The Multiplex Association of India introduced National Cinema Day in 2022 to celebrate the reopening of cinemas after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since then, the day is celebrated once a year, generally in September or October. This year, it will be celebrated on September 20.
To celebrate the day, let’s remember some legendary filmmakers who changed the course of cinema in India.
Popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke, he was the brains behind the first full-length Indian feature film, Raja Harishchandra. He is an industry pioneer and is called the ‘Father of Indian cinema.’
Image: IMDb
Born in Calcutta, Ray is a globally acclaimed director celebrated for his realistic films that highlight the issues faced by ordinary people. His first movie, Pather Panchali, won many International awards.
Image: Wikipedia
Born in Kerala, Gopalakrishnan made many critically acclaimed movies in his career. He received several awards including the Padma Shri and the highest cinema award of India, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Image: Wikipedia
Ratnam is known to have revolutionised Tamil cinema. He made many films, with themes ranging from love stories to political dramas. Some of his most-loved movies include Nayakan (1987) and Geethanjali (1989).
Image: Wikipedia
Born in Delhi and educated at Harvard, Nair’s debut feature film Salaam Bombay! was nominated for the Oscars in 1988 and won many international awards. Nair, a longtime activist, made many documentaries and feature films in her career.
Image: Wikipedia
In his entire career, Dutt made less than 10 movies including his most famous ones Pyaasa (1957) and Kagaz Ke Phool (1959). He is an important auteur in global cinema and is considered to be from the Golden Age of Indian cinema.
Image: IMDb
One of the most politically active filmmakers in India, Sen made his debut with Raat Bhore (1956) and went on to produce several critically acclaimed movies. His movie Kharij (1982) won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1983.
Image: Wikipedia
Known for realism in his films, Roy won many Filmfare awards, National Film Awards, and also an International Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. One of his most famous films, Madhumati (1958) won a total of 9 Filmfare awards.
Image: IMDb
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