What is chaalchitro?

Chaalchitra (চালচিত্র), literally meaning "moving pictures" in Bengali, is a term often used in the context of Bangladeshi Cinema and occasionally Indian Cinema, particularly when referring to films produced in West Bengal. It broadly refers to the art and industry of filmmaking.

It's a general term encompassing various aspects of cinematic expression and doesn't necessarily denote a specific genre or movement. However, it carries a cultural weight, often associated with auteur filmmakers and those pursuing artistic or socially relevant themes. The word invokes a sense of both the technological aspect of "moving pictures" and the artistic endeavor of creating stories on screen. Important directors who have contributed to the development of Chaalchitra include figures known for their distinctive style and narratives, often exploring socio-political realities within their respective regions. The term is less often used for purely commercial or entertainment-focused films. It is related to the broader history and development of Film Studies in South Asia.