An Insider's View of Hindi Cinema is a collection of the late film critic Anil Saari's writings on Hindi cinema. Saari began writing on the nature and popularity of Hindi cinema more than thirty years ago, much before this cinematic genre gained credibility in academic circles. He was probably one of the earliest critics of Hindi films and this volume shows how Saari combined his knowledge of Indian society and history to make a rich interpretation of the
narrative structures, aesthetics, and institutions of Hindi cinema.
Saari was a passionate advocate of Hindi cinema and emphasised the value of its popularity, as well as its roots in Indian folk theatre traditions. His critical and incisive essays span the entire ambit of modern Hindi cinema and discuss issues as varied as the social consciousness of Hindi cinema, children's cinema, and the dubious aesthetics of the latest remake of Devdas. Also included in this volume is his seminal essay 'The Dynamics of Tradition and Modernity in Hindi Cinema'.
All the pieces included in this book were published through Saari's long journalistic career. With an informative introduction by film critic, Partha Chatterjee, this book will appeal to general readers interested in knowing more about the Hindi film industry as also scholars of film studies, postcolonial studies, and cultural studies.