Indian Cinema and the Environment: Crisis Captured through the…

Indian cinema, a powerful force in shaping cultural narratives, has increasingly embraced the crucial task of depicting and confronting pressing environmental concerns.

From the nuanced environmental subtexts woven into classic films to the stark, contemporary narratives directly addressing climate change, pollution, and ecological devastation, Indian cinema mirrors the nation’s evolving environmental awareness.

Over the past few years, Indian cinema has increasingly illuminated the perilous realities of climate change through a diverse range of films, from Kantara and Sherdil to Kadvi Hawa and Kaadan.

This article captures how these and other films have championed nature and underscored the urgent need for environmental conservation.

Early Portrayals of Nature in Indian Cinema

Indian cinema has a rich and diverse history that spans more than 100 years.

Early cinema in India often portrayed nature as a scenic backdrop, a romantic setting, or a powerful, sometimes destructive, force. While not explicitly environmental in their focus, these early films established nature’s significance within the cinematic landscape.

Some early films like Mother India (1957) depicted nature’s raw power, particularly through floods and droughts, and their devastating impact on rural communities.

On the other hand, Pyaasa (1957), though primarily a social commentary, subtly integrated natural imagery to mirror the protagonist’s emotional turmoil and profound connection to the natural world.

Though often implicit, these depictions paved the way for future narratives that would more directly address environmental themes.

Shifting Perspectives: From Backdrop to Issue

With the rise of global environmental consciousness, Indian cinema began to engage with ecological issues more explicitly.

Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), a widely popular film celebrating the bond between humans and elephants, addressed the critical issue of deforestation and its devastating consequences for wildlife.

Satyajit Ray’s Aranyer Din Ratri (1970) explored the intricate dynamics of human relationships set against the backdrop of a forest, subtly suggesting the precarious balance between nature and human encroachment.

These films signalled a significant shift towards more direct engagement with environmental themes, reflecting a growing societal awareness of ecological challenges.

Case Studies of Contemporary Films

Contemporary Indian cinema has increasingly confronted the urgency of the environmental crisis with a surge of films directly addressing these challenges.

Deepa Mehta’s Water (2005), centred on the plight of widows in Varanasi, subtly underscored issues of water pollution and river degradation through their dependence on the Ganges.

Again, Aisa Yeh Jahaan (2015) tackled a range of environmental problems, from deforestation to widespread pollution, as seen through the eyes of a family striving to protect their natural surroundings.

Next, Kadvi Hawa (2017), starring Sanjay Mishra, bravely became India’s first feature film focused on climate change.

Directed by Nila Madhab Panda, Kadvi Hawa sensitively depicted how climate change threatens marginalized communities, where the absence of monsoons becomes an everyday conversation. A poignant scene in the movie shows a child struggling to reconcile textbook descriptions of four seasons with the reality of only two. The film seamlessly connects climate calamity with the daily struggles of farmers and climate refugees.

In contrast, Boomika (2021) explored the eco-horror genre, portraying a wealthy protagonist whose plan to clear-cut a forest for a “green” development provokes nature’s violent retribution. While Kadvi Hawa subtly conveyed its message, Boomika directly emphasizes the devastating consequences of human exploitation of the earth.

Sherni (2021) starring the popular actress Vidya Balan, showcases people’s lives in direct contact with the Indian jungles, i.e. forest guards and officers. The movie explains the finer points of tigers, their behaviours and their role in our ecology. It also shows the involvement of local communities in preserving our biodiversity.

Beyond Mainstream Movies

While Hindi movies have played a major part in spreading environmental messages, regional Indian cinema has made significant contributions to the conversation.

For example, the Odia film Kokoli: Fish Out of Water (2021) depicted the devastating impact of rising sea levels on coastal communities in Odisha. Similarly, Kaadan (2021), starring Rana Daggubati, opted for a more mainstream action-entertainment approach, focusing on elephant conservation and the conflict between forest dwellers and exploitative capitalists.

The Kannada film Kantara (2022) also explored the complex and often fraught relationship between humanity and nature, specifically within the context of a forest deity and the exploitation of natural resources. These regional narratives brought localized environmental issues to wider attention, showcasing the diverse ecological challenges faced across India.

Expanding the Narrative through Impactful Documentaries

Indian cinema’s engagement with environmental themes extends beyond feature films, including documentaries and short films that offer deeper explorations of critical issues.

The Academy Award-winning The Elephant Whisperers (2022), for example, beautifully captured the profound connection between a couple and orphaned elephant calves, raising crucial awareness about elephant conservation.

Numerous other short films and documentaries have been created to address a wide range of specific environmental challenges, from wildlife preservation to the promotion of sustainable living practices.

Sherdil (2022), a recent low-budget OTT release, employed simple storytelling to explore the theme of greed versus need. Centering on human-animal conflict, the film delves into the struggles of a remote forest village, highlighting the role of an apathetic administration and emphasizing how the insatiable desire for “more” is destroying nature. Sherdil effectively blurs the lines between profit-driven businessmen and uninformed consumers.

Impact and Future of Environmental Storytelling

Indian cinema’s growing engagement with environmental themes has undeniably contributed to raising public awareness and fostering crucial conversations about ecological concerns. These films possess the power to reach vast audiences, making complex environmental issues more accessible and relatable.

While some films have masterfully integrated entertainment with compelling environmental messaging, others have struggled to strike the right balance, occasionally sacrificing narrative depth for the sake of delivering a message.

Furthermore, measuring the actual impact of these films on behavioural change is complex. Nevertheless, it can be said that the future of environmental storytelling in Indian cinema holds considerable promise.

As environmental concerns intensify, filmmakers are increasingly recognizing their vital role in raising awareness and inspiring meaningful change. The growing prominence of streaming platforms also offers exciting new avenues for reaching broader audiences with impactful environmental narratives.

By continuing to craft compelling stories that resonate emotionally with viewers, Indian cinema can play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and driving action towards a more sustainable future.