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Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema
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More by Ashish Rajadhyaksha
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A clearer way to understand Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema through themes, characters, and key ideas
This reading guide highlights what stands out in Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema through 4 core themes. It is meant to help readers decide whether the book fits their taste and deepen the reading once they begin.
About this book
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What the book is doing
The "Encyclopaedia of Indian Cinema" is a monumental and authoritative reference work that meticulously documents the vast and diverse landscape of Indian film. Co-authored by Ashish Rajadhyaksha and Paul Willemen, it compiles 500 in-depth entries on leading directors, stars, studios, and genres, alongside 1450 concise entries for key films from all periods and regions. With comprehensive filmographies, cast and credit details, and critical evaluations, the book serves as an indispensable resource for scholars, enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the rich history and cultural significance of Indian cinema. It also includes a historical chronicle and production statistics, making it a foundational text in global film studies.
Key Themes
Documenting Cinematic History and Heritage
The book itself serves as a monumental act of historical preservation, meticulously cataloging the vast and often fragmented history of Indian cinema. It underscores the importance of systematic documentation in understanding cultural evolution and artistic legacy. Each entry contributes to building a comprehensive archive, making an ephemeral art form more accessible for study.
Diversity and Regionalism in Indian Cinema
A core objective of the encyclopaedia is to dismantle the monolithic perception of 'Indian cinema' often equated solely with Bollywood. It prominently features entries from various linguistic and regional film industries (e.g., Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi), showcasing their unique aesthetics, thematic concerns, and historical trajectories. This theme emphasizes India's pluralistic cultural identity reflected through its films.
“Drawing on the work of a large team of specialists, this book contains 500 entries on all the leading directors, stars, studios and genres in Indian cinema.”
What are the inherent challenges in compiling a truly comprehensive encyclopaedia of a cinema as diverse and prolific as India's, encompassing multiple languages and regional industries?
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