Raj Kapoor’s ‘Around The World’ Was India’s First 70 MM Film

With the invention of color in Bollywood in the ’60s, Raj Kapoor made Sangam (1964) in Technicolor. To attract the audience to cinema halls Raj Kapoor shot the film in exotic foreign locations like London, Paris, Russia, etc. The movie was a runaway hit! Impressed by the superlative success of Sangam, Pachhi, a close friend of Raj Kapoor insisted Raj Kapoor to make a big-budget film. It may be noted Pachhi was an actor and had worked with Raj Kapoor in films like Teesri Kasam, Kanhaiya, etc. Pachhi had even made a few B-grade films like Singapore (1962) as producer and director. Raj Kapoor

A New Era in Indian Cinema: The Story of ‘Around The World

Hence on the insistence of Pachhi, Raj Kapoor agreed and thus was made India’s First 70mm cum Technicolor movie Around the World (1967). The film was produced and directed by Pachhi and had actor in the lead role. Besides, the film had a galaxy of Top Stars like Pran, Mehmood, Prem Chopra, Om Prakash and beauty sensation Rajshree. The film had hit music by Shankar Jaikishan.

he film featured exclusive shoots at global tourist hotspots, groundbreaking cinematography, and unprecedented action sequences.

Surprisingly, despite all the ingredients’ of a Masala Entertainment; the film Around The World was a box-office disaster! According to the film critics the reason why Around The World failed was not the film’s poor quality; the film was excellent and had very good music. Remember the hit songs like Duniya Ki Sair Kar Lo…..; Chale Jana Zara Thahro….; Joshe Jawani Hai Re Hai……

A Cinematic Milestone: India’s First 70mm Film

India’s lack of 70mm-capable theaters hindered the film’s success. Only four 70mm prints of ‘Around The World’ were released, screening at select cinemas in Mumbai, UP, and Delhi.

Despite its 70mm format, many viewers saw the film on 35mm due to limited access to high-end cinemas. Hence cine buffs were angry and the film failed!

The failure of ‘Around the World’ led to other 70mm films being downsized or shelved. Thus none of the big banners tried to burn their hands in the 70 MM Technology.