In the vibrant tapestry of Indian cinema, a foundational thread was meticulously woven by Dadasaheb Phalke, often revered as the "Father of Indian Cinema," with his pioneering work, Raja Harishchandra. Released in 1913, this silent film, whose title translates to 'King Harishchandra,' stands as a monumental achievement, widely acknowledged as India's first full-length feature film. Its creation marked the birth of an industry that would eventually become the largest in the world by volume.

The film itself draws from the rich wellspring of Indian mythology, dramatizing the enduring legend of King Harishchandra, a revered monarch famed for his unwavering commitment to truthfulness, even in the face of immense personal sacrifice. The titular role was brought to life by Dattatraya Damodar Dabke, supported by a dedicated cast including Anna Salunke, Bhalchandra Phalke, and Gajanan Vasudev Sane. Given the era's technical limitations and the nascent stage of filmmaking, Raja Harishchandra, like all films of its time, was silent. To ensure comprehension across India's diverse linguistic landscape, it ingeniously employed intertitles in three prominent languages: English, Marathi, and Hindi, guiding audiences through the narrative.

The Genesis of a Cinematic Vision

The spark for this cinematic revolution ignited within Dadasaheb Phalke in April 1911, as he sat in a theatre in Bombay (now Mumbai), captivated by the French film The Life of Christ (1906). This experience was more than just entertainment; it was an epiphany. Phalke envisioned creating moving pictures that would resonate with Indian sensibilities, depicting indigenous stories and cultural narratives for his own people. His determination led him to London in February 1912 for an intensive two-week immersion in filmmaking techniques, a journey that underscored his unwavering commitment to his vision.

Upon his return, Phalke wasted no time. He established Phalke Films Company, a bold venture for its time, and embarked on the arduous task of importing essential filmmaking and exhibition equipment from various global hubs, including England, France, Germany, and the United States. To secure the necessary financial backing for such an ambitious project, he strategically produced a short film titled Ankurachi Wadh (Growth of a Pea Plant), a technical showcase designed to impress potential investors with his skill and understanding of the medium.

Overcoming Production Challenges

The journey to bring Raja Harishchandra to the silver screen was fraught with challenges, not least in casting. Phalke published advertisements in newspapers, appealing for actors and crew, yet faced a significant societal barrier: the prevailing norms of the early 20th century meant that women were largely unavailable or unwilling to perform in films. This led to the fascinating historical detail of male actors taking on female roles, with Anna Salunke famously portraying Queen Taramati, a testament to the resourcefulness required in pioneering cinema.

Phalke's dedication was all-encompassing. He assumed a multitude of critical roles, serving as the visionary behind the 'scriptment' (a blend of script and treatment), director, production designer, makeup artist, and even the film editor and processor. The crucial task of handling the camera fell to Trymbak B. Telang. This dedicated team worked tirelessly for six months and twenty-seven days, culminating in a film stretching 3,700 feet (approximately 1,100 meters), divided into about four reels—a substantial length for a feature film of that era.

Premiere, Legacy, and Lingering Questions

The much-anticipated premiere of Raja Harishchandra took place at the Olympia Theatre in Bombay on April 21, 1913, marking a historic moment for Indian cinema. Its wider theatrical release followed on May 3, 1913, at the Coronation Cinematograph and Variety Hall in Girgaon, Bombay. The film quickly became a commercial success, capturing the public imagination and, more importantly, establishing a viable foundation for the nascent film industry in India.

Despite its monumental significance, the original Raja Harishchandra film is largely considered lost to time, a common fate for many early cinematic works due to the fragility of film stock and inadequate preservation methods. Only the first and last reels are currently preserved at the National Film Archive of India. Intriguingly, some film historians posit that even these surviving fragments might belong to a 1917 remake by Phalke, titled Satyavadi Raja Harishchandra, adding a layer of mystery to its historical record.

The distinction of being "the first full-length Indian feature film" is not without its own historical debate. Some film historians argue for Dadasaheb Torne's silent film Shree Pundalik, released on May 18, 1912, as the maiden Indian film. While Shree Pundalik was undoubtedly produced and directed by an Indian, its film stock was processed and printed in London, and its cinematography involved a British cameraman. In contrast, Raja Harishchandra was a wholly indigenous production, with every aspect, from concept to screening, meticulously crafted in India by Indian talent. It is this complete indigenous production that has led the Government of India to officially recognize Dadasaheb Phalke's Raja Harishchandra as the nation's inaugural feature film, cementing its place in cinematic history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Raja Harishchandra

Who directed Raja Harishchandra?

Raja Harishchandra was directed and produced by Dadasaheb Phalke, widely recognized as the "Father of Indian Cinema."

Why is Raja Harishchandra considered so significant?

It is often regarded as the first full-length Indian feature film, marking the true birth of the Indian film industry and inspiring countless filmmakers to tell Indian stories on screen.

What inspired Dadasaheb Phalke to make the film?

Phalke was inspired after watching The Life of Christ (1906) in Bombay. He envisioned creating films based on Indian legends and cultural narratives for Indian audiences.

Were there female actors in the original Raja Harishchandra film?

No, due to societal norms of the time, women were not available to act. Male actors, such as Anna Salunke, performed all the female roles in the film.

Is the entire Raja Harishchandra film preserved today?

No, the film is largely considered partially lost. Only the first and last reels are preserved at the National Film Archive of India, though there's a debate among historians about whether these belong to the 1913 original or a 1917 remake.

Is Raja Harishchandra definitively the first Indian feature film?

While there is a historical debate with Shree Pundalik (1912) being mentioned by some, the Government of India officially recognizes Dadasaheb Phalke's Raja Harishchandra as the first Indian feature film due to its entirely indigenous production process, from conception to exhibition.