http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200805041521.htm

Film project to showcase making of India's first movie
Pune (PTI): A unique film project is underway to showcase for posterity the
story behind the making of the first ever movie in the country produced by
the father of Indian cinema Dadasaheb Phalke way back in 1913.

It was Raja Harishchandra, a silent movie based on Hindu mythology which
signalled the start of the celluloid journey of India where the Bollywood
has become a word which goes beyond just rhyming with the legendary
Hollywood.

But the trials and tribulations of Dadasaheb Phalke, who clad in a
traditional dhoti, went to London to acquire the first movie camera with
which he was to make his pioneering film in the country, are still unknown
to the Indian cine-goer.

And this story of India's first movie has inspired Paresh Mokash and Srirang
Godbolethe, Director-Producer duo, to conceive 'Harishchandrachi Factory,' a
Marathi film based on the epoch making adventure of Phalke, who hailed from
Maharashtra.

It is ironic that we have the highest film award instituted in the name of
the pioneer of the Indian cinema, which is bestowed on doyens in the
industry but nobody has so far thought of chronicling the story behind the
birth of country's first silent movie, says Godbole.

Retracing the footprints of Dadasaheb Phalke, Producer Godbole told PTI that
it was Phalke's passion that saw him overcome all hassles and obstacles that
came his way in the making of Raja Harishchandra.

We are making the movie and its shoot has begun a fortnight back in Pune,
after an extensive research on Phalke's struggle almost a century ago with
authentic details from various quarters and inputs from the experts on
silent movie era, he said.

Recalling Phalkes voyage to London, Godbole said, "He managed to get the
address of the firm that sold Willimson movie camera there and after
striking the deal for its purchase, decided to undergo technological
training in the British capital to use it for his film.

"In those days, Phalke is believed to have spent around Rs 35,000 to produce
the country's first film," Godbole, whose proposed movie on Phalke has a
budget of Rs two crore said. Noted Marathi actor Nandu Madhav is cast in the
role of the protagonist Phalke.

Explaining the title of the movie 'Harishchandrachi Factory', Godbole said,
"Those days when Phalke started making his movie, acting in theatre or
cinema was a taboo. To make things comfortable for those involved in the
project , Phalke advised members of his unit to tell people that they
(artistes) were working in the factory of one Harishchandra."

"While the shooting sequences within the country were expected to be
complete by August this year, the schedule of the filming in London could be
time consuming," he added.

Phalke's trip to London will be an interesting episode in 'Harishchandrachi
Factory' and we will be doing our best to recreate the social milieu
prevalent in an European city. We are in the process of finalizing the
details of the London shoot with the concerned authorities there, Godbole
revealed.

The movie, which would have sub-titles in various language seem to have the
makings of a real blast from the past.

--
Bruce Calvert
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