Category Drama & Cinema

How dubbing changed the world of cinema?

Many of us watch foreign and other language movies or series in our own regional language and get the same feel as the original. These movies involve an intricate process called dubbing. Let us find out.

Dubbing is a post-production process of adding sound and dialogues into a media. It also involves replacing the original voice track with a synchronised translation in another language. Unlike voiceovers, dubbing is much more nuanced and complex. It is mostly done for movies and TV series, while it is also needed for animation movies, video games and music at times.

Dubbing helps in reaching a wider audience. It is categorised into three types namely lipsynced dubbing, time-synced dubbing and non-synced dubbing.

Origin of dubbing

With the invention of photograph (a device used to record sound), cinema began transitioning from the silent era to sound. Warner Bros. of Hollywood were pioneers who made new sound movies, called Vitaphone movies. These movies had a recording of an orchestra along with some sound effects that were synchronised perfectly with the moving images. Slowly ‘talkies’ were made, where movies incorporated dialogues as actors started talking to one another.

In 1930, a musical talkie by name ‘Applause’ was made by Rouben Mamoulian that first used dubbing. The director experimented the sound mixing by interlocking 35 mm audio tracks and began the dubbing practice. Eventually, more and more films started to record actors’ dialogue after shooting scenes, then synchronising the sound to the scene. When actor Louise Brooks refused to reshoot their silent scenes in the movie The Canary Murder Case’, the hiring of voice actors began.

Subs Vs Dubs

The debate on subtitles versus dubbing is still on. While there are people who don’t like subtitles due to their pace and complexity, dubbing is preferred as it adds more emotion. But the catch is that, the results of dubbing has to be natural and organic. If the audio is poorly mixed or if any actors’ accent is incomprehensible, subtitles come in handy. They can also be used by those with hearing difficulties.

 Varied perspectives

Though dubbing allows for a deeper understanding and connection to the storyline, it is a time consuming and critical process for filmmakers. Some filmmakers have moved to sync sound which involves reconting the is sound while on the set to make the film more realistic This helped in reducing the post production cost and efforts. But filmmakers continued to rely on dubbing as it enhances the audio quality.

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Who are anti-heroes?

Anti-heroes are those characters in a story who do not neatly fit the hero or villain template. They are not the typical heroes we cheer for, nor are they the clear-cut bad guys. Instead, they are a blend of both, and that’s what makes them intriguing. They are complex, like real people with strengths and flaws. They might have noble intentions, but their methods can be questionable. Unlike the villains who just want to create chaos, anti-heroes have a unique charm due to their shades of grey.

In literary classics, Heathcliff from English novelist Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights epitomises the anti-hero. His all-consuming rage, jealousy, passionate love, and tortured soul blur the lines between right and wrong. Likewise, Jay Gatsby in American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby strives for the American Dream, yet his questionable dealings and obsession undermine his noble pursuits. Children’s literature too embraces anti-heroes. Consider the Grinch in American writer Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! His journey from bitter isolation to redemption showcases his complexity. Even Severus Snape from British writer J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, with his abrasive exterior and concealed motivations, is a prime example. Anti-heroes bring out the complexity of human nature in stories. They challenge the common pattern of good versus evil. While villains embody darkness and challenge the hero, anti-heroes show us both sides of the coin. Their journey is one of self-discovery, and they help us as readers reflect on the fact that people are not one-dimensional. Instead, they carry a mix of both good and bad traits.

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What is kitchen sink drama?

In the annals of world cinema history, certain movements have left an indelible mark but one often overlooked gem is the British Kitchen Sink Realism. commonly referred to as “Kitchen Sink Drama.” This unique cinematic revolution placed a spotlight on deep. relatable characters and the complexities of everyday life. adding a profound layer to the drama genre. The roots of Kitchen Sink Realism can be traced back to an expressive painting by John Bratby featuring an ordinary kitchen sink. This artistic departure from Bratby’s usual subjects, which depicted the struggles of working-class individuals. piqued the interest of critics. The term “Kitchen Sink School was coined by critic David Sylvester to describe a group of artists who depicted scenes of domestic life with a social realist flair. As the influence of this style extended beyond the realm of painting into film and television, it evolved into a distinctive genre.

Portraying everyday struggles

The aftermath of World War II (1939-1945) left countless individuals facing harsh realities. Rationing persisted until 1952, and the destruction caused by wartime bombing raids resulted in a severe housing shortage Even as the 1950s brought about gradual improvements, life remained a challenging journey for many working-class people. This adversity was the catalyst for the Kitchen Sink Drama movement, a genre that focused on social realism and portrayed the domestic lives of ordinary people. These narratives explored issues like divorce, turbulent relationships, economic inequality, and homelessness. The settings were often cramped apartments and tiny houses. At the heart of this movement, protagonists often embodied the archetype of “angry young men.” individuals disenchanted with modern society and serving as the voice of the era This term also extended to authors and playwrights of the time who shared these themes in their works.

Examples

Central to the Kitchen Sink Realism movement was a commitment to depicting the everyday struggles often overlooked by traditional art. These works stood in stark contrast to the polished narratives of upper-class lifestyles that were prevalent in mainstream cinema. Notable literary examples include John Osbome’s Look Back in Anger, which was later adapted into a film, and Arnold Wesker’s trilogy of plays featuring titles such as Chicken Soup with Barley. Roots, and I’m Talking About Jerusalem.

In the intricate tapestry of world cinema, the British Kitchen Sink Realism movement stands as a testament to the power of film in portraying the complex fabric of human existence.

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WHO WAS A SHAKESPEAREAN FOOL?

In the rich tapestry of Shakespearean plays, there exists a character who, despite its comedic antics, embodies far more depth and significance than meets the eye – the Shakespearean fool. Distinguishing this character from a clown isn’t merely a matter of costumes and gags; it delves into their roles and impact within society. The Shakespearean fool, unlike a traditional clown, possessed a multifaceted role. Such characters were not just jesters for entertainment but often served as insightful commentators, revealing truths about other characters and situations through wit, irony, and satire. They often disguised their wisdom within their humorous dialogues, speaking uncomfortable truths that others dared not vocalise.

Types of Shakespearean Fools

In the Bard’s theatricalmasterpieces, the depiction of fools transcends a singular archetype, offering a spectrum of characters that exemplify diverse facets of wit, wisdom, and societal critique. One such variant is the “clown,” a character like the Fool in King Lear or Feste in Twelfth Night. They skilfully interweave jests and puns with profound insights, often using humour to shield poignant observations on the world around them. Their seemingly light-hearted banter belies a deep understanding of the underlying truths of the society they inhabits.  Contrasting the down is the ‘wise fool’, epitomised by character such as touchstone in as you like it. These figures posses an innate preceptiveness that belies their outward Appreance of buffoonery.  Their playful antics serve as a tool to unravel the hypocrisies and challenge conventional wisdom. In addition, the “moral fool” emerges in characters like Edgar disguised as Poor Tom in King Lear. These individuals adopt a guise of madness or folly to navigate perilous circumstances. Through their seemingly irrational behaviour

Court jesters  

Court jesters were the predecessors of the Shakespearean fool, and held a pivotal position in the monacrch’s courts across the world. Beyond providing amusement, they acted as truth-tellers in a world where criticising those in power was perilous.

Costume

The iconic attire of a courtjester from its unique cap with bells and colourful costumes were symbols of their privilege to talk and mock without the fear of punishment. Beyond playing the role of injecting levity into a situation these comics possess a very rare privilege-free speech.

Comedy in the contemporary world Connecting the iconic Shakespearean archetype to modern stand-up comics unveils a similar underlying principle. Many contemporary stand-up comics, akin to the English playwright’s stock character, use humour as a medium for societal commentary. However, they do not don a garb that could help them evade punishment for speaking truth to power or even expressing their personal opinions on a sensitive tonic that has rattled society.

The social impact By dressing reality in humour, comedy invites audiences to reflect on society’s shortcomings, absurdities, and hypocrisies. It’s a mirror held up to society, making us laugh while revealing uncomfortable truths. Challenging authority and societal norms provides a space for dissent and fosters critical thinking. In essence, the Shakespearean fool, the court jesters of history, and the stand-up comics of today share a common thread – they harness the power of comedy to illuminate truth.The laughter they induce in the guise of entertainment acts as a vehicle to convey profound insights, provoke contemplation, and challenge societal norms. As we laugh along, we also find ourselves introspecting, confronting uncomfortable realities, and perhaps, contemplating the change we wish to see in the world.

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Which Indian documentaries won Oscars?

Thanks to the Oscars, two documentaries from India- ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ and ‘All That Breathes’– have been in the news for a while now. But what exactly are documentaries? Let’s find out.

