1st film on-screen kiss to 1st film to be banned: Indian Cinema's 7 'Firsts' bet you didn’t know

Raja Harishchandra (1913) – First Movie in India: Marking the debut of Indian cinema, this silent film set the stage for the industry's future, proving to be a commercial success and an influential mi Image: Indian Cinema's 'Firsts' I IMDb

Alam Ara (1931) – First Indian talkie: Breaking the silence, this film added voice to cinema, overcoming recording challenges and reshaping the course of Indian filmmaking. Image: Indian Cinema's 'Firsts' I IMDb

Kisan Kanya (1937) – First colour film of India: This color feature highlighted a farmer's struggles, even though it wasn't commercially successful, leaving a significant mark in Indian cinematic hist Image: Indian Cinema's 'Firsts' I IMDb

Dhoop Chhaon (1935) – First playback song: Revolutionizing music in movies, this film introduced playback singing, a pivotal shift from live on-set performances. Image: Indian Cinema's 'Firsts' I IMDb

Apradhi (1931) – First Indian movie with artificial lights: P.C. Barua's film utilized artificial lighting, setting a new standard in filmmaking techniques. Image: Indian Cinema's 'Firsts' I IMDb

Bhakta Vidur (1921) – First banned Indian film: Amid political tensions, this banned film carried allegorical references, sparking controversy and facing restrictions Image: Indian Cinema's 'Firsts' I IMDb

Marthanda Varma (1933) – First on-screen kiss: This Malayalam film raised eyebrows by showcasing an on-screen kiss, a bold move in Indian cinema. Image: Indian Cinema's 'Firsts' I IMDb