Bollywood The Dream Factory Analysis

Bollywood the "Dream Factory"

What is "Bollywood"? Though rare, this question still exists. Well, at its simplest, Bollywood stands for the films made in the city of Bombay in India. The Indian film industry is the biggest and loudest industry on the planet. To begin with, over eight hundred films are produced every year for domestic and overseas audiences. Both, directly and indirectly, Bollywood has had its major impact on our society. Many often claim that Bollywood is a factor that molds the Indian society. There have been many changes Indian culture and society have experienced with the beginning of various lifestyle and mindset elements Bollywood has showcased throughout its films. Unknowingly, we start believing or at least imagining what we watch in the movies and that most definitely has a lot of impact on Indians and their lives.

Bollywood has changed greatly over the years. In 1912 "the British Raj was full of pomp and hubris and natives were getting restive" and restless (Alibhai-Brown). DJ Phalke, an Indian Brahmin director, watched a French film which inspired him to put images on screen "to awaken Indian nationalism" under British rule (Alibhai-Brown). But, ironically, Phalke would not be able to accomplish this task without British expertise and technology advances. He then traveled to Europe, began meeting directors, bought a Williamson camera and was trained in London under an English director. Then, in 1913 Phalke, finally made the first ever Indian full feature silent film called Raja Harishchandra. Phalke excited his audiences and aroused his fellow "compatriots to resist unjust power and inequality" (Alibhai-Brown). Soon, colonial administrators imposed harsh censorship on films in the fear that films had t...

... middle of paper ...

...hat have taken place. Bollywood films have gone from Silent to sound. Black and white to color. Films have explored all sorts of genres such as horror, comedy, romance, and science fiction. All of this has been possible because of the advancement in technology and communication as well as the great attempts of DJ Phalke. I think Bollywood will impact the 21st century just as it has been impacting the rest centuries. I think the films will continue to bring its viewers with greater insight on controversial topics such as corruption until some strict action is taken against it or for it. Bollywood will definitely continue evolving because just like any living organism Bollywood is also influenced by various factors which strengthens the industry as time proceeds. And, of course, Bollywood films will continue to entertain just as they have been for the past 101 years!