Yaadein (1964 film) / Image - Wikipedia

First movie of Indian cinema- Raja Harishchandra (1913)

Based on the life of King Harishchandra, known for his truthfulness and moral Integrity, Raja Harishchandra is considered the first Indian feature film. Directed and produced by Dadasaheb Phalke the film didn't feature any ladies, instead had actor Anna Salunke play Rani Taramati. This 30 minute film without synchronized sound or dialogue was released in both Hindi and English, on the 3 of May, 1913, giving birth to the industry we now call Bollywood. Effectively, Dadasaheb Phalke is revered as the father of Indian cinema.
 

Painting by Raja Ravi Varma, depicting Harishchandra parting with his wife and son / Wikipedia

First Indian Film To Be Banned- Bhakta vidur (1921)

Bhakta Vidur was one of the earliest Indian silent films to be banned by British colonial authorities. Directed by Kanjibhai Rathod and produced by Kohinoor Film Company, it holds historical significance not only for its cinematic value but also for its political undertones. The story was loosely based on an episode from the Mahabharata, focusing on Vidur, a wise and morally upright character, who opposed injustice and stood for truth and dharma. The British government banned the film because Vidur was portrayed wearing a Gandhi-like khadi dhoti, making him resemble Mahatma Gandhi, who was a symbol of the Indian independence movement. The film was seen as a veiled criticism of British colonial rule. Unfortunately, like many early Indian films, no known copies of Bhakta Vidur have survived, but its legacy as a politically charged piece of cinema remains significant. 
 

First woman Director- Fatima Begum (1926)

Fatima Begum holds the distinction of being India's first woman director. She was a trailblazer in the Indian film industry, breaking gender barriers at a time when filmmaking was dominated by men. Fatima Begum directed her first film, Bulbul-E-Paristan, in 1926
She initially started as an actress in silent films and became one of the most prominent female stars of her time. Fatima often explored fantasy themes in her films, creating visually grand narratives with elaborate sets and costumes. Her work often featured progressive themes, emphasizing strong female characters. As a director, she paved the way for future generations of women in Indian cinema, both in front of and behind the camera.
 

First talkie- Alam Ara (1931)

When the Imperial Film Company released Alam Ara on March 14, 1931-history was created. Directed by Ardeshir Irani, this film was the first in India to have synchronized sound and dialogues. The film was based on a play with the same name, and starred Master Vithal as Prince and Zubeida as Alam Ara. The film starred actors like Prithviraj Kapoor and Mohammed Khan too, making it a multi-starrer of its time. The film was massive hit, with throngs of people rushing to the theatre to see the magic of cinema with sound, this time.
 

First international award winning film- Seeta (1934)

Starring Durga Khote and Prithviraj Kapoor, Seeta was directed by Debaki Bose in 1934. The film is based on the Ramayana and focuses on the life of Seeta, the wife of Lord Rama, and her trials during their exile, including her abduction by Ravana and her subsequent rescue. It received an honorary diploma at the Venice Film Festival in 1934, marking the first time an Indian film was recognized on an international platform. 
 

First Double role- Kismet (1943)

Though before Kismet, there had been instances of actors playing two roles in the film wherein the actors had to play both the male and the female characters, however there was never one where the actor played a double role. Ashok Kumar starrer Kismet had many firsts in terms of its bold script that spoke about unwed pregnancy and an anti-hero to begin with. The movie was the first blockbuster movie of Indian cinema. This film also started the trend of lost and found family members which continued till the '90s.
 

First film to be shot overseas- Sangam (1964)

Sangam broke new ground by incorporating exotic international backdrops, which were a novelty for Indian cinema at the time. The film's stunning visuals, especially the romantic songs shot in scenic locations abroad, captivated Indian audiences and set a trend for future Bollywood films to shoot overseas. The film is a love triangle involving three friends - Sundar (Raj Kapoor), Radha (Vyjayanthimala), and Gopal (Rajendra Kumar). It explores themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and betrayal, blending melodrama with romance. Its songs "Dost Dost Na Raha... and "Bol Radha Bol... with their scenic visuals delivered an impactful experience for the audience making glimpses of foreign shores a must-have in Indian cinema. 
 

First Indian Film to be shot with a single actor- Yaadein (1964)

Cinema has always been an experience that is larger than life. The hero's entry, the heroine's beauty, the villain's sinister dialogues all come together and give the audience a cinematic extravaganza. Yet, there are other films which go beyond. And Yaadein is one of those. With Sunil Dutt as the producer, director and the only actor in the film, Yaadein went on to become the first-ever Indian and one of a kind film in world cinema as it features only a single actor. The film had just one actor other than Dutt, and that was his wife, Nargis who can be seen as a mere silhouette in the climax scene. Yaadein thus found an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records in the category 'Fewest actors in a narrative film.’
 

First Indian to win an Oscar- Bhanu Athaiya (1983)

This veteran costume designer was the first in India to win the prestigious Academy Award for the film Gandhi directed by Richard Attenborough. The film released in 1982 was an epic biographical extravaganza based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. This award was shared with John Mollo.
 

First 3D film- Chhota Chetan (1984)

This film was a landmark in Indian cinema, introducing the Indian audience to the magic of three-dimensional filmmaking, Originally made in Malayalam (as "My Dear Kuttichathan"), it was later dubbed into Hindi as Chhota Chetan. The story revolves around a mischievous magical spirit referred to as a Chhota Chetan and his interactions with a group of children. The film featured eye-popping special effects that showcased the capabilities of 3D, such as objects "flying out of the screen making it a must-see experience of its time. The film was re-released in In 1997, 1997 starring Urmila Matondkar and was yet again a massive hit.
 

First Indian movie to be honored at the UN- Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)

The film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, received significant international recognition and was screened at the United Nations (UN) in 2007. The movie's central theme of "Gandhigiri", or using Gandhian principles in daily life, resonated with global audiences. The film was appreciated for reintroducing Gandhi's teachings in a modern, relatable, and humorous way. The film was screened at the United Nations in New York on November 10, 2007, as part of a special event celebrating Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and truth.