Explore the life and work of Dadasaheb Phalke, widely recognized as the ‘Father of Indian Cinema, who directed Raja Harishchandra. Shree Pundalik, a Marathi silent film by Dadasaheb Torne, was India’s first film release on 18th May, 1912, at Coronation Cinematograph, Bombay. However, its UK collaboration denied it the ‘First Silent Film’ honor. A year later, on 3rd May, 1913, India saw its first indigenous film. Dadasaheb Phalke released Raja Harishchandra at the same venue; it became a big hit.
Dhundiraj Phalke – The Legendary Writer
Unlike Dadasaheb Torne, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke, made Raja Harishchandra independently without any assistance from foreign technicians or cameramen. Phalke was a one-man show behind the making of the film! He wrote the script, and he was himself the cinematographer, the editor, the art director, and the costume designer! Phalke’s sole assistant was his dedicated wife. She held white bedsheets as light reflectors outdoors, mixed chemicals for film development, and perforated raw film at night by candlelight. She even cooked the entire 60-70 persons unit. Beyond that, the couple exhibited and screened the film across India with a projector.
The Success Of Raja Harishchandra
Raja Harishchandra was a huge hit, as it was an amazing experience for the Indian audience. The film had a houseful run for a week, and the ticket rates were double what they usually were. Film historians say that because the film was priced at one anna (6.25. paisa), a huge pile of coins filled large jute sacks by the end of each day.
The film continued for 23 days non-stop at Coronation House. It was shifted to Alexandra Cinema at Dalal Estate in Mumbai. In short, the film Raja Harishchandra opened doors of commercial cinema in India and laid the foundation of the film industry in the country.
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