Marathi Cinema has again got back its glory. Though there was never any dearth of talent in the Marathi film industry, a time had come when it had stopped producing quality cinema; it was going through a lull period. It used to produce movies which were rural centric, and filthy and loud comedy and ‘Lavani’ (A maharashtrian folk dance) were an integral part of it.
Gone are those days now. Marathi movie has evolved and has got a new life. With so many talented directors, writers, actors now started making movies on diverse subjects. Multiplexes also play a major role in the revival of the Marathi cinema, along with the hindi movies Marathi movies are also giving good business to the multiplex theaters.
Also due to marathi NRIs spread all across the globe, Marathi films are now been screened in different parts of the world. It has got a new avenue.
Dubai has also witnessed special screenings and world premieres of many Marathi movies in the recent times. Now on 21st May 2010, we are having a special screening of the Marathi movie ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’ which is based on the life of Dadasaheb Phalke who has brought cinema to India. It was India’s official entry to the Oscars for 2010.
In India ‘Cinema’ and ‘Cricket’ both are our religion, they are so much integral part of our lives. Today the Indian movie Industry is the biggest movie industry in the world, we worship our film stars. So many reality shows, music albums, singers - all thrive on Indian cinema. But how many of us know who is the person behind bringing cinema to India?
It is almost a century old thing now, the first movie ‘Raja Harishchandra’ which was directed by dadasaheb Phalke was released on 3rd may 1913, but it is really surprising that during this 95 years nobody thought of making a movie on the man himself who brought cinema to India.
After almost a century, the idea to make a movie on the life of Dadasaheb Phalke was struck to ‘Paresh Mokashi’ who is a veteran theatre director and artist. He came across a biographical book written by bapu watve on Dadasaheb phalke and that book inspired him to make a movie on the life of dadasaheb phalke.
This movie is his directorial debut and his first attempt took him to the Oscar nomination.
His brilliance is evident from the unique style of storytelling and direction. It is not a typical loud and melodramatic biopic. Instead he has given a very light and comic treatment to the movie. This makes the movie appealing to all kind of audience.
It is a beautifully shot movie which depicts the struggle and challenges faced by Dadasaheb Phalke while making the first movie, but in a very lighter way.
He has shot some nuances so beautifully like the reaction of the audience and his wife when they first time watch the moving pictures. There was a mixed feeling of fear and thrill in the audience. Also His struggle to find a female artist for the role of ‘Taramati’ is been shown so hilariously.
He has portrayed the character of Dadasaheb Phalke so damn well. Phalke comes across as an entrepreneur, visionary, adventurous and a humorous person.
I would say everything about this movie is very perfect. And hence would recommend everyone who is a cinema lover wanting to watch quality cinema to watch this movie. This movie is with subtitles and it has a universal appeal, so even though you don’t understand Marathi language you will enjoy watching this movie.
I happen to take an interview of the director ‘Paresh Mokashi’ . Though due to lack of time I could not take his interview in person I sent him a questionnaire and he answered back to my questions in writing – an email interview, so to say.
Overview:
The film is the story about the beginning of the Indian Film Industry, set in 1913, when two business partners fell out resulting in one leaving the company. As the family struggle to survive Phalke (Nandu Madhav) decides to make his own silent motion picture along with the support of his family. He travels to England to learn about the new medium and after he returns, brings together a team of actors and technicians to produce his first film about the story of Raja Harishchandra. Through all the hard work the movie becomes a hit thus marking the beginning of one of the world's biggest film industry.
Excerpts from the interview:
Tell us something about yourself and how did you come into this profession?
Paresh: I was interested in the theatre since school days. It continued in college. First I was an actor, then shifted to writing and directing plays.
What inspired you to make a movie on the life of legendary Dadasaheb Phalke?
Paresh:I read a biography by bapu watve. And right there and then the idea of making film on phalke struck me.
Once you decided to make the movie on this subject what kind of research did you do? Which biographical and other books you referred to?
Paresh: Couple of books on him. Discussed phalke with film historians. National film archive and film institute in pune helped a lot.
How difficult was it to show an era which is 100 years ago? How did you manage to show Bombay of that time? Did you do any special study/research on the Marathi language which was spoken at that time, the clothing of the characters etc etc?
Paresh: It was not difficult as my art director was nitin desai. I will say it was challenging. Mr desai is an expert in the field plus my team did thorough study and was ready with all the photos, articles, diagrams of the things required. All departments like costume, make up, sound did their research and came up with many interesting things. Marathi language was a little different at that time but I had handled it in some plays I did which belonged to the same era. So not much trouble there.
What hurdles/difficulties did you face while making this movie?
Paresh: Nothing. It was all a pleasure.
You made your directorial debut through this movie and your first attempt took you to the Oscar nominations. How does it feel?
Paresh: Fine.
Can you share some of your special experiences while making this movie?
Paresh:The whole thing was special. The one important thing I must mention is the support from family and friends. Without them it was not possible.
Tell us something about the Chaplinesque treatment you have given to Dadasaheb’s character. The treatment of the movie is very light and funny which makes the movie more appealing to the audience.
Paresh: I don’t know about chaplinesque. There is no resemblence, no similarity. If at all people feel like it, its my honour. Maybe the answer lies in the light humoured adventure treatment. Chaplin always made us laugh on the serious issues; that’s how they should be handled.
While making this movie did you feel that it will be so very well received by the audience and that it will be nominated for Oscars?
Paresh: No.
What preparation did you do for the promotion of this movie once it was declared as the official entry to the Oscars?
Paresh: Nothing. By that time utv had entered the picture. They guided nicely. You just need to submit the film. Rest is jury’s decision.
Marathi cinema is changing and is changing for good , once again audience has started going back to the theatre to watch Marathi cinema , ‘Harishchandrachi factory’ is the 2nd Marathi movie in the recent times which is nominated for Oscars. What is your take on the changing face and trend in Marathi cinema?
Paresh: Lets not be so enthusiastic. Change is visible but business is not growing in proportion to the risk filmmakers are taking. We need stronger box office revenues. Onus is on people.
Why the movie duration is only 96 mins and why did you decide to make it in Marathi language and not Hindi?
Paresh: Because it did not require longer duration and because film does not depend upon any one language. This kind of film becomes beautiful when made in creator’s mother tongue. That ease, confidence gets translated nicely on screen too thus making it a stronger film. Then it breaks the language barrier because it has become a picture and not just a talkie.
Do you want to tell any special message to the audience in dubai?
Paresh:Watch the film!
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