Exploring the Timeline of Bollywood Cinema: Laying the Foundations for Modern Hindi Film
Bollywood, the world-renowned hub of Indian cinema, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the early 20th century. The evolution of this industry has seen it grow from its humble beginnings to the global powerhouse it is today. In this article, we explore the foundational milestones in the history of Bollywood, with a particular focus on the timeline and significance of the second movie produced in the industry.
Foundation of Indian Cinema: Dadasaheb Phalke and Raja Harishchandra
Indian cinema traces its roots back to 1913 when Dadasaheb Phalke, often referred to as the father of Indian cinema, directed and produced the country's first feature film, Raja Harishchandra. This silent film, which depicted the life of the legendary Raja Harishchandra from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, was not just a landmark in Indian cinema but also served as a blueprint for the future growth of the industry.
The Second Movie in Bollywood: Shree Bhagvata Murti Rescued from the Sea
The second movie in Bollywood, released in 1929, is generally considered to be Shree Bhagvata Murti Rescued from the Sea. While the term 'Bollywood' was not coined until much later, this film marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Indian cinema. This film, despite its simplicity, demonstrated the growing audience's appetite for narrative filmmaking and thematic exploration.
Other Milestones in the Early Years of Bollywood
The early years of Bollywood were marked by several groundbreaking developments that transformed the film industry. Here, we highlight a few of these milestones:
1. 1931 - Alam Ara
The first Indian talkie, Alam Ara, released in 1931, revolutionized the industry by introducing synchronized dialogue in films. This film marked the transition from silent movies to the era of sound cinema, significantly impacting the way narratives were presented.
1937 - Kisan Kanya
Kisan Kanya is remembered as one of the first color films in India. This Hindi feature film, directed by Moti B. Gidwani and produced by Ardeshir Irani, was a colorful narrative that depicted the struggles of a farmer and his family.
1935 - Dhoop Chhaon
This film, directed by B. P. Deo and featuring Shankar Mishra, introduced the concept of playback singing in Indian cinema. Prior to this, actors sang live on set, which was a cumbersome and impractical process.
1942: A Love Story - First Dolby Sound Film
Directed by R.D. Burman, the last film of his career as a music composer, 1942: A Love Story was the first film in Indian cinema to feature Dolby sound, enhancing the audio quality of films significantly.
1931 - Apradhi: First Film to Use Artificial Lights
Dubbed as the first Indian film to use artificial lights, Apradhi and its director, P.C. Barua, revolutionized the visual aesthetics of Indian cinema. Barua observed production techniques in a London studio and brought the technology back to India.
1964 - Sangam: First Film Shot Abroad
Directly translated as 'Confluence,' Sangam was the first film to shoot scenes in foreign locales, showcasing Europe to its audiences. This film set a precedent for the global reach of Indian cinema.
1951 - Awaara: First Dream Sequence
Awaara, one of Raj Kapoor's most iconic films, introduced a surreal dream sequence, transforming the viewing experience and setting a new benchmark for cinematic storytelling.
1934 - Roop Lekha: First Indian Film with a Flashback
This film, directed by P.C. Barua, was the first to use the flashback technique, adding a unique layer to the narrative structure of Indian cinema.
1933 - Marthanda Varma: First on-Screen Kiss
Considered the second Malayalam feature film, Marthanda Varma was notable for its on-screen kiss, a concept that was controversial at the time but became a significant part of Indian cinema.
1950 - Hanste Aansoo: First Adult Certification
The first film to receive an A-certificate in India, Hanste Aansoo was a landmark in the history of censorship and film classification. Madhubala and Motilal starred in this film, which was released after the amendment to the Indian Cinematograph Act in 1949.
1921 - Bhakta Vidur: First Film to Face a Ban
Directed by Kanjibhai Rathod, this mythological film faced a ban in Madras and Karachi, highlighting the political and social sensitivities prevalent during the period.
Conclusion
The second Bollywood movie, Shree Bhagvata Murti Rescued from the Sea, marked a significant development in the film industry. While the term 'Bollywood' wasn't coined until much later, the foundational films like Raja Harishchandra, Alam Ara, and Kisan Kanya laid the groundwork for the industry's growth and success. These early milestones collectively contributed to the rich and diverse history of Bollywood, making it the influential cultural phenomenon it is today.