Impact of Indian Cinema: Influence of Films on Students in Modern Times

Films are one of the best means for provoking thoughts and ideas and engaging people to reflect on their actions and way of life. Films are therefore a prominent channel for student learning. Students take pleasure in watching films, imitating movie characters and grow fond of learning languages and scientific concepts through them. Films are very commonly used as a tool for students learning in higher education and they have significant positive impacts. In the recent years, there has been a significant transformation of Indian cinema not just as a source of entertainment, but, through portrayal of social and responsible cinema thereby having a stronger impact on the masses. Gradually the film fraternity is focussing on social issues and has created awareness amongst the students. However, the majority of the movie makers still have a backdated and stereotypical film making mind-set which may have opposing effects. Various cultural transformations have happened over a point of time in India owing to the contributions made by contemporary movies and films. There have been changes with regards to the ideas of love and marriage, instances of live in relationships have come of age and there has been a constant and continuous shift from the concept of joint families to nuclear families. Building on the changes in the cultural values; preferences have changed with regards to choice of career options, attitude, mental and physical health, ethics and belief system. The research paper focuses on the holistic effects of Indian cinema on students and their behavioural changes as a bi-product of films . It aims to showcase the impact of changing genres and portrayal of students in Indian cinema amongst the youth and encourages the film makers and media personnel to bring social issues on mainstream by implementing real aspects into the reel cinema.