In pictures: Indian poster art

1 of 7 Hand-painted cinema posters have dominated the cityscape of Madras in southern India for more than 50 years, but are losing out to digitally-produced alternatives.

2 of 7 The figures are often made as huge cut-outs and the works have been recognised by critics as a vital, vibrant art form.

3 of 7 Now two of the big six studios in the city have shut up shop and there may be only a dozen painters left working.

4 of 7 Many of the children of the painters are now going to college to learn the digital technology.

5 of 7 The digital versions look slick and are easier to produce. They are also about eight times less expensive.

6 of 7 The hand-painters are often left with few commissions. One artist, Bala, says he did only 20 paintings last year, most of them of politicians.

7 of 7 But even the painters admit that the higher production values and the racier images needed for today's films may not fit the style of their work.