Once a growing trend in the 80’s and unearthing talented stars like Naseeruddin Shah among others, art movies has struggled to find its place with social and cultural changes of a new India .
Art films, also known as parallel cinema, have had a relatively limited success in India compared to commercial Bollywood films. The reasons for this are multifaceted and complex, and can be traced back to various historical, social, and cultural factors.
Firstly, it is important to understand that the Indian film industry is a dominant force in Indian popular culture. Bollywood films are known for their song and dance sequences, melodramatic plots, and often formulaic storylines. The industry is heavily marketed and distributed, with a wide reach across the country, and even in international markets. This dominance has made it difficult for alternative cinema, including art films, to compete for attention and resources.
Historically, the Indian film industry has been heavily regulated by the government. In the 1950s, the government introduced the Cinematograph Act, which required filmmakers to obtain a certificate of approval before releasing their films. This certificate was often difficult to obtain for films that were deemed too controversial or critical of the government. As a result, many filmmakers turned to art films as a way to express themselves without the censorship and commercial pressures of Bollywood. However, the government’s restrictions on the film industry made it difficult for art films to gain a wide audience, as they were often limited to small screenings in cultural centers or film festivals.
Another factor that has hindered the success of art films in India is the limited funding and distribution opportunities. Bollywood films are typically backed by large production companies, who have the resources to market and distribute their films widely. In contrast, art films are often produced on a shoestring budget, and struggle to find funding and distribution opportunities. This has limited the exposure of art films to a wider audience, and has made it difficult for filmmakers to sustain a career in alternative cinema.
Furthermore, Indian audiences have traditionally had a preference for entertainment over art. Many viewers go to the movies as a form of escapism and entertainment, rather than as a means of intellectual or artistic exploration. This has created a demand for Bollywood films, which often provide a form of entertainment that is accessible and relatable to a wide range of viewers. Art films, on the other hand, often require a more critical and intellectual engagement from viewers, and may not appeal to those seeking pure entertainment.
In addition, the social and cultural contexts in which Indian films are produced and consumed have also played a role in the limited success of art films. India is a highly diverse country, with a wide range of linguistic, cultural, and regional identities. Bollywood films often cater to a mainstream, pan-Indian audience, and tend to reflect dominant cultural norms and values. In contrast, art films often challenge these norms and offer alternative perspectives on social and cultural issues. This can make it difficult for art films to resonate with a wider audience, as they may be seen as too niche or esoteric.
Moreover, the Indian film industry has historically been male-dominated, with few opportunities for women filmmakers and actors. This has limited the perspectives and voices that are represented in Indian cinema, and has made it difficult for alternative cinema, including art films, to gain a foothold. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement towards more diverse and inclusive filmmaking, with more opportunities for women and marginalized communities to tell their own stories.
In conclusion, the limited success of art films in India can be attributed to a range of factors, including the dominance of Bollywood, limited funding and distribution opportunities, audience preferences for entertainment over art, and the social and cultural contexts in which Indian cinema is produced and consumed. However, there is hope for the future of alternative cinema in India, as more diverse voices and perspectives are being represented, and new funding and distribution models are emerging. With continued support and engagement from audiences and policymakers, art films
