The first Indian movie is generally considered to be Raja Harishchandra, released in 1913. It was a silent film directed and produced by Dadasaheb Phalke, who is often referred to as the “Father of Indian Cinema.”
Raja Harishchandra (1913) movie poster
The film tells the story of King Harishchandra, a legendary figure from Hindu mythology known for his truthfulness and integrity. It was a major commercial success and helped to lay the foundation for the Indian film industry.
It’s important to note that there is some debate among film historians about whether Shree Pundalik, released in 1912, should actually be considered the first Indian film. However, most experts agree that Raja Harishchandra was the first full-length feature film made in India.
Here are some additional facts about Raja Harishchandra:
It was a silent film, with intertitles in Marathi and English.
The film was shot in Bombay (now Mumbai) and premiered at the Coronation Cinema.
The film’s running time is approximately 40 minutes.
The film was a major cultural event in India and helped to popularize cinema in the country.