‘The Elephant Whisperers’, set in an elephant camp in Tamil Nadu, follows tribal couple Bellie and Bomman. Their lives are deeply connected by their shared love for Raghu, an orphaned wild baby elephant who appears to have had no hope for survival till the two take him into their fold and ply him with food and generous doses of loving care. When it’s time for Raghu to move on, he breaks those two hearts. But as it is with most things in life, the couple is left with Raghu’s memories to hold on to and new love to look forward to. While documenting the life of Raghu, ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ also allows us quiet glimpses of life in a tribal hamlet and the wildlife surrounding it-all in 40-odd minutes. Directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, this profoundly touching story was nominated for the Oscar under the Documentary Short Film category.

Set in our bustling national capital, ‘All That Breathes’ tells the story of brothers Nadeem Shehzad and Mohammad Saud who have taken it upon themselves – for about two decades- to care for raptors, particularly black kites, suffering the city’s notorious pollution. Even as it records how the brothers go about their task – without substantial help in cash or kind, ‘All That Breathes’ unobtrusively brings into focus social issues intersecting the duo’s lives, outlining the fact that it’s not just air that’s toxic. And, despite everything that’s going on, what dominates the tone of the film is the strength of compassion and the intrinsic interconnectedness in our world. Nominated for the Oscar under the Documentary Feature Film category, it has been directed by Shaunak Sen.

What is a documentary?

A documentary is a film either screened in cinema halls or telecast on television channels in one or many parts over a period of time Today documentaries are available for viewing on video streaming platforms too. The defining tenor of any documentary is its rootedness in truth and reality. While the director may take creative liberty with the work, a documentary always revolves around facts. It aims to bring together several aspects of the subject in focus. The subject could be anything from nature and society to social issues and personalities, the possibilities are endless. Importantly, since it strives to capture reality, any documentary-irrespective of its subject-involves a lot of research and reflects a tireless quest for accuracy.

How is it different from a film?

A film, or more precisely, a feature film, may or may not be anchored in reality. Invariably, feature films are fictitious, and cover a wide range of genres-from family drama, romance, and sci-fi to fantasy, action, and adventure. In fact, many of them created in India even involve song and dance sequences. Some such films may even feature characters doing what is impossible for individuals in real life. In short, feature films could be worlds of make-believe, a far cry from what a documentary feature film stands for. But, thanks to better reach, interest, and acceptance among film-goers over the years and constant advancement in technology, feature films moored in reality too are gaining increased endorsement the world over. Another factor of difference is that while feature films predominantly aspire to entertain, documentaries hope to inform and educate. (However, this does not suggest that feature films will not educate or that documentaries will not entertain.) The run time too is taken into account while defining a film particularly when it comes to award categories. For instance, a short documentary could be defined as one that runs for a certain duration, and anything running longer than that could be slotted under ‘Documentary Feature Film’.

Why are documentaries important?

Because they inform. And bring in varied perspectives on the subject they deal with. Especially with social issues, they help start conversations on topics that people have either forgotten about or are unwilling to talk about. They ask questions that many are uncomfortable asking. They seek to find answers on behalf of those who may not have the wherewithal to do so. Be it about our history, our culture, the natural world, or society in general, documentaries help kindle our interest/curiosity, call us to learn, inspire us to understand, and nudge us to act, if need be. They also have the social responsibility to be honest and balanced in what they put out to the world.

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Shakespeare’s lost play

Literary scholars have always alluded to the fact that there are many plays by brilliant English playwright William Shakespeare that have not seen the light of day and Cardenio might be the most popular of them all.

Most scholars suggest that The History of Cardenio often simply called Cardenio was written in 1613. As it is one of Shakespeare’s later contributions, it is (like many of his later plays) believed to be co-authored.

In the last stages of his career, Shakespeare is said to have been working with a writing partner, English dramatist John Fletcher. The two of them co-wrote ‘The Two Noble Kinsmen’ in 1613 and prior to this had also joined forces to write a history play, ‘Henry VIl’l which is also known as ‘All is True’.

Cardenio

The argument of dating the play to 1613 is supported by the fact that the records of the treasurer of the King’s chamber to King James state that two payments were made to Shakespeare’s drama company King’s Men in 1613 for plays called “Cardenna” and “Cardenno” These two records are presumed to refer to the same play (Cardenio) as rules for spelling were not standardised in Shakespeare’s time. Therefore, these records are taken as evidence that Cardenio was written around 1613.

The titular character of this play is also a recurring figure in one of the most influential works of Spanish literature Miguel de Cervante’s Don Quote. Written and published in 1605, the first English translation of this Spanish classic came around 1612. Therefore, it is fairly safe for us to assume that Shakespeare and Fletcher would have taken inspiration from this translated version of the novel.

Never published

For some reason, John Heminge and Henry Contell did not include Cardenio in the First Folio (1623), which was the first significant compilation of the English playwright’s works. As a result, the play was never published or made available to the general public.

Lost and forgotten

Many scholars and researchers have come up with theories to justify why this play was not included in the First Folio and how or why it got lost.

One of the possible answers for excluding it can be that it was written in collaboration, but the folio does include co-authored plays such as Henry VIII and Two Gentlemen of Verona, so this cannot be the reason.

Another suggestion is that they did not include it as they did not have a written copy – because the manuscript was destroyed in the fire that burnt down Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on June 29, 1613. Or perhaps the play, fresh from its early performance at the King’s court in 1613, was new enough that no copy had been made of text and that the only text of the manuscript was in the Globe when it burnt to the ground. Although it is hard to specify how Cardenio’s original text was lost, it is certainly fascinating to know how through the years numerous playwrights, actors, and directors have tried to reconstruct and recover this play.

In 2009, British academic Bernard Richards reconstructed Cardenio on stage. More recently in 2011, English director Gregory Doran crafted his own version of the play for production at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theatre.

Musing about Cardenio in an interview with the Wall Street Journal in 2009, Canadian novelist Stephen Marche said “This work would have been a direct link between the founder of the modern novel and the greatest playwright of all time, a connection between the Spanish and British literary traditions at their sources, and a meeting of the grandest expressions of competing colonial powers…”

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What is the purpose of Yann Martel in writing the story of ‘Life of Pi’?

“One of the reasons I started writing Life of Pi is, I was struck how in the 2000s there could still be gods around. After all the triumphs of science and technology, how could people still believe in gods… Hence, I wrote Life of Pi, to try to understand that phenomenon called faith, where you believe despite having no proof. So Life of Pi was just defending the act of love that is the more positive manifestation of religion.” ….. Yann Martel..

Canadian author Yann Martel’s Life of Pi is a fantasy adventure novel that explores how faith can help one cope with tragedy. Lolita Chakrabarti’s stage adaptation of this Booker Prize-winning novel is said to open on Broadway next year. Let’s revisit this story and see what makes it a modern classic.

About the Author

Yann Martel was born in Salamanca, Spain on June 25, 1963, to Canadian parents. Growing up, his family moved a lot and lived in various countries such as Spain, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, and the U.S. Martel completed his secondary education in Canada at Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario, and went on to study at Trent University and Concordia. University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy.

Although he has written and published many books, including The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios and Other Stories (1993) and Self (1996), he is best known for his Booker Prize-winning novel Life of Pi. It was directed and produced by Ang Lee for the big screen in 2012 and won four academy awards. Best Director and Best Visual Effects in 2013.

It was recently revealed that a stage version of Martel’s fantasy adventure novel is under way to grace the Broadway stage next year, beginning preview performances in March 2023, at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre ahead of opening night on March 30, 2023.

Life of Pi

Life of Pi is a curious mix of zoology and theology that explores the matters of the soul. The author says that the idea for the novel dawned on him while he was backpacking in India in 1997.

Life of Pi is the story of a multi-religious Indian teenager called Piscine Molitor Patel (which he shortens to Pi Patel), who was born and raised in Pondicherry, in a family that owns and operates a zoo. This novel narrates Pi’s recollection of the 227 days he was shipwrecked with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker in the Pacific Ocean.

What makes it a modern classic?

The meaning of Pi

Pi’s name serves a dual-purpose in the book. For our protagonist it is a symbol of home – a safe haven that shields one from the unchartered territory that is the outside world. But at the same time, the mathematical value of Pi is an irrational number, which no one can completely decipher. It also stands in as a metaphor for life in general which is a blend of the rational (such as science and reason) and the (such as our faiths and beliefs).

“In that illusive irrational number with which scientists try to understand the truth of the universe, I found refuge.” – Pi says in the book about the mathematical symbol.

A novel of questions

This book is full of spiritual references, poetic visual imagery, and questions no one seems to have definite answers for even though they are an inseparable part of the human experience. Questions about faith and the relativity of truth are at the core of Pi’s story.

Even though Life of Pi starts off as a story that “will make you believe in God”, it challenges the idea of blind faith. It is a testament to the fact that faith that is rooted in love is never threatened by doubt sprouted by seemingly insurmountable challenges one faces while riding the wave of life. Pi’s journey endorses that religion is a personalised spiritual extension of oneself that is flexible,ever-evolving, and seasoned with one’s experiences in the world.

