Marathi film to portray Phalke's struggles

Pune, May 2 (UNI) A Marathi film will portray the struggles of father of Indian film industry Dadasaheb Phalke that he had undergone during the making of his first feature film 'Raja Harishchandra', which was released on May 3, 1913.

The film, 'Harishchandrachi Factory', is based on the struggles of Dadasaheb Phalke. It will be the first feature film ever made on him. It will be released next year.

Talking to reporters here on the sets of the film, producer director and writer Paresh Mokashi said ''Although it is a period film what stands out is the adventurous and humourous nature of Dadasaheb that very few know. He was a genius and a master craftsman, his commitment to filmmaking was total and the manner in which he went about his job makes an interesting viewing.'' However, he refused to divulge further details.

The film has a budget of nearly Rs two crore and feature 180 actors. The lead actors are Nandu Madhav and Vibhawari Dixit- Deshpande playing the part of Dadasaheb and his wife Saraswatibai Phalke respectively. Parts of the film have been shot in Karjat, Pune and London.

Talking about the authenticity of the film, Mokashi said it was not a documentary neither a historical.

''My source has been the two biographies written by Gangadhar Mhambrey and Bapu Watve, besides interactions with Phalke's grandchildren and the National Film Archives. Whatever, we could piece together in the past three years we have done it thoroughly,'' he said.

Executive producer of the film Shrirang Godbole said the film is an exciting story about what travails, pain and commitment that Dadasaheb had undergone while making 'Raja Harishchandra'. The film will introduce the current generation to the origins of filmmaking and also act as a source of inspiration.

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