Even if you have never seen Indian films, the word “Bollywood” immediately conjures up images of magnificent, vibrant and color films shot in exotic places where everyone expressively dances and sings. But what is the story of the creation and development of Indian cinema? And how is this industry growing to become one of the most powerful and financially profitable in the country's industry?
Introduction
Many experts disagree on the exact definition of the term "Bollywood." But there are similarities in terms: “Bollywood” is a powerful film industry in Mumbai where they make films primarily in Hindi, with amazing dance scenes with songs. It does not cover the entire cinema of India, only 20% of the country's total film production. Bollywood is not one film genre; it is an industry with many directions.
The history of Indian cinema dates back to the nineteenth century. In 1896, the first films were shot by the Lumiere brothers and shown in Mumbai (Bombay).
It is important to note that when Harishchandra Sakharam, known as the "still photographer", ordered a camera from England, he shot the film "Fighters" in the hanging gardens of Mumbai. It was a simple recording of a duel, which was soon shown in 1899 and began to be considered the first "moving" motion picture in the Indian film industry.
Cinema of India: the history of creation
The father of Indian cinema is considered to be Dadasaheda Falke, who released the world's first full-length feature film "Raja Harischandra" in 1913. This is the first Indian film shown in London in 1914. The silent picture was a stunning commercial success.
Dadasahed was not only a producer, but also a director, screenwriter, cameraman, editor and even makeup artist. In the period from 1913 to 1918, he exercised control and management over the filming of 23 films.
Initially, the development of Indian cinema did not happen as rapidly as in Hollywood. New film production companies began to appear in the 1920s. Pictures based on mythological and historical facts with episodes from Mahabharata and Ramayana began to dominate in the 20s. But Indian viewers were more welcomed by militants.
The end of the "silent era"
The first Indian sound film "Alam Ara" was shown in Bombay in 1931. The musical director on the set of this picture was Hiroz Shah, who managed to record the first song “De de Houda”, performed by VM Khan. Cinema of India has “entered” a new era.
After that, several film companies began to strive to increase the production of Indian films. 328 paintings were shot in 1931. This is three times more than in 1927 - 107 prime ministers. During this time, the number of cinema halls and audiences has also increased.
From 1930 to 1940, many prominent figures of Indian cinema appeared on the scene: Debaki Bose, Chetan Anand, Vasan, Nitin Bose and others.
Regional films
During this period, not only Hindi films were popular. The regional film industry also had its own brand. The first Bengali feature film "Nal Damyanti" with Italian actors starring in the audience saw in 1917. The picture was photographed by Jayotish Sarkaru.
In 1919, a silent South Indian feature film called "Kechaka Wadham" was shown.
In the painting “Kaliya Mardan”, the daughter of the famous Dadasaheda Falke became the first child of a “star” who played the role of a child of Krishna in 1919.
A sound film in Bengali "Jamai Shashti" was shown in 1931 (produced by Madan Theaters).
In addition to Bengali and South Indian languages, regional films were also made in other dialects: Oriya, Punjabi, Marathi, Assamese and others. Aetheja Raja was the first Marathi film made in 1932. This picture was also made in Hindi to attract more people to view.
The birth of a "new era"
The history of cinema of India practically did not develop during the Second World War. The birth of the modern Indian film industry has passed since 1947. This period is marked by significant and outstanding transformations in the filming of films. Famous filmmakers Satyat Rai and Bimal Roy made pictures that focused on the problems of survival and the daily suffering of lower class people.
Historical and mythological subjects receded into the background, and social films began to dominate the industry. They were based on topics such as prostitution, polygamy, and other illegal acts that were widespread in the country of India. Cinema displayed and condemned such actions.
In the 1960s, directors Ritvik Chatak, Mrinal Sena and others focused on the real problems of the common man. Several well-known films were shot on these topics, which allowed “cutting a special niche” in Indian cinema.
The mid-twentieth century is considered the "golden time" in the history of Indian cinema. It was at this time that the popularity of such actors began: Guru Dutt, Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Mina Kumari, Madhubala, Nargis, Nutan, Dev Anand, Wahida Rehman and others.
Bollywood - Pioneer of Masala Films
In the 1970s, the movie Masala appeared in Bollywood. The audience was fascinated and mesmerized by the aura of such actors as Rajesh Khanna, Darmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Hema Malini. It is believed that the founder and creation of masala films was the famous and successful director Manmohan Desai. He often claimed that he really wanted people to forget about their suffering and go to a dream world where there is no poverty.
“Sholai” is an innovative film directed by Ramesh Sippi, not only received international recognition, but also made Amitabh Bachchan a “superstar”.
