Exploring Indian cinema’s unsung gems, Tejas Poonia’s insightful book showcases low-budget films, cultural phenomena, and cinematic diversity, inspiring cinephiles to rediscover their artistry. Utpal Datta reviews Bharatiya Cinema: Vivechan aur Moolyankan.

Tejas Puniya’s Bharatiya Cinema: Vivechan aur Moolyankan unveils the artistic richness of Indian cinema, focusing on lesser-known low-budget films alongside acclaimed works like Kantara and Pushpa. Highlighting regional cinema, third-gender issues, and the often-overlooked contributions of short films and documentaries, Puniya offers a fresh perspective on cultural diversity in cinema. His critique bridges the gap between commercial success and artistic expression, making this book a must-read for cinephiles and anyone passionate about exploring Indian cinema’s untold stories.

India, a vibrant tapestry of languages and cultures, is one of the world’s largest film-producing nations, creating cinematic works in nearly every language spoken across its vast territories. This flourishing industry includes films in the more commonly spoken languages and extends its reach to those in less prevalent dialects, with government initiatives actively championing these unique projects. As one navigates the rich landscape of Indian cinema, three distinct categories emerge: the commercially successful blockbusters that dominate the box office, films that embrace the essence of art as a medium of personal expression, and a crucial third category encompassing works explicitly crafted for film festivals or competitive platforms.

Challenges and Innovations in Indian Cinema  

In recent years, the Indian film industry has experienced a remarkable surge in production, characterised by bold experiments in themes and filmmaking techniques. The cinematic scene is alive with innovation, yet it grapples with a persistent dilemma—the distribution and exhibition of films. While popular Hindi films achieve widespread acclaim and reach audiences nationwide, regional language films often remain confined within their geographical boundaries. Lucrative OTT platforms, meanwhile, tend to prioritise commercially viable productions. However, a shift has emerged: some high-budget South Indian films are being released across multiple regional languages, including Hindi, garnering national recognition and further blurring regional lines.

Conversely, films that regard cinema as art often operate on modest budgets and appeal to niche audiences. These artistic endeavours face significant hurdles in securing theatrical releases, with the aspiration for nationwide distribution remaining a distant dream. Occasionally, such films manage to grace film festival circuits, receiving accolades and recognition. Yet, they struggle to penetrate mainstream visibility, leaving many gems unacknowledged and obscure. Despite their limited exposure, these films infuse Indian cinema with depth, enriching the cultural narrative.

Tejas Poonia’s Insightful Exploration of Indian Cinema

Tejas Poonia, a passionate young film researcher and critic, ventures into this discussion with his Hindi book, Bharatiya Cinema: Vivechan aur Moolyankan. This work examines the artistic tapestry of Indian cinema, focusing predominantly on low-budget films that often slip through the cracks. Nevertheless, it also features notable successes like Kantara, Pushpa, and Jai Bhim, showcasing the critic's discerning eye and breadth of understanding. Within the pages of this insightful book, Poonia examines 50 films, offering readers a glimpse into his cinematic perspective, ideals, and curated choices. 

Poonia’s sensitivity shines through as he engages with the innovative ideas embedded in these films. His examination of works addressing third-gender issues demonstrates his commitment to uncovering the intricate societal connections within cinema, exemplified by films like Un-Women. With a keen passion for regional cinema, Poonia explores films across various languages and cultures, revealing the rich social and cultural intricacies they encompass. He approaches movies such as Kantara and Pushpa not merely as entertainment but as significant cultural phenomena, analysing the cultural shocks and upheavals they provoke within society.

Short Films and the Untapped Potential of Indian Cinema

Notably, in India, short films and documentaries often languish in the shadows of full-length features, receiving less attention due to limited screenings and minimal media coverage. Poonia, however, acknowledges the importance of these formats, giving them a platform and discussing even those crafted on mobile devices, highlighting their artistic merit.

As a critic, Poonia embodies a sense of passionate viewing, rendering his analysis insightful, heartfelt, and unique. Breaking away from the conventional stereotype of the overly critical reviewer, Poonia’s writing is imbued with sincerity and openness, facilitating a deeper connection with his audience. 

Strengths and Limitations of the Book

While the book merits commendation for its dedicated exploration, it does present certain limitations. Indian cinema is an expansive realm, yet this work does not fully encapsulate its vast diversity. Although it touches upon South Indian films, it conspicuously omits the cinematic contributions of Northeast India, leaving a substantial void. One hopes that Poonia will expand his focus to include films from these regions, paving the way for a more comprehensive comparative analysis of Indian cinema.

The book emphasises narrative and its social implications but could have further enriched its discourse by looking at the technical facets of filmmaking. A discussion on the role of technical expertise in conveying cinematic messages would have added significant depth. Moreover, providing detailed production insights about lesser-known or unrecognised films could significantly enhance the richness of this critical study.

Despite these shortcomings, Poonia’s exploration of films from various corners of India serves as a valuable gateway for cinephiles. The book initiates an engaging discourse that illuminates the distinctive voices of Indian cinema, offering readers a richer appreciation of the artistry behind the screen.