Watch An American in Madras

An American in Madras is a documentary film released in 2013. It is directed by Karan Bali and produced by Jennifer S. Li. The movie follows the journey of an American filmmaker named Ellis Dungan, who came to India in the 1930s and ended up transforming the Tamil film industry. The documentary begins by introducing the audience to Dungan, who grew up in West Virginia and studied music and photography. He developed an interest in cinema and decided to come to India to work as a photographer on American documentaries about India. However, fate had other plans for him, and he ended up staying in India for 15 years.

Dungan's first exposure to Tamil cinema was through his friend P.K. Nair, who was working as a film archivist in India at the time. Together, they would watch Tamil films and discuss their merits and flaws. Dungan was struck by the melodramatic and over-the-top acting in these films and felt that there was room for improvement.

Dungan's big break came when he was hired by the Gemini Studios in Madras (now Chennai) to direct a film called "Sathi Leelavathi" in 1936. The film was a resounding success and established Dungan as a talented filmmaker in the Tamil film industry. He went on to direct several other successful films like "Manthiri Kumari," "Madanamala," and "Nalla Thambi."

One of the most significant contributions that Dungan made to Tamil cinema was the introduction of Western filmmaking techniques. He brought with him the experience he had gained working in Hollywood and incorporated it into his Tamil films. He introduced close-ups, tracking shots, and other techniques that were rarely used in Indian cinema at the time.

The documentary also explores Dungan's relationship with M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, one of the biggest stars in Tamil cinema at the time. Dungan and Bhagavathar worked together on several films and shared a close bond. Bhagavathar was known for his exceptional singing voice, and Dungan made sure to showcase it in his films. Together, they created some of the most memorable songs in Tamil cinema history.

An American in Madras also delves into the cultural and political climate of India during Dungan's time there. The British Raj was still in power, and the Indian independence movement was gaining momentum. Dungan was an outsider in this environment, but he managed to make a significant impact on the Tamil film industry through his work.

In addition to Dungan's story, the documentary also sheds light on the history of Tamil cinema and its evolution over the years. It covers the period from the silent era to the present day and features interviews with filmmakers and actors who have contributed to the industry.

Overall, An American in Madras is an insightful and engaging documentary that offers a unique perspective on the history of Indian cinema. It showcases the contribution of an American filmmaker who played a significant role in the growth of the Tamil film industry. The documentary is a must-watch for film buffs and anyone interested in Indian cinema history.