What are your top ten favorite movies?

The content discusses the evolution of Indian cinema, highlighting significant films and milestones from its beginning to contemporary times. It starts with a summary of the 1966 film “Teesari Kasam.” This film is based on a short story about a bullock cart driver. The narrative emphasises the golden age of Hindi cinema in the 1950s and 1970s. It showcases films like “Mother India” and “Mughal-e-Azam.” These films addressed social issues. As time progressed, the industry experienced a shift towards lighter entertainment and technologically advanced films, often lacking depth and originality. It is emphasised that a return to authentic storytelling is the need of the time. The focus has increasingly shifted to commercial success over quality content.

Old classic

It was an old black-and-white film based on the iconic Hindi short story, “Mārē Gaye Gulfam” by Phanishwar Nath Renu. The film is set in a rustic ambience. It tells the story of an innocent bullock cart driver. He takes three oaths on different occasions. The third and last one was not to emotionally involve with a Nautanki dancer. Released in 1966, the iconic film won several awards, including a Presidential Award. Ironically, the film was not a box office success. The film was “Teesari Kasam” with Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman in the lead roles.

Journey started

Indian cinema taken up seriously by Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (Popularly known as Dada Saheb Phalke). The father of Indian Cinema, Dada Sahab Phalke, strenuously tried to develop and strengthen Indian cinema. He produced his first film, “Raja Harishchandra”, in 1913. Since then, Indian cinema has travelled a great distance. It was the stepping stone of the evolution of Indian films.

Taboo

Filmmaking and working in film were taboo. Viewed with disdain, working in films considered a disregarded job. Nevertheless, mood of the society of the time reflected in the magnum opus creation of GuruDutt. Mr Dutt was an illustrious filmmaker. His acclaimed film “Kāgaz Ke Phool” was ahead of its time and couldn’t do well at the box office. The film explores the intricacy of human relationships vis-à-vis money and societal hypocrisy.

The golden period

The evolution of Indian films passed through many stages. The Hindi film industry was at its pinnacle from the 1950s to the 1970s. The two decades of the golden period although technologically flawed, featured intense and highly appealing content, packed with high-quality songs. They carried strong messages. The movies reflected the social changes that were desperately trying to emerge from their cocoon.

Bollywood

Indian cinema encapsulates works in Hindi and other regional languages. The Hindi film industry has grown leaps and bounds. Known as the Bollywood film industry, it has become an epicentre of glam and glitter. It lures many who want to become a shining star in no time.

Cinema after independence

Post-independence, the palpable euphoria among the masses was clear. They wanted to build a new India. This used to be the main theme of Hindi Cinema. Films like Mother India, Pyāsā, Kāgaz ke Phool, Boot Polish, Jāgte Raho, Sri 420, Āwārā, and Nayā Daur stay relevant even today. These are just a few examples. These films gave a strong positive message to society. This was an important station in the journey of the evolution of Indian films.

Golden Period of Indian Cinema: A brief overview

Improved technology

Techniques of photography and cinematography gradually improved. The introduction of sound and colour to films added dimension. The speaking pictures (talkies) were a craze. The first talkie was Alam Ārā, produced by Ardeshir Irani in 1931. This was a milestone in Indian cinema that was set to impact the masses extensively. The first colour film, “Kisan Kanya”, was a sensation because of its colour. These films proved to be milestones in Indian cinema.

Exposing social evils

The year 1957 saw the rise of a new dawn in cinema. Iconic film Mother India, under the banner of Mehboob Productions, was a big hit. The film fell heavily on the social evil of money lending and the consequent exploitation of the poverty-stricken. It is a story of perseverence of a mother who, braving all odds, reared her two children. She did not spare her younger son, who later turned into a dacoit. He tried to abduct the newly married daughter of the notorious moneylender. It was a heart-wrenching story of exploitation, extortion, and extraction. Above all, it is the story of a relentless fight against disparity, deprivation, and injustice.

