Journey Of Indian Cinema

(Raja Harishchandra - Fukrey)

Start of Indian Cinema :
The first films India watched were not made in Bollywood but cinema had indeed
arrived on Indias shores. The year was 1896, and thanks to the countrys colonial
rulers, it was the Lumiere Brothers who introduced the art of cinema to the subcontinent. Bombay, as it was then called, was the first Indian city to screen
Cinematography, six short films by these cinematic pioneers. But it was a portrait
photographer called Harischandra Sakharam Bhatavdekar who made Indian motion
picture' history. His short reality film screened in 1899 was called The Wrestlers
and was a simple recording of a local wrestling match.
It was only after the turn of the century that Indian entertainment underwent a sea
change when the Father of Indian Cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke, released his
pathbreaking film of the Silent Era, Raja Harishchandra. The film, based on a
mythological character, was released in 1913 and was Indias first full-length feature
film. Yes, Bollywood had finally arrived!
Dadasaheb Phalke laid the foundation for the beginning of a regular feature film
industry in India. By 1920 there was a regular industry bringing out films starting
with 27 per year and reaching 207 films in 1931.Interestingly the female roles were
also played by the male actors. Many new companies and film makers came up
during that period. The 1930s saw sweeping changes to the industry, technically
and stylistically.

As sound technology advanced the 1930s saw the rise of music in Indian cinema
with musicals such as Indra Sabha and Devi Devyani marking the beginning of songand-dance in India's films. Alam Ara directed by Ardeshir Irani, was the first Indian
sound film.. Irani recognized the importance that sound would have on the cinema,
and raced to complete Alam Ara before several other contemporary sound films.
Alam Ara debuted at the Majestic Cinema in Mumbai (then Bombay) on March 14,
1931 The first Indian talkie was so popular that "police aid had to be summoned to
control the crowds." Finally, Indias actors had found a voice. They could talk, they
could shout, they could even cry, and they could do one more thing -sing for their
audiences! It was a gift that remains the signature of the quintessential Hindi film to
date.
As sound technology advanced the 1930s saw the rise of music in Indian cinema
with musicals such as Indra Sabha and Devi Devyani marking the beginning of songand-dance in India's films. Studios emerged across major cities such as Chennai,
Kolkata, and Mumbai as film making became an established craft by 1935,

exemplified by the success of Devdas, which had managed to enthrall audiences

nationwide Bombay Talkies came up in 1934 and Prabhat Studios in Pune had begun
production of films meant for the Marathi language audience Filmmaker R. S. D.
Choudhury produced Wrath (1930), banned by the British Raj in India as it depicted
actors as Indian leaders, an expression censored during the days of the Indian
independence movement.
Developments in the world of Indian cinema were rapid and the 1930s and 1940s
saw the rise of film personalities such as Debaki Bose, Chetan Anand, S S Vasan and
Nitin Bose, among others. In the meantime, the film industry had made rapid strides
in the South, where Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films were taking South India by
storm. By the late 1940s, films were being made in various Indian languages with
religion being the dominant theme.
Women's fashion in the 1930s was more conservative than that of the optimistic
1920s. Another contrast in fashion in the 1930s from that of the decade before was
a return to a more feminine look for ladies. Women's curves were no longer being
de-emphasized, skirts became longer, and clothes returned to being near the
natural waistline.
Golden Era :
Indias struggle for independence in the 1950s finally parted the curtain on the
Golden Age of Indian cinema. This historic period provided a strong impetus to the
industry, with themes changing to social issues relevant at the time. Sure they were
entertaining but the movies were now also a potent medium to educate the masses.
But it was the Golden Age 1950s and 1960s that produced some of Indias most
critically acclaimed films and memorable actors of all time. Among those in
Bollywoods hall of fame are Guru Dutt, Mehboob Khan, Raj Kapoor, Balraj Sahani,
Nargis, Bimal Roy, Meena Kumari, Madhubala and Dilip Kumar.
Some of the most critically acclaimed Indian films of all time were produced during
this period. In commercial Hindi cinema, examples of famous films at the time
include the Guru Dutt films Pyaasa (1957) and Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959) and the Raj
Kapoor films Awaara (1951) and Shree 420 (1955). These films expressed social
themes mainly dealing with working-class urban life in India; Awaara presented the
city as both a nightmare and a dream, while Pyaasa critiqued the unreality of city
life Some of the most famous epic films of Hindi cinema were also produced at this
time.
A scene from Ritwik Ghatak's Nagarik (1952), considered Bengali cinema's earliest
intellectual art film.
The cinematographer Subrata Mitra, who made his debut with Satyajit Ray's The
Apu Trilogy, also had an importance influence on cinematography across the world.

