Discover the Best Bhojpuri Films of All Time
Bhojpuri films have gained immense popularity in recent years, attracting both national and international attention. This regional cinema from the state of Bihar and parts of Uttar Pradesh has carved its own niche in the Indian film industry, with some of its movies breaking records at the box office.
From melodramatic plots to foot-tapping music, Bhojpuri films offer a unique cinematic experience. In this blog post, we will explore the history, impact, controversies, and future of the Bhojpuri film industry, and also highlight some of the best Bhojpuri films of all time.
Introduction to Bhojpuri Film Industry
Bhojpuri cinema, also known as “Bhojiwood”, originated in the 1960s with the first Bhojpuri film “Ganga Maiyya Tohe Piyari Chadhaibo” releasing in 1963. The movie was a superhit and paved the way for the growth of the Bhojpuri film industry. Initially, Bhojpuri films were known for their low-budget and poor production quality, and were only popular among the rural audience. However, with the rise of satellite television and the internet, Bhojpuri films started gaining more viewership and popularity.
Bhojpuri cinema is primarily produced in the cities of Mumbai, Patna, and Varanasi, with most of the shooting taking place in these cities and their surrounding areas. The language used in Bhojpuri films is a mix of Hindi and Bhojpuri dialect, making it accessible to a larger audience. The industry has also seen a significant increase in the number of theaters specially dedicated to screening Bhojpuri films, which has contributed to its growth and success.
History of Bhojpuri Cinema
The history of Bhojpuri cinema can be traced back to the 1960s when it started with low-budget and mythological films. However, in the 1980s and 1990s, Bhojpuri films saw a shift towards action and drama genres. The film “Bidesiya” directed by S.N. Tripathi in 1963 is considered to be a milestone in the history of Bhojpuri cinema as it became the first Bhojpuri film to receive the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bhojpuri.
In the early 2000s, Bhojpuri films started incorporating more modern and urban themes, appealing to a wider audience. With the rise of digital platforms, Bhojpuri films have also found a new medium to reach a global audience. Today, Bhojpuri cinema has become a significant contributor to the Indian film industry, showcasing the rich culture and tradition of the Bhojpuri-speaking regions.
Popular Actors in Bhojpuri Films
Bhojpuri cinema has its own set of talented actors who have charmed the audience with their performances. Some of the popular actors in Bhojpuri films include:
- Ravi Kishan: Considered to be one of the top actors in Bhojpuri cinema, Ravi Kishan has also worked in several Hindi films. He made his acting debut in the Bhojpuri film “Pitambar” in 1992 and has since then appeared in over 300 Bhojpuri films.
- Manoj Tiwari: A well-known actor, singer, and television personality, Manoj Tiwari has been a part of the Bhojpuri film industry since the late 90s. He has won several awards for his performances in films like “Sasura Bada Paisawala” and “Ganga Jamuna Saraswati”.
- Amrapali Dubey: With her charming looks and versatile acting skills, Amrapali Dubey has become one of the most sought-after actresses in Bhojpuri cinema. She made her debut with the film “Nirahua Hindustani” in 2014 and has since then worked in several blockbuster films.
Apart from these actors, other popular names in the Bhojpuri film industry include Dinesh Lal Yadav (Nirahua), Pawan Singh, Kajal Raghwani, and Akshara Singh.
Top Grossing Bhojpuri Films
Over the years, Bhojpuri films have seen a surge in their box office collections, breaking records and earning huge profits. Here are some of the top grossing Bhojpuri films of all time:
- “Ganga Jamuna Saraswati”: Released in 1988, this film became the first Bhojpuri movie to earn over ₹50 lakh at the box office. Directed by Manjul Thakur, the film starred Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Prada, and Mithun Chakraborty in lead roles.
- “Sasura Bada Paisawala”: This 2004 film starring Manoj Tiwari and Rani Chatterjee was a blockbuster hit, earning over ₹10 crore at the box office. The movie also won various awards and accolades for its performances and music.
