IIM Ahmedabad professor uses Bollywood film to teach statistics

A professor at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad has found an unconventional way to teach statistics—using scenes and dialogues from the Bollywood blockbuster Dhurandhar. The creative teaching method has gone viral after a student shared a video from the classroom online.

Instead of relying on textbooks filled with dense statistical terminology, the professor reportedly used references from Dhurandhar to explain complex concepts in survey design and research methodology. Prakhar Singh, the student who posted the video, revealed how moments from the film were used to simplify topics that often challenge MBA students. Singh captioned the video, "Dhurandhar taught me Statistics. IIM Ahmedabad."

What stood out was how seamlessly the professor connected the movie's plot to academic principles. For instance, one dialogue from the film was used to illustrate cluster sampling, while discussions about rival groups in the movie became an example of stratification. The class transitioned effortlessly from talking about the film's characters to analyzing research methodology.

The approach has resonated widely on social media, with many viewers admitting that statistics felt far less intimidating when explained through popular culture. Former MBA students, in particular, praised the professor's creativity, sharing their own experiences of educators who used films, TV shows, or real-world examples to demystify complex subjects.

One user recalled how their professor had used the Hollywood film The Intern to explain organizational development concepts during an MBA course. While such teaching methods are relatively common in American universities, they remain rare in Indian classrooms, making this professor's approach all the more remarkable. Many joked that if statistics had been taught this way in school, they might have paid closer attention.

The viral video has sparked conversations about how innovative teaching methods can transform even the most daunting subjects. As one comment aptly put it, "This is rad." By connecting statistical concepts like cluster sampling and stratification to a film that captured public imagination, the professor turned a dry lecture into an engaging discussion.

Ultimately, the story isn't just about Dhurandhar. It's about the kind of teacher who leaves a lasting impression—someone who finds a way to make a challenging subject click. For Dhurandhar, the film's journey has been remarkable: from dominating social media and movie theatres to now helping future business leaders grasp statistics. Not a bad trajectory for a Bollywood hit.