Indian film industry is the largest in the world, releasing over 1000 movies annually. Films are made in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali and other regional languages but Hindi films take the largest box office share. Indian cinema plays an integral role in Indian culture, with movies screened in over 10,000 theatres and attracting over 30 million viewers per day.
Dada Saheb Phalke released the first full length Indian feature film 'Raja Harishchandra' in 1913. This silent film was a commercial success. Dada Sahib Phalke, regarded as the father of Indian cinema was a producer, director, writer, cameraman, editor and a makeup artist. It was the first ever Indian film screened in London in 1914. In South India, film pioneer Raghu Pati Venkayya, known as the father of Telugu cinema, built the first movie tgeatre in Madras. Films steadily gained popularity across India as affordable entertainment for the masses. In 1920s, numerous new production companies emerged. While films based on Mythology, History and episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharta dominated the 1920s, Indian audiences also welcomed Hollywood action films. Young producers began to incorporate the elements of Indian social life and culture into cinema. The first Indian sound film was 'Alam Ara' (1931, Ardeshir Irani). Phiroz Shah was the first music director of this film and the first song 'De de khuda ke naam par" was sung by W. M. Khan. Ardeshir Irani also produced South India’s first sound film 'Kalidas' (1931). Jamai Shasthi was the first Bengali talkie. Chittoor Nagayya was one of the first multilingual filmmakers in India. Indian cinema is a composition of multilingual and multi-ethnic film art, functioning as global enterprise with a wide viewership and fan base internationally.
The advent of sound in Indian cinema led to the emergence of musicals like ‘Indra Sabha’ and ‘Devi Devyani’ making the beginning of songs and dance in Indian films. By 1935, studios emerged in Bombay, Calcutta and Madras and film making became an established Industry, exemplified by the success of Devdas (1935, Bengali). The improvement in technology and recording facilities was the beginning of dance and songs in Indian films.
In 1950s, parallel cinema movement emerged in West Bengal as an alternative to the main stream commercial films. These art films garnered attention and won prizes at the big European film festivals. ‘Neecha Nagar’, a social realist film by Chetan Anand won the Grand Prix at the first Cannes festival in 1946. Indian Cinema comprises several regional film industries in regional languages like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi etc. These industries share common traits like music, dance and melodrama with a touch of local culture.
CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification) is a statutory film certification body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the govt. of India. It regulates the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952. NFDC (National Film Development Corporation of India) is a central agency established in 1975 to encourage high quality Indian cinema. It functions in the areas of film financing, production and distribution under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It has funded or produced over 300 films.
The golden age of Indian cinema lasted from independence to the mid-1970s. This period produced films highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. Notable film makers from this era include Satyajit Ray (Pather Panchali, Aprajito, Charulata), Bimal Roy (Do Bigha Zamin, Bandini, Yahudi), Guru Dutt(Pyaasa, Baazi, Kaazag Ke Phool), Mehboob Khan (Andaz, Anmol Ghadi, Mother India), V. Shantaram ( Navrang, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje, Do Ankhen Barah Haath), Raj Kapoor ( Awara, Barsaat, Sangam), Hrishikesk Mukherjee (Anuradha, Anupama, Ashirwad ), B. R. Chopra ( Naya Daur, Sadhna, Kanoon) Ramanand Sagar (Aankhen, Zindagi, Arzoo), Gulzar ( Aandhi, Parchay, Koshish), Tarachand Barjatya ( Aarti, Dosti, Uphaar), Raj Khosla ( C I D, Mera Saaya, Woh Kaun Thi ), K. Asif (Mughal E Azam), Manoj Kumar (Shor, Upkar, Purab aur Paschim), Kamal Amrohi (Mahal, Daera, Pakeezah), Yash Chopra (Dhool ka Phool, Dharamputra, Waqt) and Shakti Samant ( Aaradhana, Amar Prem, Anurag).
Movies during this period were based on social themes, highlighting societal issues, historical events and patriotism. Some notable examples include:
Achhut Kanya (1936) – Portraying the love between an upper caste boy and a lower caste girl, it explores their struggle to be together amidst social discrimination. This movie was appreciated by Mahatma Gandhi.
Do Bigha Zameen (1953) – Based on Tagore’s poem ‘Dui Bigha Jomi’, it tells the story of a poor farmer who fails to repay his debts. When the zamindar threatens to seize the land owned by his family, he starts working as rikshaw puller to ern money.
Do Ankhen Barah Haath (1957) – A humane jail warden takes it upon himself to rehabilitate six criminals. He takes them to a barren land where they learn the value of hard work.
Naya Daur (1957) – Depicts the clash between traditional and modern ways of life.
Mother India (1957) – The story follows a poor but righteous woman who struggles to raise her children while standing up against a greedy moneylender. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she refuses to sacrifice her dignity.
Mughal E Azam (1960) – An iconic movie based on the relationship between Emperor Akbar and his son Jahangir.
