The Indian film industry, also famous as the Bollywood industry, is one of the world's oldest and largest movie industries. Since its inception, this industry has produced some of the best movies in the world of cinema. We have come across some phenomenal actors, directors, and filmmakers due to the advancement of the Indian film industry.
Many Bollywood films have been at the forefront of the US box office. For example, films like Dangal, Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, etc., have also impacted the US box office. However, you also need to note that Bollywood's term is not accurate enough to represent the entire Indian film industry; instead, it only refers to the Hindi-language-oriented films made in Mumbai.
Know the Indian Cinema History - Bollywood Industry
No article can ever start without mentioning the father of the Indian film industry, Dadasaheb Phalke released the first-ever full-length feature film ‘Raja Harishchandra’ in 1913.
Did you know? Raja Harishchandra was the first Bollywood movie ever!
In a broad country like India, multiple regional film industries are equally famous and made in different languages. The most renowned regional film industries are Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu. These regional film industries also bear some similarities and differences with Bollywood films.
For instance, the South Indian film industry is more boisterous than Bollywood films or Hindi movies. The common element of the Indian film industry includes high melodrama, music, astonishing costumes, and not to mention dancing.
Bollywood History & Development
The beginning of the Indian film industry can be traced back to 1913; since then, it has come across steady growth. If we closely look at the history of the Bollywood Film Industry, we can further divide it into four different phases.
Learn how to be an actor with acting classes near me on Superprof.
The Early Development Stage
During its early development stage, the Indian film industry produced a full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra. The film was made in India in 1913, and the film's director was Dadasaheb Phalke, also famous as the 'father of Indian cinema'. Raja Harishchandra is a silent film; the first talkie film was released in 1931. The name of this film was Alam Ara, and Ardeshir Irani directed it. You also need to note that the Indian film industry could produce more than 100 films in a year from this time.
The Golden Era
The golden age of the Indian film industry began after India gained its independence from British rule. Historians say the Indian film industry came across phenomenal developments during this period.
The famous film Mother India directed by Mehboob Khan became the first Indian film ever to be nominated for the Academy Awards (also known as Oscar) in the Best Foreign Film Category. Different kinds of social issues were the main theme of Hindi films during this period. The movie produced in the Golden Era paved the way for some famous actors in the Indian film industry, such as Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, etc.
Growth of Regional Films In India
India is a diverse country even when you consider the Indian cinema industry: From Tollywood to Kollywood, India has seen movies in all languages for over 100 years now.
Recently, "Naatu Naatu" a song from the movie RRR, became the first Telugu film (Tollywood) to be nominated and win the Golden Globe awards.
Quick Facts About the Indian Regional Movies Industry
India has a vibrant regional film industry with multiple languages and cultural influences. Here are some quick facts about the Indian regional movies industry:
| India has more than 20 official languages, and each language has its own regional film industry. |
| The largest regional film industries in India are Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, and Punjabi. |
| Tamil cinema, also known as Kollywood, is the second largest film industry in India after Hindi cinema, which is also known as Bollywood. |
| The Telugu film industry, also known as Tollywood, produces the most number of films in India after Bollywood. |
| Malayalam cinema, also known as Mollywood, is known for its realistic and socially relevant films. |
| Kannada cinema, also known as Sandalwood, has a rich history of producing classic films. |
| Bengali cinema, also known as Tollywood, is known for its literary adaptations and art-house films. |
| Marathi cinema, also known as M-town, has produced some of the finest films in Indian cinema. |
| Punjabi cinema, also known as Pollywood, has grown rapidly in recent years and produces both commercial and art-house films. |
| Regional films are gaining popularity across India and are being recognized at national and international film festivals. |
Formation Years of the Hindi Film Industry or Bollywood
The term 'Bollywood' as we know it today was coined during the 1970s. During this period, the symposium of Bollywood was slowly getting into formation. In this period, masala films and violent crime films were being made.
The Indian masala films were a combination of comedy, romance, music, dance, and melodrama, whereas the crime films were used to explore the dark side of Indian society. By 1980, the Indian film industry could make at least 800 films, and this tremendous feat made it one of the largest film industries in the world.
