The Origins of Bollywood: The First Hindi Movie and Dadasaheb Phalke

The origin of Indian cinema is deeply rooted and fascinating. It began in 1913 with the release of 'Raja Harishchandra', the first full-length feature film made in India, marking a significant milestone in the history of cinema. This film's creation is attributed to Dadasaheb Phalke, who is often referred to as the father of Indian cinema. Let's delve deeper into the history and significance of this groundbreaking movie.

Timeline of Early Indian Films

The timeline of early Indian films, particularly Bollywood films, can be traced back to the early 20th century. Although several milestones were achieved in the early years, the release of 'Raja Harishchandra' in 1913 stands out as a defining moment. Below is a brief timeline that places this historic event in the broader context of emerging Indian cinema:

1895 - First public screening of films in Bombay by Lumière brothers 1906 - 'The Life of Christ' is shown in Bombay, influencing Dadasaheb Phalke 1911 - Dadasaheb Phalke decides to make a feature film after seeing 'The Life of Christ' 1912 - Phalke travels to London to learn filmmaking techniques, returns and founds Phalke Films Company 1913 - 'Raja Harishchandra' is released on May 3rd, setting the foundation for Indian cinema

The First Full-Length Hindi Silent Film: Raja Harishchandra

"Raja Harishchandra" is widely considered the first full-length Bollywood silent movie. Directed and produced by Dadasaheb Phalke, it is based on the legend of Raja Harishchandra. The film is a silent movie, featuring intertitles in English, Marathi, and Hindi, which were projected on the screen to explain the dialogue and narration.

Dadasaheb Phalke's journey to create this film was not merely about filling celluloid, but also about fostering a cultural and artistic movement. The film's unique characteristics include the use of male actors in female roles, as there were no women available to play female characters at the time. This iconic film was 40 minutes in length and was exhibited in various venues, including the Olympia Theatre in Bombay and the Coronation Cinematograph and Variety Hall in Girgaon.

The Making of Raja Harishchandra

To bring 'Raja Harishchandra' to life, Dadasaheb Phalke had to gather a team. He directed, wrote the screenplay, and even took on roles such as production designer, make-up artist, and film editor. Trymbak B. Telang handled the camera. Filming was completed in just six months and 27 days, finishing with a film length of 3700 feet (1100 m), covering about four reels.

The film premiered on April 21, 1913, at the Olympia Theatre in Bombay, and its theatrical release on May 3, 1913, at the Coronation Cinematograph and Variety Hall in Girgaon. This release marked a turning point in the film industry, laying the foundation for future Indian cinema.

Preservation and Recognition

Though 'Raja Harishchandra' has not survived in its entirety, only the first and last reels are preserved at the National Film Archive of India. This fragmentary survival has not diminished its historical importance. Some film historians believe that these relics are from a 1917 remake of the film, titled 'Satyavadi Raja Harishchandra,' by Dadasaheb Phalke.

It is important to note that while 'Raja Harishchandra' is considered the first full-length Indian feature film, its status has been debated. Some historians argue that Dadasaheb Torne's silent film 'Shree Pundalik,' released on May 18, 1912, predates 'Raja Harishchandra.' However, the official recognition by the Government of India continues to acknowledge 'Raja Harishchandra' as the first Indian feature film.

Conclusion

The creation of 'Raja Harishchandra' represents a monumental moment in Indian cinema. It was the beginning of a rich and diverse tradition that would go on to captivate audiences the world over. Dadasaheb Phalke's project, which started as a calling card to attract investors, became a defining moment in the history of Bollywood and Indian cinema. The film's enduring legacy continues to be celebrated, underscoring its importance in the history of cinema.