Haqeeqat (1964) – Based on India- China war of 1962.
Jis Desh Me Ganga Bahti Hai (1966) – The movie centres around the surrender of bandits to police.
Upkar (1967) – Inspired by then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, this film portrays the lives of farmers and soldiers against the backdrop of Indo Pak war of 1965.
There are many other iconic movies of this era that remain popular even today. These films were not only successful due to their compelling stories but also because of their memorable music and songs. Several eminent music composers of this era deserve recognition for their contributions. Some notable names include Bulo C. Rani (Jogan, Magroor, Shree Ganesh), C. Ramchandra (Anarkali, Azaad, Navrang), Anil Biswas (Pehli Nazar,Tarana, Arzoo), Husn Lal Bhagat Ram (Badi Bahen, Pyar Ki Jeet, Afsana), the duo is the first legendary music directors. Naushad (Mother India, Mere Mehboob, Kohinoor), Shankar Jaikishan (Aah, Barsaat, Awara), S. D. Burman (Pyaasa, Taxi Driver, Kala Paani), O. P. Nayyar (Howrah Bridge, CID, Naya Daur), Madan Mohan (Haqeeqat, Anpadh, Mera Saaya), Hemant Kumar (Anand Math, Nagin, Bees Saal Baad), S. N. Tripathi (Rani Rupmati, Kavi Kalidas, Sangeet Samrat Tansen), Salil Chaudhary (Do Bigha Zamin, Madhumati, Jagte Raho)), Ravi ( Chaudhvin Ka Chaand, Do Badan, Humraaz), Laxmi Kant Pyarelal (Anita, Shagird, Milan), Kalyanji Anandji (Bluff Master, Vishwas, Safar) R. D. Burman (Teesri Manzil, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Kati Patang), among others.
Songs in films serve a variety of purposes. They are put in thoughtful intervals all through the story and matching the situation to entertain and enlighten the public. The industry boasts legendary poets and lyricists who have crafted romantic, sad, devotional, patriotic, bravery, qawwali, ghazal and disco songs. The most renowned lyricists have penned their verses in a blend of Urdu and Hindi. Some of the famous poets and lyricists of Indian cinema include Shakeel Badayuni (Mother India, Mughal E Azam, Baiju Bawra), Sahir Ludhianvi (Baazi, Pyaasa, Taj Mahal), Kaifi Azmi (Heer Ranjha, Kohraa, Anupama), Shailendra (Barsaat, Teesri Kasam, Shree 420), Hasrath Jaipuri (Sehra, Sasural, Junglee), Majrooh Sultanpuri (Shahjehan, Dosti, Mamta), Gopal Das Neeraj (Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal, Kanyadaan, Prem Pujari), Gulzar (Bandini, Khamoshi, Aandhi), Anand Bakshi (Jab Jab Phool Khile, Milan, Hariyali Aur Rasta), Rajendra Krishan (Albela, Khandaan, Nagin), Pradeep (Jagrati, Jai Santoshi Maa, Nastik), Bharat Vyas (Navrang, Toofan Aur Diya, Har Har Gange) and many more.
The golden era of Indian cinema also witnessed the rise of legendary playback singers who defined the music of that time. Suraiya, Noor Jahan, Shamshad Begum, Suman Kalyanpur, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, K. L. Sehgal, Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh, S. D. Burman, Hemant Kumar, Manna Dey and Mahendra Kapoor are some of the names that left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
The actors of this era played a significant role in shaping the industry’s success. Balraj Sawhney, Ashok Kumar (known as Dada Muni), Prithvi Raj Kapoor, Bharat Bhushan, Dilip Kumar (Tragedy King), Pradeep Kumar, Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar (Jubilee Kumar), Raj Kumar, Manoj Kumar (Bharat Kumar), Dharmendra (He Man), Jeetendra, Rajesh Khanna (First Superstar), Amitabh Bachchan (Angry Young Man), Sunil Dutt, Pran, Shatrughan Sinha, Jeevan, Mahmood, Johnny Walker, Om Prakash, Suraiya, Madhubala, Mala Sinha, Meena Kumari (Tragedy Queen), Nargis, Waheeda Rehman, Nutan, Tanuja, Sharmila Tagore, Saira Bano, Asha Parekh Vyjayanthi Mala, Sadhana, Rekha, Hema Malini, Nirupa Roy and many more left an indelible mark in the hearts of cinema lovers.
In South India, personalities like M G Ramchandran (MGR), a famous film maker, actor and politician, stood out. He founded the political party AIADMK and served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He was the mentor of J Jayalalita. He acted in nearly 150 films, including Malaikkallan, Rickshawkaran and Ulagam Sutrum Valiban. N T Ramarao (NTR), another prominent figure, was an actor, film maker and politician. He established the political party Telugu Desam and served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He acted in over three hundred Telegu films, gaining immense popularity for portraying iconic roles such as Krishna, Shiva and Rama. Some of his popular films include Badi Panthullu, Pathala Bhairavi and Maya Bazar. Rajnikant, an actor and producer known for his work mainly in Tamil Cinema but also in Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, is widely regarded is one of the most successful and popular actors in the history of Indian Cinema. He has acted in over 160 films including Billa, Annamalai and Sivaji.