This is further clarified by this statement Pi makes in the book “Doubt is useful, it keeps faith a living thing. After all, you cannot know the strength of your faith until it is tested.”

The power of storytelling

The value of compelling storytelling is engrained in Pi’s story from the very beginning of the novel with the author’s note that makes it seem as if we are about to read an actual interview documented by the writer, blurring the line between fact and fiction.

Pi is an excellent storyteller who defines fiction as “selective transformation of reality” that allows one to bring forth the essence of an experience to communicate a deeper meaning. He uses story telling as a means of survival while presenting his account of the sea voyage to the Japanese officials who visit him in the hospital. They expect to hear the factual account of how the ship sank but are presented a fantastical tale with animals. When the novel’s end discloses a transcript from the same interrogation revealing an alternate version of Pi’s account where the animals are replaced by other human survivors, it reiterates how our protagonist is using storytelling as a means to make sense of and deal with the trauma of the horrible things he witnessed and partook in to survive on that lifeboat.

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Which is the longest opera?

Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg (“The Master-Singers of Nuremberg”) by Richard Wagner, is a musical drama in three acts. Musical dramas are called operas and this one is the longest opera that is commonly performed. It takes nearly four and a half hours without any breaks. It was first performed on 21 June 1868 at the National Theatre in Munich.

The plot of this opera is set in Nuremberg in the mid-16th century, when it was a free imperial city. Nuremberg was also one of the centres of the Renaissance in Northern Europe. The story revolves around the city’s group of Master Singers, also known as Meistersinger, which is an association of amateur poets and musicians. These men were primarily master craftsmen of various other trades. The master singers, just like in their craft, had developed a craftsman-like approach to music-making. They developed an intricate system of rules for composing and performing songs. The opera is built on this time in history and the traditions of these master singers. One of the main characters of the opera is the cobbler-poet Hans Sachs, who was the most famous of the master-singers in that era.

Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg holds a very special place in Wagner’s career.

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What are the five literary classics that had the most uninspiring original titles?

First Impressions

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a story that gives the readers a detailed account of life and liberty in the Regency Era. Published in 1813, it is a social satire that has remained relevant for centuries in its exploration of themes like economic anxiety, class, and the desire to go up the social ladder.

Scholars say that this novel of manners was written as early as 1796-97 and was initially called First Impressions.

The Dead Un-Dead

 Dracula is the most infamous vampire name by far, but did you know that this character was originally going to be called Count Wampyr? That is, until Bram Stoker came across the story of Vlad II of Wallachia and the surname of his descendants, “Dracul”, while doing some research. Before he found the name Dracula and assigned it to his character and book, the working title of the 1897 novel was The Dead Un-Dead.

Tomorrow is Another Day

 Gone With the Wind was the only novel author Margaret Mitchell wrote in her lifetime. Published in 1936, this book marks an important moment in American culture when it was on the cusp of the old and the new. The novel focusses on love, civil war, slavery, and immigration among other things through the experiences of an Irish immigrant family that has come to the U.S. and settled in the south where slavery was a thriving institution. This Pulitzer Prize-winning Civil War epic continues to be a hit among the masses. But the lesser-known fact about this classic is that it almost went to print under the name Tomorrow is Another Day. However, the author changed it to what it is, drawing inspiration from a poem by 19th-century French poet Ernest Dowson.

The Last Man in Europe

The original title for George Orwell’s iconic dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four published in 1949, was The Last Man in Europe. A couple of months before the manuscript was to be published, Orwell wrote to his publisher, Fredric Warburg, stating that he could not decide between “The Last Man in Europe” and “Nineteen Eighty-Four”. Warburg suggested the latter, as he felt it was a more commercial title.

Atticus

American author Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird was a literary sensation when it was first published in 1960. The Chicago Tribune called it “a novel of strong contemporary national significance.” The novel’s title is taken from a conversation between Scout and Atticus where the latter states that “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird” However, this was not the original title of the book. The beloved classic was supposed to be called Atticus until Lee decided that it put too much focus on a single character.

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What is interactive theatre?

Interactive theatre is where the performers encourage members of the audience to discuss pertinent issues with them.

Interactive theatre is a form of theatre which seeks to blur the traditional distinction between the performers and the audience. In traditional theatre, the performance is limited to a stage area and the audience passively observes the action of the play as it unfolds. But in interactive theatre, the actors engage audience members directly, making them active participants.

There are different types of interactive theatre. In immersive theatre, for instance, the audience is invited to the same stage area or playing space as the performers. They may be asked to hold props or become characters in the play. In improvisational theatre, viewers are asked to give performance suggestions.

In interactive therapeutic or educational plays, the audience is encouraged to discuss pertinent issues with the performers.

In some interactive plays, the audience is asked to determine the ending of a play by participating in a collective vote. For example, in “Night of January 16th,” a 1934 courtroom drama by famed Russian-American writer Ayn Rand, the audience decides whether the defendant is guilty or not, thus playing the role of the jury.

Many practitioners of interactive theatre use the black box format. In such a format, the play is staged in a room with black walls, movable seating, lighting and a stage that is devised to create an immersive experience. Space is used in an innovative manner the audience may be seated in the centre, on revolving chairs and the stage surrounds them.

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Wodehouse: The master of comedy

With a comical plot, ludicrous scenarios, and eccentric characters. Wodehouse scripted a world around the social atmosphere of the late Edwardian era, poking fun at the English upper class Let’s take a look at the writer whose birth anniversary falls this month.

It is like an escape into a land of comedy. Nothing wrong could happen to you here. English writer P.G. Wodehouse’s literary world is all about entertainment. Pick any of his books and you are assured of a good laugh riot.

It is easy to get lost in the whimsical world of the upper-class English, and delight in the often absurd and funny scenarios that take on a wacky, idiosyncratic turn as the plot progresses. His is a comic tradition that continues to remain unsurpassed, taking you on a humorous journey.

One of the greatest 20th-century writers of humour, Wodehouse created a new realm of comedy through his books. With a highly evolving, comical plot, ludicrous scenarios, and eccentric characters, Wodehouse scripted a world around the social atmosphere of the late Edwardian era, poking fun at the English upper class.

Early years

Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse was born on October 15, 1881 in Guildford, Surrey, England. Educated in Dulwich College,

London, Wodehouse took up a bank job. His career started at the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank.

But he soon quit it and turned his attention to writing. He became a freelance journalist and short story writer. He later became a humour columnist at the London Globe (1902). He also wrote for many other publications. In the same year, he published his first novel “The Pothunters.”

When Wodehouse was made a prisoner

During the war, in 1940, he was captured in France by German forces. He was in a German internment camp for a year where he kept writing.

Whilst being a prisoner, he agreed to be part of a series of talks on German radio. Little did he know that he was playing right into the Nazi propaganda machine.

The broadcasts were a humorous take on his experiences as a prisoner in which he also made fun of his captors. But these broadcasts didn’t go down well with the politicians and journalists in Britain.

There were accusations of treason. Later, he went back to America and continued his writing journey. He never returned to his homeland. He received a knighthood in 1975,

The comical riot

It all started with Something Fresh (1915), his comic debut. There he introduced the Emsworth family. It is the first instalment of the Blandings Castle series. The eccentric Lord Emsworth and his prize-winning pig the Empress of Blandings, along with a legion of relatives and impostors take you on a comical riot in the Blandings Castle series.

Among the other characters he created, the most loved are the duo Bertie Wooster and Jeeves. They first made their debut in the story Extricating Young Gussie (1915). Jeeves, the inimitable “gentleman’s gentleman” of the young bachelor Bertie, is perhaps the valet everyone would love to have at home. He saves the day always and gets Bertie out of every bizarre situation he puts himself in.

Musical journey

It was not just fiction Wodehouse was a master at. He wrote scripts and song lyrics for composers. A novelist, short-story writer, lyricist, and playwright. Wodehouse donned many caps. He wrote more than 90 books, over 20 film scripts and also collaborated on plays and musical comedies. He is often regarded as one of the pioneers of the American musical.

‘Sunset at Blandings’ was his last and unfinished novel. Wodehouse died at the age of 93 on February 14, 1975, in Southampton, N.Y.

Wodehouse loved dogs

In Pekes, hounds and mutts I have known, an article he wrote as an introduction to ‘Son of Bitch’, a book of photographs by Elliott Erwitt, Wodehouse talks about the many dogs he has had the company of. The first dog he had, Sammy, a French bulldog, was given to him by his colleague. The article ends with his musings about dogs and humour. Here is a peek into how entertaining Wodehouse can be: ‘My own opinion is that some have and some don’t. Dachshunds have, but not St Bernards and Great Danes. Apparently a dog has to be small to be fond of a joke. You never find an Irish wolfhound trying to be a stand-up comic.’