- “Nirahua Hindustani 2”: A sequel to the 2014 film “Nirahua Hindustani”, this movie was released in 2017 and went on to earn over ₹15 crore at the box office. Starring Dinesh Lal Yadav and Amrapali Dubey, the film was declared a superhit.
Impact of Bhojpuri Films on Indian Cinema
Bhojpuri films have had a significant impact on the Indian film industry, showcasing a unique style of storytelling and a different cultural perspective. With its own set of talented actors, directors, and technicians, the Bhojpuri film industry has contributed to the overall growth and diversity of Indian cinema.
Bhojpuri films have also been successful in breaking the stereotypes associated with regional cinema, gaining recognition and appreciation from all over the country. Many Hindi film actors have also worked in Bhojpuri films, increasing their popularity and reach. The success of Bhojpuri films has also inspired filmmakers from other regional industries to explore similar themes and genres.
Controversies Surrounding Bhojpuri Films
Like any other film industry, Bhojpuri cinema has also faced its share of controversies. Some of the major controversies surrounding Bhojpuri films include:
- Vulgarity: There have been constant debates regarding the use of vulgar language and content in Bhojpuri films. While some argue that it is a reflection of the culture and language of the region, others believe that it promotes regressive and objectionable content.
- Lack of originality: Bhojpuri films have often been criticized for their lack of originality and copying storylines and songs from other languages. This has led to several legal battles between filmmakers and production houses.
- Low production quality: Despite the recent growth and success of Bhojpuri cinema, many still consider it to be of low-quality due to its budget constraints and limited resources. However, with advancements in technology and increase in investment, the quality of Bhojpuri films has also improved significantly.
Bhojpuri Film Music and Songs
No Bhojpuri film is complete without its catchy and melodious songs. From traditional folk songs to modern beats, Bhojpuri film music has something to offer for everyone. Some of the popular Bhojpuri film songs include “Lollipop Lagelu” from “Bidesiya”, “Hothwa Ke Lali” from “Sasura Bada Paisawala”, and “Kajal Raghwani” from “Nirahua Hindustani 2”.
Bhojpuri film music has also been successful in creating a fusion of traditional Bhojpuri folk music with modern styles, appealing to a wider audience. Many Bhojpuri film songs have also become chartbusters and gained popularity outside the Bhojpuri-speaking regions.
Challenges Faced by Bhojpuri Film Industry
Despite its growth and success, the Bhojpuri film industry still faces several challenges. One of the major challenges is the lack of government support and recognition. Unlike other regional industries like Tamil and Telugu cinema, Bhojpuri films do not receive any financial aid from state governments.
Another challenge faced by the Bhojpuri film industry is the limited reach and distribution of its films. The majority of Bhojpuri films are released in the Bihar and UP region, making it difficult for them to reach a wider audience. This also affects the revenue generation and profitability of these films.
Future of Bhojpuri Films
The future of Bhojpuri films looks promising with more and more filmmakers experimenting with different genres and themes. The industry has also seen an increase in investment, which has led to better production quality and bigger budgets. With the rise of digital platforms, Bhojpuri films are expected to reach a global audience, gaining more recognition and appreciation.
The success of Bhojpuri films has also inspired many young actors and filmmakers from the region to enter the industry, bringing in fresh talent and ideas. With the right support and resources, the Bhojpuri film industry has the potential to become one of the leading regional industries in India.
International Recognition of Bhojpuri Films
Bhojpuri cinema has not only gained recognition within India but has also found its way to international film festivals. In 2016, the Bhojpuri film “Deswa” was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, bringing much-needed attention to the industry. The film also won several awards at various international film festivals.
Apart from this, many Bhojpuri films have also been remade in other languages, including Hollywood and Chinese. This shows the impact and reach of Bhojpuri cinema on a global level, making it an integral part of Indian cinema.
Conclusion
Bhojpuri cinema, with its unique style and cultural representation, has become a significant contributor to the Indian film industry. From its humble beginnings to its rise to fame, Bhojpuri films have come a long way, gaining recognition and appreciation from all over the world. With continuous efforts and support, the future of Bhojpuri films looks bright, and we can expect more entertaining and successful movies from this regional industry.
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