How many things are unknown in the country's cinema today, the thought of such a film will come up. When the first silent film of the country is mentioned, one name will come up is Raja Harishchandra. In 1913, the first full-length Indian film Raja Harishchandra was released in the history of cinema in the country, which was directed and directed by Dada saheb Falke.
The film is based on the life of Indian mythological character Harishchandra. An image of Harishchandra with his wife and son by Raja Ravi Varma is shown at the beginning of the film. The film revolves around the story of how the pious king Harishchandra sacrifices his kingdom, wife and children one by one in honor of keeping his promise to Vishwamitra. At the end of the film, the gods, impressed by Harishchandra's principles of satyaraksha, restore him to his former glory and family. Dattatreya Damodar Dabke, a Marathi stage actor, plays the role of Harishchandra. Harishchandra's wife Taramati is played by an actor named Anna Salunke. Dadasaheb Phalke's son Balchandra Phalke played the role of Harishchandra's son Rohtash.
The producer of this film was Dada Saheb Phalke, who later became known as the father of the country's film world. It took seven months and twenty one days to make this film. A reel of 3700 feet length with a duration of 40 minutes is used.
Dadasaheb Phalke was greatly influenced by the painting style of painter Raja Ravi Varma. Dadasaheb brought Raja Ravi Varma's paintings on Hindu mythological events to the film.
The film stars men in all roles, including female characters. Dadasaheb made many attempts to cast women in this film but failed. Hence, while looking for a charming man to play Harishchandra's wife Taramati, she discovers a hotel cook named Anna Salunke, who later became popular by playing the role of wife in several films.
Although there is a lot of debate about the name of the country's first film. It is said that Dadasaheb Torn's film Sri Pundlik was released on 18 May 1912, almost a year before the release of Raja Harishchandra. Because of that, the Raja Harishchandra film has been debated as the first Indian film. On the other hand, Sri Pundalik is not considered a film by many as it is a recording of a popular Marathi play and turned into a film.
At present only one reel of this film remains, which is at the National Film Museum, Pune.
