Silent Film Era in India
cinema first shown in India by Lumiere Brothers at the Watson Hotel in Mumbai → July 17 1896, six months after show in Paris
from 1896 - (1896+15), for fifteen years no indigenous production of movies
NG Chitre and RG Tomey - first film - Pundalik - about a holy man in Maharashtra - 1912
Dadasahed Phalke - released Raja Harishchandra on May 3, 1913 started a studio in 1913 after coming from England; said he wanted Indians to watch Indian movies on the Indian silver screen Not just a director, but also organized, made a studio, trained technicians, laid foundations
1000 movies made, only ten of them survive
Imperial government were cautious, they thought the films would corrupt their minds. 1917 - The Surpentine Dance → European Association warned the government about this as it
Sound Era
Alam Ara
March 4th, 1931 → First talkie - Alam Ara Hindustani language; because how to cater to audience? 150 Million people by (!e)
it was a story of two queens costume play
Historical Pre-Raj India legendary heroes and figures from pre-Colonial Era
Devdas
and its adaptations
End of Studios
Golden Age of Indian Cinema
1950s regarded finest period of Indian cinema Guru Dutt, Mehboob Movies like Mother India, Pyaasa, etc
moved from mythological stories to social issues
struggle for independence intersected with cinema