Period films are again in vogue. This year has already seen the release of Chandraprakash Dviwedi's highly appreciated Pinjar, a film that deals with love and human emotions in the backdrop of the tragic Partition of India in 1947 and which created waves at the recent International Film Festival of India.
Rituparno Ghosh's Chokher Bali, dealing with the ills of the then Bengli society in the late 19th century, is another period film that released this year, after creating waves on the international cinematic circuit.
At the same time, films like "LOC Kargil", J P Dutta's ambitious venture on the Indo-Pakistan conflict during the Kargil episode and Akbar Khan's "Taj Mahal - An Eternal Love Story", a historical film set in the Mughal era of Indian history and revolving around the universal theme of love, the undying romance of the great Emperor Shahjahan and his empress Mumtaz Mahal, are on the threshold of release.
The coming year has more period films in the offing including the much-hyped Ketan Mehta's "The Rising", based on the 1857 uprising in British colonial India. The movie is the story of revolutionary Mangal Pandey and his friendship with a British commanding officer, played by Hollywood actor Toby Stephens. The film has Aamir Khan essaying the role of Mangal Pandey, who was executed for leading the revolt that killed many British officers.
Another film on the anvil is N Chandra's "Indira Gandhi-A Tryst with destiny", a film based on the life and times of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The film, being produced by Nitin Keni, has Manisha Koirala in the title role. Also expected next year is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Bajirao Mastani".
Four ambitious period ventures this year, and many more in the coming year, means the tide has definitely turned in favour of period films in an industry where such ventures have, in the past, been usually few and far between.
Trade observers say the stupendous success of two period films Lagaan and Gadar a few years ago have encouraged filmmakers to attempt more and more such films.
Period films are again in vogue. This year has already seen the release of Chandraprakash Dviwedi's highly appreciated Pinjar, a film that deals with love and human emotions in the backdrop of the tragic Partition of India in 1947 and which created waves at the recent International Film Festival of India.