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What is Fantasmagoria?

Fantasmagoria was a popular form of horror theatre that was brought from Berlin, Germany to France in the 18th Century and thrilled audiences with macabre illusions created through audio effects and magic lanterns.

Fantasmagoria was a popular form of horror theatre that was brought from Berlin, Germany to France in the 18th Century and thrilled audiences with macabre illusions created through audio effects and magic lanterns. This kind of experimental visual storytelling can be clearly seen as a precursor to modern horror movies. Étienne-Gaspard Robert, a physicist and stage magician, is one of the most influential figures in this genre of the theatre.

Magic lanterns

The discoveries in the fields of science and technology at the end of the 17th Century allowed for the invention of the magic lantern for the projection of images.

Professor Tom gunnings from the University of Chicago, explains this technology was the precursor to the slide projector of more recent times. It was an invention that consisted of a lamp which allowed images painted on glass to be projected on the objects in dim-lit rooms.

Fantasmagoria was a spectacular theatrical experience which was often held inside abandoned crypts and the stone chambers that were built underneath the floors of old churches. These crypts usually contained religious items like altars, coffins and magical symbols and in combination with the sound effects and optical illusions created by the magic lanterns, would leave the spectators shivering and shuddering, covering their eyes out of fear.

The critical thought

Art is often employed as a tool to push through the boundaries of culture, politics and economics. The fantasmagoria shows under the guise of entertainment opened an avenue to voice social concerns, critique blighted superstitions and bring forth the blind side of enlightenment.

The concept of this revolutionary spectacle was used as a metaphor by influential thinkers like Karl Marx and Walter Benjamin to describe how people were tangled up by the materialism, aesthetic paraphernalia and propaganda of the capitalist world.

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What is the theme of the movie I Am Kalam?

I Am Kalam is about a poor boy who dreams big and wants to study. It was produced in 2011 by the non-governmental charity, Smile Foundation. Its theme is the right to education for the underprivileged.

Chhotu (Harsh Mayar) works in a roadside eatery in Rajasthan. There is a grand resort just next to it.

While making tea, washing dishes and peeling vegetables, the little boy dreams of wearing a tie, going to school and becoming an officer.

He then gets a chance to see the Republic Day parade and Dr. Kalam taking the salute. He is very interested and finds out more about Dr. Kalam. He decides to become like him and calls himself Kalam.

The story progresses and then his friend Rannvijay’s father agrees to pay for Chhotu’s education in the same school that Rannvijay goes to. And his mother is given work in the resort.

The last scene ends with both friends boarding the school bus in their school uniforms.

I Am Kalam was released on Indian screens on August 5, 2011. The movie was specially screened for Dr. Kalam at his Delhi residence. Harsh Mayar bagged the award for Best Child Artist the same year in the National Film Awards. He won it along with two other children.

The film was directed by Nila Madhab Panda.

Picture Credit : Google

What is Mise-en-scène?

Mise-en-scène is French for placing on stage. As a theatrical term it refers to scene composition or deciding what to include in a scene and how must it be placed on the stage.

Mise-en-scène is French for placing on stage. As a theatrical term it refers to scene composition or deciding what to include in a scene and how must it be placed on the stage. Essential to the visual appeal of a film, it entails set design, costumes, props, movement of the actors, lighting, and essentially everything that frames a scene and is captured on the camera. The French film critic Andre Bazin was one of the greatest proponents of this component and broadly divided filmmaking into two basic approaches, the montage and the mise-en-scène. The difference between the two is that a montage depends on layering and juxtaposing multiple images to create meaning whereas the latter concentrates on storytelling through a single image.

Modern Inclusivity

The traditional definition of this framing method only included the visual components that contributed to the imagery of a scene, but modern film critics argue that elements like background sounds and music, camera angles, and the types of lens used are also crucial for enhancing the overall cinematic experience and hence, must be considered a part of the mise-en-scène.

As a directorial stylist component, the mise-en-scène of a film must align with the vision of the filmmaker and be representative of his or her artistry.

Masters of the Mise-en-scène

Some legendary directors from the world of cinema who are renowned for their stylistic mise-en-scène include Satyajit Ray, Tim Burton, Alfred Hitchcock, David Fincher and Stanley Kubrick.

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HERCULES AND HIS MIGHTY GLOBULAR CLUSTERS

Despite being one of the largest star patterns, the constellation itself is relatively dim but can be spotted as they are bordered by brighter constellations

David Prosper

Hercules is one of the standout heroes of Greek mythology, but his namesake constellation can be surprisingly hard to find! Once you find the stars of Hercules, look deeper, barely hidden in the space around his massive limbs and “Keystone” asterism are two beautiful globular star clusters: M13 and M92!

Since the constellation itself is relatively dim but bordered by brighter constellations, you can find the stars of Hercules by looking between the bright stars Vega and Arcturus. They are fairly easy to identify. Vega is the brightest star in the constellation Lyra and one of the three stars that make up the Summer Triangle. Arcturus is the brightest star in the constellation Bootes. You may be able to find Hercules “Keystone” asterism first; this distinct pattern of four stars is traditionally shown as the torso of the great hero.

Fluffy and dense

Globular star clusters appear fluffy, round and dense with stars, similar to a dandelion gone to seed, in contrast to the more scattered and decentralised patterns of open clusters. Open clusters are generally made up of young stars that are gradually spreading apart and found inside our Milky Way galaxy, while globular clusters are ancient clusters of stars that are compact, billions of years old, bound to each other and orbit around our galaxy. Due to their considerable distance, globular clusters are usually only visible in telescopes, but one notable exception is M13, also known as the Great Cluster or Hercules Cluster.

During very clear dark nights, skilled observers may be able to spot M13 without optical aid along the border of the Keystone, in between the stars Zeta and Eta Herculis. Readily visible as a fuzzy “star” in binoculars, in telescopes M13 explodes with stars and can fill up an eyepiece view with its sparkling stars, measuring a little over half the diameter of a full Moon in appearance!

When viewed through small telescopes, globular clusters can appear orb-like and without discernable member stars, similar in appearance to the fuzzy comae of distant comets. That’s why comet hunters Edmund Halley and Charles Messier discovered and then catalogued M13, in 1714 and 1764 respectively. marking this faint fuzzy as a “not-comet” so as to avoid future confusion.

While enjoying your view of M13, don’t forget to also look for M92! This is another bright and bold globular cluster, and if M13 wasn’t so spectacular, M92 would be known as the top celestial sight in Hercules. M92 also lies on the edge of naked-eye visibility, but again, binoculars and especially a telescope are needed to really make it pop.

Far, far away

Even though M92 and M13 appear fairly close together in the sky, in actuality they are rather far apart: M13’s distance is estimated at about 25,000 light years from Earth, and M92’s at approximately 27,000 light years distant. Since M13 and M92 appear so close together in our skies, switching between these two clusters in your scope makes for excellent star-hopping practice.

Globular clusters are closely studied by astronomers for hints about the formation of stars and galaxies. The clusters of Hercules have even been studied by NASA’s space telescopes to reveal the secrets of their dense cores of hundreds of thousands of stars.

(This article is distributed by NASA’s Night Sky Network. Visit nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov for more space news)

ASTRONOMY TERMS

Constellation: a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern

Asterism: a prominent pattern or group of stars that is smaller than a constellation

Keystone: an asterism formed by four relatively bright stars in the constellation Hercules: Pi, Eta, Zeta and Epsilon Herculis

Light year: the distance light travels in one year. Light zips through interstellar space at 3,00,000 km per second and 9.46 trillion km per year

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WELCOME TO THE JURSSSIC WORLD

When Jurassic Park hit the screens about 30 years ago, words such as Tyrannosaurus, Velociraptor, and Dilophosaurus became household names. Now with Jurassic World Dominion, the recent sequel in the Jurassic World franchise, there is renewed interest in these majestic creatures that once walked the Earth. Let’s take a closer look at some of them you’ve seen on the big screen.

Tyrannosaurus rex (T-rex)

Think Jurassic Park, and the first image that pops up will always be that of the Tyrannosaurus rex- the giant dinosaur with tiny forelimbs – that alternates between being an antagonist and an ally in the movie. The T-rex that stole hearts and awed us in the Jurassic saga is one of the largest theropod dinosaurs that walked the Earth. A partial skeleton of this dinosaur was first discovered in Hell Creek, Montana, the U.S., in 1902. Analysing the subsequent fossil findings, scientists observed that a T-rex could grow up to 40 feet long, 12 feet high, and weigh up to 7.000 kg. This ferocious predator had very huge skulls, powerful jaws and legs, and is one of the most popular and revered dinosaurs. It is believed to have lived in western North America. T. rex fossils have been discovered in States such as Montana and South Dakota in the U.S., and Alberta in Canada.

