Indian Movies have been an inseparable part of the Indian society since ages. Entertainment and movies are synonymous with each other. Portrayal of all different cultures and traditions which form an integral part of the country through Indian movies again explains as to why the Indian movie industry is such an enormous one. Indian Movies are screened not only in Asia, but also in East Africa, Mauritius, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Britain, Canada, Australia, the United States and the countries associated with the former Soviet Union. Indian Movies, like many of the other cinema industries in the world, reflect and are reflected through the country"s political, economic, social and cultural aspects.
History of Indian Movies
Movies were introduced to India on July 7, 1896. It began with the Lumiere Brothers` Cinematography, unveiling 6 silent short films at the Watson Hotel in Bombay, namely "Entry of Cinematographe". Indian cinema has been the largest film industry in the world which produces about 900 films annually. By the 1930s, Bollywood was producing about 200 films annually. Hindi music became an essential component to Bollywood films in the 1930s. By the late 1960s, a new Indian cinema, unlike the commercial cinema, emerged and again by the 1990s, this new wave cinema died down. In the 2000s most Bollywood started featuring regular song and dance routines and straying from realistic portraits of daily life.
Genres of Indian Movies
There are a number of genres and styles of Indian Movies that a viewer encounters, such as, romantic, comedies, horror films, melodramas, musicals and historical films. While some of these genres are present in Indian cinema, often as a consequence of the impact of the western films, the Indian filmmakers have also created some styles of their own, that are acknowledged as their own. Indian Movies have presented a detailed version of India from its different historical movies to its present scenario movies. The distinct genres of films depicted by the different filmmakers have helped in the study of India from a different and distinct angle of vision. Thus, it has been the old traditions and the cultures that have actually framed the Indian Movies.
Indian Regional Films
Film making in regional languages began sometime later than Hindi cinema. Indian regional films are produced in most of the official languages. Thus, the regional cinema industry encompasses Assamese Films, Marathi Films, Telugu Films, Tamil Films, Gujarati Films, Punjabi Films, Bengali Films, Malayalam Films, Kannada Films and Oriya Films.
Influences on Indian Movies
Bollywood takes the viewer into a surreal world of illusion, an exhilarating experience of drama, emotions, passion and hope. Hindi cinema in more ways than one has mirrored the rapid changes in the social fabric of India. One genre of filmmaker takes a realistic look at art while the other presents an escapist view. Indian Movies have concentrated on various subjects that have been the important aspects of the films. Such subjects have highlighted the problems, complexities and the various aspects of the Indian society in general. Thus, came into being, the concept of Indian art cinema. The deeper insights into the complex processes of modernization, colonialism, nationalism and freedom for women can be acquired through the Indian art cinema. On considering Indian films, it can be seen how the filmmakers have promoted westernization, the emancipation of women, caste related problems, the rights of the minorities and most importantly the relationships between Hindus and Muslims. Even aspects like fashion and lifestyle have played a central role in Indian society which generated awareness and have influenced public opinions on issues like drugs, violence and sex. Commercial Cinema has evolved into a distinctively Indian mode of entertainment by imaginatively amalgamating music and dances.
Luminaries of the Indian Film Industry
The luminaries of the Indian film industry, apart from being the actors and actresses also involve the other film personalities that are considered as the actual reigning stars of Bollywood and are equally involved in providing the celebrities the share of their own glory. The luminaries involve the famous Bollywood Writers, Film Directors, Music Directors, Indian Singers, Actors and Actresses.
Indian Film Awards
Indian film fraternity is awarded by various production and television channels in appreciation of their laborious efforts. Filmfare Awards were considered to be the highest level of film awards. Other awards later emerged including National Film Awards, Star Screen Awards and many more.
Indian Film Boards and Associations has been formed for the smooth working of the Hindi film fraternity all around the world. They have actively supported for the cause of this industry, along with providing various benefits to the active people of this industry.