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Raja Harishchandra
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Black and white still from Raja Harishchandra (1913) showing actors in traditional Indian costumes on an ornate set with carved arches and statues, depicting a royal scene.
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Raja Harishchandra

film by Phalke [1913]
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Black and white still from Raja Harishchandra (1913) showing actors in traditional Indian costumes on an ornate set with carved arches and statues, depicting a royal scene.
The birth of Indian cinema A still from Raja Harishchandra (1913), India's first full-length feature film. Directed and produced by Dadasaheb Phalke, it adapted the tale of a legendary king from Hindu mythology.

Raja Harishchandra (1913) is widely considered India's first feature-length film, produced by Dadasaheb Phalke. Phalke, often called the father of Indian cinema, was inspired by the silent film The Life of Christ to bring Indian mythology to the screen. He learned filmmaking in London and returned to India to establish his own production company.12

Raja Harishchandra tells the story of a legendary Hindu king. Due to social stigma, a young boy was cast in the female lead role. The film was a success, leading Phalke to produce other mythological films. Despite early challenges, Phalke's work laid the foundation for the Indian film industry.12

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  1. Dadasaheb Phalke
  2. Bollywood - Early years

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