Know your dino

Genus: Tyrannosaurus

What it means: Greek for ‘King of the Tyrant Lizards

Type species: rex

Region: Canada, the U.S.

Period: Late Cretaceous Period

Time: 68 to 66 million years ago

Size: Estimated to have weighed up to 7,000 kg

 Movement: On two legs

Food: Camivore (other animals)

Velociraptor

If there is one dinosaur that has been much celebrated and feared in the Jurassic saga, it is the Velociraptor. But did you know that the Velociraptor we saw in the movies and that terrorised us was modelled to twice its real size? In other words, the raptor was quite different in real life. Roaming the Earth during the late Cretaceous period, they were, in fact, feathered bipeds that grew up to just 45 kg. The first Velociraptor fossil was discovered in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert in 1923, and comprised a skull and a curved claw. Subsequent fossil discoveries indicate that the raptors had long feathers and wing-like arms, but were unable to fly. Velociraptors were indeed fierce predators. They exhibited several traits of modern-day birds such as plumage, hinged ankles, swivel-jointed wrists. wishbone, and so on.

Know your dino

Genus: Velociraptor

What it means: Latin, meaning Quick Plunderer

Type species: mongoliensis

Region: Central and Eastern Asia

 Period: Late Cretaceous Period

Time: 74 to 70 million years ago

 Size: Estimated to have weighed up to 45 kg

 Movement: On two legs

Food: Carnivore (small mammals and reptiles)

Giganotosaurus

The Jurrasic Park franchise introduced the Giganotosaurus in its recent movie. The movie even features a fight scene between T-rex and Giganotosaurus. Let’s dismiss it as creative freedom because, in real life, these two giants wouldn’t have met! Giganotosaurus lived about 30 million years before T-rex, and they existed on different continents. One of the largest carnivores, the first specimen of this dinosaur was found in Southem Argentina. This dinosaur was gigantic when compared to other dinosaurs. This biped weighed up to 8.000 kg and is believed to have hunted Argentinosaurus, a herbivorous dinosaur. The fossil records are still incomplete, and it is too early to arrive at specifics. As per records, there is only one known species in the genus Giganotosaurus, namely Giganotosaurus carolini

Know your dino

Genus: Giganotosaurus

What it means: Greek for ‘Giant Southern Lizard

Type species: carolinii

Region: Argentina

Period: Late Cretaceous Time: 112 to 90 million years ago

Size: Estimated to have weighed up to 8,000 kg Movement: On two legs

Food: Carnivore (other animals)

Dilophosaurus

The Dilophosaurus was the most dramatic of all dinosaurs in the Jurassic saga. With its venomous spit and a collapsible and rattling frill, it had all the embellishments to catch one’s fancy. The movie depicted Dilophosaurus at half its size. In real life, these dinosaurs would stand up to eight feet in height and measure up to 25 feet in length. This biped had two unique crests of bone across the top of its head, was agile, and had a strong jaw and a bite that could be deadly. During its time, it was the largest land animal. The first fossil was discovered in Arizona, the U.S. Did you know that the dinosaur species Dilophosaurus wetherilli went by another name at first? This dinosaur was first mentioned in scientific literature as a new species belonging to a previously known genus Megalosaurus. It was only when the rest of the fragmentary remains were analysed and the specimen preserving the top of the skull and the dual crests were obtained did paleontologist Samuel Welles realise he had discovered a new genus!

Know your dino

Genus: Dilophosaurus

What it means: Greek for Two-ridged Lizard

Type species: wetherilli

Region: The U.S.

Period: Early Jurassic

Time: 190 million years ago

Size: Estimated to have weighed up to 300 kg

Movement: On two legs

Food: Carnivore (other animals)

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WHERE AND WHEN WAS THE KINETOSCOPE FIRST PRESENTED TO THE PUBLIC?

On May 9, 1893 the first public demonstration of the kinetoscope was held at the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences. Featuring three workers pretending to be blacksmiths, the film was among the first glimpses into motion pictures.

With the vacation upon us already and the pandemic scene relenting a bit, one of the activities that most families tend to do over the weekend is visiting a theatre to watch a new movie. Even though motion pictures are a multi-billion-dollar industry in the world today, they have been around only since late in the 19th Century. By the end of that century. the concept of moving images as entertainment was picking up. Magic lanterns had been around for generations and these devices employed glass slides with images that were then projected. We had looked at how pioneering photographer Eadweard Muybridge invented the zoopraxiscope in this column about two months back. Muybridge’s zoopraxiscope projected a series of images, which were printed on a rotating glass disc, in successive phases of movement.

Muybridge meets Edison

It isn’t clear as to when American inventor and businessman Thomas Alva Edison’s interest in motion pictures began. Even though some argue that he was already interested for years, it is obvious that Muybridge’s visit to Edison’s laboratory in West Orange in February 1888 convinced the latter to invent a motion picture camera.

Muybridge suggested that they collaborate and work together to combine the zoopraxiscope with Edison’s  phonograph – a device for the recording and reproduction of sound. While Edison was clearly intrigued by the idea, he decided against the partnership, maybe because he could see that the zoopraxiscope wasn’t the best way of recording motion.

Calls it kinetoscope

Always an entrepreneur, Edison decided to protect his future inventions by filing a caveat with the Patents Office in October 1888. He described his ideas for a machine that would record and reproduce objects in motion, calling it a device that would “do for the eye what the phonograph does for the ear”. He named this yet to be invented device as a kinetoscope, by combining the Greek words for “movement” and “to watch”  kineto and scopos.

Much of the credit for the design of the kinetoscope actually goes to Edison’s assistant, William Kennedy Laurie Dickson, an accomplished photographer. Tasked with inventing Edison’s kinetoscope in June 1889, Dickson, assisted by Charles A. Brown, carried out a lot of experimentation to turn the concept into reality.

Celluloid film to the rescue

After the initial attempts proved futile, Edison’s team changed direction to that of others in the field. Edison had encountered French physiologist Etienne-Jules Marey, who had produced a sequence of images by utilising a continuous roll of film in his chronophotographie, in Europe and this put them onto their new track

By now, the inventive process was being delayed by the lack of film rolls of requisite length and durability. Edison’s experiments started using emulsion-coated celluloid film sheets that were developed by photographic pioneer John Carbutt. When the Eastman. Company started producing its own celluloid film, Dickson and his new assistant William Heise got it in large quantities and set about working on their machine.

Means of seeing motion pictures

Dickson had the prototype ready by 1891 and the device doubled up both as a camera and a peep-hole viewer. On August 24, 1891 they applied for a patent for the kinetograph (the camera) and the kinetoscope (the viewer) and the device was completed by 1892.

Consisting of an upright wooden cabinet that was four feet high, the viewer had to look into a peep-hole at the top of the cabinet to see the motion picture. The first public demonstration of Edison’s films featured three of his workers pretending to be blacksmiths and was held at the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences on May 9, 1893. By 1894. hundreds of people often lined up in parlours housing these devices to pay 25 cents (over $7 in today’s money) and watch five reels.

In the years that followed, Dickson left Edison to be a part of the group that formed the American Mutoscope and Biograph Company: Edison sued that company in 1898 for infringing on his patent for the kinetograph; and the two companies started working together from 1909 until Edison’s company left the film industry in 1918. By then, Dickson, Edison, and the kinetoscope had more than just provided a glimpse of a new form of media – the motion pictures.

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What is anthropomorphism?

Do you love stories of talking animals, singing portraits and chatty kettles? If yes, then you are a fan of anthropomorphism.

A literary device, anthropomorphism (pronounced anthro-polt-more-fizz um) is used by authors to attribute human traits to animals or inanimate objects. This is done to make non-human characters more relatable and entertaining to readers and viewers. You may have seen this in stories and films that depict animals who can talk behave and feel emotions just like us. Children’s classics such as “Dr. Dolittle”, “Charlotte’s Web”, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”, and “Chronicles of Namia: The Lion. The Witch, and the Wardrobe all feature anthropomorphic characters.

While animals are commonly shown as anthropomorphised creatures, this technique is also used to bring inanimate objects to life by assigning them human-like qualities. Disney-Pixar films often use anthropomorphism – bringing clownfish and toy space-rangers to life as the beloved Nemo in Finding Nemo” and Buzz Lightyear in “Toy Story”.

The term ‘anthropomorphism’ was coined by the Greek Philosopher Xenophanes after observing the physical similarities between people and their Gods.

Anthropomorphism vs. Personification

It is easy to confuse anthropomorphism with another similar literary device called personification. But the two are starkly different. Personification is a figure of speech in which a thing, an animal or an abstract notion is ascribed human qualities. For instance, the sentence, “Nature unleashed its fury through thunderstorms,” is an example of personification, because nature can’t be “furious” as it cannot feel human emotions. However, saying that nature can feel anger and fury emphasises the harshness of the storm. On the other hand in anthropomorphism, the non-human objects literally behave like human beings.

