With OTT platforms and Bollywood churning out movies one after the other, it may be hard to imagine a time when movies were not part of the scene. It was on May 3, 1913, that the first full-length Indian feature film, Raja Harishchandra, was released. The film marked the birth of Indian cinema.
Raja Harishchandra’s Release: The Beginning of Indian Cinema
Indian cinema began its journey in 1913 with the release of Raja Harishchandra. Dadasaheb Phalke directed this film, which is often called the first full-length Indian feature. It was a silent, black-and-white film that told a mythological story from Hindu texts.
There was no dialogue, only gestures and expressions. Music played in the background during screenings, and women were not allowed to act, so men played female roles. This film laid the foundation for the Indian film industry.
Despite doubts and financial issues, Phalke pushed forward. He wrote, directed, produced, and even handled the camera himself. His dedication turned a dream into reality.
The story focused on King Harishchandra, a mythological figure known for truth and sacrifice. At the time, acting was not seen as a respectable job for women. Therefore, men played every role, including female characters. Dattatraya Damodar Dabke played the king. Anna Salunke, a male stage actor, played Queen Taramati.
Moreover, the film was made using a single camera. It had four reels and ran for about 40 minutes.
Eventually, Raja Harishchandra premiered at Coronation Cinema in Bombay. The audience gave it a warm welcome. Even though it had no sound and was in black-and-white, it left a strong impression.
As a result, the film set the foundation for Indian cinema. It showed that films could be more than entertainment. They could tell stories, preserve culture, and bring people together.
Talkies and Colour Films Arrive
By the 1950s and 60s, filmmakers started using color. Movies like Mughal-e-Azam and Mother India impressed viewers with their grand sets, strong performances, and powerful messages. This period is called the Golden Age of Indian cinema.
Rise of Regional Films
While Hindi cinema grew in Mumbai, other languages developed strong film cultures too. Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Malayalam, and Kannada cinemas started gaining popularity. Directors like Satyajit Ray brought global recognition to Indian films with movies like Pather Panchali.
Regional industries explored different themes, social issues, and unique storytelling techniques. Today, they play a vital role in Indian cinema.
The Masala Era and Bollywood Stardom
From the 1970s to the 90s, “masala films” ruled the box office. These movies had a mix of action, romance, comedy, and drama. Stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, and Chiranjeevi became household names.
Songs and dance numbers became essential. Music albums were released before the films and often became hits on their own. This period also saw a boom in movie theatres and fan clubs.
Digital Revolution and Global Reach
In the 2000s, the digital revolution changed everything. Filmmakers began using computer-generated effects (VFX), advanced editing tools, and better sound systems. Films like Baahubali, RRR, and Krrish used these technologies to impress both Indian and global audiences.
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar gave audiences access to films from every part of India. Now, people can watch Malayalam thrillers, Tamil dramas, or Marathi comedies anytime, anywhere.
Change in Themes and Audience Taste
Modern Indian cinema is not just about entertainment. Today, many films deal with real-life issues—mental health, caste discrimination, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality. Filmmakers are also experimenting with storytelling, avoiding typical song-and-dance routines.
Movies like Article 15, The Lunchbox, Dangal, and Piku reflect this shift. Even big-budget films now try to include meaningful stories.
Women in Indian Cinema
Earlier, female characters often had limited roles. But now, women lead many films, both on and off screen. Actresses like Vidya Balan, Alia Bhatt, and Nayanthara are known for strong performances. At the same time, more women are directing, producing, and writing stories.
Conclusion: A Journey of Innovation and Inclusion
From Raja Harishchandra to today’s cinematic universe, Indian cinema has constantly evolved. It has moved from silence to sound, black-and-white to color, theatres to OTT screens, and formula-based films to bold experiments.
Now, Indian films not only entertain—they educate, empower, and bring diverse cultures together on one screen.
