What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?

The post explores the evolution of Indian cinema. It highlights significant films and filmmakers from its early days, and also covers the golden era between 1947 and 1960. It emphasises the impact of movies like “Mother India.” These films showcase themes of struggle and perseverance. The post also notes iconic works by directors like V. Shantaram, Bimal Roy, and GuruDutt. The post reflects on the transition from black-and-white to colour films. It discusses the rise of different genres. These include noir and comedy. The piece also talks about the influence of television on the entertainment landscape. It calls for a revival of the quality seen in earlier cinematic achievements.

The plot

It was the story of struggle against hardship, hunger, poverty and the feudal mentality of society. A lone woman with her two kids braves all odds, poverty, hunger and exploitation by a local debauched money lender. Despite the severity of the problems, she didn’t lose hope or perseverance. Holding the rope of her principles, she does not even spare her own child. Her beloved brat child, who turned into a dacoit, tried to abduct the only girl of the money lender.

Mother India

The film was the Indian Hindi film “Mother India”, produced and directed by veteran filmmaker Mahboob Khan. Released in 1957, the film featured Nargis as the lead character, Raj Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kimar and Kanhaiya Lal. The film portrays the lead female protagonist as a country. It effectively conveys the message of nationalism. It also depicts the darkest side of society. The film leaves many questions for the viewers. Most of the piercing problems of yesteryear have become things of the past. Nonetheless, the film documents them well and becomes the best film. The heavy topic matter will not attract the current generation. Still, it is an all-time good film. People have seen it several times.

Indian Cinema

In 1896, the Lumière brothers showcased their film in Bombay (Now Mumbai). It was the start of cinema in the country. (Cultural India)

Gradual progression

Long after the Lumiere brothers’ show, Indian cinema started with “Raja Harishchandra” in 1913. The film was produced by the father of Indian cinema, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, also known as Dada Sahab Phalke.

First talkie

The first talkie, “Alam Ara,” was introduced by Ardeshir Irani in 1931. During this period, Indian cinema travelled a great distance and set many milestones. More than a century ago, society was different, and so was the cinema. Films were largely based on moral preaching, set apart from the contemporary, more practical, and faster world. Indian cinema has produced some excellent films that are not only entertaining but also convey strong messages.

First colour film

Later, colour was introduced, and the first colour film, “Kisan Kanya,” hit the silver screen in 1937. Produced by Ardeshir Irani, Kisan Kanya was the first indigenous colour film in India. The film which attracted public attention was directed by Moti Gidwani. The colour gave a new dimension to the film.

The journey

The journey of film production is a century old. In the early days, films were simple, with a punchy plot and a strong social message. With time, the technology improved, and cinema became a powerful medium of expression. In India, it was the phase of the Renaissance followed by a strong spell of the freedom struggle. Filmmakers were producing punchy films.

The Evolution of Television in India: A Historical Overview

Legendary filmmakers

Legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram produced films like “Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje” (1955), “Do Aankhe Barah Haath” (1957) and “Navrang” (1959). During this period, Raj Kapoor, known as the “Showman of the Millennium,” created some iconic films. These include “Aawara” (1951), “Sri420” (1955), and “Jaagte Raho” (1956). These films had an impactful presence. The light effect of black and white film technology enhanced their appeal. Melodious and meaningful songs penetrated deep into the masses. They successfully made their presence in the national and international arena.

Bimal Roy was a dazzling filmmaker. He gave some iconic films during that period. His notable films include “Do Bigha Zameen” (1953), “Devdas” (1955), “Madhumati” (1958), “Sujata” (1959), “Parakh” (1960) and “Bandini” (1963). These films are known for their strong plot, tight direction, melodious music and picturisation. Besides entertaining wider audiences with their song and theme, they gave a positive message to the masses.

Golden period

The period ranging from 1947 to 1960 is popularly known as the golden period of Indian cinema (Hindi). Actors Dilip Kumar (the “Tragedy King”), Raj Kapoor (the “Showman”) and Dev Anand (the “Romantic Hero”) ruled the silver screen. The era is famous for its artistic brilliance, social cause and melodious music. 

