which city leads the indiaN Film industry ?
India offers beautiful backdrops for any film project, so it’s no surprise that the industry here is one of the largest and most influential in the world. Thousands of movies, in a number of languages and genres, are produced each year. The Indian film industry has global reach, and it’s important to understand the cultural, economic, and historical factors that have shaped it into what we see today. A number of cities play a significant role and competition for that top spot is increasing, but which city leads the Indian film industry?
Mumbai is home to India’s largest film industry and one of the largest in the world. The Hindi-language industry located here is considered the birthplace of the Indian film industry. It is more commonly known as Bollywood, which is a blend of ‘Bombay’ (the former name of Mumbai) and ‘Hollywood’. The city dominates the Indian film industry thanks to its top studios and production facilities. A number of other cities also have a large influence in India, with Chennai and Hyderabad following closely behind.
In this blog, we’re diving into the heart of the Indian film industry, by exploring the cities that play an influential role and discussing what makes Mumbai stand out above the rest.
where did the Indian film industry begin ?
Indian cinema began in 1913, with the release of the first feature-length film, “Raja Harishchandra”. This silent film was inspired by Indian mythology and was directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, who is considered the father of the country’s cinema.
1931 brought sound to the Indian film industry, allowing filmmakers to experiment with music, dialogue, and sound effects. A number of successful films were produced during the 1930s and 1940s, alongside the rise of studios such as Bombay Talkies.
The ‘Golden Age’ of Indian cinema arrived in the 1950s and 1960s, where timeless classics were created by legendary filmmakers. Music played a crucial role in this era, with composers creating melodies that are still enjoyed today.
‘Masala’ films came into the industry in the 70s and 80s. This genre combines elements of action, romance, drama, and comedy. These films were designed for mass entertainment, with larger-scale productions, huge budgets, and star-studded casts.
The current era of the Indian film industry began in the 1990s. Filmmakers began to explore more themes and, in recent years, a trend has emerged towards more meaningful stories that mirror current social issues. Some of the most recent successful movies, of what’s known as ‘The New Wave’ era, include ‘12th Fail’, ‘Dangal’ and ‘Jawan’.
why is Mumbai the hub of the Indian film industry ?
Mumbai is home to what’s known as one of the world’s most prolific film industries, with Bollywood producing around 1000 projects annually. The city is steeped in the history of Indian cinema, reinforced with top-tier production facilities in the modern day. But, what makes Mumbai the centre of the Indian film industry?
rich history
Dadasaheb Phalke is considered the father of Indian cinema, and Mumbai was home to the production and release of the first feature-length film, “Raja Harishchandra”. This project was a commercial success, and is said to have laid the foundation for the bustling film industry in the city today.
In the past, Mumbai had a high illiteracy rate and was home to a range of different languages. Because of this, theatre was limited to a small section of population and never reached a level of mass consumption. Films were easier to both produce and consume on a larger scale, meaning they became the most popular form of entertainment in India.
location and infrastructure
Mumbai hosts a dedicated film production facility named ‘Film City’. With ample equipment and infrastructure for filmmaking on a large scale, this is just one of the many facilities that allow the city to account for 60% of India’s film production.
Even the location of the city ideal for the hub of Indian cinema. As India’s commercial capital, Mumbai is home to the headquarters of a number of the country’s biggest brands and organisations. Having these businesses in such close proximity allows for simple, fast collaboration and the streamlining of the film production process.
star power
Aspiring actors, directors, writers and technicians from across the country see Mumbai as an epicentre of opportunity. A number of India’s biggest film stars also call Mumbai home, with their influence extending beyond the film industry.
The Indian film industry has shown the potential to shape pop culture, fashion, and music. Additional brand endorsements and support of social causes allow Bollywood celebrities to gain global recognition and shine a spotlight on Mumbai.
do other cities have the potential to challenge Mumbai's throne ?
