The First Film of India: A Glimpse into the Birth of Indian Cinema

The year 1913 saw the release of "Raja Harishchandra" which is widely regarded as the first full-length feature film made in India. Directed and produced by Dadasaheb Phalke, a visionary filmmaker and the father of Indian cinema, the film marked the beginning of a new era in Indian entertainment. The film premiered at the Olympia Theatre, Bombay, on 21 April 1913 and had its theatrical release on 3 May 1913 at the Coronation Cinematograph and Variety Hall, Girgaon.

 

"Raja Harishchandra" was a silent film, running for approximately 40 minutes. It was based on the legendary story of Raja Harishchandra, a king in Hindu mythology who is known for his unwavering commitment to truth and justice, even at the cost of his personal happiness. This tale, well known to the Indian audience through various cultural traditions, provided a solid foundation for the film. It featured Dattatraya Damodar Dabke, Anna Salunke, Bhalchandra Phalke and Gajanan Vasudev Sane alongside other actors. The film being silent, had English, Marathi and Hindi-language intertitles. 

 

Dadasheb Phalke's venture into filmmaking was inspired by his experience watching the 1906 film “The Life of Christ.” After his trip to London to learn filmmaking techniques, he returned to India and founded his own film company in 1912. Using imported equipment from various countries, he produced the film, which had a cast of male actors playing female roles due to the unavailability of women for the parts. Dadasaheb Phalke had to navigate through the complexities of creating sets, costumes and special effects with limited resources. Yet, despite these obstacles, the film was a success, receiving widespread attention across India.

 

A marathi film titled "Harishchandrachi Factory" directed by Paresh Mokashi, is a must watch if you're curious about the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by Dadasaheb Phalke and his team during the filming of “Raja Harishchandra.” The movie highlights his determination and the challenges he overcame to create Indian cinema's first masterpiece.

 

"Raja Harishchandra" is not just a milestone in the history of Indian cinema but it also serves as a testament to the creativity and resilience of the early filmmakers in India. It proved that cinema could be a powerful storytelling tool, capable of both entertaining and educating audiences. It also marked the beginning of a new cultural phenomenon—Indian cinema—that would continue to grow and evolve, embracing a diverse range of genres, languages, and styles.