights.
Courses: Diploma course, weekend course, etc. Screenplay Writing and Direction, Cinematography, Acting, and Editing. Each course is designed as a 12-month study divided into two terms of six months each, catering to both regular students and working professionals with their weekend courses.
Website: https://www.bofta.in/
Location: Plot No.262-A, Indira Gandhi Road Ramakrishna Nagar, Off: Kamarajar Salai, Alwartirunagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600087
Contact number: 04442696320
Email: boftaindia@gmail.com
Google Rating: 4.6 based on 131 reviews
8. Theatrelab Actors Workstation
Theatrelab Actors Workstation in Chennai, founded by Mr. Ch. Jayarao, is a dedicated acting school focusing on professional theatre and film. It offers a unique learning environment where experimentation is encouraged to perfect the craft of acting. The institute, with a history of extensive performances and workshops, aims to provide a comprehensive training experience, integrating traditional art forms and modern acting techniques.
Courses: Regular, weekend, Private home Classes
Notable alumni: Actor Aadhi, Adharva, Shrikanth, Arnav, Tarushi, and more. https://www.theatrelabactors.com/our-alumini
Website: https://www.theatrelabactors.com/
Location: 1, Kaliamman Koil St, Chinmaya Nagar Stage 2, Natesan Nagar, Virugambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600092
Contact number: 09788858881
Email: theatrelabactor@gmail.com
Google Rating: 4.9 based on 87 reviews
9. Mirage Film Institute
Mirage Film Institute in Chennai offers professional courses in Film, Media, and Photography. They provide certificate courses available in regular, part-time, and weekend batches, including intensive weekend workshops.
Courses: Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Digital Film Making, Script Writing, Documentary Film Making, Acting, RJ, VJ, Dubbing, News Reading. Professional Photography, Advanced DSLR Photography, Fashion Photography, Modelling photography, and Photo editing.
Location: 1st floor, 62, Kurinji St, Fathima Nagar, Valasaravakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600087
Contact number: 09952099040
Google Rating: 4.6 based on 104 reviews
10. SRM Sivaji Ganesan School of Film Studies
SRM Sivaji Ganesan School of Film Studies, part of SRM University, offers a comprehensive degree program in filmmaking, covering all current concepts in film technology. The faculty comprises professionals from the film industry, equipped with professional equipment and labs like a production design studio, sound studio, and more, to provide interactive courses.
Location: SRM University, Bharathi Salai, Ramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600089
Contact number: 04430603042
Google Rating: 4.1 based on 27 reviews
Conclusion :
A solid foundation and a head full of knowledge are the ultimate power-up combo. Best wishes to shine in your field and achieve big!
