Bengali cinema has its own importance in the Indian film industry. It comprises talented directors, actors, actresses, cameramen, music directors and other technicians. Bengali cinema goes through a lot of experiments before its execution. It is rich with variety of subject matter.
The history of Bengali cinema dates back to those days when the first bioscope was introduced in Kolkata in1980. It is come along a long way since its inception. Initially it was the stage actors who shouldered the responsibility of establishing the Bengali film industry successfully. It flourished first in Hiralal Sen`s silent movie, Billwamangal released in 1919 produced by the Madan Theatre Company of Calcutta. After six years the first Indian feature film Raja Harish Chandra was released. The Talkies began in early 1930s. Dena Paona is first Bengali cinema as a talkie in 1931. Jamai Shashthi was also released in 1931.
Today Bengali cinema has literally established itself as one of the leading filmmaking industries. Inspite of being a regional film world it has proved its quality that has been adorned through the whole world. It has made its own identity in the International and National level. The Bengali cinema is primarily concentrated in Tollygunge,
Kolkata. This is the reason why it is often referred to as Tollywood.
The history of Bengali cinema traces its origin to the time of the New Theatres. It is from here that some of the most talented technicians and directors rose to fame. The Bengali cinema has borne many great directors like Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Bimal Ray, Ritwik Ghatak and many more award winners. Their films have been critically appreciated all over the world. Many classics were produced in Bengali cinema industry like Nagarik(1952) The Apu Trilogy (1955-1959), Jalsaghar(1958), Ajantrik (1958), Neel Akasher Neechey (1959), Devdas, Devi (1960), Meghe Dhaka Tara (1960), the Calcutta trilogies (1971-1976), etc.
Many world famous actors are being produced through Bengali cinema. Such as Mahanayak Uttam Kumar, Promothesh Borua, Devaki Bose. Soumitra Chatterjee is a noted actor because of his acting in many Satyajit Ray`s film.
Kanon Devi was considered to be the earliest actress in Bengali cinema. Later on Savitri Chaterjee, Madhavi Mukherjee, Supriya Devi,
Sharmila Tagore are note worthy. Amongst all
Suchitra Sen became an idol to Bengali cine-goers. She paired with Uttam Kumar and which is known to be the eternal pair. After them a group of very talented, versatile actresses came. Deboshree Roy was in top. Indrani Halder, Shatabdi Roy,
Rituparna Sengupta did well in contributing much to Bengali cinema.
Music also played a very important role in enriching the Bengali cinema. Music directors like R.D. Burman, S.D. Burman, Shyamal Mitra, Hemanta Mukherjee, Salil Choudhury, Sudhin Dasgupta are praiseworthy.
The Bengali film industry has also a major role to play in the economy of the state. Contributions from a number of Bengali film personalities have also enriched this industry. The Bengali cinema producers have worked a lot to consolidate this industry as well. It is a medium of earning fair enough amount of money.
Nowaday`s Bengali cinema is easier to make. There is a change in the pattern of launching, advertising and releasing. The best part of the Bengali cinema is that there is no dearth of talent in the state. The passion and dedication that the Bengalis have for the medium of cinema is outstanding. Such sentiments are, thus, easily portrayed on screen. The way of finding actors for cinema through reality show and other mediums become popular to the common people.
(Last Updated on : 11/06/2011)