National Identity in Indian Popular Cinema, 1947-1987 [Paperback]

Sumita S. Chakravarty (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1998 | ISBN-10: 0195647475 | ISBN-13: 978-0195647471

This book offers the first detailed account of the popular film as it changed during the tumultous decades of Indian nationhood. The study focuses on the cinema's characteristic forms, its range of meanings and pleasures and ideological construction.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... the first detailed, in-depth, theoretically sophisticated account of Indian popular cinema ..." Robert Stam, Associate Professor of Cinema Studies, New York University --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 341 pages
• Publisher: South Asia Books; Oxford U. Press, Delhi (June 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195647475
• ISBN-13: 978-0195647471
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,722,881 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Factually unsound. Weak undersatnding of Hindi language., July 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: National Identity in Indian Popular Cinema 1947-1987 (Texas Film Studies Series) (Hardcover)

The problem with all Indian cultural analysts living outside India including those writing on cinema is that while they fulfill a mandatory understanding of the cultural theories in vogue at the undergraduate level in the US, Europe and Australia, they display a singular lack of sensitivity while dealing with the material at hand. Their survival, therefore, depends almost entirely on their reader's lack of knowledge of the field of study which will include amongst other things the native language, the local history as well as the local lores. On all these counts Ms Chakravarty's book is sadly lacking in a defined sincerity of purpose. There are pieces of information which cannot bear testimony - the relationship of Ali Akbar Khan with the Navketan Productions, for one. There are descriptions - such as the music composer SD Burman being described as a baul singer - which are downright ridiculous. And, of course, her command of the Hindi language is unquestionably poor! Surely the West and the East deserve a better introduction to the Indian cinema than this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars FINALLY was able to find and buy this book, worth the wait!!, January 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: National Identity in Indian Popular Cinema 1947-1987 (Texas Film Studies Series) (Hardcover)

Anyone who is a fan of the hindi film genre must read this book. It goes in depth on how the film industry aided India gain national pride during early years of independence and how it became the national pastime. I recomend this book to Indians and NRI's alike!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for the Study of Indian Cinema, November 27, 1997

By 

Zuber P - See all my reviews

This review is from: National Identity in Indian Popular Cinema, 1947-1987 (Texas Film Studies Series) (Paperback)

This book offers an in depth study of Indian popular cinema, concentrating mainly on films made during the 1950's and 60's after India gained nationhood. The book provides insight into how Indian cinema dramatically influenced popular culture by reinforcing values or creating new ones, and highlighting/recreating Indian history through film. The book also sheds a great deal of light on the symbolisim that is a part of all Indian films. I would reccomend this book to anyone who has a love of Indian cinema or who may want to learn more about it. A good historical analysis with many good photos.