Melt-processed starch-based film formulations with market-competitive qualities and scalability for commercialization are developed in this study, unlike solvent casting, which has major technical and operational restrictions. First, a computational approach was utilized to understand the plasticization effect at molecular level and the same was validated with the experimental approach. The experimental process involved varying of glycerine content in the formulations (15-25 wt%) along with melt processing temperature (80 degrees C-140 degrees C), to deliver superior properties without the use of secondary fillers and additives. In comparison to other compositions, the starch-based system with 15 % glycerine and a processing temperature of 140 degrees C demonstrated the best properties in terms of mechanical (tensile strength: 20.5 MPa) and wettability (contact angle similar to 93.8 degrees). The thermal stability of films declined as the glycerine level was increased. It is noteworthy that the films underwent similar to 94 % weight loss within 30 days in soil compost admixture under ambient conditions. This study would facilitate future development of starch-based low-cost, high-value packaging products.