POPULAR EXAMPLES

  • “The Beauty and the Beast”: The fairytale as well as its Disney adaptation is packed with anthropomorphic furniture such as clocks and wardrobes that sing, dance and talk.
  • Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”: Humans and anthropomorphic characters such as walking rabbits, smiling cats and even talking playing cards exist together in this fantastical story.
  • J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter series: The magical world of Harry Potter is full of anthropomorphic characters. For instance, the talking and sometimes singing portraits hung inside the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The centaurs of the Forbidden Forest, who are half human, half-horse and skilled at Divination, are other examples of anthropomorphism.
  •  “The Secret Life of Pets” film franchise: Wonder what your pets – cats, dogs, or even rabbits – are up to when you leave the house? ‘The Secret Life of Pets” films show pets as socialising, watching telenovelas, raiding the fridge and even rocking out to heavy metal music when humans are not around.
  • Richard Adams’ Watership Down: In his debut novel. “Watership Down” (1972), Adams featured rabbits that could talk in their own distinctive language (Lapine).
  • “Doctor Dolittle”: Hugh Lofting’s series of children’s books portray a doctor who can talk to animals in their own languages. The books were adapted into highly successful films, starring Eddie Murphy as the main character.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Giving hurricanes human names is also a form of anthropomorphism. It is done because a human name is simpler and easier to comprehend than a scientific name, and makes us more receptive to information.
  • In religion and mythology, anthropomorphism is the perception of a divine being in human form, or the recognition of human qualities in these beings. Greek deities such as Zeus and Apollo are often depicted in human form exhibiting human qualities such as beauty, greed, hatred, jealousy, and uncontrollable anger.
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What is film noir?

World War II. They are typically pessimistic in nature. Films in this genre veer towards themes of corruption and murder and mostly tackle the subject of post-war disillusionment. These films take a sardonic approach to the world around and contain really strong dialogues.

Characters and characteristics

Some distinct characteristics of the genre are cynical protagonists, femme fatales, low-key lighting, flashbacks and diagonal camera angles.

The genre was inspired by pulp fiction, which was quite popular in the 1930s. These novels mostly revolved around the Great Depression and dealt with themes such as corruption, danger, and mystery.

In the wake of World War II, some Hollywood studios – in an effort to draw the audience to crime dramas – explored the dark film genre, which eventually gave rise to the noir concept. In the 1940s and the 1950s, these films were highly influenced by the German expressionism, French poetic realism, and art deco style.

Examples

“The Big Sleep”, directed by Howard Hawks, is one of the iconic examples of the genre. Adapted from Raymond Chandler’s 1939 novel of the same name, this film features Humphrey Bogart as Philip Marlowe, a private eye, and Lauren Bacall as the heroine Vivian Rutledge. The noir film explores the themes of murder, blackmail, and deception.

Some of the other examples are ‘The Maltese Falcon”, “Double Indemnity”, ‘The Woman in the Window”, “Laura”, and “Touch of Evil”. Despite enjoying tremendous success in the 1940s and 1950s, the lost its glory over time. However, even now, film noir remains an important discourse for critics and students of cinema.

 

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Which are the best Hollywood movies in 2021?

With a deadly virus bringing the entire world to a standstill, the year 2020 had all the elements of a Hollywood potboiler. While we can pat ourselves on the back for getting through the ordeal, the New Year promises to be a lot more entertaining. From “The Matrix” to “Mission Impossible”, there are a variety of new releases to look forward to in 2021…

“The Matrix 4″

Directed by Lana Wachowski, starring Keanu Reeves, Carrie Anne Moss, Jada Pinkett Smith, Lambert Wilson. Neo (Reeves) and Trinity (Moss) return to the world of ‘The Matrix’ – the digital world Wachowski helped create way back in 1999.

“Black Widow”

Directed by Cate Shortland, starring Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz, Marvel’s prequel focussing on Johansson’s Natasha Romanoff in her quests between “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War’.

“Dune”

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, starring Timothée Chalamet, Josh Brolin, Rebecca Ferguson. Adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sprawling sci-fi epic about the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy.

“Top Gun: Maverick”

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, starring Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Val Kilmer, Jay Ellis, Miles Teller. We’ve had to wait 31 years for a Top Gun sequel. It will again feature Cruise riding motorcycles, playing volleyball and flying jets like a madman.

“The Last Duel”

Directed by Ridley Scott, starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer. A true story of knights and maidens in which King Charles VI (Affleck) declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges (Damon) settle his dispute with his squire Jacques Le Gris (Driver) by challenging him to a duel.

“Sherlock Holmes 3”

Directed by Dexter Fletcher, starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams. The long-awaited Sherlock Holmes sequel screens a decade after “RDJ” and “Law” last brought their mischievous friendship to Victorian England.

“No Time To Die”

Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, starring Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Rami Malek, Naomie Harris, Lea Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear. The 25th James Bond” film, with Craig returning for his fifth and possibly final turn as 007. Bond comes out of retirement when his old CIA friend Felix Leiter persuades him to perform one last mission.

“Death on the Nile”

Directed by Kenneth Branagh, starring Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Annette Bening, Rose Leslie. Branagh returns as detective Hercule Poirot following the surprise success of 2017’s “Murder on the Orient Express”, which Branagh also directed.

“Mission: Impossible 7”

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, starring Tom Cruise, Vanessa Kirby, Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is back in action for the seventh instalment of the franchise that showcased his willingness to engage in death defying stunts. McQuarrie returns as writer and director.

“Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway”

Directed by Will Gluc, starring James Corden, Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, David Oyelowo. A sequel based on the work of Beatrix Potter sees the rabbit going to the big city, where he meets troublemakers and ends up creating chaos.

“Cruella”

Directed by Alex Timbers and Craig Gillespie, starring Emma Stone, Joel Fry, Kirby Howell Baptiste, Paul Walter Hauser, Emma Thompson. Disney’s prequel to the classic with Cruella De Vil (Stone) becoming obsessed with Dalmatian fur.

 

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What is mythopoeia?

Stories of divine beings with supernatural powers, and of epic clashes between good and evil forces have been a source of entertainment for generations. Rooted in religion and mythology, these tales were often narrated by doting grandmother to their grandchildren over multiple cups of afternoon tea. Today, these folk tales and lores have donned new avatars with modern twists and an international flavour.

Welcome to mythopoeia. It is a world ruled by mighty Greek gods, fierce Viking warriors, and brave witches and wizards. Mythopoeia is a genre in which a fictional mythology is created by the author. If you like reading stories about fantastical creatures and imaginary worlds, you will love it here.

New universes

Books written under this genre contains entirely unique fictional universes, which may have elements of existing mythology. Writers create complex worlds with well-detailed histories chronicling the past and intricate geographies along with the unique laws of nature that govern their fictional worlds.

Who coined the term?

The term is derived from Greek words ‘muthos and ‘poein’, which means “myth making.” R. R. Tolkien was the first to use the word as the title of a poem dedicated to C.S. Lewis. It was published in 1931.

Books and films

  • J. R. R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Silmarillion” series.
  • C. S. Lewis “The Chronicles of Narnia”
  • Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson” series, “Trials of the Apollo” and “The Kane Chronicles”.
  • J. K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter’ series and “The Ickabog”
  • Terry Pratchett’s “Discworld” series,
  • Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” series and “The Book of Dust” trilogy.
  • Cornelia Funke “Inkheart” trilogy.
  • Christopher Paolini “The Inheritance Cycle”.
  • Marvel’s comics and films – “Thor”, “Avengers” and “Doctor Strange”.

 

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What is cliffhanger?

A cliffhanger is a literacy device used to create an element of suspense in the story. When the plotline ends suddenly or is left unresolved. It leaves unanswered questions that make the reader or viewer want to come back to learn what will happen.

Origin

The phrase comes from the idea of “hanging off a cliff”. Cliffhangers were first popularized in the serials of the 1920s and 30s, and were often accompanied by the text “To be continued.”

Binge watching

Today, cliffhangers are widely used in television, web, and book series. They encourage people to come back for each new segment or episode. Usually, a cliffhanger doesn’t lend itself well to standalone films. But with the popularity of franchises and sequels, the use of cliffhanger endings in films has increased over the years.

The suspense maker

A cliffhanger is a great technique to use in a thriller because it builds up the action and then leaves the audience on the edge of their seat. Authors frequently build suspense throughout their stories to keep their reader’s attention and increase anticipation for what is to come.

