HARISHCHANDRACHI FACTORY: A CINEMATIC ODE TO INDIAN

CINEMA'S BIRTH
Abhilasha Dey

Harishchandrachi Factory, a Marathi film directed by Paresh Mokashi, is a

heartfelt and insightful tribute to the birth of Indian cinema. The short film
beautifully chronicles the incredible journey of Dadasaheb Phalke’s unmatchable
contribution to the Indian cinema. The story stands tall and proud on Mokashi’s
direction along with the incredible performances by a stellar cast including Nandu
Madhav and Vibhawari Deshpande.

The film is set in the pre-independence India, where cinema was still a foreign
and alien concept in the then colonised country. In the movie, Nandu Madhav,
who plays Dadasaheb Phalke, is a struggling artist and photographer. The story
revolves around Phalke’s relentless passion and undying motivation for his
pursuit of his dream of his dream to create a full-length Indian film, a dream
that seemed impossible during British colonial rule.

The title “Harishchandrachi Factory” stands true to its name as the film is based
on Phalke’s first film, ‘Raja Harishchandra’ and showcases his dream to create a
“factory” of filmmaking in India. The film elaborately follows Phalke’s journey
through his life and career and from the seeds of his fascination with moving
images to his foray into filmmaking. Throughout the movie, we see the
struggles of learning the process and equipment involved in filmmaking paired
with the initial disbelief and mockery by friends and family, followed by the
hunt for a suitable cast to finally making the first full-length feature film of
India.

As the story unfolds, it becomes more than evident that the process of
filmmaking, a territory so unchartered in the colonial period, was nothing short
of a herculean task. Any and all problems that could arise in the realising of
dream, arose and Phalke faced them all head-on with a smile on his face and a
pillar wife in his corner. Not only did he leave no stone unturned in the making
of his film, he also never backed down from a challenge and never let any
obstacle slow his trail.

Aside from rightfully glorifying Phalke’s impossible precision and attention to

detail, the audience also gets to witness Vibhawari Deshpande’s impeccable
acting as Phalke’s wife, Saraswati Phalke. Saraswati Phalke is the bravest
character in the story and the most influential too. She is a multi-tasker who
shares Phalke’s unrelenting passion for his dreams and also has the most vivid
vision involved in the making of the film.

Not only are the audience blessed with the chemistry between the on-screen
couple, we also get to witness the innocent, unwavering belief Phalke’s children
had in him and his passion. Mokashi’s humorous attempt to portray all the
technicalities and difficulties in the most digestible way for audience of all
communities is commendable.

The film's humour and wit shine through in every scene and character. From the
initial reluctance of the people around him, to Phalke going to London to actualise
his dream to creating a piece of work that worked like magic for the people, the
film scores a perfect ten in balancing humour and depth simultaneously. The
process of making make-shift sets with unruly actors with little understanding of
the art of acting, incorporates a pinch of realism and normalcy throughout the
movie.

“Harishchandrachi Factory” is a technical delight for the audience. It recreates

the early 20th-century setting with remarkable authenticity. The sepia-toned
frames and meticulous attention to detail add to the film's charm. There are
multiple elements that weave together a movie that is both a blessing to the eyes
and easy for the mind to comprehend and quickly relate to.

Under the inexplicably outstanding direction of Paresh Mokashi, the film

explores a number of themes and beautifully fuses them all together to produce
a film that is politically and ethically appeasing. One of the prominent themes is
the power of perseverance. Phalke's determination in the face of overwhelming
odds is an inspiring example of how relentless pursuit of one's passion can lead
to remarkable achievements.

Another theme explored is the transformative nature of art and storytelling.

Through Phalke's journey, the film underscores how cinema became a medium
for social change and cultural transformation in India during the colonial times.
The immortality of art is wonderfully represented in the film in all the places
possible. The film stands as a true testimony to the everlasting impact of art on
people and communities.

Harishchandrachi Factory is a cinematic masterpiece that not only celebrates the

birth of Indian cinema but also pays a heartfelt tribute to Dadasaheb Phalke,
who served as the much-needed torchbearer for the road to successful film-
making. The film's stellar performances, meticulous attention to historical
accuracy, and engaging storytelling make it a must-watch for cinephiles and
anyone interested in the rich history of Indian cinema.
“Harishchandrachi Factory” stands as a testament to the power of dreams and
the importance of unwavering determination in the face of adversity. The film is
the perfect blend of education, delight, humour and societal message. It is a gem
of a film and the efforts put in by everyone involved in the film-making process
remains unequalled.

Submitted by
Abhilasha Dey
23/MMC/33
BMMMC, 1ST Year
Communication, Media and Society