T.R.I.S. Exhibition Brings Hollywood Archives to Delhi, Elevates Indian Academia in Global Film Studies
The Tuli Research Centre for India Studies (T.R.I.S.) is bringing Hollywood to India in a groundbreaking way, positioning Indian academic institutions firmly within the global discourse on cinema studies. New Delhi is currently hosting a significant archival exhibition that marks a strategic shift from traditional film screenings and celebrity tributes toward serious academic research and comprehensive documentation.
Comprehensive Archive on Hollywood's Golden Age
On February 25, T.R.I.S. inaugurated The Greatest Show on Earth: The Golden Age of Hollywood 1914–1964 at the India International Centre. This detailed archival presentation forms a crucial part of T.R.I.S.' ongoing India Studies Festival and represents more than three decades of meticulous research and collection-building by curator Neville Tuli.
The exhibition thoroughly examines the complex Indo-American cinematic exchange that has profoundly influenced film culture across multiple decades. It traces the emergence of the Hollywood studio system following the decline of Thomas Edison's patent control, highlighting foundational institutions including Vitagraph Studios, Paramount Pictures, and Universal Pictures.
Global Cinematic Movements and Influential Figures
The narrative extends beyond Hollywood to encompass early Italian epics such as Cabiria and the German Expressionist movement, represented by landmark films including The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, The Last Laugh, and Metropolis. The evolution of cinematic comedy receives detailed exploration through iconic figures including Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Cary Grant.
Directorial mastery is examined through the works of visionaries such as F.W. Murnau, Fritz Lang, Orson Welles, and Alfred Hitchcock, with particular focus on their distinctive cinematic language and enduring influence. The phenomenon of stardom is analyzed through legendary personalities including Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and Marlon Brando, emphasizing their cultural impact extending far beyond the silver screen.
Genre Exploration and Academic Positioning
The exhibition also delves deeply into genre cinema – encompassing fantasy, horror, science fiction, and mystery – referencing iconic characters such as James Bond and creative pioneers like Walt Disney. According to curator Neville Tuli, this comprehensive archive actively supports academic engagement and offers Indian institutions a unique opportunity to expand their research capabilities in global cinema history.
Specifically designed for students and researchers, the exhibition features rare publicity materials and archival documents, positioning itself as both a valuable academic resource and an engaging public cultural showcase. Open at the IIC Main Gallery from February 25 to March 3, between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM daily, the exhibition is completely free and accessible to all visitors.
Strategic Shift in India's Cultural Calendar
For New Delhi's cultural calendar, this exhibition represents a pivotal moment focused on preservation, research, and substantive dialogue surrounding world cinema. India is no longer merely consuming global cinematic content but is actively preserving and archiving it, researching and studying it with academic rigor. This initiative positions India to potentially lead international conversations about cinema history in the coming years.
The T.R.I.S. exhibition demonstrates how archival research can bridge historical Hollywood with contemporary Indian academia, creating new pathways for scholarly exchange and cultural understanding. This represents a significant step forward in how India engages with global cinematic heritage, moving beyond passive consumption toward active preservation and academic leadership.