Memorable films

Films like Munimji, Kala Pani, and CID featured Dev Anand in the lead role. These films, along with others like Hum Dono and Guide, ruled the hearts of people. On the same token, films by GuruDutt hit headlines for their brilliance. His films, notably “Kagaz ke Phool”, “Pyaasa”, “Mr and Mrs 55”, and “Aar Paar” were iconic. They are known for their artistic excellence and plot. Though “Kaagaz Ke Phool” did not get people’s attention at that time. It is said that the film was ahead of its time. Nevertheless, the film is excellent and still relevant.

Bombay Noir

Indian cinema produced some very good films in the noir genre. The Golden Period of Indian Cinema saw the rise of Bombay Noir. It was a unique style with low-key lighting, shadowed urban settings and fatalistic themes. Some of the notable films were “Mahal” (1949), “Howrah Bridge” (1958), “Bees Saal Baad” (1961). Other films include “China Town” (1962), “Kohra” (1964), and “Woh Kaun Thi” (1964). Other acclaimed movies are “Gumnaam” (1965), “Teesari Manzil” (1966), and “Jewel Thief” (1967). These films kept spectators glued to their seats and startled them after the murk of suspense cleared. They are known for their popular songs, suspense and background music which successfully set the tone of the scene. These films still entertain people with their old-world charm.

Comedy

Comedy used to keep spectators light-hearted. After a very tense situation or deep suspense and horror, there used to be a seasoning of comedy. The comedy artist gradually became a necessity. Several artist made their presence as comedians very impressive and hilarious. Mahmood is one such artist who played a varied role with an undertone of comedy. Later, he produced an iconic comedy film, “Padosan”, released in 1968. It is one of the best films in the comedy genre. Its melodious songs, comic sequences and instant acting of its artists made it an all-time favourite film. Mahmood produced several other films as well. Notable among them, besides “Padosan”, are “Kunwara Baap”, “Ginny and Johny”, “Bhoot Bungalow” and “Bombay to Goa”. The latter was a mix of comedy and suspense. It allowed Amitabh Bachchan to act in a leading role opposite Aruna Irani.

Period films

Indian cinema has also given some good films based on historical instances. One of the best period films is “Mughal-e-Azam” (1960). It is iconic and broke all records. It became a blockbuster film. The music, the direction, the artists and the sets, all were great and replicated the medieval Mughal grandeur faithfully. The dialogue delivery of the stalwart actors Prithviraj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and Durga Khote causes goosebumps. Many scenes are very impressive and impactful.

Other notable period films are “Sikandar-e-Azam” (1965), “Baahubali” (2015) and “Padmavat” (2018). These are films that entertained the viewers and had an effect.

Controversial issues

While making films, filmmakers take some “creative freedom” and dramatise the sequences to make them appealing and presentable. To an extent, it is necessary, but it should be used with caution. Recently, several instances emerged where a film negatively affected people.

Films like “Padmavat” attracted negative publicity. There was stiff opposition on the pretext of maligning the historical characters. Despite this, they did some business. Nevertheless, it is not in good taste to show distorted historical incidents in the garb of “creative freedom”. Similarly, mimicking mythological characters in a comic style is not good. Ridiculing them by showing them in the wrong perspective hurts public sentiments. It must not be permitted.

Soap Opera and TV

The advent of TV opened a new vista for the entertainment industry. Soap operas started airing on TV sets. The first soap opera was “Hum Log”, which was an instant hit for its easy relatability. People felt connected with its characters. Their happiness and woes became public. After this, many TV serials appeared, but the most successful of all were Ramayana and Mahabharata. Both have retained their sheen intact. Among the plethora of repetitive and monotonous TV serials, these are like fresh air.

In the end

Film and TV are the major sources of entertainment. They are mirrors of society and a powerful medium of expression. In the modern era of commercialisation, their quality is slipping down towards mediocre or below. With the compromised quality and increased volumes, they are producing repetitive and monotonous content. The glorious period of the Indian Film Industry needs to be revived. Sooner the better.

Further interesting reads:

• The Evolution of Television in India: A Historical Overview
• Exploring the Evolution of Indian Cinema
• Understanding Artists: Craft vs. Art in Performance
• Key Historical Events That Shaped Nations
• The Challenge of Setting Personal Goals

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