Depiction of Environmental Degradation in Indian Cinema

Do Bigha Zamin, released in 1953, is considered the first Indian film to directly address environmental degradation. It portrays the struggle of a farmer whose land is threatened by a factory's pollution.

Mira Nair, an Indian-American filmmaker, is renowned for her films that explore environmental themes. Notable examples include "Salaam Bombay!" (1988), "Mississippi Masala" (1991), and "Monsoon Wedding" (2001).

Bhopal Express, released in 2009, is a film based on the Bhopal Gas Tragedy that occurred in 1984. It portrays the devastating impact of the gas leak on the city and its residents.

Rang De Basanti, released in 2006, features a group of young activists who challenge a mining company responsible for environmental degradation and the death of a farmer.

Swades, released in 2004, follows the story of an NRI who returns to his village in India and witnesses the hardships faced by farmers due to water scarcity and lack of infrastructure.

The Legend of Bhagat Singh, released in 2002, depicts the life of Bhagat Singh, a freedom fighter who also led a movement to protect forests from being cleared for commercial purposes.

Piku, released in 2015, addresses the issue of air pollution in Delhi and its consequences on the health of its residents, particularly the protagonist's father.

A Wednesday, released in 2008, features a common man who takes matters into his own hands to expose a corrupt politician involved in illegal logging and deforestation, leading to environmental degradation.

Jalpari: The Desert Mermaid, released in 2012, portrays the struggle of a fishing community in Gujarat against a corporate giant that plans to establish a chemical plant, endangering their traditional way of life and the marine environment.

Swachh Bharat, released in 2014, is a documentary film that follows the Indian government's "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" (Clean India Mission), highlighting the importance of waste management and recycling in achieving a cleaner and healthier environment.

Masaan, released in 2015, features a story set in Varanasi, where the characters face the challenges of rising river levels and the impact of climate change on their lives and livelihoods.

Raees, released in 2017, portrays the story of a bootlegger who takes on a powerful corporation that is polluting a river with toxic waste, leading to health issues among the local population.

The Lunchbox, released in 2013, features a scene where the protagonist witnesses a sea turtle entangled in plastic waste, emphasizing the harmful effects of plastic pollution on marine life.

Kahaani, released in 2012, depicts the story of a pregnant woman who investigates the disappearance of her husband in Kolkata and uncovers a conspiracy to clear a sacred grove for a real estate project.

Haider, released in 2014, is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet set in Kashmir, where the protagonist faces the conflict between a mining company and the local community, highlighting the impact of environmental degradation on indigenous cultures.