Shree Pundalik
Shree Pundalik, which was released on 18 May 1912 at the Coronation Cinematograph, Girgaum Mumbai, is one of the candidates for the first Indian film (silent film). Shree Pundalik was produced and directed by Dadasaheb Torne, who has been termed the 'Father of Indian Cinema'. [1][2]
History
Shree Pundalik was sent overseas for processing by Dadasaheb Torne. Torne's Pundalik was about 1,500 feet or about 22 minutes long. The film had a shooting script, was shot with a camera, and its negatives were sent to London for processing. Positives were produced and finally released at Coronation Cinematograph, Girgaum. The film ran for two weeks.[3]
Debates about the film
Pundalik was a silent film without dialogue. Torne and his colleagues Nanasaheb Chitre and one Kirtikar wrote the shooting script. Some have argued that Pundlik does not deserve to be given the honour of being called the first Indian film because it was a photographic recording of a popular Marathi play, and because the cameraman—a man named Johnson—was a British national and the film was processed in London.[4][3] Detractors argue that Dadasaheb Phalke’s Raja Harishchandra, which was released nearly a year later, is more deserving of the title of the first Indian film.[3]
Centennial
Shree Pundalik will celebrate its centennial on 18 May 2012.
References
- ^ Raghavendara, MK (05 May 2012). "What a journey".
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Kadam, Kumar (24 April 2012). "दादासाहेब तोरणेंचे विस्मरण नको!".
- ^ a b c Mishra, Garima (03 May 2012). "Bid to get Pundalik recognition as first Indian feature film".
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Damle, Manjiri (21 April 2012). "Torne's 'Pundlik' came first, but missed honour".