First Indian Film 'Shree Pundalik' Released
May 18th, 1912
May 18th, 1912

How Long Ago?
112 years, 9 months, 25 days ago
Location
Mumbai, India
Category
Arts & Culture
People
- Dadasaheb Torne
Links & References
Tags
First Indian Film 'Shree Pundalik' Released
'Shree Pundalik,' directed by Dadasaheb Torne, marked a significant milestone in Indian cinema as it was the first full-length Indian feature film released in Mumbai. The story revolves around the mythological character of Pundalik, highlighting themes of devotion and faith. The film drew an audience interested in the portrayal of Indian narratives on screen, and its release laid the groundwork for the burgeoning Indian film industry. Audiences were captivated by the blend of drama and cultural context presented through this innovative medium.
First full-length Indian feature film.
Directed by Dadasaheb Torne.
Film mainly addressed cultural themes.
Laid foundation for Indian cinema industry.
What Happened?
'Shree Pundalik' was an ambitious project that represented a turning point in the Indian film industry. Directed by Dadasaheb Torne, the film was based on a play written by Vishnupant Piramal, which itself drew upon traditional Indian narrative styles and themes. The film was primarily shot in Mumbai and lasted around 40 minutes, a remarkable duration for films of that time. Utilizing early filmmaking techniques, Torne aimed to capture the ethos of Indian culture and spirituality, making the film resonate deeply with local audiences. Its narrative focused on Pundalik, a character celebrated for his devotion to the Hindu deity Lord Vithoba, showcasing the cultural relevance and religious sentiments prevalent in Indian society.The experience of watching 'Shree Pundalik' was entirely new for Indian audiences, as it was one of the first instances where a complete story was told through motion pictures. Utilizing live musicians and dialogue, the film created a theatrical atmosphere. Despite the challenges of producing a film in a nascent industry, Dadasaheb Torne’s venture into filmmaking was groundbreaking. Both the film's content and presentation marked a significant evolution in the entertainment landscape of India, inspiring future filmmakers to pursue feature films that could address local themes and stories.The release of 'Shree Pundalik' laid the foundation for the Indian film industry, encouraging subsequent filmmakers to explore local narratives, styles, and cinematic techniques. This pioneering work paved the way for a diverse array of subsequent films and directors who followed Torne’s lead. As the years progressed, the Indian film industry grew exponentially, making an indelible impact on the cultural fabric of the nation.
Why Does it Matter?
The release of 'Shree Pundalik' is interesting because it represents the birth of Indian cinema, showcasing a transition from stage plays to the film medium. This shift allowed for storytelling in motion pictures to flourish, leading to a rich tradition of diverse films that reflect India's cultural complexity.
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