Indian cinema - it’s different!

Picture this. A boy meets a girl, they run around trees , sing soft numbers, a villain tries to snatch her, boy fights him for her, wins her and they lived happily ever after….is dat what you call indian cinema ? Think again. indian cinema is beyond the sob-n-sigh drama and far more intriguing than any of the faceless Hollywood flicks. indian cinema stands out as one of its kind when it comes to varied roles that it plays for everyone of us. Bollywood of india is the biggest film industry in the world and time and again has proved its worth with movies that have conquered the overseas market. indian cinema has been a name to reckon with at the international film festivals. Even regional movies have been a frequent winners at the major film festivals across the globe. With an annual turn over of 4,000 Crores you’ve got to be charmed.

So, what makes indian cinema indian? How is it different from other international movies. Well… there is an answer with each one of us. indian cinema still is one of the major professors of fanily values till date. Hollywood has completely and other international film industries have almost lost their interests in family values. Movies are based on rocket-speed action, breath-taking visuals and a combo of technical expertise mixed with individualistic side to the storyline.

Bollywood music has also come a long way. There is international feel to the film tracks for which credit goes to the high-tech song recording studios.Songs and dances have always been a highlight of indian cinema. it blends the story together and is an integral part of indian film narration.

Indian cinema till date follows Kalidasa’s form of narrative that also laid the basis of indian drama. The Sanskrit scripture professes indian drama to be a blend of co-ordinated sequence of : speech, dance, song, comedy, relief, conflict, solution to the conflict. Almost all the indian movies have a complete blend of these ingredients with exceptions like a songless movie Black.

Indian cinema in many ways is an extension of theatre itself. Actors look into the camera while they talk. Even in a conversational style, the actors are shown talking to someone in front of them, i.e., the camera. There is immense audience participation when it comes to indian cinema. Audience is at the focus of the film-makers creation. Every indian movie is easily understood, based and relevant to a common man walking on the streets or the one living in a posh locale in South Mumbai

Indian cinema has social relevance in many of its films. A lot of social issurs like domestic violence(Daman), Child marriage (Balika Vabhu) etc. and in a more twisted form in recent flicks like Rang De Basanti, Lage Raho.. etc are catered to. indian cinema is also the unique teacher which can entertain, hold, enlighten, and educate the masses of a developing nation like us. Adult education was one of the major agendas dealt with the indian cinema.

Now, did someone say indian films are of long duration? Well, that’s inevitable when it comes to including all the components of indian drama laid down by Kalidasa. The long narrative is a popular feature of indian movies. Longest film in indian history is “Tamas”, a 5-hrs 15 mins long movie.

Above all indian cinema preserves the rich, cultural diversity of india. indian cinema enables cultural exchange among the varied sects of india. Bollywood remains the only film industry to concentrate and evoke national feelings among the diverse cultures, religions etc. it professes equality wrapped in the juice of entertainment, striving for excellence and yet, being so indian. indian films are a reflection of the traditional values and customs of every indian at its core. So…didn’t i say its different? You bet!