Timeless cinema

Its been over 50 years that Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi was released and even now in 2009, the movie does not fail to make todays generation roll like crazy with laughter. Its been over 40 years that Jewel Thief was released and to the first time watcher it still remains a riveting thriller.

There are many more similar classics which can easily be termed as pure genius. What more can qualify this title than the fact that movies 4-5 decades old manage to move the audience even today. The actors are not dressed in flashy clothing, there is no hint of make up, one does not see a brigade of extras supporting a song sequence and most importantly, the music is ruled by the singers voice and not by techno instruments.

Its not that good movies are not made anymore and good music is not produced anymore, its just that the grace that is evident in these timeless clasiscs, is completely missing in our cinema today. However, I guess as cinema is a reflection of the society in which one lives, this paradigm shift in our movies is due to the drastic changes in our society today.

The manner in which people would converse on screen in the old days today is a rare real life conversation. This is one benefit that one can give to todays Indian cinema. But the sheer genius of the cinema makers of that period still remains unchallenged. To think of such masterpiece story plots in an era where information flow was limited to a few means, speaks volumes of the imagination and creativity of the cinema makers of that period.

I keep coming back to music, as even though certain story plots in todays cinema have been highly innovative, the music however beyond doubt is unmatched. Not one, not two but all music tracks of most movies tell you a lot about the capability of music directors. And all of this without any lift ups/inspiration/adaptation of western songs.

If only the generations to come can also have an opportunity to view the golden legacy of our cinema and discover the magic created by these icons.