Mumbai, September 21: India’s official entry at the Osacrs is a little known Marathi film Harishchandrachi Factory.
It is a film about India’s first full length film Raja Harishchandra made by Dadasaheb Phalke. Harishchandrachi Factory is a Marathi film depicting the trials and tribulations faced by the father of Indian cinema Dadasaheb Phalke, when he was making the pioneer film in 1913. It also marks the big screen debut of theatre veteran Paresh Mokashi.
“Dadasaheb is only known for a certain thing. No one knew the adventure and struggle he went through when he made the film. It’s the life and entire adventure he went through while making the film that inspired me to use this subject to make a film,” said Paresh Mokashi.
This is the first Marathi film to be nominated for Oscars in five years. The last one was Shwaas in 2004. Harishchandrachi Factory had to compete against 15 Bollywood films like New York and Delhi 6. With the verdict out, the makers of this film feel they have a bigger task at hand.
“Our film has been getting a great response from various states and we will consult with all the people who have supported us so far and plan on how to take things further,” said Mokashi.
Though the film has seen a small scale release, plans are underway for a grand commercial release by the year end. Now with an Oscar entry to its credit it can expect better box office figures as well.
—Agencies