Animation is considered a pure form of cinema magic, bringing life to inanimate characters.
Before cinema, India enjoyed projected images through traditional methods like Andhra Pradesh's Tolu Bomalu Ata (leather puppet show).
Mahadev Gopal and Vinayak Mahadev Patvardhan created Shambharik Kharolika using glass slides to create movement.
Birth of Cinema and Animation
Lumiere brothers' motion picture camera revolutionized cinema; Emil Kohl made the first animated film.
Dada Saibhvajit, a pioneer, tried animation with films like Arkadiyanchi Maus and Vichitra Sita, which didn’t survive the ravages of time.
Early Indian Animation Milestones
Falke's film "Setubandhan" (1932): Title sequence contained primitive animation craftsmanship.
R.C. Boral's "In the Moonlit Night": Early animation short from New Theatres.
Prabhat Film Company's "Jambu Kaka" (1937): Notable early animated film.
Animator: Mr. Kelgar, inspired by conversations on foreign cartoons.
Mr. Kelgar then worked on "Swapnatharang" and "Lankabahen".
Pioneering Artists and Studios
Artists like K.S. Gupte, G.K. Gokhale, G.S. Pohikar, and others experimented and pushed the boundaries.
British animator Myna Johnson worked with Indian artists, producing "The War That Never Ends."
Post-independence: "Cinema Kadambam" (1947) was the first 100% Indian animation film.
Animated Advertising Films
Gokhale and Gupte pioneered animated advertising with "Rangin Chutkiya" series.
By the early 1950s, Disney animator Claire Weeks helped set up an animation cell at Films Division under the Indo-American Technical Cooperation Program.
First independent film: "The Banyan Deer" (1957), inspired by Buddhist Jataka tales.
Growth in Training and Experimentation
Filmmakers Madhav Kunte and Madhav Bhave created "Kar Bhala Ho Bhala."
Films Division introduced characters like Bhola and Mojiram to illustrate messages for rural development.
The 1960s saw experimentation inspired by international artists like Norman McLaren.
Expansion and Challenges
Use of cutouts by Kantilal Rathod and Clement Baptista in films.
The rise of animation in advertising with talents like Bhim Sen, Ramesh Putnis, and Ram Mohan.
Computer animation began replacing traditional methods, particularly in commercials and TV.
Training and Institutional Support
National Institute of Design (NID) launched ambitious training programs in animation (since 1965).
Produced early films with visiting international experts like Leo Leone and Ishu Patel.
Computer Animation and Global Opportunities
Introduction of computer graphics broadened possibilities and reduced reliance on traditional film methods.
India started producing animation projects for international clients.
Unique Indian Styles and Inspiration
Push for incorporating Indian art heritage into animation, moving beyond Disney-style animation.
Despite fewer animation films, Indian animation is recognized globally for quality and creativity.