Transport as Portrayed in Indian Cinema

The film posters have been the centerpiece of publicity of movies in India. Ever since the screening of first Indian film the posters have played a significant role to stimulate the interest of people and convert them to audiences.

The film posters in their true essence have been the reflection of changing times and trends. These not only portray the story of a film, but present the glimpses of popular art of time.

The psyche of a film poster artist is to narrate the complete story of the film through poster. At the same time in the process of narration the artist attempts to throw light on the socio economic and cultural scenario of different times.

Portrayal of transport has been integral to the films in both regional cinema and Bollywood. Bollywood has extensively experimented with means of transport as props in the movies. The song sequences and action scenes were given the finish of perfection with the use of car, bike or train in background.

The train sequences have a phenomenal role to play in the twist of scene in Bollywood films. Portrayal of trains provides a perfect setting for drama, action and romance.

Train scenes are captured in the film posters, these appear to be a vibrant splash of colours.

The filmmakers loved to flaunt the huge cars of 50s and 60s. Different variants of cars have been seen on the silver screen whether they be convertible or sedan.

Depiction of transport in movies and the film posters is iconic. The use of transport especially the cars throws light on the style and socio cultural scenario of particular time. Stylistic features of cars like fins and wings of 50s and find special place in the posters.

When we talk of the influence of time on poster art, 1950s to 1970s had been an era of usage of vibrant colours which were hand painted. This kind of styling made them more retro in nature.

Typography in these posters was combined with large 3d Fonts. The style of fonts caught the eyes of the audiences, and gave the poster an overall cinematic touch.

Coming to the decades of 80s and 90s there was a major shift from posters to photographs. Such beautiful posters have become collectables today as these posters have been replaced by digital prints nowadays. Lots of collectors are adding onto their memorabilia in order to save the lost glory of Hand painted film posters.