Harishchandrachi Factory – A Delightful Portrayal of a Celluloid Evangelist

If ‘3 Idiots’ comically presented the insipidness of our education system through the idiosyncrasies of fictitious Rancho, the Oscar nominated ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’ attempts to present the story of an original Rancho. While 3 Idiots has grossed maximum revenues in the annals of Indian film history, interestingly Harishchandrachi Factory delves on the history and the inception of Indian films. Isn’t it a strange coincidence that both these films are playing in multiplexes at the same time?

Harishchandrachi Factory (Harishchandra’s Factory) made in Marathi is a delightful flick, with universal appeal. The film presents the journey of founding father of Indian cinema Dhundiraj Govind Phalke a.k.a. Dadasaheb's Phalke - an intelligent iconoclast and a phenomenal celluloid evangelist. The film hilariously projects the trials, tribulations, sacrifice and the relentless tenacity of Phalke, his family and the entire crew. Despite their pain, humiliation, satire, these people set out to establish an industry that manufactures cinema.

Circa 1911
The movie produced by UTV features the conservative pre-independence era and brings to life the famous Girgaum area (Charni Road) in erstwhile Bombay. In those days, silent movies were been played in tent and were invariably patronized by Europeans, Parsis and a few elite locals in Bombay.

In the movie, Phalke (Nandu Madhav) has relinquished his printing business and happens to stumble upon a tent theatre where such silent movies play. The bioscope beguiles, bemuses and mesmerizes Phalke, so much so that he passionately sets out to learn all he can about this new entertainment form. He manages to sell his furniture and household wares to buys books on film and physics. Phalke later travels to England, visit movie sets and learns the art of making movies. He soon returns to India with a Williamson Camera and goes on a shooting spree. The rest, as they say, is history.

Nandu Madhav demonstrates tremendous versatility. Remember his stellar role in another international award winning film ‘Valu’. In this film Nandu presents Phalke as Chaplinsque and yet distinctly projects Phalke’s determination, dedication, discipline and dream.

They say behind every successful man is a women and often a surprised mother –in – law!
Phalke’s wife Saraswati, brilliantly played by the talented Vibhavari Apte is seen to be believed. Saraswati is courageous, uninhibited, intelligent, and compassionate who patiently supports her husbands dream. Their love story is the fulcrum of this movie. Phalke’s two sons also play a pivotal role in helping their father achieve the impossible. The other actors also provide proper justice to their roles.

Paresh Mokashi’s script is well researched, his direction is intense and yet delicate. Ironically writer-director- playwright Mokashi’s directorial debut also has something in common with Phalke. Both of them had to mortgage their house in pursuit of their passion.

The music seamlessly blends with the film, providing perfect tempo and inexorably carries the narrative forward. The editing appears sharp but with the script buttered in humour, it gradually develops context as it switches to the 8mm and silent era. The costume designs, the sets, the location and the bright cinematography authenticate the narration. Nitin Desai’s art direction reinforces the screenplay. The camera zooms in, the wide angle shots take you closer to Phalke and succinctly manage to presents the challenges of film making in 20th century.

The story ends with the projection of India's first film, "Raja Harishchandra," in 1913 based on famous Indian mythological king. Phalke’s black and white silent picture achieves surreal success and swoon’s the audience with innovative marketing campaign. No wonder this medium has become an integral part of our culture.

Harishchandrachi Factory cleverly avoids from becoming a documentary. Don’t miss it, even if you do not understand the language. You will come out of the theatre with a smile and Phalke’s vision, resilience and motivation will keep inspiring you for a while.