100 YEARS OF INDIAN CINEMA

An industry fulfilled with phases that have embarked to remain a memory for many viewers. 

The very first silent film in Bollywood was released in Indian 1913,  ‘Raja Harischandra’ and it was directed by Dadasaheb Phalke. A wonderful piece of film created in black and white, which showcased the creative filmmakers that the industry had, they set the benchmark for Bollywood. In 1931 the very first sound film to have been made was ‘Alam Ara’ in 1931 by Ardeshir Irani. In 1937 Ardeshir Irani made the first colour picture with sound and it was called ‘Kisan Kanya’.

Early 1930 – Late 1940, a Golden age period from the late 1940’s was followed after India’s independence. This period showcased hit films, as films were escapism as India faced tough times ahead between 1930-1940 periods. Films such as ‘Pyaasa’, Kaagaz Ka Phool’, ‘Awaara’ and ‘Shree 420’ dominated social themes and depicted a working class life in India. Superstars were made, the likes of Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and actress such as, Nargis, Meena Kumari, Madhubala and Mala Sinha, they all dominated the big screens in the cinema.

Early 1970 – Late 1980, a Modern era, showcased romantic films and action films that even today as talked about because of how they inspired and impressed the spectators. Stars such as, Rajesh Khanna, Dhamendra, Mumtaz, Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini and Rekha amongst others shined and raised the stacks as major film stars.

Early 1980 – Late 1990, a new set of filmmaking transpired with films cross-culturally going cross-country. ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ in 1995 did this. Other hit films were ‘Hum Aapke Hain Kaun’ and ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ was just the beginning and opened the doors to the next generation of stars like Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Kajol and more.

2000 period and beyond, Bollywood was changing stylistically and along with technology, using this to their advantage, filmmakers utilise it to form a more innovative story lines. Overseas box office results were leaving mark on audience worldwide, super hits such as ‘Kal Ho Na Ho, ‘Veer-Zaara’, ‘Lagaan’, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘My Name Is Khan’, ‘Bodyguard’, ‘Ra.One’, ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, ‘Barfi’ plus more. Directors along with many other people, made the industry work and the most inspiring director has to be the legendary Yash Chopra who passed away, but his films can appeal to every generation.

In Bollywood outer interests were widely shown through international music sensations Snoop Dogg, Ludacris and Akon. Film premieres are not only happening in India. They are expanding out worldwide with big premieres such as ‘Ra.One’ having a premiere at London’s O2 Arena. Bollywood films have that ‘masala’ of music, dance and colour in themes, which is a trademark of the cinema. Even today films are crossing the 100 crore mark and audience’s interests are ever growing to prove Bollywood is a cinema that is adored and cherished. Even today, hand printed posters, which were a form of film advertisements in the historical period are remembered till date. Many people have come and gone, but the cinema always left precious memories and the cinema is surely going to carry on and maintain in the rankings of top film industries.