Ernakulam Savitha Theatre
9.30 am.
Harishchandrachi Factory
Marathi
Writer, Director, Producer
Paresh Mokashi
The film 'Harishchandrachi Factory' is the true story of the adventurous journey in the making of the first Indian film ‘Raja Harishchandra’. It is also the first ever feature film made on the pioneer of Indian cinema, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke a.k.a. Dadasaheb Phalke. This film also becomes the first feature film on a primitive filmmaker. The Phalke family had to sell and mortgage household things to make the first film, and today, Indian film industry is the largest film industry in the world; produces over 700 films per year and has turnover of billions of rupees!
Film synopsis:- Phalke had abandoned well established printing business after a quarrel with the partner. He did not ask for any compensation; on the contrary, he gave his word to the worried partner that he won’t enter into printing again and won’t compete! As a result, Phalke was unemployed and struggling to survive. One day he accidentally came across a tent theatre that was screening silent motion pictures.
The idea struck him. With a hardworking wife and two enthusiastic kids by his side, he ventured into a field unknown to contemporary India. Making of India’s first feature film, ‘Raja HarishChandra’, was an amazing adventure. Funny, crazy, and grave situations- Phalke family overcame everything. With the help of their cast and crew, not only did they deliver the first Indian film but also they made sure it became first super hit film! In 1914, Phalke refused offers from his English friends to make films in London. He said ‘I must keep making films in India so that it gets established as an industry at home’. Rest is history.
Writer, director’s profile:- Paresh has been associated with theatre since last twenty years. He started as an actor in the well known theatre organization, Theatre Academy, Pune. He was part of main stream Marathi drama as well as Grips theatre, Berlin-Theatre Academy co-productions. Then he shifted to writing-directing and tasted critical and commercial success. Sangeet Debuchya muli, Mukkam post Bombilwadi and Lagnakallol are a few of his plays which are known for experimentations in vivid yet atypical humor.
Apart from show business he is involved in objective research on ancient scriptures like the Vedas, Ramayan and Mahabharat. ‘Harishchandrachi factory’ is his debut in film world.
Apart from show business he is involved in objective research on ancient scriptures like the Vedas, Ramayan and Mahabharat. ‘Harishchandrachi factory’ is his debut in film world.
