Shree Pundalik
| Shree Pundalik | |
|---|---|
 Advertisement in the Times of India of 25 May 1912 announcing the screening of the first feature film of India, Pundalik, by Dadasaheb Torne | |
| Directed by | Dadasaheb Torne |
| Produced by | Dadasaheb Torne |
| Release dates |
|
| Country | India |
| Language | Silent |
Shree Pundalik, which was released on 18 May 1912 at the Coronation Cinematograph, Girgaum, Mumbai, is one of the candidates for the first Indian film (silent film). Shree Pundalik was produced and directed by Dadasaheb Torne.
History
Pundalik was a silent film without dialogue. Torne and his colleagues Nanasaheb Chitre and one Kirtikar wrote the shooting script.
Shree Pundalik was sent overseas for processing by Dadasaheb Torne. Torne's Pundalik was about 1,500 feet or about 22 minutes long. The film had a shooting script, was shot with a camera, and its negatives were sent to London for processing. Positives were produced and finally released at Coronation Cinematograph, Girgaum. The film ran for two weeks.[1]
Debates about the film
Some have argued that Pundalik does not deserve the honour of being called the first Indian film because it was a photographic recording of a popular Marathi play, and because the cameraman—a man named Johnson—was a British national and the film was processed in London.[2][1] Detractors argue that Dadasaheb Phalke’s Raja Harishchandra, which was released nearly a year later, is more deserving of the title of the first Indian film.[1]
Centennial
Shree Pundalik celebrated its centennial on 18 May 2012.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Mishra, Garima (3 May 2012). "Bid to get Pundalik recognition as first Indian feature film".
- ↑ Damle, Manjiri (21 April 2012). "Torne's 'Pundlik' came first, but missed honour".