1949 Year that was

Friday, May 30 1997

1949 Year that was

THE BIRTH OF NAVKETAN: Dev Anand started his comopany in 1949.

Background:The Indian constitution is drawn up, adopting the British model. Universal suffrage and equal rights for all are among its radical measures. But it also includes Articles 352-5, empowering the President to declare a State of Emergency and providing the Central Government with virtually unlimited authority. Manipur becomes an Indian territory. The state of Rajasthan is formed merging the old state with the Rajput princely states of Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Ceasefire in Kashmir, as the Indian Constituent Assembly recognises Kashmir's independent status and its decision to become part of the Indian Union. This decision becomes a major rallying point for the Hindu Right which claims that Kashmir Muslims have `special status' in India. Ban on the RSS withdrawn, after a pledge to eschew violence. Trade agreement to export jute, tea and castor oil to the USSR in return for wheat. The USSR becomes India's biggest trading partner and the only country to accept rupees as a currency for international trade. Athreya's play, NGO pioneers realism on the Telugu stage.

Films Division is set up. The DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) is founded by C N Annadurai. The party launches its use of film as propaganda with Velaikkari and Nallathambi. Dharti Ke Lal becomes the first Indian film to receive widespread distribution in the USSR. Movie Times is launched in Bombay, edited by B K Karanjia. Indian Documentary is launched by Paul Zips and others.

* Entertainment tax was increased further in the Central Province (CP) to 50 per cent, and in West Bengal between 25 per cent to 75 per cent.

* In March, the Central Circuit Cine Conference was held at Nagpur, with the late Chuni Lall as president, to protest against the CP government's taxation policy. The cinemas in CP remained closed for a week in protest.

* The government again brought into force compulsory exhibition of `approval' films in June.

* Dev Anand and Chetan Anand start Navketan Productions in Bombay.

* On June 30, cinemas all over India remained closed as a protest against the government's taxation policy.

* Ajit, a full length colour picture produced by Bhavanani Productions, Bombay, in 16 mm Kodachrome and blown to 35 mm size was released.

* In August, censorship of films was included in the Union List in the New Constitution by the Parliament.

* In September, an amendment to the Indian Cinematograph Act 1918, was made whereby classification of `A' pictures (pictures only for adult viewing) and `U'( good for universal exhibition) certificates were brought into force.

* A Film Enquiry Committee under the chairmanship of S K Patil was appointed by the Government of India.

* Various state governments introduced restrictions to the length of films to be exhibited (11,000 ft for feature films and 400 ft for trailers (August-September).