"Amrit Manthan". prabhatfilm.com. Prabhatfilm.com.
Ayodhyecha Raja (Marathi) & Ayodhyaka Raja(Hindi) 1932 This was the first talkie film produced by Prabhat.It was based on mythological story of Raja Harishchandra of Ayodhya who was true to his words even in his dreams. He handed over the kingdom to Vishwamitra and left with his wife and son and went to Kashinagari to earn by his labour, an amount to pay to Vishwamitra a "Dakshina". The King suffered a lot of hardship,but in the end he fulfilled his promise. Durga Khote,Baburao Pendharkar and Master Vinayak who acted in this film, became well known personalities in the film world. This film is the oldest available talkie film produced in India. |
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Sairandhri (Marathi & Hindi)
1933
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This film is based on an
incident from Mahabharat. Pandavas are to undergo 13 years in exile and out of it, the last year in incognito, which they spent in service of King Virat. Kichak, brother-in-law of King Virat, who being a great warrior,asserts that the kingdom exists because of him. Draupadi under the name Sairandhri is a maid-in-waiting to Queen Sudeshna. Kichak attracted by the beauty of Sairandhri,orders his sister Queen Sudeshna to send the maid to his mahal,failing which there will be to dire consequences.Sairandhri is forced to go to Kichak,but Bhima enters the scene and kills Kichak. This is the first colour film produced in India and that too using reflected lights. The first film to have Gramophone Records,that too pressed in Germany from original sound-track. |
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Amrit Manthan (Marathi & Hindi)
1934
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The first film produced in the new well
equipped studio of Prabhat at Pune. The story was based on abolishing the practice of
human as well as animal sacrifice to any Goddess. Huge sets and costumes were notable in
this film. Chandramohan got a break in the Hindi version of this film and became
a famous actor. Hindi version of this film was the first Hindi film to celebrate 'Silver Jubilee'. The film was shown at International Film Festival,Venice.Some newspapers in London gave the coverage with the photographs from the film and the studio. |
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Dharmatma (Marathi & Hindi) 1935
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Eknath, a saint from
Maharashtra, opposed the practice of untouchability. He treated every human being equally.
Balgandharva, an illustratous stage actor was in a leading role. Master Krishnarao, music director from Gandharva's drama company
made his entry in the film industry as music director. ] Melodious tunes and enchanting voice of Balgandharva are the highlights of the film |
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Amarjyoti (Hindi) 1936
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Saudamini is
separated from her husband. The queen orders the custody of their son to Saudamini's
husband. Feeling hurt, Saudamini organised a band of pirates to fight injustice. The drapery is very distinct. The first Prabhat film to have play-back system.T he song 'Suno Suno Banke Prani' became hit and thousands of its records were sold. Back projection was used for the first time in India. |
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Sant Tukaram 1936
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The film is based on the life of the of 17th
century saint from Maharashtra.A poet whose work UNESCO had selected for translation. This
pious,simple man was so much immersed in the worship of Lord Panduranga that his wife
Awali,was eternally irritated and attempts to draw him to his mundane duties.Tukaram's
faith triumphed in the end,winning over orthodoxy.Legend says that he was bodily
transported to Heaven.
The film received plaudits at the
Venice Film Festival in 1937 and was adjudged as one of the three best films of the world.
This film is often selected for screening in various International Film Festivals. |
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Kunku (Marathi) / Duniya Na Mane
(Hindi) 1937
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One of the finest social films of India of all
times. Kunku explores the tragics of a May-December marriage. In this case, the bridegroom
is a widower and the bride an intrapid and aspiring young woman. Set in the typically middle class family of the country.The film
develops its psychological tensions boldly, equally revolutionary solutions for the
couples marital impasse. Photographed and acted with admirable realism. The film remains a reflection of Indian family worth studying. It was shown in Venice International Film Festival. Natural and environmental sounds were used as background music. |
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Gopalkrishna (Marathi
& Hind) 1938
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The film portrays youthful life
of Lord Krishna,the God, whose appeal and popularity touched the American shores. Leading
a community of cowherds,the adolescent Krishna subtly typifies some of problems, still
familiar to Indians. Typically of Prabhat, the
stress is on human approach to these rather than conventional 'miracles'.
As one sees the film, one literally breaths the atmosphere of the Krishna's rural environment centuries ago in the midst of his mischieveous cowherd companions. Technically Gopalkrishna is distinguished by the use of stylish sets, costumes and classically-oriented but lively music. |
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Manoos (Marathi) / Aadmi (Hindi)
1939
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Yet another brilliant
"problem" film. This brings together a simple-minded policeman and an innocent
prostitute. The former tries to restore to the later , a life of decency by marrying her
but the woman is still haunted by moral legacy of her past. A chain of highly dramatic incidents ensues, culminating in the prostitute
committing a murder, unwittingly.The final separation of the two protogonists is marked by
both subtly and poignancy. In its recreation of the red light district and its portrayal of a policaman's life , the film reaches the height of realism.The film is famous for a multi-lingual song "Kashala Udyachi Baat". |
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Sant Dnyaneshwar (Marathi &
Hindi) 1940
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It was the period of Second World
War.The entire world was against with inhuman massacre ordered by Hitler.In such
times,Prabhat felt the need of making the film on Sant Dnyaneshwar, who despite so many
sufferings and hurdles, preached the cause of humanity.
The first Marathi film to be telecast by
Bombay Doordarshan in 1972. It was the first Indian film screened in USA. "American
Cinematograph" carried a review in its October,1941 issue and praised trick
photography of the film |
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Shejari (Marathi) / Padosi (Hindi)
1941
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Another distinguished social film
to be directed by Internationally known genius V. Shantaram. The film highlights
the
problem, crucial to Indian Society that of Hindu-Muslim unity. The film narrates the unfortunate scism that separates a Hindu from
Muslim neighbour and a lifelong friend. Much of the film's background related to dam and the photographic exploitation of the subject ending in the tragic dam-burst is marked by unique technical skill.The romantic interludes in the film are made all the more colourful by a climatic torch dance. |
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Ramshastri (Marathi & Hindi)
1944
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The biographical film traces the
career of an intrepid judge during the Peshwa regime of the Maratha Empire. The
incorruptible Judge ,Ramshastri, boldly sentences the ruling Peshwa with punishment by
death for murdering his nephew. The reconstruction
of history is marked by dramatic thrills, the use of respledent costumes and breath taking
opulent decor and sets. Shown at a number of National and International Film Festivals. The film received "The Best Film Award" by Bengal Film Journalist Association. |
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