There were films depicting the ordeal of the poverty-stricken and deprived. The renowned showman of Indian cinema, Raj Kapoor, produced many films highlighting the reality that poverty is a curse. Some of his hard-hitting films included Sri 420, Āawarā, Boot Polish, and Jāgte Raho. These magnum opuses considerably enriched the cinema with their style of storytelling, acting, cinematography, and overall tight direction.

Timeless film

Mughal-e-Azam became a milestone in Indian cinema. Produced by K. Asif, the film, released in 1960, became an instant hit on the silver screen. The plot of the film was the fictional love story of historical character Saleem with a court dancer, Anarkali. It was an intense story on celluloid. The storyline, dialogue delivery, historical background, and deep agony of poor Anārkali resonate with the audience even today. The filmmaker intricately weaves the emotion. It includes royal responsibilities of a monarch, an ego clash, and finally a battle. The battle is between a father and a son. All was woven beautifully in a cultural tapestry of medieval times.

Parallel cinema

Indian cinema, especially the Hindi/Urdu cinema, saw an upward progression. Many iconic films were made and released. Gradually, serious entertainment began to give way to lighter entertainment. Additionally, there was a parallel movement involving a new experiment in cinema making and topic choice. It became a trend in a class of society. The emergence of the so-called “Parallel Cinema” opened a new window. It marked another important stage in the evolution of Indian films.

Progressive themes

The “progressive” films were popular among the intellectual class. Shyam Benegal was the main proponent. A heavyweight filmmaker, Benegal created several mind-blowing films. His notable films are Manthan, Nishant, Ankur, Zubaida, and Junoon. These were but a few of his films, which added a new dimension to contemporary cinema. Benegal’s storytelling adroitly employs symbols that are thought-provoking. His works challenge orthodoxy and superstitious beliefs. Similarly, Govind Nihalani, a cinematographer turned director, created some very influential films like Ardha Satya, Akrosh, and Tamas.

Introspection needed

Every rise reaches its pinnacle and then gives way to a downward trend. With introspection and diligent hard work, the glory is regained. The Indian film industry, especially Hindi cinema, is passing through a stage where it needs a cogitation. The films have tremendously improved technically; they have become expensive to produce, but lack the theme and quality of content. Films are now not a moderate means of entertainment. It involves a huge budget and lavish splurging on their “promotion”. Most new generation films seem repetitive and have the same monotonous plot. Nevertheless, modern films are technically superior. (INDIA TODAY)

Quality or quantity

The mad rat race for cupidity is compromising the content of a film. The progressively more money being pumped into producing expensive films is becoming a menace. The focus now seems not on the quality of the film content but on minting money. The trend has adversely affected the film industry. The budding and able performers, writers and technical manpower are struggling hard to secure a berth in the bandwagon.

Powerful medium

Film is a powerful medium which significantly affects mass perception. Foreign films made in the English language under famous banners are technically superior. Their contents are also way above the mediocre films mostly produced in Bollywood. Films like Ben Hur, Troy, 300 and Gladiator are based on strong themes. The iconic chariot race in Ben Hur still enthuses people of today. Similarly, impressively shot on camera, the famous duel between Hector and Achilles amuses, entertains, and impresses the world. Sufferings and longing of a gladiator are captured on celluloid. The gladiator’s wish to become free after a gladiatorial fight is brilliantly showcased in the film of the same name.

In the end

Watching films has been a craze. It was a cheap and good choice of entertainment. Other forms of entertainment, like drama, Nautanki, puppet shows, and bioscope, were popular. Yet, the allure of moving pictures was irresistible. Melodious songs added to the charm of cinema. The enchanting world of cinema allowed people to escape to foreign lands. This drew people more towards the cinema halls. A new craze is shopping. Technology has offered the convenience of online shopping. A good shopping site, like https://amzn.to/3VgxhsK, provides a wide range of products. Good and tasteful cinema, nevertheless, has the potential to positively affect society. Indian cinema needs to come back to its roots.

Further reads:

• The Evolution of Photography: From Film to Digital
• The Power of Music in Our Lives
• Golden Period of Indian Cinema: A brief overview
• Celebrating Hindi Diwas: A Cultural Connection Through Food
• Reflections on Human Life: Past, Present, and Future

-END-