The journey of Indian cinema is a remarkable tale of technological advancements.
In its early days,before the talkie era, there was a time of silent storytelling in the format of black and white images onscreen, captivating the audience with grand and dramatic experiences. “Raja Harishchandra” the first full-length feature was released in 1913 and “AlamAra” in 1931, the first Indian talkie film. These mythological and historical epics, required elaborate sets and costumes to create larger-than-life experiences.
South Indian cinema played a pivotal role in the evolution of cinema in India. The Gemini Studios in Chennai and Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad were instrumental in embracing new technologies in film sets, equipment, and facilities like synchronized sound, pushing the limits of storytelling.
With the arrival of epic films, special effects in films enhanced the visual spectacle. The classics such as “Mughal-e-Azam” (1960) and “Karnataka Sangha” (1970) featured grand sets, using techniques like matte paintings to create stunning landscapes. These films showcased the artistic creativity of filmmakers and marked a significant step in the technology and development of cinema.
The late 20th century brought a digital revolution that further transformed the industry. Directors like Mani Ratnam with “Dil Se” (1999) and Ram Gopal Varma with “Shiva” (1989), embraced digital cameras, which offered more creative freedom. The introduction of editing software revolutionized post-production, allowing for seamless transitions and impressive special effects in movies such as “Lagaan” (2001) and “Nayakan” (1987) a Tamil film. Mahanadi (1994) was the first Indian film to use Avid software, revolutionising the use of visual effects in editing.
In recent years, there has been a revolution of Visual Effects (VFX). “Enthiran” (2010), “Krrish” (2006), and recent blockbusters like Bahubali 2.0, RRR, and Kalki 2898 AD showcased a new era of visuals. These films featured breathtaking action sequences, fantastical creatures, and visually stunning worlds, made possible by advanced visual effects software. The evolution in technology has contributed to the transition from black-and-white imagery to immersive 3D experiences.
The future of movies promises even more. Technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality are poised to offer extraordinary cinematic experiences, while artificial intelligence is already playing a role in crafting realistic characters and environments. For instance, film “Indian 2” recreated some actors through AI, who lost their lives during the shoot.
In fact, the technology in movies has empowered filmmakers to craft captivating and ever-evolving stories. From the silent era to today’s world of CGI and special effects, Indian cinema continues to transport audiences to new worlds, expanding the boundaries of imagination.