Modern Bollywood Industry as we Know it Today
The Indian film industry, especially Bollywood, changed drastically after 1992 when the entire country came across economic liberalisation. The budget of the production houses increased significantly; foreign investors were spending money in the industry. A lot of movies featured international locations. Through the evolution and changes during that period, Bollywood steadily turned out to be the way it is today, where films are available internationally, and you can watch them on different streaming platforms.
Historical Bollywood Movies of All Times
Every year Bollywood produces many Hindi films every year, many of which have become highly popular and acclaimed due to their nature, theme, storyline, performance, and other factors. Amongst this competition, it is difficult to name one Hindi Movie which might have taken Bollywood by storm. So, let us look at some of the most popular films ever.
Amar Akbar Anthony
Produced and directed by Manmohan Desai and written by Kader Khan, Amar Akbar Anthony was one of the first Masala films produced in the Bollywood industry. Released in 1977, the film tells the story of three brothers played by three actors, Rishi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, and Vinod Khanna, along with other star cast members such as Pran, Shaban Azmi, Neetu Singh, Jeevan, etc. Amar Akbar Anthony was one of the highest-grossing films of that year at the Indian Box office.
Sholay
Sholay is a film that successfully changed the trajectory of the Indian film industry. This film was released on 15th August 1975 and was directed by Ramesh Sippy. The script of this film was written by the screenwriting duo Salim Khan (father of one of the most celebrated actors Salman Khan) and Javed Akhtar.
It is an action-adventure film that was influenced by western culture. Legendary actors of the Hindi film Industry, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Amjad Khan, Hema Malini, etc., in the lead role. The film has also been welcomed favourably in foreign countries like the Soviet Union (presently Russia). Sholay is one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
Dil Chahta Hai
The versatile and multi-talented Farhan Akhtar was the main person behind this film, along with Ritesh Sidhwani. It is a coming-of-age film released in 2001 and was directed by Farhan Akhtar. Saif Ali Khan, Aamir Khan, and Akshaye Khanna are three actors who played pivotal roles in this film. The storyline of this film paved a new perspective that focused on western liberal values while staying away from the typical masala elements of the Indian film industry.
Mother India
Mother is another cult classic film made in 1957 that was also nominated for the Academy awards. Directed by Mehboob Khan, it can be considered the symbolic presentation of India post-independence. You will encounter legendary actors like Nargis, Sunil Dutt, Raaj Kumar, and more in this film. This film is about nation-building and tells the story of a struggling woman and the exploitation she and other farmers in her village are facing.
Discover professional acting classes near me when you search for an acting coach on Superprof!
Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham
Released in the same year as Dil Chahta Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, or K3G, was one of the most expensive films made during that time. The film was directed and written by Karan Johar, a prominent name in the film industry, and has a star-studded cast that comprises Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherji, Hrithik Roshan, etc. K3G was a huge domestic and international success and bagged multiple awards.
Monsoon Wedding
Among the comedy-drama films of the Indian film industry Monsoon Wedding is a popular name. This film, directed by Mira Nair, visualises the romantic elements of a Hindu Punjabi wedding and thorny social issues. Monsoon Wedding has also received a Golden Globe nomination along with several awards.
Pyaasa
The film Pyaasa, made in 1957, was one of the best films the Indian film industry has produced. It was produced and directed by Guru Dutt, and although the legendary actor Dilip Kumar was given the lead role, he refused to participate due to his health issues. However, that did not stop Pyaasa from becoming one of that era's most commercially successful films. The film was shooted in Kolkata (Calcutta at that time), and the music of this film was produced by the famous music director SD Burman.
Chak De! India
Chak De! India, released in 2007 was written by Jaideep Sahni and Shimit Amin and produced by Aditya Chopra. The writer Jaideep Sahni was influenced by some real-life incidents regarding the Indian women's hockey team.
This sports film was released on 10th August 2007, coincidentally the 60th Independence day for India. Chak De! India saw immense success at the box office and received multiple awards.
