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The world of film posters is an art form that has evolved over nearly a century, capturing the imagination of audiences with its unique blend of art and advertising. The journey of these posters began with the release of Kalyan Khajina in 1924, which is widely believed to be the first Bollywood movie to use a poster for publicity. From these humble beginnings, Bollywood movie posters have undergone a significant transformation, transitioning from mere promotional tools to coveted pieces of art that reflect the cultural zeitgeist of their times.
In the golden era of Indian cinema, these posters were created by a talented community of artists who used locally available colours mixed with linseed oil to produce larger-than-life designs. These designs were then replicated through lithographic printing, resulting in thousands of prints that adorned the walls near theaters, barber shops, and tea stalls. The bold brush strokes, vivid colors, and dynamic typography of these posters became a hallmark of Bollywood's visual culture, providing a glimpse into a film's narrative and its characters' emotions.
Now, in an era dominated by digital media, Indian Hippy caters to our nostalgia, and is dedicated to reviving the nearly extinct art form of hand-painted Bollywood movie posters. Founded in 2009 by Mumbai-based entrepreneur Hinesh Jethwani, Indian Hippy is a collective of the last remaining Bollywood movie poster artists and billboard painters in India. This unique venture aims to support these artists and breathe new life into a traditional craft that has largely been overshadowed by modern technology.
Indian Hippy offers a wide range of products and services, from custom-painted Bollywood and Hollywood movie posters to hand-painted portraits and sketches. Their catalogue includes fashion accessories like clutch purses, handbags, belts, and wallets, as well as home décor items such as chairs, signboards, key hangers, and clocks. Each piece is meticulously hand-painted and captures the beauty and magic of Hindi films from both past and present eras.
In addition to these products, Indian Hippy also provides wall murals for homes and commercial establishments, stage backdrops, supersized paintings, and garage shutter murals. They even offer vintage Bollywood memorabilia, including vinyl records, still photos, handbills, magazines, slides, and booklets. For those looking to personalize their space or give someone a unique gift, Indian Hippy creates custom movie posters featuring clients' faces; blending the charm of vintage Bollywood with modern-day personalization.
The store has a collection of over 2,000 preserved Hollywood and Bollywood classics. Each poster tells a story and offers a glimpse into the rich history of Indian cinema and the artistry that brought these films to life.
Indian Hippy reminds us of the beauty and underrepresented craftsmanship of traditional art forms. By preserving the art of hand-painted movie posters, Indian Hippy not only supports the artists who keep this tradition alive but also ensures that this piece of cultural history continues to inspire.
You can follow Indian Hippy here.
