Though times have changed, Ram still uses old ways of farming due to a drought in the village. His brother, Bala, goes to Bombay to earn his living. Mahadev, a Zamindar in the village, eyes Usha, the lover of Bala. Due to the drought, the crops fail in the village, and Shikh Sahib, a social worker, comes to help the farmers, and shows them new ways of farming. Ramu goes to Bombay to take a loan for cooperative farming and asks Bala to turn back to the village, but he refuses. [The film is a socio-economic study of post-independence India, blending documentary elements with narrative storytelling. The film is often described as a "simple story woven into the documentary design" and features actors like Prithviraj Kapoor and Dev Anand.]

A lyrical Indian documentary tracing the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha. Directed by Rajbans Khanna and produced by Bimal Roy, the film blends narration with evocative imagery of India’s landscapes, art, and archaeological sites to reflect the Buddha’s search for wisdom and peace. Premiering in Paris, it went on to earn a Special Mention at the 1957 Cannes Film Festival, where its spiritual depth and visual poetry were widely praised.

Directed in the same year as The Life of the Adivasis, Places of Historic Interest in Bihar was more of a tourism documentary for the Bihar government.

This documentary highlights the achievements of India in the political, economic, and international fields since she attained Independence. The framing of her Constitution, the integration of the States and the general elections, the rehabilitation of displaced persons, the river valley projects, and the setting up of a chain of National Laboratories are some of the achievements shown here.

In 1957, Ghatak premiered Oraon. This is often regarded as a preparatory work for Ajantrik and is based on the Oraon tribes. It was shot in 1955 in Chhota Nagpur. Incidentally, some footage from Oraon was also used in Ajantrik.

A short documentary produced by the Indian Ministry of Information that looks at some statues and miniatures dealing with poetic Indian legend.

A documentary made by Ghatak observing the life of the Adivasis.

An overview of the principles and directives of India's post-independence constitution.

Directed by Paul Zils, Our India is a short documentary film written by Minoo Masani. The film focuses on India's post-independence socio-political landscape, documenting the nation's early years of independence and its efforts toward development. With its documentary style, the film emphasizes themes such as national unity, social progress, and the challenges faced by a newly independent India.

Stressing the need for civic sense this documentary pleads for better understanding of other people's problems and the sharing of amenities and services offered by society. This film revolves round a man whose every action is motivated by selfish interests, which ultimately lands him in an unfortunate situation.

A great documentary of bharatnatyam dance by Kumari Kamala directed by Jagat Murari.

The film takes us to through the silent stone relics of Nagarjunakonda, ancient secluded centre of art, learning and research founded 2000 years ago on the banks of the river Krishna in Andhra Pradesh.

Khajuraho, the city of Gods is shown in this film. During the period of Hindu renaissance, temple architecture received a striking impetus and its most eloquent expression is seen in the inspiring group of temples at Khajuraho.

A nation's culture is a measure of its maturity. Culture, however is a living reality and our daily lives reflect in how we behave towards one another. This film approaches this subject and emphasises the need for consideration of others, which is the best foundation for good manners.

Martial Dances of Malabar (1958) is a short documentary directed by Paul Zils, focusing on the traditional martial arts of the Malabar region in India. The film showcases the intricate movements and techniques of these martial dances, highlighting their cultural significance and the discipline involved.