Cinema management involves the policies, legal frameworks, and business aspects that
govern the production, distribution, and exhibition of films in India. It includes
licensing, censorship, intellectual property rights, and labor laws.
● Censorship and the CBFC (Central Board of Film Certification)
● The Cinematograph Act, 1952, governs film certification.
● Films are classified into categories like U, UA, A, and S.
● Bollywood contributes over ₹19,000 crores annually to the economy (2022 data).
● Hindi language film industry based in Mumbai, is the largest in the world in
terms of the number of films produced. Around 1,500 to 2,000 films are
produced every year in more than 20 languages.
● Bobby Art International v. Om Pal Singh Hoon (1996): Bandit Queen faced
criticism for obscenity but was upheld as it depicted harsh realities (19(1)(a)
● K.A. Abbas v. Union of India (1970)
○ Issue: Pre-censorship and freedom of speech.
○ Details: Filmmaker K.A. Abbas challenged the CBFC’s decision to classify
his documentary A Tale of Four Cities as "A" (Adult) despite its
educational intent.
○ Verdict: The court upheld censorship for maintaining public morality but
asked for reasonable restrictions.
● Significance: Highlighted the balance between artistic freedom and societal
concerns.
● Piracy Case: Tamilrockers
Milestones in Indian Cinema
1. First Full-Length Feature Film: Raja Harishchandra (1913) by Dadasaheb Phalke.
2. First Talkie Film: Alam Ara (1931).
3. First Color Film: Kisan Kanya (1937).
Global Recognition:
4. Mother India (1957): Nominated for an Academy Award.
5. RRR (2022): Won an Oscar for Best Original Song ("Naatu Naatu").
—----Controversy Over the Film Udta Punjab
Issue: The CBFC ordered 89 cuts, claiming the film depicted Punjab in a negative light.
Outcome: The Bombay High Court overruled the cuts, allowing the release with minimal
changes.
—---Ban on Padmaavat
Issue: Faced bans and protests over its depiction of historical figures.
Outcome: Supreme Court ruled that states cannot ban films certified by the CBFC.
Significance: Upheld the federal structure and artistic rights
Imp movies
● Pink: Stressed the importance of consent
● Article 15: Focused on caste discrimination.
Note on Dadasaheb Phalke
Dadasaheb Phalke, often regarded as the "Father of Indian Cinema," was a visionary
filmmaker whose pioneering efforts laid the foundation for the Indian film industry. His
contributions to cinema were monumental, transforming it into a significant cultural
and commercial art form in India.
Early Life
● Full Name: Dhundiraj Govind Phalke.
● Birth: 30 April 1870, in Trimbak, Maharashtra.
● He came from a family of Sanskrit scholars and developed an early interest in
arts and creativity.
● Educated at the J.J. School of Arts, Mumbai, where he honed his skills in
painting, photography, and sculpture.
Inspiration for Filmmaking
● Phalke’s fascination with moving images began after watching the silent film The
Life of Christ in 1910.
● This inspired him to create an indigenous form of cinema to narrate Indian
stories using Indian themes and culture.
● He envisioned a self-reliant Indian film industry distinct from Western cinema.
First Film: Raja Harishchandra
● Phalke directed and produced India’s first full-length feature film, Raja
Harishchandra, released on 3 May 1913.
● The film was based on the legendary king Harishchandra, known for his devotion
to truth.
● Challenges in Production:
● Imported filmmaking equipment from London and learned filmmaking
techniques from scratch.
● Faced difficulty finding actors, especially women, as acting was considered
inappropriate for women at the time.
● Overcame financial constraints to fund the film independently.
● The film was a commercial success, marking the beginning of Indian cinema
Contributions to Indian Cinema
● Innovation and Vision
● Phalke introduced mythological and cultural themes, making cinema a tool for
storytelling and moral education in India.
● Used Indian actors, costumes, and settings to create a uniquely Indian identity
for films.
