Exploring Indian Cinema-Practical

Paper Code: 
25CJMC204
Credits: 
2
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

Course Objectives

 

This course will enable the students to gain a deep understanding of the evolution of Indian cinema, from its early beginnings to contemporary perspectives, by studying seminal works, evaluating diverse narrative structures and techniques, and developing skills in cinematic analysis and critique.

 
Course Outcomes: 

Course Outcomes (COs):

Course

Learning outcome

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course

title

25CJMC204

Exploring Indian Cinema-

Practical

 

CO79: Evaluate the historical significance of early landmark films in shaping Indian cinema.

CO80: Assess the thematic and stylistic elements of realism in Bengali cinema and Hindi parallel cinema.

CO81: Critically analyse classic global works and their narrative structures.

CO82: Evaluate the representation of social issues, cultural dynamics, and artistic innovations of contemporary Indian directors.

CO83: Critique chosen films to present informed perspectives on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.

CO84: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction.

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Demonstration, Film screenings

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Simulation, Seminar presentation,  Subject specific practical, Film viewing and analysis

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Early Indian Perspectives

  • Study the beginnings of Indian cinema

  • Raja Harishchandra by Dadasaheb Phalke

  • Alam Ara by Ardeshir Irani

12.00
Unit II: 
Evolution of Indian Cinema: Realism and Parallel Cinema

  • Evaluate the works of Indian master’s

  • Realism in Bengali cinema: Ritwik Ghatak's Meghe Dhaka Tara/ Mrinal Sen's Bhuvan Shome/ Aparna Sen's 36 Chowringhee Lane

  • Hindi Parallel Cinema: Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron by Kundan Shah/ Garam Hawa by M.S. Sathyu/ Ankur by Shyam Benegal/ Manthan by Shyam Benegal

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Exploring Narrative Structures and Techniques

  • Critically analyse classic global works

  • Classical Narrative Structure: Vertigo by Alfred Hitchcock/ Gone with the Wind by Victor Fleming

  • Italian Neo-Realism: Bicycle Thieves by Vittorio De Sica

  • Post War Japan: Rashomon by Akira Kurosawa

  • French poetic realism: Jean Renoir's La Grande Illusion/ Marcel Carné’s Le Quai des brumes/ Jean Grémillon’s Remorques

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Contemporary Perspectives in Indian Cinema

  • Study the diverse narratives, themes, and cinematic styles of contemporary Indian directors

  • Margarita with a Straw by Shonali Bose

  • Article 15 by Anubhav Sinha

  • Andhadhun by Sriram Raghavan

  • Gully Boy by Zoya Akhtar

12.00
Unit V: 
Cinematic Analysis and Critique

 

  • Present a case study on any one film 

  • Present a case study on any one film director

  • Present a film review of a latest film in print or AV format

Essential Readings: 

Essential Readings:

 

  • Cherian, V. K. (2021). India’s Film Society Movement: The Journey and its Impact (First Edition). SAGE Publications Pvt. Ltd. 

  • Dwyer, R., & Patel, D. (2002). Cinema India: The Visual Culture of Hindi Film. Rutgers University Press.

  • Kumar, N., & Chaturvedi, P. (2020). Brave New Bollywood: In Conversation with Contemporary Hindi Filmmakers. SAGE Publications Pvt. Ltd.

  • Nayar, S. J. (2014). Cinematically Speaking: The Orality-Literacy Paradigm for Visual Narrative (First Edition). SAGE Vistaar.

  • Prasad, M. M. (1998). Ideology of the Hindi Film: Historical Construction. Oxford University Press.

  • Thoraval, Y. (2000). Cinemas of India (1896–2000) (First Edition). Macmillan Publishers India.

References: 

Suggested Readings:

 

  • Kaul, G. (2008). The Birth of Indian Cinema: Raja Harishchandra and the Beginnings of Indian Film. Seagull Books.

  • Padgaonkar, D. (2014). Bombay Talkies: The Pillar of Indian Cinema. HarperCollins India.

  • Kabir, N. M. (2012). Indian Cinema: A Visual Journey. Thames & Hudson.

  • Bhargava, A. (2018). Parallel Cinema: The Reel Revolution. Rupa Publications India.

  • Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. (2019). Film Art: An Introduction. McGraw-Hill Education.

  • Cook, D. A. (2016). A History of Narrative Film. W. W. Norton & Company.

  • Gopalan, L. (2002). Contemporary Indian Cinema: An Introduction. Palgrave Macmillan.

  • Gokulsing, K. M., & Dissanayake, W. (2004). Indian Popular Cinema: A Narrative of Cultural Change. Trentham Books. 

  • Monaco, J. (2000). How to Read a Film: Movies, Media, and Beyond. Oxford University Press. 

  • Corrigan, T., & White, P. (2018). The Film Experience: An Introduction. Bedford/St. Martin's. 

 

E-Resources:

 

Academic Year: 
2025-2026
  • Printer-friendly version
  • PDF version