- People closely following the evolution of Indian cinema would unequivocally vouch that the period from the 1970s to the 1990s produced some of the most profound, impactful, meaningful, realistic, rustic, and socially relevant movies endearing to all ages. In fact, some of the movies produced in the 1970s were labelled as art/parallel films depicting characters realistically, allowing the filmmakers of the genre to carve a separate niche for themselves. The so-called art movies were bereft of make-believe narrations, so vividly identifiable with commercial movies on the other hand, by solidly backing on showcasing the socio-cultural situations of the time. Little wonder, some of the movies produced in this genre have become all-time classics.
Pc: Mint
- As such, a few directors who chose the path of creating art movies ensured it resonated with common people on the ground not only leaving behind an indelible impression on the Indian film industry but also encouraging other artists to choose the medium since many were leaning towards an opinion that only commercial movies could sustain them. Thus, the doyens of art movies like Satyajit Ray, Bimal Roy, Kumar Shahani, Govind Nihalani, Mrinal Sen, and Shyam Benegal immensely contributed to this genre in a prominent way thereby helping the cause of the overall scaling of Indian movies itself. The moot point to ponder over here is from where the next crop of such credible parallel cinema makers would emerge to leave behind their influence.
Pc: The Financial Express
- The recent passing away of filmmaker Shyam Benegal known for producing classics like Ankur, Nishant, Manthan, Bhumika, Junoon, Kalyug, Mandi, Sardari Begum, and Zubeidaa to name a few drew curtains to a glorious phase of Indian parallel cinema. Looking at the caliber of artists who were introduced and encouraged by Benegal would reveal how immeasurable his contributions to the entertainment industry are. Naseeruddin Shah, Anant Nag, Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Om Puri, and Amrish Puri are some of the biggest performers who have drawn huge appreciation from around the world for their consummate performances. Note that creativity isn’t mathematical, and depicting sensitivity in the art form is a god-bestowed blessing.
Pc: Moneycontrol
- The lucid storytelling in a realistic set-up unfolding the diversity of humankind is a talent that not many filmmakers possess. Benegal was one such extraordinary filmmaker who lit the industry with such finesse and conviction showcasing his passion for the chosen form. That he continued to experiment by stepping into hitherto uncharted territories speaks volumes about the gentleman’s creativity. Benegal was not only an Indian film director but also a screenwriter, and documentary filmmaker earning the moniker of being the pioneer of parallel cinema. Little wonder, he won eighteen National Film Awards, a Filmfare Award, and a Nandi Award for his works. Shyam Benegal’s name will be etched for eternity in the Indian film industry. RIP gentleman!