Notable Hindi Movies Between 2000-2023
Rang De Bastani
Munna Bhai MBBS
Three Idiots
Lagaan
Kal Ho Naa Ho
Taare Zameen Par
Legendary Hindi Cinema Artists in the Bollywood Industry
The Indian film industry and Bollywood have introduced us to some of the best actors in every era. They are extremely commendable for their achievements, acting skills, choice of roles, and more. Check out some of the best actors in the Hindi film industry (current generation).
Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan is among the most successful and influential actors in the Indian film industry. Often referred to as Big B, Amitabh dominated the Indian film industry during the 1970s and 1980s. Due to his immensely successful career as an actor and television host, he has won multiple awards, including the Film Fare Awards and the National Film Awards.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Another internationally acclaimed actor from Bollywood who has successfully pursued her career in Hollywood is Priyanka Chopra Jonas. She is one of the highest-paid actresses in India. She was the winner of the Miss World 2000 pageant, and due to her incredible achievements in acting, she has also received numerous awards.
Aamir Khan
Aamir Khan made his acting debut in the film "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak" (1988), which was a huge success and established him as a leading actor in the industry.
Known in the industry as Mr. Perfectionist, Aamir Khan is known for his roles in critically acclaimed movies such as Dangal, Rang De Basanti, etc.
Easily find acting classes near me with Superprof!
Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan is among the best actors in the Indian film industry and Bollywood. He has been working since the 90s. He has worked alongside some of his generation's greatest writers, producers, and directors throughout his career.
He is known as the 'King of Bollywood' or "King Khan" and has far surpassed 90 films in his career. His fans are available worldwide, and he is considered one of the greatest romantic actors. Due to his immense contribution to the Bollywood industry, the Government of India has honored him with Padma Shri.
Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar, whose real name is Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, is a prominent actor in the Indian film industry. His acting career spans over 30 years, and he has appeared in more than 100 films during this period. Akshay Kumar has multiple types of films in his bag, including slapstick humour, horror, action, etc. He has received multiple awards for his brilliant performances and worked as a stunt actor.
The Indian or Hindi film industries will not slow down shortly. Instead, it is continuing to evolve with the help of creative writers, actors, producers, directors, and storytellers. The Indian film industry has become one of the best film industries in the world and has significantly influenced the worldwide cinema industry.
- Films have a significant impact on the life of every Indian, and with more creative approaches, movies will continue to have their impact.
- With the advent of the latest cameras and technologies, Indians are creating bigger-budget films with extraordinary VFX and graphics that match Hollywood's likes.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Bollywood is the sheer diversity of films produced within the industry. From sweeping epics to romantic comedies, and everything in between, Bollywood has something to offer for everyone. Many of its films explore complex social issues, such as poverty, gender inequality, and religious tensions, and have become important cultural touchstones for Indians.
Bollywood has also been the launching pad for many actors who have gone on to become global superstars, such as Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Priyanka Chopra. These actors have not only helped to popularize Bollywood overseas but have also helped to break down cultural barriers and stereotypes.
Looking for acting classes near me? Find a qualified acting coach on Superprof.
Influence of Hindi Cinema
Hindi cinema, often referred to as Bollywood, has a profound influence on the younger generation in India.
One of the most significant impacts of Hindi cinema has been on shaping India's collective identity, as it, along with the broader Indian film industry, has become an integral part of the narrative of India. Bollywood is frequently linked with the essence of India's national identity.
As economist and Bollywood historian Meghnad Desai points out, "Cinema has, in fact, been the most dynamic medium for conveying India its own narrative—the story of its quest for independence, the ongoing efforts for national unity, and the journey towards global prominence."
In conclusion, Bollywood is more than just an industry; it is a reflection of India's diverse cultural heritage and a testament to the power of cinema to bring people together. Its history, actors, and movies have contributed immensely to the world of cinema and have become an important part of India's national identity.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
Very helpful for gaining some knowledge about our indian cinema
But you can also add some points about South cinema
It is just an advice .
Hey Samira,
Thank you for the feedback. We do have an article dedicated to South Cinema. Take a look at it here: Best Tamil Movies of All Time