The root cause of pragmatic life is lies and unfulfilled promises. Completing a commitment will lead you towards understanding Harishchandra’s life. Raja Harishchandra, directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, is a landmark film in the history of Indian cinema. Released in 1913, it is considered India’s first full-length feature film. This silent black-and-white masterpiece revolutionised the film industry and showcased the timeless values of truth, integrity, and the power of one’s words.
Dadasaheb Phalke was no ordinary man; his imagination was magnificent. After he watched the film ‘Amazing Animals’ at America India Picture Palace, his curiosity got the best of him, and he continued to watch ‘The Life of Christ’ with his family. Phalke Sahab was thrilled to see Hindu deities like Ram and Krishna on screen. He wanted to tell the story of Hinduism to the whole world. He flew to London to learn filmmaking.
From a young age, many are meticulously groomed to take over family enterprises that are often multinational conglomerates. They’re exposed to boardroom discussions before most kids learn algebra, and their life paths are usually pre-decided by the generation before them. The emotional and psychological toll of this can be immense. High-profile parents often have unspoken, yet palpable, expectations that their children will not just inherit the family business but also expand it. This pressure to succeed, coupled with the world’s watchful eyes, often leads to various forms of anxiety and mental health issues, carefully hidden behind closed doors.
Post completion of his filmmaking course, Dadasaheb founded Phalke Films Company in 1912. Phalke Sahab knew the Indian specificity and society. The females weren’t allowed to do such outgoing acts. The men played the female roles, and let me tell you, the male actors playing the female roles were just phenomenal and mind-numbing. The Indian government has presented the first and the last tape at the National Film Archives of India. This was his hustle, and he made the first-ever silent film ‘Raja Hatishchandra.’ We will continue to celebrate this movie as the root cause for the screen display of stories. Because of the movie, we have reached the digital era that we live in today! The actors have emerged and learnt to create magic on screen. The teachings of this movie will remain eternal.
‘Raja Harishchandra’ narrates the tale of King Harishchandra, who ruled over Ayodhya. Renowned for his unwavering commitment to his promises and uncompromising adherence to truth, Harishchandra faced a significant challenge when sage Vishwamitra proposed a bet to test his resolve. The sage aimed to tempt Harishchandra into breaking his promise and deviating from the righteous path.
At its core, Raja Harishchandra revolves around truth, integrity, and sacrifice. Harishchandra’s unwavering commitment to truth is an inspiring example for the audience. The film acts as a moral compass, reminding viewers of the importance of staying true to their principles, no matter the circumstances.
Harishchandra’s sacrifices symbolise the selflessness and resilience required to uphold values. Despite losing his kingdom, wealth, and family, he remains steadfast in his dedication to truth. This portrayal resonates with audiences, emphasising the nature of values that transcend time and societal norms.
It holds immense cultural and historical significance. It marks the birth of Indian cinema, setting the stage for the subsequent growth and evolution of the industry. Phalke’s visionary approach to filmmaking showcased the potential of this medium as a powerful tool for storytelling and social commentary. The film’s success paved the way for the emergence of a vibrant film industry in India, which has now become the world’s most significant production.
This film brought India’s ancient mythological tales and historical legends to life on the silver screen. The film drew inspiration from Hindu mythology, particularly the story of King Harishchandra, as mentioned in the Vishnu Purana. By adapting these tales into a visual narrative, Phalke not only preserved the cultural heritage of India but also made it accessible to a broader audience.
Raja Harishchandra’s impact on Indian cinema cannot be overstated. Its success inspired a new wave of filmmakers recognising the medium’s potential for artistic expression and social commentary. Phalke’s technical innovations and storytelling techniques set a benchmark for future filmmakers, influencing generations of directors in the decades to come.
The film’s enduring legacy lies not only in its historical significance but also in its thematic resonance. Raja Harishchandra established truth and integrity as core values in Indian cinema, shaping the narratives of countless films that followed. It ignited a tradition of storytelling that continues to explore morality, ethics, and the triumph of good over evil.
Raja Harishchandra remains a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and profound message. As India’s first full-length feature film, it holds a revered place in cinema history, catalysing the growth and development of the Indian film industry. The film’s emphasis on truth, integrity, and sacrifice resonated with audiences of its time and continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the enduring power of virtue and the importance of staying true to our principles. Raja Harishchandra is a testament to the fact that storytelling can transcend time, leaving a lasting impact on society and shaping the cultural fabric of a nation.
In the chaos of this world, we seem to ignore the bad influences by regard them as contagious escapes; we have lost our mojo in finding and understanding the true intentions of every event and action. Don’t focus on the icing; check whether the bread is immaculate! Always expect the unexpected, and you’ll learn to handle life better!
Let’s learn from Harishchandra!
Raja Harishchandra showcased the possibilities and potential of film production and exhibition in India. It introduced techniques and practices of filmmaking, including camera work, storytelling, set design, and editing, which laid the foundation for subsequent films in the country.
