New Trends in Filmmaking.
Introduction: Filmmakers now study the art before diving into it, says Puja Goyal
Source: Vijay Times, Life- Pg 3.
Copyright © 2005 Puja Goyal.
Epics, animation and now digital movies; the process of making a film has seen many changes over the years, especially in India. Even then, there are a few elements that Indian film mentality can't do without, like, each film must consist of six songs, a dramatic climax, item number and a superstar who romances an insignificant heroine; present, only for song sequences and as bait for the villain.
But now, the packaging of films has seen a significant improvement with Lagaan having entered the Oscar race! Ashutosh Gowarikar said in a recent filmmaking seminar, "It is now possible for us to recreate our dreams; today there are takers for offbeat concepts." Today, we can dream about making a film without songs, and confine it to 90 minutes instead of a three hour film. Iqbal and Virrudh have been successful in breaking this stereotype.
Recent films have also started to derive their scripts from short story writers. Devdas, Parineeta, Raincoat and Chokker Bali etc, have been successful on the silver screen. It can be said that filmmakers are now moving towards the idea of simplistic storytelling; although there are a few films that experiment with large sets.
Filmmakers have now adopted the middle path when it comes to representation there were either mainstream films made purely for entertainment, or parallel cinema made with a strong tone; today they have been successfully conjoined by directors like Nagesh Kukunoor, Ashutosh Gowarikar and Khalid Mohammed.
Swades, Fiza, Lagaan, or Iqbal; they carry an underlining theme of hope, patriotism and values. Ashutosh believes that screaming a theme out will thwart the audience. Most films have now imbibed in them a concept called "Brand Sponsoring" the movie have there products advertised in the movie. "I do not believe in brand placement," says Ashutosh, "This spoils the essence of the movie; although brand placements can work in fun movies like Dil Chahta Hai."
Digital filmmaking is the next big thing; Nagesh Kukunoor, director, Hyderabad Blues says, "I encourage individuals to experiment with digital filmmaking; it is fast, efficient and inexpensive." Raising questions on originality, Nagesh says, "Be original! This will form the core of filmmaking in this age." With films being adapted, story ideas being ripped off from other foreign films, and concepts being copied without giving a thought; filmmaking concepts face a threat of becoming redundant.
The key to any film is the presence of a star value. Ashutosh elaborates, "Whatever you make; the presence of a star element is core to the film". The presence of a star enhances the value and quality of a film. The quality of Indian cinema has definitely improved with large amounts of money being flushed in pre and post production work. "It is easy to get one million to finance a movie nowadays but just say you want only 10 lakh and you will find no financers", explains Nagesh. "Look at Hyderabad Blues, there were so many glitches, and, it was made with a minimum budget. People forgave me for it, they said, 'Poor thing... new guy!!' but now they will walk out. More money was flushed into Iqbal; the film had a better production team, and it looked nice."
But when it comes to regional cinema, experimentation with concepts is restricted and directors are apprehensive about deviating into new themes. "Our films cater to individuals in the rural area who will not understand new age cinematic ideologies; we have to give people what they want," says Nagathihalli Chandrasekhar of Amrithdhare fame. "We have to make movies that reflect our culture and traditions; if we make a movie on aliens like Spielberg; no one will understand it simply because this is not our style. We have to stop imitating the west and find our own voice."
Modern cinema has seen improvement; many have started to finally study filmmaking instead of diving into the field without any background. Large amounts are invested in picturising songs that look more like music videos; and actors now dance to borrowed western beats ripped off or adapted from the likes of Will Smith (Switch) etc.
What is striking is the large number of films that are being made successfully without songs. It will not be long before we will also be an expert at the 90 minute film without songs and superstars... any takers...?
Source: Vijay Times, Life- Pg 3.
Copyright © 2005 Puja Goyal.
Epics, animation and now digital movies; the process of making a film has seen many changes over the years, especially in India. Even then, there are a few elements that Indian film mentality can't do without, like, each film must consist of six songs, a dramatic climax, item number and a superstar who romances an insignificant heroine; present, only for song sequences and as bait for the villain.
But now, the packaging of films has seen a significant improvement with Lagaan having entered the Oscar race! Ashutosh Gowarikar said in a recent filmmaking seminar, "It is now possible for us to recreate our dreams; today there are takers for offbeat concepts." Today, we can dream about making a film without songs, and confine it to 90 minutes instead of a three hour film. Iqbal and Virrudh have been successful in breaking this stereotype.
Recent films have also started to derive their scripts from short story writers. Devdas, Parineeta, Raincoat and Chokker Bali etc, have been successful on the silver screen. It can be said that filmmakers are now moving towards the idea of simplistic storytelling; although there are a few films that experiment with large sets.
Filmmakers have now adopted the middle path when it comes to representation there were either mainstream films made purely for entertainment, or parallel cinema made with a strong tone; today they have been successfully conjoined by directors like Nagesh Kukunoor, Ashutosh Gowarikar and Khalid Mohammed.
Swades, Fiza, Lagaan, or Iqbal; they carry an underlining theme of hope, patriotism and values. Ashutosh believes that screaming a theme out will thwart the audience. Most films have now imbibed in them a concept called "Brand Sponsoring" the movie have there products advertised in the movie. "I do not believe in brand placement," says Ashutosh, "This spoils the essence of the movie; although brand placements can work in fun movies like Dil Chahta Hai."
Digital filmmaking is the next big thing; Nagesh Kukunoor, director, Hyderabad Blues says, "I encourage individuals to experiment with digital filmmaking; it is fast, efficient and inexpensive." Raising questions on originality, Nagesh says, "Be original! This will form the core of filmmaking in this age." With films being adapted, story ideas being ripped off from other foreign films, and concepts being copied without giving a thought; filmmaking concepts face a threat of becoming redundant.
The key to any film is the presence of a star value. Ashutosh elaborates, "Whatever you make; the presence of a star element is core to the film". The presence of a star enhances the value and quality of a film. The quality of Indian cinema has definitely improved with large amounts of money being flushed in pre and post production work. "It is easy to get one million to finance a movie nowadays but just say you want only 10 lakh and you will find no financers", explains Nagesh. "Look at Hyderabad Blues, there were so many glitches, and, it was made with a minimum budget. People forgave me for it, they said, 'Poor thing... new guy!!' but now they will walk out. More money was flushed into Iqbal; the film had a better production team, and it looked nice."
But when it comes to regional cinema, experimentation with concepts is restricted and directors are apprehensive about deviating into new themes. "Our films cater to individuals in the rural area who will not understand new age cinematic ideologies; we have to give people what they want," says Nagathihalli Chandrasekhar of Amrithdhare fame. "We have to make movies that reflect our culture and traditions; if we make a movie on aliens like Spielberg; no one will understand it simply because this is not our style. We have to stop imitating the west and find our own voice."
Modern cinema has seen improvement; many have started to finally study filmmaking instead of diving into the field without any background. Large amounts are invested in picturising songs that look more like music videos; and actors now dance to borrowed western beats ripped off or adapted from the likes of Will Smith (Switch) etc.
What is striking is the large number of films that are being made successfully without songs. It will not be long before we will also be an expert at the 90 minute film without songs and superstars... any takers...?
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