EVOLUTION OF FILM-MAKING

The past few decades  have shown us the evolution of contemporary and controversial cinema. Gone are the days when it was a fight to establish your supremacy as an actor or director par excellence. We have had great actors and directors who have showed the world that cinema can be as innovative as an other field.

Actors and film- makers have realized the social relevance and importance in making a film because it has become part of every human beings life. What was just a tool of entertainment has become the reason for a few murders too(in the real world).  People instill into themselves the characters, emotions during the 3 hour tenure. Today, cinema can be used as a tool to discuss issues pertaining to the country or the world.

As in the words of George Bernard Shaw, "The only genius to have come out of the movie industry", Charlie Chaplin, showed us that it was an art of body language or exceptional expressions that can get you off your seats and applaud an actor. He had seemingly ventured into every aspect of film-making, quiet surprisingly for a man who journeyed from "rags to riches". His first "voice" movie, The Great Dictator showed us the intent and social aspect in his movie making. It was not just an imitation of a leader. He was an actor who, through his journey, wanted to be part of and contribute to society.

We had another director, who made it a point to showcase himself in every movie of his, Alfred Hitchcock. Born just 4 months after Chaplin, he could confine thrillers inside four walls of an apartment. His in depth analysis of the inner psychology of characters was mind boggling. He incorporated technology a lot in his movies. His shower scene from "Psycho" is to date the greatest scene of all time in the history of cinema.

From a small village in Paramakudi, a boy who was written off the school distinction boards, is an actor who has and still strives to make films for a purpose. Kamal Haasan or Ulaganayagan, has been a farmer, tirelessly ploughing into the land of Indian Cinema, to extract the best out of him. His films have shown social, political, economic, religious and people's issues. From Hey Ram, through Anbe Sivam and now to Vishwaroopam, he has showcased that respect for a human being or a jihadi. Truly undeterred by failures, he has made films to improve the quailty of film-making and not for a potential profit. 

With the recent turn of events for the film Vishwaroopam, I seemingly was bewildered by the importance given to a movie these days. Its become a part of individual. Though the question of "democratic expression" was broken, which I was very unhappy about, I was happy that people do consider cinema "THEIRS". 

Immense support from the filming fraternity made me feel that an actor will always get what he deserves. The support and encouragement he got were the fruits of his labour through the 53 years he has made his present felt on screen. 

It is these people, who consider making movies their social responsibility and way to contribute as a citizen to the society, who leave their footprints not only in the Hollywood Walk of Fame but also in the Sands of time.