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First Bollywood Shorts
Two Bollywood short films were made and completed in 1897 and 1899. -
First Bollywood full-length silent film
Dadasaheb Phalke’s ‘Raja Harishchandra’ was the first-full length silent feature film released in India. -
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Mythological/Historical Era
The early 1920s saw the rise of several new production companies, and most films made during this era were either mythological or historical in nature. Imports from Hollywood, primarily action films, were well received by Indian audiences, and producers quickly began following suit. However, filmed versions of episodes from classics such as The Ramayana and The Mahabharata still dominated throughout the decade. -
First Bollywood Film with sound
Alam Ara, the first Indian film with sound, was released. -
First major star pair
Stars, rather than plots, were often the driving force behind the films. Beginning in 1936, when Ashok Kumar and Devika Rani emerged as the first major star pair, the Indian public developed an insatiable appetite for news about their screen heroes. -
First Bollywood Film with colour
Kisan Kanya was the first indigenously made colour film. It was released in 1937, directed by Moti B Gidwani and produced by Ardeshit Irani. The film was based on a novel penned by the famed writer Saadat Hasan Manto. -
First Bollywood Horror Film
Bollywood began to experiment with making horror film. Mahal starring Madhubala is renowned as the first Indian horror film production. -
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Creation of Theatres to show Bollywood Films
The migration of thousands of South Asians to Britain in the 1950s from the sub-continent and from East Africa in the 1970s led to the creation of specialist cinemas, showing Bollywood films. -
Bollywood banned on-screen kissing
Indian censors banned the on-screen kiss. Filmmakers showed intimacy through symbolism - running around trees was commonly seen in 1950s and 1960s films. -
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Rise of Masala Movies
The decade that gave rise to Masala Movies. Bollywood was hugely influenced by Hollywood, adopting action and Western styles for its audiences. The most notable example is Sholay (1975), which starred legends Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra. So popular, it ran for five years in Mumbai’s Minerva Theatre. -
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Rise of Romantic Films
Romantic films became a key focus for directors and production companies. Maine Pyar Kiya (1987) took India by storm and was the biggest hit of the 1980s. It gave rise to Salman Khan who has since become one of the most successful male actors in India.
Other notable examples include Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995), Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), Taal (1999), Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (2000) and Kabhi Khushie Kabhi Gham (2001). -
First Indian Actor to have Wax figure
Amitabh Bachchan becomes the first Indian actor to have a waxwork made in his honour by Madame Tussauds. -
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Science Fiction Trend in Bollywood
Bollywood begins to experiment with science fiction. Koi Mil Gaya (2003) tells the story of an Indian scientist who makes contact with alien life forms. It led to the spin-off Krrish (2006), who is the first (non-religious) Bollywood superhero. In 2011, Shah Rukh Khan made his sci-fi debut in hit Ra.One.