Several women directors (Meera Nair, Aparna Sena) demonstrated their talents in the 1980s. How can you forget about the extraordinary and impeccable filmmaker Rekhoe, who shot the amazing film “Umrao Jaan” in 1981?
In the 1990s, such actors became popular: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Madhuri Dikshit, Amir Khan, Chawla, Chiranjivi and others. These professionals were looking for new ways to make the cinema of India even more developed. History will not forget 2008, which was significant for Bollywood - Rahman received two Oscars for the best soundtrack from the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”.
Nationalism
Continuing acquaintance with Indian cinema, it is worth noting that there are four main aspects that help more to represent the relationship “India - cinema”: nationalism, censorship, music and genres. Consider these topics in more detail.
At an early stage in the development of the industry, many great Bollywood figures made the choice to use Hindi as the main language in Indian films. Why is that? Indeed, in India they speak a hundred languages, and Hindi is not even the most common of them. It became the “main one”, since Hindi is a trading dialect that was understood by most of the population.
Another feature of a single Indian nation in Bollywood films is the eclecticism of music. From the very beginning, melodies created for films included styles of various regions of the country.
The third characteristic is the “world” of Indian films, in which Muslims can marry Hindus or Christians, and people from different social classes achieve great success in life. It is important to say that many of the founders of Indian films believed that the indigenous Indian film industry was the key to the country's future freedom from the British.
Censorship
When the cinema of India was still under the leadership of the British, it was impossible to say about the inclusion of certain topics in films. But after the country gained independence from Great Britain, censorship began to play a decisive role in the style of motion pictures.
It was strictly forbidden to depict sex, as well as any egregious physical contacts (even kisses). Thus, the "body language" of the character completely replaced these things, which became the norm. Allowed only a slight touch of the shoulders between two romantic heroes and holding faces close to each other without touching. The dialogue also reflects compensation for missing sexuality. Viewers just need to get used to their understanding.
Genres
The history of cinema in India (interesting facts about it are presented below) shows that censorship also influenced the creation of several genres unique to Bollywood. For many years, when there was a war between India and Pakistan, it was forbidden to mention this in films. Enemies could not be called by their proper names.
The government of the country had a huge impact on the film industry: it believed that the public needed to be shown only what would affect its political and social worldview. In addition, laws were even enacted that stated that only classical music from North India should be used to portray the character of characters in films.
The animosity between the government and the film industry continued until 1998, until the adoption of the decree on the independent development of the industry.
Music
Music is what many viewers call the defining characteristic of Bollywood films. And this is certainly true! Music directors (as film composers are called in India) do not really think about the need for songs in paintings as an affirmation of principle, they see them as a simple and indisputable rule.
Music is as much a part of films as costumes. It is important to note that the creators of the compositions do not seek to popularize their creations. They are aimed at developing the artistic representation of the plot among the audience.
The main truth: the actors in the films do not sing, and the same performers can voice the singing of several characters at once. Nevertheless, in India it is considered a double pleasure to look at the best actor and listen to your favorite singer.
The most difficult thing for the filmmakers was to shoot music scenes. Each director tried to film songs from the film in different ways. It has become so popular that even today, 80% of all Indian films are filmed on the principle of "playing and staging music."
Interesting facts from the history of Indian cinema
The film industry in India is a unique industry. Therefore, there are some aspects that are not clear to us. Consider them:
1. Prime schedule. Many popular films are shown by certain criteria. For example, large blockbusters are "released" only during the big holiday in honor of the end of Ramadan, and during the cricket season, cinema halls seem to "die out".
2. "It all comes down to the family." The cinema of India in the entire history of its existence has achieved the main goal - put the family in the first place in the fate of every person. The film industry of the West cannot boast of this.
3. Indian Oscar. In Bollywood, there is a version of the award - this is Filmfar Evords, which has no connection with the tastes of the audience. More importantly, the Best Game Award is presented at the ceremony.
4. "Parallel cinema." Many lovers of Indian films do not even suspect that in India they shoot not only pictures with songs and dances. Some filmmakers, known as "parallel filmmakers," are filming "serious movies." For example, in 1998 the film “Dil Xie” was released, where the protagonist discusses the difficult political situation in the world.
Conclusion
Cinema of India (photos with the best scenes presented above) has become an integral part in our everyday life, whether it be a regional movie or a picture of Bollywood. He plays an important role in our society. Despite the fact that “entertainment” is the key word of Indian cinema, the plot has a beneficial effect on the mind and consciousness of the audience.
In Indian films, history has progressed from camera improvements to editing techniques. Technological advances have expanded the creative potential of filmmakers. Nevertheless, progress has not been able to surpass the cultural values of India. And this is wonderful!