In a rare and inspiring career transformation, Papa Rao Biyyala, a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and ex-United Nations diplomat, has been honored with a National Film Award for his debut feature film Music School. The film, which explores the emotional and psychological impact of academic pressure on schoolchildren in India, marks Biyyala’s formal entry into cinema after decades in public service.
Music School, a bilingual musical drama released in 2023, brings to light a growing concern across Indian households—the relentless focus on rote learning and academic achievement at the expense of creativity and personal growth. The film, made in both Hindi and Telugu with a Tamil dubbed version, stars Shriya Saran, Sharman Joshi, and Prakash Raj, with music composed by maestro Ilaiyaraaja and orchestration by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Biyyala’s journey is as compelling as the narrative he brings to the screen. A former Home Secretary of Assam, he also served in the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, overseeing post-conflict restoration projects. His foray into filmmaking was not sudden. In 2000, he directed a non-feature documentary titled Willing to Sacrifice, which received a National Award for Best Environmental Film, foreshadowing his artistic sensibilities.
What makes Music School exceptional is its integration of three licensed tracks from The Sound of Music—a first for any Indian filmmaker. Securing these rights was no small feat, reflecting Biyyala’s global outlook and deep appreciation for musical storytelling.
Despite a modest box office run, Music School was lauded for its sincerity, direction, and social message. The film resonated particularly with educators, parents, and child psychologists who have long argued for a more balanced educational system in India.
“I wanted to make a film that speaks not just to parents but also to policymakers,” Biyyala said in a recent interview. “Children are not machines. They deserve joy, imagination, and a sense of freedom.”
Biyyala’s recognition at the National Film Awards serves as a poignant reminder that meaningful cinema can come from the most unexpected corners—and that the impulse to create can transcend the boundaries of bureaucracy.