The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is set to make history by showcasing the vibrant world of Indian cinema with its special screening series titled Emotion in Colour: A Kaleidoscope of Indian Cinema, running from March 7 to April 19, 2025. This marks the first time the prestigious venue will give significant recognition to Indian films, aiming to educate global audiences on the rich cultural fabric and cinematic traditions of India.
The series is curated by renowned filmmaker and preservationist Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, who is also the founding director of the Film Heritage Foundation. Dungarpur emphasizes the long-standing misconceptions surrounding Indian cinema, stating, "Indian cinema is often misunderstood in the West, yet it produces over 2,000 films annually across various languages." He aims to reshape perceptions by exploring how the use of color has shaped narratives and emotional depth throughout Indian filmmaking.
Across six weeks, the showcase will feature 12 iconic films, each selected for its unique contribution to the cinematic arts, spanning various genres and languages. The series includes pivotal works such as Mehboob Khan's Mother India (1957), noted as the first Indian film nominated for an International Feature Film Oscar, depicting the struggles and resilience of rural women.
Another highlight is Shyam Benegal's Manthan (1976), which dramatizes India's dairy cooperative movement—a project involving the extraordinary collaboration of over 500,000 farmers. Then there's the popular Bollywood classic Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) by Manmohan Desai, blending action, comedy, and family drama, capturing the essence of unity among diverse Indian communities.
Also featured is Aribam Syam Sharma's Manipuri film Ishanou (1990), which artfully blends mythology with realism as it follows the poignant story of a woman drawn to mystical realms. The Malayalam classic Kummatty (1979), directed by G Aravindan, invites viewers to explore Indian folklore through its spellbinding narrative.
Other films include Mirch Masala (1987), which tells the feminist tale of defiance against oppression, and Devdas (2002), known for its lush visuals and dramatic romance. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), often dubbed the most celebrated love story of Bollywood, will certainly bring nostalgia for fans of the genre.
The series also includes historical epics like Jodhaa Akbar (2008), depicting the love between Mughal Emperor Akbar and Princess Jodhaa, and Satyajit Ray’s Kanchenjungha (1962), which showcases Ray's brilliance in storytelling and innovation, being his first film shot in color.
Finally, Maya Darpan (1972) from the Parallel Cinema movement captures the quest for freedom through its compelling narrative and characterizations. Iruvar (1997), directed by Mani Ratnam, explores the intertwining of politics and cinema, showcasing the dynamic history of Tamil cinema.
This exhibition provides international audiences with a rare opportunity to witness the depth and diversity of Indian cinema on the big screen. Alongside the film screenings, the museum will house the exhibition Color in Motion: Chromatic Explorations of Cinema, where visitors can view Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's costume from Jodhaa Akbar, adding another layer to the appreciation of Indian cinematic artistry.
The showcasing of these films not only heralds Indian cinema's artistic legacy but also serves as a gateway for global audiences to understand India’s complex social narratives and history through the lens of its cinema. The Academy Museum plays its part, bridging cultural gaps and celebrating cinematic diversity at this historic moment.