Introduction: India, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, eastern Vietnam, Malaya, Java, Bali, Sumatra, Borneo, Indonesian islands, Philippines and Taiwan are South East Asian countries, who are well known for their astounding theatrical activities. Countries in South Asia, are home to people of many races, and hundreds of different dialects. The cultural diversity is so immense, than those noticed in western countries. A great level of intermixing between cultures of different south Asian countries is another characteristic feature of these regions. For example, Singapore is a home to four major cultures: Chinese, Malays, Tamil and the English. Likewise countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Srilanka have shared political and cultural histories. Because of this, it is impossible to define and hard to place, the evolution of early theatrical art in these regions into the genera of present day cinema. Cinema is the most popular communication medium in South Asia. It occupies an important place in the lives of people. It is also an important medium through which the concept of modernity, was introduced into South Asian culture.
Films reflects the social concerns of a country, and also communicates the creative and artistic expression of its people, within the limits of socio-economic restrictions. Unlike in the west; social and cultural restriction are high in south Asian films. Homosexuality, teenage groups, affairs, gender identity and religious identity are sensitive topics and are often regarded as taboo by many film makers. Rising population and arrival of satellite TV channels, increased the appetite for cinema in South Asia. This along with the advent of internet era and globalization, catapulted it development to bigger heights.
Japanese movies were the first to become famous in the west, during the 1950s. However their numbers were few and it was only in the 1980’s that Asian films gained wider popularity with the westerners. Most of these films were from countries like China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. Many of the themes like: nationalism, colonialism and modernization depicted in these film from these countries were interrelated. Films were predominantly conceptual. As the film industry began to evolve, themes between these countries, became more independent. South Asia has always taken lead from the development of new technologies in the west to evolve its own film industry. Nevertheless their creativity in art, is unique and most of its scripts are original. (Google Books)
These days’ Asian films have begun to receive wide attention from foreign audience, film critics, cinema scholars and specialists of cultural studies. Cinema is a peephole into a nation’s history and culture. With globalization, the cultures of many Asian countries are becoming interlinked with that of the west, and thus the themes of current generation films, are more convoluted and fail to depict the original culture of the country. In this article, I have discussed Asian cinema, with more focus on Indian cinema, as it the largest film producer in the world.
1. King of Cinema: Movies of India
Indian film industry is one of the oldest in the world. The first film to be screened in India was, a western movie; “wonders of the world”, in the year 1896. “Rajah Harishchandra” directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, is the first Indian movie and was screened in 1913. This film was a huge commercially success, and marked the beginning of Indian cinema. During the 1920’s, Madras was the epicenter of film activities. Successful actors of this period had commanding voice, singing skill and musical knowledge. Films released during these times, were mostly historical and based on traditional and scriptural characters. The success of these film was largely based on its musical scores. By 1940’s the social and political atmosphere of India changed. The country was ravaged by World War II and freedom struggle. Films released during this time, were based on patriotic and political themes. More bold themes were filmed during this time. Music and songs remained an important way of communicating feelings in Indian Cinema. The most unforgettable melodies of Hindi film industry were created during the 1950’s. (Newsonair.nic.in)
Bollywood is the eponym of American Hollywood. It refers to the Hindi film industry in India, with its epicenter in Bombay (Mumbai). Hindi is the most common language of India. Kollywood and Tollywood refers to Tamil and Telugu film Industry, both of which are, other important languages in India. The most creative and original scripts in Indian films could be seen in Mollywood, which refers to the Malayalam film industry; which is yet another language in the country. The period between 1950s to 1960s, is called the Golden Age of Indian films, as the most classic films of all times were made during this period. (Newsonair.nic.in)
In the 1970’s there was a complete change of structure in Indian cinema. Modern themes entered the industry. There was a noticeable change in the film’s narrative and contents. Films had less story value, and were made mostly for entertainment and fun. This was the era of Indian commercial films. Majority of the films produced during this time, were globally successful and introduced Bollywood to a larger world of international cinema. The advent of women in movies took place during the 1980’s. More women directors, producers entered the industry. Romantic, action, comedy and thrillers films dominated the 1990’s. (Newsonair.nic.in)
With the advent of new age filming and technologies, many Indian movies are made keeping in mind the Hollywood standards. Improved marketing skills and global themes, has contributed in making Bollywood movies a global success. Global Indian diaspora along with western fans, are behind the success of these film in International market. Though the concept of moving pictures was introduced in the west, today, India has the largest film industry in the world. Despite the wide cultural diversity, the country has created a cinema industry that is on par with the standards of many Hollywood movies.
