was India’s official entry for the Oscars; is a Marathi Film that portrays the adventures of Dadasaheb Phalke; The father of Indian Cinema
The movie shows how he went about making his and India’s first Motion Picture Raja Harishchandra.
More than his struggles and efforts (that are showcased brilliantly); the movie describes his entire journey in a comical manner; where Phalke himself is shown to an highly energetic/enthusiastic funny person which is really credible.
This less-than-2-hrs movies has some really rib-tickling scenes and keeps the entire audience engaged through out.
The acting is natural. The comic timing is very accurate. The pace of the movie is great.
The entire cast has really acted well but the movie surely belongs to Nandu Madhav who portray the effervescent Dadasaheb Phalke effortlessly.
Some scenes really stand out like Phalke convincing some prostitutes to work in his film; some random problem disturbing their ultra serious scenes; Phalke’s friends taking him to a mental hospital etc.
All Bollywood movie directors who claim to make funny movies should rest their egos and study this movie very thoroughly to see how real funny movies are made.
The time period of 1911 is showcased very nicely with olden style buses, roads, dressing sense and even olden-style prostitutes
. Since there were no bifocals then, Phalke is constantly shown switching between two sets of spectacles and is always confused about wearing which again has great comic timing.
Two dialogues that really standout from the movie (and which will remain golden forever) are:
1. While shooting for a scene for the Movie, one of the assistants mentions that in the background scenery there are some
jackfruit trees and during Raja Harishchandra’s time there weren’t any. the Father of Indian Cinema coolly responds (translated to English) ” Thats all right, the main focus should remain on story-telling!” .
Are you listening Mr. Cameron ?
2. Towards the end of the movie, the English folk want Phalke to move to England to make movies for them where there is enough funding and audience. But Phalke clearly rejects the idea saying (translated to English) ” If I move to England, how will the film cinema industry flourish in India?” which clearly floor even the Gora log.
Enough said, Go watch the movie!
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hey … good one man .. Now I think I’ll definitely watch this movie