Cantonment to Silicon Valley: Cinematic Traces of Colonial Bangalore in Indian and British Films

Abstract

The transformation of Bangalore from a native town (Pete) to a Cantonment and eventually to a cosmopolitan city is truly remarkable. At each stage of this evolution, the city has assumed new forms, identities, and energies across economic, political, social, and cultural spheres. This dynamic progression is vividly captured in cinema, which provides visual documentation of Bangalore’s dramatic development. As a powerful medium of mass communication, cinema conveys messages to audiences in compelling ways. Film content often reflects social practices and their impact on people, showcasing diverse facets of society that offer valuable insights into colonial residues and postcolonial reforms. Both disparities and delusions are highlighted through the lenses of colonial and postcolonial perspectives.