One of his most important techniques was bounce lighting, to recreate the effect of
daylight on sets. He pioneered the technique while filming Aparajito (1956), the
second part of The Apu Trilogy. Some of the experimental techniques which Satyajit
Ray pioneered include photo-negative flashbacks and X-ray digressions while filming
Pratidwandi (1972).
The 70s completely changed the way films were made, especially in Hindi film
industry. Changing social norms and changing economies influenced movies and the
companies that made them. The narrative style changed. The story structure
changed. Characters changed. Content changed. Masala films were the demand of
the time. The genre promised instant attraction and had great entertainment value.
It was the age of the angry young man and Amitabh Bachchan rose to prominence
thanks to the success of Sholay, Zanjeer and Deewar. While Dev Anand, Rajesh
Khanna, Jitendra and Dharmendra continued to bask in the glory of back to back
hits, the actresses were not far behind. Right from the time of Savitri, Vyjayanthi
Mala, Nargis, Waheeda Rahman and Sharmila Tagore to Sridevi, Rekha, Smita Patil,
Hema Malini, several actresses became heartthrobs of the nation.
CAMERA :
Old movie cameras are completely different from the camcorders you buy
nowadays from your local electronics store. Today's cameras operate with
computers and chips, while old movie cameras did the job with mechanisms and the
chemical reaction that occurs when film is exposed to light. In fact, the old cameras
didn't even need electricity to operate; instead you just wound them up. It all
depended upon the speed of the rotation of the hand which wasnt consistent. The
earliest of cameras was first introduced in a form of a wooden box which was quite
bulky and could capture moments from only one angle!
As time passed by technical changes were brought in d cameras. People started to
use a modified camera which indirectly made their job easy. The latest camera that
are used in making movies are easy to move and the screening of the film is done in
a more appropriate manner.
SCIENCE FICTION FILMS :
The genre of science fiction has been prevalent in the Indian film industry since the
second half of the 20th century. Beginning in 1952, the film Kaadu was made, which
was a Tamil-American co-production. The Alien was a science fiction film under
production in the late 1960s which was eventually cancelled. The film was being
directed by Bengali Indian director Satyajit Ray and produced by Hollywood studio
Columbia Pictures. The script was written by Ray in 1967, based on "Bankubabur
Bandhu", a Bengali story he had written in 1962 for Sandesh, the Ray family
magazine.

