There are many taboos in the Indian society. Currently, they range from beef-ban to talking about sex. One hardline taboo is Porn. Though one of the major traffic sources of pornographic sites in India, we still cannot talk about it publically.
For that matter, the term 'Porn' is not used in the public domain to refer to these films. We use terms like 'X-rated' or 'Blue films' to refer to porn. However, where does this term 'blue film' come from?
Well, no one knows. However, here are three theories that may clear the matter:
One theory suggests, it is a spin-off from the 'blue laws' that existed until 50-60 years ago.
The blue laws said, no businesses could operate of Sunday. Keeping the Sabbath holy was one the ten commandments, the basis of most laws in Christian countries.
These laws used to target the sale of alcohol, however, they also applied to groceries and other commercial activities.
Basically, these laws abolished anything contrary to the thought process of the society. Time and community standards changed and so did the laws. But this theory suggests, the term 'Blue film' came from 'Blue laws'.
VCR shops used to have blue covers for Porn films. Wikimedia Commons
In its earliest days, Pornographic projects were low budgeted (almost non-existent). Hence, cheap methods were used to develop non-coloured films. These films had a bluish tint to them. One theory is, from these cheap bluish films, the name blue film was coined.
VCR shops used to sell regular VCRs in polythene, however, for erotica, the blue pack was used to differentiate. Henceforth, Porn movies got the name 'Blue Films'.