Popular cliffhangers

  • ‘Harry Potter’ series: Author J.K. Rowling is a master of cliffhangers, and she has employed them cleverly throughout all seven books in the “Harry Potter” series. One of the biggest cliffhangers in the series is the ending of the fourth book, “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” – in the graveyard, Voldemort rises again with the help of peter Pettigrew, and summons his fearsome Death’s Eaters.
  • “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018): The penultimate “Avengers” film packed quite a punch towards the end. Having acquired all six infinity Stones, Thanos uses his newfound powers to snap his fingers and wipe out half of all life in the universe. Half of their team turns to dust and vanishes from existence, including fan-favourite characters such as Drax, Black Panther, and Spider-Man. The last scene shows Thanos sitting peacefully on a rock with a satisfying look on his face as he has fulfilled his dream.
  • “The Dark Knight” (2008): Though Batman defeats the Joker, he is unable to save Harvey Dent, who dies in the aftermath of his kidnapping of James Gordon’s family. Seeking to spare the people of Gotham City from learning the horrible truth about Dent’s crimes, Batman takes the fall for Dent and becomes a wanted fugitive, with the film’s final scene showing him on run from the police.

 

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Whose life story has the “Black” film draws inspiration from?

Black revolves around a deaf-blind girl, and her relationship with her teacher who himself later develops Alzheimer’s disease. The film draws inspiration from the life of Helen Keller, the blind academic and activist. 

The film was screened at the Casablanca Film Festival and the International Film Festival of India. It won the Filmfare Award for best film. Time Magazine (Europe) selected the film as one of the 10 Best Movies of the Year 2005 from around the globe. The movie was positioned at number five. Indiatimes Movies ranks the movie amongst the 25 Must See Bollywood Films. The film was premiered in the Marché du Film section of the 2005 Cannes Film Festival. Amitabh Bachchan received his second National Film Award for Best Actor at the 53rd National Film Awards, his fourth Filmfare Award for Best Actor and his second Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for his performance and Rani Mukerji won her second Filmfare Award for Best Actress and her second Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress.

Black was originally scheduled to be released on 10 December 2004, but Bhansali decided to postpone its release. Black was released on 4 February 2005 in 170 different towns in India, a small number compared to most large-budget Bollywood films. Black was also screened at several international film festivals like the Casablanca Film Festival. The film released in South Korea on 27 August 2009.

 

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Which 2015, National Film Award-winning Tamil film narrates the story of two siblings – from a Chennai slum-overcome with a strong desire to taste a pizza?

Tamil filmmaker M Manikandan’s Kaakkaa Muttai is about aspiration, the food chain and a kind of hunger that is unique to the process of globalisation.
Kaaka Muttai’s story revolves around two slum children of Chennai, Tamil Nadu whose desire is to taste a pizza. The film had its world premiere on 5 September 2014 at the 39th Toronto International Film Festival, and was released worldwide on 5 June 2015, and received widespread acclaim for its story and cast performances. It went on to win two National Film Awards at the 2015 ceremony – Best Children’s Film and Best Child Artist (Ramesh and Vignesh).

The first look of the project was announced to the media by Padma on 26 January 2014, coinciding with Republic Day, with Dhanush and Vetrimaaran announcing that they would be making a children’s film to be directed by M. Manikandan, a former wedding photographer, who had earlier directed the short film, Wind (2010), with music by G V Prakash Kumar. Filming for the project began at the end of May 2013, with the maker suggesting that the film would be complete in one schedule. Silambarasan accepted to make a cameo appearance in the film. He joined the team in September 2013 to film scenes alongside Babu Antony who plays a landlord. Two newcomers, Ramesh and Vignesh, had been selected to play the lead roles along with Iyshwarya Rajesh and Ramesh Thilak. In August 2014, it was reported that the film had been completed four months before.

 

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Which Malayalam film (2009) is named after its protagonist – a speech – and hearing-impaired school child, whose life changes for the better with the arrival of a new drawing teacher?

Keshu is a 2009 Indian Malayalam children’s film directed by Sivan. The film won by Best Children’s Film award at the 57th National Film Awards. It also won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Children’s Film of 2009.

Directed by Sivan, Keshu had Navneeth Krishnan in the lead, and told the tale of a deaf and dumb orphan who lives with his uncle and aunt. It narrates how the naughty, unruly kid develops a friendship with an art teacher, which leads to him finding his true potential in painting.

It was alleged that Sanjeev Sivan, son of director Sivan, was part of the regional jury of the film award and had allegedly recommended his father’s film for the award and hence it was illegal and inappropriate to give the award to ‘Keshu’. The Kerala High court stayed the presentation of the National award to the film following the complaint. Filmmaker and jury member Harikumar alleged that it was a remake of his 2001 film Pularvettom. The petition was dismissed finally by the Highcourt of Kerala, observing that Santosh Sivan was not part of the regional jury while Keshu was nominated for contesting for the national award.

 

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Recipient of the Karnataka State Award 2016, which Kannada film directed by writer Nagaraj Kote and based on his own book called “Usiru”, tells the story of a school boy who dares to follow his heart?

Baanaadi is a 2014 Indian Kannada language children’s film written and directed by debutant Nagaraj Kote, based on the novel Usiru he wrote.  It stars Praful Vishwakarma, H. G. Dattatreya and Rajesh Nataranga in the lead roles. The supporting cast features Dhruthi, Abhinaya, Sringeri Ramanna, Jayashree Raj, Venkatachala, T. S. Nagabharana, Mimicry Gopi and Yashwanth Kote. Music for five of the six soundtracks in the film were composed by Karthik Sharma, who, with the film became the youngest composer in the history of Kannada cinema.

 Usiru, a novel written by Nagaraj Kote in the 1990s, deals with the upbringing of children in the current era. Deciding to direct a film based on the novel, Kote launched the film in April 2014, having signed Praful Vishwakarma, Rajesh Nataranga and H. G. Dattatreya to play characters of three generations; a young boy, his father and grandfather. The role of Praful’s mother was played by Anubhava, who was pregnant during the filming stages. Filming completed in July 2014.

 

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India’s official entry for the 2009 Academy Awards Best Foreign Film, which movie, directed by Aamir Khan, is about an eight-year-old Mumbai boy with dyslexia, who excels in art?

Aamir Khan’s debut directorial venture Taare Zameen Par, a sensitive story of an eight-year-old dyslexia child, has been selected as India’s entry to the foreign language category for Oscars at the 81st annual Academy awards.

Taare Zameen Par written by Amole Gupte was released in 2007 and has received critical and Box Office acclaim. Aamir had said that the film did business of Rs 131 crore at the box-office world-wide.

The film made its theatrical debut in India on 21 December 2007, and UTV Home Entertainment released a DVD for Indian audiences in 2008. Disney’s later release of the international edition DVD marked the first purchase of distribution rights for an Indian film by a global company.

Taare Zameen Par has received numerous awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Film for 2008 and the 2008 National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare. It was India’s official entry for the 2009 Academy Awards Best Foreign Film, but did not progress to the short-list.

 

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Winning several Indian and international awards, which Bengali film (2016) directed by Manas Mukul Pal narrates how the lives of two brothers, Chhotu and Gopal from a poor family in a Bengal village,

Sahaj Paather Gappo is a Bengali film directed by Manas Mukul Pal and produced by Avijit Saha. The film depicts the story of two brothers, Chhotu and Gopal from a poor family of a Bengal village.

10-year-old Gopal’s carefree childhood is disrupted when his father meets with an accident. It becomes difficult for his mother to feed him and his little brother Chottu. Gopal starts devising ways to earn money. With a little assistance from Chottu he takes up odd jobs from cleaning wells to selling laboriously plucked fruits in the local village market. Emboldened by his initial success, Gopal fancies himself as the breadwinner of the family. Meanwhile, a grand Janmashtami feast is being planned in the Brahmin household where the pulao will be served. Hearing this both the brothers hatch plans of their own. Gopal would like to make a quick buck by selling palmyras for the feast, while Chottu starts dreaming of this fancy dish that he has never seen or tasted. After all he has heard that the whole village will be invited. But as a disheartening reality Gopal and Chhotu were not chosen to be invited. It shattered Chhotu’s dream world.

This film made its entry to Mumbai Film Festival 2016 in two categories and is selected for Indian Panorama section of International Film Festival of India 2016. It is also one of the two movies from India that competed in the international section of International Film Festival of India. Noor Islam and Samiul Alam jointly won the National Film Awards, India (2016) in the best child actor category.

 

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Premiering at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival , which film, set in Assam and directed by self-taught filmmaker Rima Das?

Village Rockstars is a 2017 Indian Assamese language coming-of-age film written, edited, co-produced, and directed by Rima Das, who is a self-taught filmmaker.

 The film premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Rockstars was Das’s second film after Antardrishti (2016). Her 2018 film, Bulbul Can Sing, was premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. In 2019, she directed her first documentary fiction ‘Sunshine Dreamers’. This is a result of her collaboration with BRICS co-production Kids & Glory for which she worked with Producer Lu Chuan and fellow BRICS Directors Tiago Arakilian, Nastia Tarasova, Shen Zhao Qing, Shane Vermooten and Lu Chuan.

