What makes a teenager truly understand the fine line between ambition and greed? Not a lecture. Not a textbook. But a story. A story they can watch, feel, and discuss. At Learn With FilmsTM, we believe stories have the power to shape how teens see the world especially when it comes to money, choices, and values. And Bollywood, with its larger-than-life characters and dramatic plots, offers some of the most powerful lessons. Today, let’s step into two iconic stories: Guru (2007), inspired by Dhirubhai Ambani’s rise, and Scam 1992 (2020), based on the true story of Harshad Mehta. Together, they give us a crash course in business ethics for teens.
In Guru, we see a young man from a small village with nothing but dreams in his eyes. He rises against the odds, takes risks, and challenges a system designed to keep him out. His story is one of ambition and it’s deeply relatable for teens who are just beginning to dream big for themselves.
Lesson for teens: Ambition is powerful. It drives growth, innovation, and resilience. But unchecked, it can push us into ethical grey areas. The question isn’t “Should I dream big?” but “How do I stay true to my values while chasing those dreams?”
Scam 1992 tells a very different story. Harshad Mehta, the “Big Bull of Dalal Street,” starts with brilliance and drive, but his hunger for more spirals into greed. Rules are bent, shortcuts are taken, and the system is exploited. For a while, it looks glamorous until it all comes crashing down.
Lesson for teens: Greed may look like success in the short term, but it carries consequences. It teaches teens that the world of money isn’t just about profits; it’s about integrity, trust, and long-term impact.
Teens today live in a world where ambition is celebrated and shortcuts are glamorized. From influencers flaunting overnight success to startups chasing unicorn status, the temptation to “win fast” is everywhere. By exploring stories like Guru and Scam 1992, teens get to see the two sides of the same coin: ambition that builds, and greed that destroys. Instead of being told what to think, they get to question: - What do I admire about these characters? - Where did they cross the line? - What would I do differently? This questioning is what builds financial literacy and ethical awareness in a way no textbook can.
Here’s where the magic happens: when parents and teens watch and discuss together. Parents can share their own money lessons, struggles, or choices while teens voice their fresh perspectives. It turns movie night into a family growth night. At Learn With Films, this is the heart of our methodology. We don’t lecture. We spark stories, questions, and conversations that stick.
Greed and ambition are not just business concepts, they are life lessons. Through films like Guru and Scam 1992, teens can see how values shape outcomes.
■ Ambition drives you forward.
■ Greed pulls you down.
■ Ethics define your legacy.
At the end of the day, films don’t just entertain us. They mirror our choices. They remind us that every decision whether in business, money, or life; it writes our story. And the question every teen must ask is: What kind of story do I want to write?