Peeping Into Period Films - Part II : Indian Cinema

Click To Peep Into The Period Films Of Hollywood - Part I


Ever since the Englishmen left India, the latter remains heavily influenced by the West, perhaps what discoverers claim as the "colonial hangover". As far as the personal lifestyle of the Indians are concerned, one would prefer to call it a "Cultural turnover", however, the people have been going through the same in several other departments. Be it County Cricket or the theatrical rivulet, it's been governed by the West, not voiced by it. Several films across India have shown the character that goes to reveal the Indian history in a worthwhile make. Directors from North to South, Makers from Sathyajit Ray to Mani Rathnam, have all been a part of this genre. As discussed in part I, period films have been of two types - 1) To register their version of a yesteryear era with their current know-how, 2) To have a mere fondness in making/viewing those films. Filmmakers believe that making period films is a critical job. Sometimes, artists will have to go through extensive research to get a feel of the characters from epics. Portrayal of the same on screen is a tough task for both the actors and directors. The common myth amongst the critics was that, whenever screenwriters lacked subjects, they would go for period films. Despite the logic in the argument, the key is that those period films fetch them more success than the others.

Indian films produced across, consisted of the Northern cinematic culture along with the provinces of Kerala karnataka, Andhra and Tamil Nadu.Because of this existing diversity, films bludgeoned throughout the nation with utmost variety.

The North started with The Apu Trilogy - A series of three films directed by Satyajit Ray, which dealt with the early part of the twentieth century. This low-budget period film, was a milestone in Indian cinema.

Hindi films held its own slots in both the market as well as the substance. After a few initial Guru Dutt's starrers, Asif's Mughal-e-Azam and Mother India, require a certain mention in this forum. Shyam Benegal also made his part, importantly, it was Ankur and The Making Of The Mahathma, that led the Indian cinema. The Gandhian philosophy driven film Do Aankhen Barah Hath, was greatly exalted at the Golden Globe and the Berlin's.

South Indian Period films also came well on par with that of the Northern contribution. Sivaji Ganesan's enthralling roles as the protaganist in the films such as Kappalottiya Thamizhan and Veerapandiya Kattabomman held the hamlet of historical significance. Thaneer Thaneer, directed byK.Balachader, is an important mention. Meanwhile, the Malaylaam and Telugu films grounded up well. Lights of Raitu Bidda,Mayabazaar and Annamaya paved a better design of Indian Cinema.

Quite recently, films like Hey Ram, Jodha Akbar, Devdas, Periyar, Shri Ragavendhrar, Lagaan, Iruvar, Sri Ramadasu, Umrao Jaan and Mangal Pandey, have lifted the morale of the directors to push into making Period Films. Most recently, films like Subramaniapuram, Before The Rains and Pazhassi Raja have shown up well at the box office. Few films under production such as Marudhanayagam, will have to be well-aided by the financiers for its due completion.