Yes! Mumbai has been the dominant location for the Indian film industry for a long time, but other cities are beginning to emerge as key players too. Regional film industries have grown a great deal in recent years, rivalling the influence of Bollywood. Here are some of the cities that are giving Mumbai’s film industry a run for its money:
Chennai
Chennai is the home of Tamil cinema, nicknamed ‘Kollywood’ – a blend of Chennai neighbourhood ‘Kodambakkam’ and ‘Hollywood’. The city hosts a number of high-level production houses, including Sun Pictures, AVM Studios, and Lyca Productions.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad has recently gained both national and international recognition, with the Telugu film industry known as ‘Tollywood’. There are a number of production houses in the city that have produced some of India’s biggest films, and one of the most important is Ramoji Film City. This integrated film studio complex is the largest in the world, offering pre-built sets and advanced post-production facilities.
Kolkata
Bengali cinema can be found in Kolkata, focusing on realism, human emotions, and social issues. It’s considered a strong contrast to the more commercial Bollywood and is home to NT1 Studios, one of the oldest film studios in India.
Bengaluru
The Kannada film industry in Bengaluru has recently seen a rise in popularity. Known as ‘Sandalwood’, this city’s cinema has been put into the limelight thanks to films like ‘KGF’ and ‘Kantara’. The city’s ability to compete with Mumbai is being proven, with leading studios in the Indian film industry planting their roots here.
Delhi
Delhi is slowly becoming a rising hub for filmmakers and their projects for a number of reasons. The industry has become saturated with films that use Mumbai as a backdrop, so Delhi is perfect for those looking for a fresh environment. Local administrations have also recently made it much easier for projects to take place in the city.
The 2022 ‘Delhi Film Policy’, for example, ensured that all approvals and clearances were electronically provided within 15 days. The ‘Single Window Clearance’ system also helps to streamline the filmmaking process, by allowing production companies to apply for all of their clearances in one place. Both of these measures, alongside a subsidy for hiring local people, mean Delhi is rising in popularity as a filmmaking destination.
how do I start filming in India ?
Obtaining the right permits to film in India depends on the specific location you’d like to film in. You’ll first need to apply for a country-wide permit, which is facilitated by The India Cine Hub (ICH). This organisation will help you with the necessary permissions and provide information of potential shooting locations.
Once you have received a permit from the ICH to film in India, you’ll then need to apply for specific location permits. This too can be done through the ICH dashboard, but you’ll also need additional permissions if you plan on filming at important sites or monuments.
Find out more about the permit process for the Indian film industry in our helpful blog: “Do you need a permit to film in India?”
If you’re a part of an international project that would like to screen in India, there are also a number of regulations you need to be aware of and adhere to. You can read more about these in another one of our recent blogs: “What are the film regulations in India?”
how can dot films support your production?
Dot Films provides production services and support, across your entire production. Our local expertise can help you with initial estimates, location scouting, finding studios, creating a local creative team and much more. If you need more than just assistance, we can also offer complete management of your international project. We have facilitated this for Shutterstock Studios, Meta, Artlist, Bloomberg, Storyblocks and Puig in the past.
Are you looking to be a part of the rapidly growing Indian film industry? Get in touch today and find out how we can help you!
FAQs
what factors make a city an industry leader ?
There are a number of things that contribute to making cities, like Mumbai, leaders in the Indian film industry, including:
- Infrastructure: The availability of studios, technology, and other facilities involved in film production.
- Investment: Cities that contribute more economically to their film industries are much more likely to find success in large-scale productions.
- Government Involvement: Some cities may have incentives, government support, or permissions that are easier to navigate. This makes it easier for film productions to take place.
- Global Reach: An ability to distribute films both nationally and internationally can bolster the reputation of a city’s industry.
will other cities overtake mumbai ?
The Indian film industry is forever changing, so it’s very possible that another city will skyrocket above Mumbai at some point in the future. Changes in technology and the tastes of audiences are two of the most influential factors when it comes to the success of the film industry, and any changes in regulations or permits could also alter India’s film landscape.
why are regulations and permits important ?
It’s important to know exactly what permits you need and which regulations must be followed when you’re looking to be a part of the Indian film industry. Not only does this ensure your filming process goes as smoothly as possible, but also safeguards the people, animals, and environment of India. The country is a beautiful backdrop for any project, but it’s important that your production follows all of the necessary procedures to maintain this.
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