Indian Cinema

First cinema screening in India

The world's first film screening was held by the Lumiere brothers in France. Six months later, on July 7, 1896, Marius Sestier, an assistant to the Lumiere brothers, held a film screening in India. A total of six short films. The total screening time was less than an hour. The screening was held at the Watson Hotel in the Esplanade Mansion, Bombay. Later, it was shifted to the Novelty Theatre. The first film screening in India ended on August 15.

Dadasaheb Phalke

Dadasaheb Phalke, who directed the first full-length Indian film Raja Harishchandra, is known as the father of Indian cinema. ' Raja Harishchandra ' was released on May 3, 1913. Phalke has produced 95 films and 26 short films. ' Lanka Dahan ', released by Dadasaheb Phalke in 1917, is known as India's first box office hit. The Central Government has instituted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in his memory since 1969. This award, given in recognition of individual contributions to Indian cinema, is the highest award given in the Indian cinema world.

The era of silent films   ( 1913-1931)

The period of silent cinema in India lasted for about 20 years from the time of Raja Harishchandra. This period is known as the 'age of silent films'. According to the records of the National Film Archives, more than 1300 films were made during this period. However, only about fifteen of these films are still extant. Except for a few social films, most of the films of that time were based on mythological and historical stories. The most notable of them is 'Bilat Ferat' or 'England Returned' (1921) by the Bengali Dhirendra Nath Ganguly. Some other notable films from the silent film era include Babu Rao Painter's Singhad (1923), Savkar Pash (1925), Ardeshir Irani's Veera Abhimanyu, Kohinoor Films' Bhaktavidur, Madan Theatres' Noor Jahan, Phalke's Life of Lord Buddha, Madan Theatres' Savitri, and Frances Austen's A Throw from the Side.

Indian Movie Acts

1918 was a pivotal year in the era of silent cinema. The Indian Cinematograph Act came into force in that year, regulating the film industry and other regulations. In 1920, Film Censor Boards were formed in Bombay, Calcutta and Madras.

The first talking picture

The first attempt to make a talking film in India began in the 1930s. The first film to use partial sound was ' Flag of Freedom ' ( Swaraj Toran) by V. Shantaram. However, the first full-fledged sound film was presented by Ardeshir Irani. The film was called ' Alam Ara ' ( Light of the World). Hindi and Urdu were used in it. Alam Ara was completed in four months at a cost of 40,000. Master Vithal, Yakub, Prithviraj, Jagadish Sethi, Sorab Modi, Miss Subaida and others acted in this film. The film was released on 14 March 1931 at the Majestic Theatre in Bombay and was screened to a full audience for eight weeks.

Indian sound films

The thirties and forties saw notable sound films released in India. The sixties were a significant change in the film industry with the advent of colour films. Many ' masala ' films, which gave importance to dance and music, were released in this decade. Most of these were huge hits. The fifties and sixties saw the emergence of many talented actors and music directors.

National Award

In 1954, the central government decided to give a national award to cinema. The award is given in various categories in the film industry including best film, best director, best actor, best actress, other stars, and supporting actors. 'Suvarna Kamalam' is an award given annually to the best film in India. The first Suvarna Kamalam, which is given for the best film, was won by the Marathi film ' Shyamchi Aai ' directed by P.K. Atre.

Censor Board ( Central Board of Film Certification)

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFS) was established under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The board, headquartered in Mumbai, has 9 regional centres. The regional centre for Kerala is at Thiruvananthapuram. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFS) grants permission to films for public exhibition.

National Film Development Corporation

The National Film Development Corporation, established in 1975, underwent some changes in its structure in 1980. The main mission of the corporation is to provide financial assistance for the production of quality films. According to the report of the Expert Committee (2020) headed by Bimal Julka, in 2022, the National Film Development Corporation merged four film media units. The four film media units are Films Division of India, Children's Film Society, National Film Archive, and Directorate of Film Festivals.

Films Division of India

The Films Division was established in January 1948. It is headquartered in Mumbai. The Films Division organizes the Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary - Animation - Short Films.

Children's Film Society of India

The Children's Film Society was established in 1955 to provide valuable entertainment to children. It is headquartered in Mumbai.

National Film Archive of India

The National Film Archive, based in Pune, was established in February 1964. Its main mission is to preserve the heritage of Indian cinema.

Directorate of Film Festivals

The Government of India established the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in 1973. Its main objective is to promote Indian cinema. It also aims to enhance intercultural understanding through cultural exchanges based on cinema.