First Indian Film 1913

First Indian Film

Raja Harishchandra is a 1913 Indian silent film, written, directed and produced by Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly known as Dadasaheb Phalke, for Phalke's Films and is the first full-length Indian feature film. Story by       Ranchhodbai Udayram, with major star casting D.D.Dabke & P.G.Sane. The film was based on the legend of Raja Harishchandra, recounted in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Cinematography by Trymbak B.Telang. Released on 3 may 1943, although a silent film with intertitles in Marathi, English and Hindi, its cast and staff were Marathi people and it is therefore regarded as the first Marathi film along with first Indian film.

The film had an all-male cast as no woman was available for playing female leads. Phalke struggled to get woman, including nautch girls, to agree to act in film. He hence had to cast a delicate-looking man to play the role of Queen Taramati, Harishchandra's wife.

Some have argued that Raja Harischandra cannot be called the first Indian film as Dadasaheb Torne's film Shree Pundalik was released on 18 May 1912 in Bombay, one year before Phalke's film.

The film marked a historic benchmark in the film industry in India. The film is of 40 minutes running time & only one print of the film was made and shown at the Coronation Cinematograph. It was a commercial success and paved the way for more such films. Hence forth Indian film industry including its regional film industry alliance had travelled a long distance.

In remembrance of Dadasaheb’s outstanding contribution to Indian film industry, an award is been declared in his name. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest award in cinema. It is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals, an organisation set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The recipient is honoured for their "outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema"