parallel cinema

Parallel cinema, also known as art house cinema, emerged in Indian film industries as a response to the increasing commercialization of mainstream filmmaking. This movement focused on compelling social issues such as caste discrimination, poverty, gender equality, and class struggle, offering a stark contrast to the typical "masala movie".1

Key directors associated with parallel cinema include Mani Kaul, Shyam Benegal, and Govind Nihalani. These films often operated on smaller budgets, precluding the use of major stars, but provided a platform for acclaimed actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Shabana Azmi, and Smita Patil. While the movement saw a decline in the early 1990s, it experienced a resurgence and its influence continues to be seen in contemporary Indian cinema, with blurred boundaries between commercial and art house styles.1