An area of darkness

The misplaced affections of Indian film criticism over time is largely responsible for Indian popular cinema being derided across the world as inferior to the best European or Hollywood fare The study of Indian cinema as a subject of critical engagement and analysis almost coincides with the release in 1913 of Raja Harishchandra. Its maker Dadasaheb Phalke was an avid critic and commentator on the cinema of his day, and even released a 'Making of' featurette, following the release of his film. This precedent has been actively followed. Over the last century many of his successors have held forth on Indian cinema, providing great insight into this new art form.