In 1987, the superhero film Mr. India was a huge success which strengthened the
hold of sci-fiction films in India, especially Bollywood. Indiatimes Movies ranks the
movie amongst the Top 25 Must See Bollywood Films. Mr. India brought the idea of
science fiction to the general people in India. In 2003, the blockbuster film Koi... Mil
Gaya marked the beginning of the successful Krrish film series, which is the first scifi/superhero film series in Indian cinema. In the Tamil cinema, notably three films,
Dasavathaaram, Enthiran, and 7aum Arivu have made a significant impact on the
Indian film industry. The 2011 film Ra.One, a film that was named on the antagonist
was one of the movies which focused more on the vfx in the movie.
Visual Effects have become the new trend of Bollywood movies. These kind of films
surely attract the kids around the world. Though the story in these kind of films
remains predictable which indeed the Hero saves the earth and his people.
Hanuman is a 2005 animated feature film released by Sahara India Pariwar of India,
Percept Pictures and Silvertoons. The animated film dramatizes the life of its title
character, Hanuman, a Hindu God. The animation was created by Silvertoons. It is
India's first major commercial family animated feature (there were several earlier
ones mad by Pentamedia Graphicsmovie up to 2007
THE NEW TREND OF MOVIES :
There is a huge trend now when it comes to movie success. Now a days there is a
basic formula for the movie makers to sell their movies, be it a Itum Number by a
hot and sizzling actress ,throwing of cars in air which is seen in Rohit Shetty films
like Golmaal, Bol Bachchan or using of abussive languages which was seen in
movies like Gangs Of Wassepur, Shootout at Wadala etc. Salam Khan, the new trend
setter of action movies, who started of his career as a choclate boy in movies such
as Maine Pyaar Kiya has ended up in action movies in which he brought his style
and attitude for which hes best known which started of with movies like Wanted,
Dabangg etc.
Item number was introduced in Bollywood by Vyjayanthimala and Padmini, however
the former was the one who establish the item numbers in films. She introduced
semi-classical dance in her film featuring herself. Some of her famous songs which
predated the concept of item number are "Man dole mera tan dole" from Nagin, "Ab
Aage Teri Marzi" and "O Jaanewale Ruk Jaa" from Devdas, "Kaho Ji Tum Kya Kya
Kharidoge" from Sadhna, "Chadh Gayo Paapi Bichhua" from Madhumati, "Neele
Gagan Ki Chaoon Tale" from Amrapali and "Hothon pe aisi baat" from Jewel Thief.
Besides that, her dance number withPadmini in "Kannum Kannum Kalanthu" and
"Aaja To Aaja" from Vanjikottai Valiban and Raj Tilak respectively were critically
acclaimed, where the popularity of the songs surpasses the popularity of the films
and was regarded as the best dance sequence in Indian cinema, similarly her dance
number with Helen in "Aaye Haaye Dilruba" and "Muqabala Humse Naa Karo" from
Dr. Vidya and Prince respectively was also popular. Her dance number was still

adored by actresses, such asHema Malini and Madhuri Dixit, choreographers, such
as Prabhu Deva and Saroj Khan.
Bollywood sees a trend of weird movie names. Names of characters as well as slang
words are the new favourites this year when it comes to film titles. So there are
titles like Fukrey, Go Goa Gone, Rowdy Rathore, Matru ki bijlee ka mandola etc. Not
to forget that such kinds of films have got a bad influence on younger generation.
Bold movies like Ragini MMS, Murder have started the trends of adult films which all
creates uneasiness amoung the crowds. Wacky bollywood songs with senseless
lyrics have joined the trend. Wacky,quirky and full of double entendre,Bollywood
songs are going irreverent with a vengeance.
Merchandising Films:
Now, we all know that there is no end to creativity. But, what is surprising is how
innovative Bollywood can get when it comes to promoting movies. The recent trend
of going a step ahead to connect with the aam junta to promote an upcoming film is
both entertaining and annoying.
In the earlier phase of indian cinema we saw the huge hand-painted cloth posters of
film stars on billboards that were painstakingly made by artists just before a movie
was to be released? This was done outside of the regular technicolour posters that
one saw around town. These were the few simple marketing campaigns that were
used by Bollywood to draw the crowd to theatres. The smaller towns and villages
used cycle-rickshaws and tongas decorated with film posters announcing a films
release on a loudspeaker.
In those days the actors maintained their exclusivity and didnt really go out giving
interviews before a release. Film premieres used to be a grand affair and got huge
coverage from the media in magazines like Screen and Filmfare.
In smaller cities, a films success often preceded its release. The ones that were
declared a hit in the metros drew the crowd in the rest of the country. And thats
how Bollywood marketing campaigns in those days worked.
As time passed by there was a stage when cable TV was introduced to India. This
started the trend of promos on the small screen with crisp edits and song clips that
created the much-needed hype. The trailers that were at one point of time shown
only during the beginning of a film in the theatres were all over TV now. Handpainted posters were replaced by digitalised ones and music launch parties took
over the grand premieres.
With the rise in number of releases per week, the competition grew as well. Thats
when stars began to come out of their shell and started giving interviews before
their movie hit the theatres. We saw all kinds of bizarre marketing gimmicks like

