History of the Animation Industry in India

In India, animation gained momentum during the 90s, when animated characters like Mowgli, Bagheera, and Sherkhan took the animation industry by their storm. Even today, after almost 30 years, the characters continue to rule our heart. They’ve created an ever-lasting memory in our minds.

But, animation in India isn’t as old as only 30 years. The story began much earlier, before the independence of India, when Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema, created the first animated film in 1914. The movie comprised stop-motion animation depicting a peapod’s growth into a plant.

But, there’s much more to the history of animation in India. The industry has always kept evolving and does so even today. So, enjoy reading some facts about the history of animation in India. The information may prove handy while pursuing an animation course.

Facts about the History of Animation in India

1914 was when the concept of animation sprouted in India. But after that, there was no looking back. The industry continued achieving milestones and creating history. Here’s more to animation’s history.

- In 1956, The Films Division of India invited Clair Weeks, an animator from Disney Studios to set up the first animation studio in India. Clair also shouldered the responsibility of training newbie animators of India’s first animation studio. Veteran animators Ram Mohan, and Bhimsen were a result of Claire’s training. It helped the duo begin its career in the Film Division’s Cartoon Unit.
- In 1957, India released its first animation movie, The Banyan Deer.

- Sako, a Japanese filmmaker, and Ram Mohan created Ramayana – The Legend of Prince Rama, an epic animated movie that garnered excellent reviews from all over the world.

The Present Status of the Indian Animation Industry

The last decade, in particular, proved crucial for the animation industry in India. A lot of new technologies and new animated characters paved the way for prosperity in the years to come.

For instance, the movies O My Friend Ganesha, Hanuman, and Roadside Romeo exemplified the brilliance of the 2D and 3D animation technologies. We also cannot forget the movie Arjun- The Warrior Prince that released in 2012 in India and the United States. The film enjoyed worldwide appreciation and opened a lot of new and promising avenues.

What is the Future of Animation in India?

Let us take a sneak peek in the future now. India has come a long way and continues to develop. But, the country is yet to go miles concerning animation. The industry needs a lot of focused investments and infrastructural development that supports quality film-making.

There’s a need to perfect VFX, computer graphics, sound effects, and other special effects to enable seamless movie-watching experience to animation lovers.
The industry is slated to produce millions of jobs in the years to come. However, it requires a lot of talented, qualified, and trained animation professionals to support the large amount of employment that it will generate. Besides, the industry also needs a lot of animation studios and global collaborations for advanced learning.

TTA – The Best Academy for Animation Course and VFX Course

TTA is one of the best animation academies in India. It operates futuristic animation and VFX course to ensure global competence and capability to take up challenging projects in animation. TTA offers a favourable and productive learning environment for all its students. The students gain exposure to the latest animation software and technologies. It helps them create the most engaging animation effects.

If you are an aspiring animator, the fact that the animation industry has a lot of growth potential and remunerative opportunities may excite you. So, enrol with TTA for its animation course and VFX course to embark on the road to a successful career in the animation industry.