Routledge Handbook of Indian Cinemas

This Handbook offers a comprehensive exploration of Indian cinema's evolution, highlighting its significance in global film culture and academia.

India stands as the largest film-producing nation globally, with its cinematic output extending far beyond its borders. For years, Indian cinema was often overlooked by Western academics, but it has recently gained prominence, transitioning from the periphery to the forefront of global cinema in a surprisingly short time. The Routledge Handbook of Indian Cinemas brings together insights from leading scholars to explore the multifaceted reasons behind this extraordinary journey.

Now available in paperback, the Handbook adopts both historical and thematic perspectives, emphasizing the importance of understanding Indian cinemas within their historical contexts. It delves into the intricate connections between cinema and various societal aspects, including social, economic, cultural, political, ideological, aesthetic, technical, and institutional discourses. The thematic section offers a contemporary critical narrative on a range of topics, from audience dynamics and censorship to film distribution, industry practices, diaspora experiences, sexuality, film music, and nationalism.

The Routledge Handbook of Indian Cinemas serves as an extensive and insightful survey of Indian cinema, covering Popular, Parallel/New Wave, and Regional cinemas, alongside the remarkable rise of Bollywood. This Handbook is an invaluable resource for students and scholars in South Asian Studies, Film Studies, and Cultural Studies, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities and richness of Indian cinematic traditions.