● Filmmaking Process
● Established Phalke Films Company to produce more films.
● Directed 95 films and 26 short films during his career, including notable works
like Mohini Bhasmasur (1913) and Lanka Dahan (1917).
● Legacy
● Inspired generations of filmmakers to pursue Indian cinema as a career.
● His contributions are commemorated through the Dadasaheb Phalke Award,
established in 1969, which is the highest honor in Indian cinema.
Impact on Indian Cinema
● Cultural Relevance: Popularized Indian myths, legends, and cultural narratives.
● Economic Development: Proved the commercial viability of Indian-made films,
laying the groundwork for the Indian film industry.
● Technological Pioneer: Mastered the use of imported equipment and developed a
filmmaking process despite the absence of formal training.
5 movies with social message
1. Taare Zameen Par (2007)
Social Message: The film highlights the struggles of children with learning disabilities,
particularly dyslexia, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and nurturing
individual talents rather than imposing societal expectations.
Impact: Raised awareness about learning difficulties and inspired schools and parents
to adopt inclusive approaches.
2. Pink (2016)
Social Message: Focuses on consent and challenges the patriarchal mindset that judges
women based on their lifestyle choices. It underscores that "No means No," irrespective
of circumstances.
Impact: Brought critical discussions about women’s rights and personal boundaries into
the mainstream.
3. 3 Idiots (2009)
Social Message: Critiques the pressure of the traditional education system in India and
advocates for pursuing one’s passion and valuing creativity over rote learning.
Impact: Sparked debates about mental health issues among students and the need for
educational reforms.
4. Article 15 (2019)
Social Message: Addresses caste-based discrimination in India, drawing inspiration
from Article 15 of the Indian Constitution, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of
religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Impact: Highlighted the prevalence of systemic injustice and the need for accountability
in law enforcement.
5. Padman (2018)
Social Message: Promotes menstrual hygiene and breaks the taboo surrounding
menstruation in India. It tells the true story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, who
innovated low-cost sanitary pads to improve women's health and dignity.
Impact: Initiated conversations about menstrual health and challenged societal stigma,
leading to policy changes and awareness campaigns
What is a Movie?
A movie, also known as a film, is a sequence of moving images that tell a story, portray
events, or communicate ideas. It combines visual, auditory, and narrative elements to
entertain, educate, or provoke thought. Movies are created through the process of
filmmaking, which involves scriptwriting, directing, acting, cinematography, editing,
and production
● Promotes Stereotypes
● Reduces Productivity
● Addiction and Dependency
● Health Issues: Excessive television viewing leads to physical inactivity,
contributing to obesity, eye strain, and poor posture
Modern Era of Cinema (1960s–Present)
1. Technological Advancements
● Introduction of widescreen formats, CGI, and 3D technology transformed
filmmaking.
● Example: Avatar (2009) showcased cutting-edge visual effects.
● Global Influence
● Hollywood became the epicenter of global cinema, but regional industries like
Bollywood, Nollywood (Nigeria), and Japanese anime gained prominence.
2. New Wave Cinema
● Movements like Italian Neorealism and French New Wave influenced storytelling
and filmmaking techniques.
● Indian parallel cinema, led by directors like Satyajit Ray (Pather Panchali, 1955),
offered realistic narratives.
3. Digital Revolution
● The transition from film reels to digital formats allowed greater accessibility and
affordability in filmmaking.
● Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have revolutionized content
consumption.
Cultural and Social Impact of Cinema
1 Reflection of Society
● Cinema mirrors societal changes, politics, and cultural shifts.
● Example: Schindler’s List (1993) depicted the Holocaust, while Lagaan (2001)
reflected colonial resistance.
2. Platform for Advocacy
● Films often address social issues, inspiring change.
● Example: Pink (2016) advocated for women’s rights and consent.
3. Influence on Popular Culture
● Dialogues, fashion, and music from films often influence trends.
● Example: Shah Rukh Khan’s romantic roles shaped popular notions of love in
India.
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