What is it all about?
The second Marathi movie to be submitted for Academy consideration after 2004 `Shwaas', "Harishchandrachi Factory" written and helmed by Paresh Mokashi is a remarkable cinematic tribute to a rare hero like Dadasaheb Phalke the father of Indian cinema. It's hard to think of a more realistic, detailed portrayal in this amazing first biographic that is a simple portray of age, determination and human spirit. In today's cinema, heroes like `Harischchandrachi factory' are hard to find and you feel better after for having met him. The most striking point of this biopic is that the art by Nitin Desai is so close to the facts, be it the street or the tramp or the house or the equipments, or any props used. The movie grips the viewer by its period detail. First timer writer-director Paresh Mokashi is earnest in its history checking's and during the same time also sweeps the audience with its sense of excitement as the birth of Bollywood takes place.
The story..of course
Dadasaheb Phalke (Nandu Madhav - brilliant) had abandoned a well established printing business after a quarrel with his business partner is married to his second wife Saraswati (Vibhavari Deshpande- very good). He gave his word to the worried partner that he would never enter into the printing business again as competition! Phalke is instantly unemployed and workless. The family is struggling to survive. One day he accidentally stumbles across a tent theatre that screens a silent motion picture. He gets awestruck. The idea of film making struck him. Along with his hardworking wife and two enthusiastic kids by his side, he ventures into a field unknown to contemporary India. Making of India's first feature film, 'Raja Harishchandra' which turns out to be an amazing adventure. The Phalke family encounters mostly funny but also a few grave situations during their journey of film making. A team of crazy yet lovable people helps in winning over patrons and eventually money. Together, not only did they deliver the first Indian film, but they had ensured it to become the first super hit film too. In 1914, Phalke refuses offers from his English friends to make films in London so that film making gets established as an industry in India.
What to look out for?
Mokashi seems to have a detailed study on both Phalke and Harishchandra and restages scenes and anecdotes. Period look is detailed. The lingo used, the costumes, and the colour tone everything is in sync with the era. Madhav as Phalke and Vibhavari as his wife and pillar of support are picture perfect. The second half when the actual film making begins becomes more entertaining
What not?
There are problems and the academy officials had definitely noticed it.
That's why it's out of the race. The story lacks conflict and the tensions during the British Raj is surprisingly absent What do today's maker think and know about our pioneer is not dealt. What about Phalke's failure when sound took over during the 30's.
Recommended: The movie is a respectful tribute to the pioneer of cinema in India. Watch it to se how we got introduced to our 2 hrs of cozy comfort.
Rating ****
[Ratings *Yuck, **Oh. No. ****- Hmmmm. Good. **** -Well Done. Superb. *****- Priceless.]
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