In a unique move to digitize the century-long history of the Hindi film industry, Google Arts & Culture set off with the largest- ever online exhibition on Hindi Cinema.

Similar to Google's Augmented Reality and Street View, the exhibition leverages technology to offer an immersive experience across over 120 expert- curated stories and over 7,000 means, including about 5,000 hi- res images and over 1,500 videos, posters and songs related to films gauging early classics such as, Manthan, to modern blockbusters.

The show will be accessible to film enthusiasts and the public free- of- charge on the Google Arts & Culture platform.

"I encourage everyone to visit the Hindi Cinema exhibit, both at the Film Bazaar and online on the Google Arts & Culture platform, and regale in the magic and history of an art-form that has been shaping our culture for well over a century, and is a cornerstone of our society and our global soft power," Union minister of information and broadcasting, youth affairs and sports Anurag Singh Thakur, said.

The company said the exhibition is set up to help visitors and film enthusiasts immerse themselves in the world of Hindi cinema, covering the history of Hindi movie making through stories about iconic films and industry legends, and through a 3D virtual gallery space and virtual Hall of Fame featuring posters, film archives and music.

"Together with 21 partner institutions from India and across the world, Google Arts & Culture has crafted an online homage to the brilliance of the movie making culture in India. This tribute is the combination of the passion of cinema experts, curators and cultural organizations," said Amit Sood, director, Google Arts & Culture.

Also, the company mentioned that the immersive street view captures will guide visitors on a 360- degree virtual tour of Mumbai's iconic Art Deco theatres like Liberty and Regal Cinemas, while Augmented Reality technology will enable them to project hand- painted posters and banners of iconic films onto walls with their smartphones.

"Films add a new level of immersion and wonder to storytelling - overcoming literacy barriers, catering to India's linguistic diversity, and effortlessly engaging people across the spectrum," said Sanjay Gupta, country head & vice president, Google India.