Aamir Khan shaving off a multiplex staffers head to promote Ghajini. We also saw
celebrities making appearances in reality shows for promotions.
Digital marketing has become a rage the past few years. Producers now spend loads
of money creating mobile games based on their films. The latest trend saw Hrithik
Roshan launch toys to promote Krish.
Despite all the new marketing gimmicks, one factor remains common in pulling the
masses in: Bollywood songs. Once the soundtrack becomes a hit, it develops a
certain interest among the audience and they want to watch those songs on the big
screen.
Back in the older days, the new songs were played on Binaca Geet Mala a popular
show on Radio Ceylon hosted by Ameen Sayani. Later, when television came to
India in the 70s people were hooked on to Chitrahaar every Friday and Wednesday.
Even now music plays a major role in attracting people to the theatres.
(The cast of Barfi on the sets of Jhalak Dikh la Ja )
In the end, star-crazed Indians will do anything to please their Bollywood deities.
And they will go to the theatres to watch them dance and thrash up villains, no
matter what the marketing campaign is.
The effort to stand out in the film industry is making film-makers and production
houses go all out, and why not? After all, it's not just about reaching the finishing
line but winning as well. And film merchandising is turning out to be that one trump
card with a Midas touch.
There was a time when Bollywood stars would shy away from appearing on small
screen. But, now the scene has changed today, and this is when we ask ourselves
Has television become the biggest medium now?
These days when the Television has become as big and popular as the big screen,
its not surprising to see almost all the big actors of Hindi movies jumping onto the
TV bandwagon. Initially, the films were being promoted only through game shows
and reality shows, the trend seems to have changed as the stars and producers are
constantly on a look out for newer ways to promote their movie on television and
make the most of it.
From making guest appearances on reality shows to gifting bikes and other
belongings to people. Whether it is visiting the different parts of the country with a
pregnant tummy to sporting a near bald hairstyle... they have tried everything
possible to get people to become curious about their forthcoming release. 'What
next' is perhaps the next big question.There can be no denying that just like any
other new product, even new movies need to be promoted and taken to the
audiences.

CELEBRATING A CENTURY AND BEGINNING OF A NEW ONE

Basically I feel that to show the entire journey of Indian Cinema from
Rajaharishchandra to Fukrey is completely impossible. Because there are so many
phases that was faced by this industry in various forms of technology, acting skills,
innovation of new ideas etc. For me a film like Rang De Basanti made a great
impact as it made all of us to think about all the political corruption that is going
around the world. Movies like Tare Zameen Par also created a fuss about how a
disease in children creates a problem in their life. Today when Indian Cinema has
completed 100 years we could just recollect a number of great films and actors
whose roles made a mark. Their splended work has kept all of us entertained for
these many years and will surely continue in a good manner. Regional films has also
made a great progress. Infact there are many movies which are re-made in Hindi
like Bhool Bhulayiaa etc. Regional movies have always been more realistic and have
a strong story.
Indian Cinema has now come up with a new concept of New Wave Cinema which
includes movies like Fukrey, Go Goa Gone etc. Usually such movies are out of the
reach of normal mass of people because it doesnt have a proper base of story but
many other good aspects. There are also documentary films such as Dhobi Ghat
which include different stories of different people. Paying a tribute to this Century of
Cinema many great directors from the industries came together and put forward for
different stories in Bombay Talkies. I feel that its jus not 100years there are many
more to come and so I would like to end it in a filmy way by saying, Picture abhi
baki hai mere dost