‘Village Rockstars’ which tells the story of a 10 year old girl and her dream of owning a guitar and forming a band, the Rockstars, with a group of local boys, has also won awards in three other categories.

Village Rockstars also won awards in three other categories: Best Child Artist, Best Location Sound Recordist and Best Editing. The film was selected as India’s official entry to the 91st Academy Awards, but it was not nominated for top nine films from 87.

 

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Which Academy Award-winning documentary (2008) tells the real story of a five-year-old village near Varanasi?

 

Smile Pinki (2008) is a 39-minute documentary directed by Megan Mylan. The film shows the story of a poor girl in rural India whose life is transformed when she receives free surgery to correct her cleft lip. 

“Nomination of Smile Pinki for an Oscar is bound to bring awareness about this congenital anomaly among the general public and health agencies and therefore it is a good news for all cleft patients whose life can change,” said an elated Singh.

Produced in Hindi (with English subtitles), Smile Pinki was also a 2008 nominee for best documentary short by the International Documentary Association.

Others in race with Smile Pinki are The Conscience of Nhem En, The Final Inch, and The Witness – From the Balcony of Room 306.

 

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Set in Rajasthan and directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, which National Award-winning film (2015) revolves around a 10-year-old girl who is on a quest to get an eye surgery for her visually challenged younge

Ever since the trailer of Nagesh Kukunoor’s ‘Dhanak’ was released, it managed to tug at the deepest corners of the heart. Starring Hetal Gadda and Krrish Chhabria as the two children, the film revolves around the lives of eight-year-old visually impaired boy Chotu and his 10-year-old sister Pari.

 

Pari, who had promised her younger brother that he’ll be able to see before he turns 9, sets out on a magical journey with Chotu to meet their reel-life hero Shah Rukh Khan who is apparently promoting an eyes donation campaign.

The film was premiered at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival where it won the Crystal Bear Grand Prix for Best Children’s Film, and Special Mention for the Best Feature Film by The Children’s Jury for Generation Kplus.

The film has also garnered the Best Film Award in the main category-Children’s Feature Film Competition-Cinema in Sneakers (film festival), and the Best Film Award – at the Montreal International Children’s Film Festival (FIFEM). Dhanak was also screened at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles, and the Toronto International Film Festival. The film has garnered Best Children’s Film at the 64th National Film Awards.

 

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Based on Ruskin Bond’s novel of the same name, which 2005 film, set in Himachal Pradesh and directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, follows a little girl in love with her new-found umbrella?

The Blue Umbrella is a 2005 Indian drama film based on the novel The Blue Umbrella (1980) by Ruskin Bond. It was directed by Vishal Bhardwaj and starred Shreya Sharma and Pankaj Kapur in lead roles. The music was by Bhardwaj and lyrics were penned by Gulzar. The story is about a conflict between a young girl and a mean old man in a small hill town in Himachal Pradesh.

In a small village of Himachal Pradesh, a little girl Binya trades her lucky leopard’s claw pendant for a pretty, frilly blue umbrella.

There were many who envied Binya her treasured possession, and the most envious of them all was old Ram Bharosa, the shopkeeper, who decided that he must own the blue umbrella, by means fair or foul.

The Blue Umbrella received positive reviews, including Hindustan Times writer Khalid Mohamed who describes it as a child’s confection ‘with passages of charm, visual aplomb and lively performances.’ The acting of Pankaj Kapur is noted in particular.

 

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Set in Kashmir and directed by Santosh Sivan, which 2008 film tells the story of an eight-year-old boy and his pet donkey?

From award winning director Santosh Sivan, TAHAAN is a stunningly shot, fable-like story set in scenic but strife-ridden Kashmir. The conflict is used as backdrop for the story of an eight-year-old boy, Tahaan, who tries to gain back his beloved pet donkey that has been sold to pay the family debt.

After major commercial releases such as The Terrorist (1999), Asoka (2001), Anandabhadram (2005) and Before the Rains (2007), award-winning director Santosh Sivan got the idea for this film after reading a newspaper report. He formed a fable-like story from the report.

Since Kashmir is a strife-torn area, films are rarely picturised there. However, in the case of this film, Sivan thought that audiences can relate it to the film well. It was only after 18 years that a film was filmed in Kashmir.

While filming in Pahalgam, Sivan realised to his surprise that children were comfortable with guns. It seemed to him that it was a part of everyday life for them. The film makes eloquent use of Quranic verses or azaan, for which the director took help from research scholars in Kashmir.

 

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What is the career in film making?

A director’s role

The director translates a script creatively, decides the cast, costumes, venue of shoot and chooses technicians and producers to help the director manage the entire production by looking into the operational aspects that include hiring technicians, managing locations, arranging camera rentals and so on.

According to Chowdhury, the first thing one requires to become a director is a knack for films. “You need to watch a lot of films. I started watching Hindi and Bengali cinema and then moved onto foreign films,” he says.

It is equally important to acquire knowledge of all the aspects of film making. A director has to be involved in each and every process from scripting and dialogue writing to editing. “One should be able to close one’s eyes and visualize the entire film,” says Chowdhury.

Good communication and planning skills will help in conveying thoughts and ideas clearly to the entire crew and get work done on time.

What to study?

Film making is taught as part of mass media at an undergraduate level. You can opt for special courses offered by film schools for further specializations.

Where:

Film and Television Institute of India, Pune: Three year post graduate diploma in Direction and Screenplay Writing.
Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi: Master of Arts in Mass Communication.
Satyaji Ray Film and Televiison Institute, Kolkata: Three year post graduate programme in Cinema.
Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai: Diploma in Film, Television and Digital Video Production.

Challenges

Film-making is a labourious art form, requiring a lot of hard work and discipline. “Making a film is not as simple as it looks. There are many variables at play.” says Chowdhury.  “A director has to juggle all of them.”

One should be able to make last-minute changes and at the same time stick to the budget. “Sometimes while shooting it may suddenly rain and you will have to change the location or reschedule the shoot. This can cost a lot and budgeting and planning skills are important,” he adds.

Another challenge is co-ordination and understanding of people. A director has to handle actors, (which can be a tough job) hone their skills and abilities the way it’s needed in the film. This requires an understanding of people and how to motivate them to give their best.

One should be willing to constantly learn and relearn everything they know. “You are always learning. You have to stay abreast of new technology and the latest in cinema and film-making,” adds Chowdhury.

Director’s speak

Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury fell in love with cinema when he watched his first film Haathi Mere Saathi, in a quaint single-screen cinema hall at the age of 10. But it took him a long time for his dream to be fulfilled. To begin with, Chowdhury, who directed Pink, had no idead how to get started in the industry. Coming from a middle-class background, Chowdhury was the first one in his family to venture into films. “There was no one to advise me or guide me. So I used to hang around at Tollygunge Studio in Kolkata daily to see what was happening there. At that time it was the only way I could get a peek into film-making,” says Chowdhury, quickly adding that he wouldn’t recommend this to others. Slowly, he began helping out on the sets and later took on full-time work as a film-executive at a private studio. “I slogged it out at the studio for five to six years. There was very little money, but I made it a point to familiarize myself with every aspect of film production, which is essential if you want to become a director,” adds Chowdhury.

With some experience under his belt, he moved onto making telefilms for Doordarshan, and there was no looking back after that. “I got to travel a lot and became involved in the film-making process and I realised that I have stories that I want to share with people (through films),” he adds.

 

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Dramatic Vocation

I want to make a career in acting. I tried to find about a place where I could learn acting, but in vain. Please give me all the information. Also, how good is the scope in acting, or is TV the only option after actors?

Most youngsters today enroll for an acting course because it opens avenues in the TV and the film world. A good grounding in acting is desired for success in TV and films, because an acting school teaches you clarity of language, dictation, body movements and variations in expressions.

Also. Making a living solely out of theatre is very difficult. A better approach is to take up some good productions on TV.

The National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, is the hub of theatre activity in India. It has a three-year course, admission to which is granted after graduation. The list of NSD alumni is the who’s who of acting in India from Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah to Manoj Bajpai and Ashutosh Rana. In fact, the NSD course is equivalent to post-graduation, after which you are eligible to apply for an MPhil and teach in an Indian university. Admission to the three-year post-graduate diploma course is on the basis of a week-long workshop at NBSD.

You can contact the registrar, National School of Drama, Bahawalpur House, Bhagwan Das Road, New Delhi for admission details.

Bharatendu Natya Academy, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow offers a two year diploma course in theatre.

Admission is on the basis of an audition and aptitude test, in June.

Universities like Osmania University in Hyderabad, Madurai Kamraj University, Devi Ahilya University in Indore and Maharaj Sayajirao University in Baroda conduct PG courses.

 

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