There can be little doubt that cinema is one of the most potent and vibrant mediums of communication of this century. What started as just a "mechanical toy" at the turn of the century has become a powerful medium of communication and self expression evolving its own languageand grammar over the decades.

While several inventors from different countries prepared the way, it was the work of the Lumiere Brothers of Lyon in France which proved to be the turning point and ultimately gave birth to the cinema. They gave the first show of their 'Cinematographe' on December 28, 1895 at the Salon Indiens of the Grand Cafe in Paris. Barely six months after the early historic screenings in Europe and America the Lumiere Brothers organised an exhibition of their invention at Watson's Hotel, Bombay, on July 7, 1896.

The show which made a lasting impact, was variously described as the "marvel of the century" and "the wonder of the world". It marked the beginning of cinema in India which grew from strength to strength over the foundations laid by thepioneers such as Harishchandra Sakharam Bhatwadekar, J.F. Madan and Dada Saheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India