The duo Salim–Javed deserves special mention as the decorated writers of 1970s. They together scripted many hit movies like Sholay, Deewar, Trishul, Kaala Patthar, Don, Dostana etc. Sholey stands out as the most iconic movie of this era.
In the subsequent era, renowned filmmakers emerged, leaving a lasting impact on the Indian cinema. Film makers like Ramesh Sippy (Sholey, Shaan, Shakti),Shyam Benegal (Ankur, Manthan, Mandi), Ashutosh Gowariker (Lagaan, Swadesh, Jodha Akbar), Karan Johar ( Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, My Name Is Khan), Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Padmavat), Raj Kumar Hirani (3 Idiots, PK, Sanju), Aditya Chopra (DDLJ, Mohabbatein, Pathan), Rajamouli (Bahubali, Magadheera, RRR), Farhan Akhtar (Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Don), Rohit Shetty (Golmal, Singham, Chennai Express) and many more have left pleasant memories.
The next generation of music composers emerged, bringing their unique style to the Indian film music. Noteworthy names include Ram Laxman (Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Hum Saath Saath Hain), A. R. Rahman (Roza Bombay, Dil Se), Anu Malik (Border, Baazigar, Judwaa), Nadeem Shravan (Aashiqui, Damini, Rang), Jatin Lalit (Mohabbatein, Fanna, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai), Anand Milind (Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Beta, Dulhe Raja), Shankar Ehsan Loy ( Kal Ho Naa Ho, Bunty Aur Babli, Don), Sajid Wajid (Dabang, Partner, Wanted), Vishal Shekhar (Chennai Express, Om Shanti Om, Pathaan), Pritam (Dhoom, Dilwale, Burfi) and many more.
This era also witnessed the contributions of renowned lyricist. Indeevar (Tohfa, Hatya, Dost), Javed Akhtar (Silsila, Saagar, Om Shanti Om), Sameer (Baghwan, Saawaria, Saajan), Anjan (Priyatama, Hera Pheri, Haisiyat), Prasoon Joshi (Delhi 6, Rang De Basanti, Aarakshan), Manoj Muntashir (Baahubali, Kesari, Aadipurush) and many others have contributed their poetic talents to the success of film songs.
The next generation of playback singers has also made their mark in Indian cinema, including Kumar Sanu, Sonu Nigam, Udit Narayan, Sukhwinder Singh, Kailash Kher, KK, Shaan, Mohit Chauhan, Arijit Singh, Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, Neha Kakkar, and many more. Their voices continue to captivate audiences with their soulful renditions.
The actors of the next generation have carried the torch forward. Shahrukh Khan (Baadshah), Amir Khan (Mr Perfectionist) Salman Khan (Bhaijaan), Akshaya Kumar (Khilaadi), Govinda, Sunny Deol, Rishi Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Amrish Puri, Anil Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Hritik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Vicky Kaushal, Sridevi, Jaya Prada, Dimple Kapadia, Madhuri Dixit, Kajol, Lara Dutta, Priyanka Chopra, Karishma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Kangna Ranaut and many more have made significant contributions, each leaving their unique imprint on the industry.
It's worth mentioning that there are numerous filmmakers, music composers, lyricists, singers and actors who have worked beyond the golden era and continue to shape the Indian Cinema.
The Indian films nominated for the Oscar are Mother India, Salaam Bombay and Lagaan. Bhanu Athaiya is the first Indian to win an Academy Award in 1983 for designing the costumes for Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi. The song written by Gulzar and composed by A. R. Rahman ‘Jai Ho’ for the movie Slumdog Millionaire received the best original song Oscar in 2009. Recently, the song ‘Naatu Naatu’ from the movie RRR written by Chandrabose and composed by M. M. Keeravani received the Oscar for 2023.
While Indian cinema has seen immense growth and success, it has also faced controversies. Some films have sparked debates due to their historical or mythological content not aligning with the reality. Movies like Padmavat and the recently released Adipurush have faced criticism for hurting sentiments of the people. Filmmakers must be mindful of stories that may offend or misrepresent historical or mythological events.
In conclusion, Indian cinema has evolved significantly over the years, becoming the largest film industry globally. It has showcased diverse stories, cultural richness and outstanding talent. The industry is blessed with visionary filmmakers, talented actors, gifted music composers and skilled technicians who have collectively contributed to its growth and success.
By Manoj Dubey
Principal (Retd.)
Delhi Public Schools
(The contents of this publication reflect the views of writers and contributors, not necessarily those of the publisher and editor. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only)
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