Director Paresh Mokashi deserves a pat on his back for making such a low budget film Harishchandrachi Factory with such great actors, and such interesting direction.
Harishchandrachi Factory traces Phalke’s journey to making his first film, and the hardships he faced while doing it.
As an average Indian I would identify Dadasaheb Phalke as the first Indian to make a feature film (Raja Harishchandra) and as many others I also knew about the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award which is instituted for lifetime contribution to cinema. But beyond that not much has been commonly known about the life and times of the father of Indian cinema. So almost a century after the first Indian film was released in 1913, comes a film on what went into the making of that film. It amazes how an idea as basic as this remains untouched by any storyteller so far. The uniqueness of this brain wave is efficiently exploited by debutante writer-director Paresh Mokashi who reintroduces Dadasaheb as Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, a common man with uncommon vision in Harishchandrachi Factory.
The film works largely because of the compelling and convincing portrayal of Dadasaheb Phalke by Nandu Madhav. As an eccentric, workaholic man bursting with confidence, he is extremely poised and confident in his performance. I’m must say he is just been amazing all throughout the film. Vibhawari Deshpande as Phalke’s wife and support system is equally efficient. The two boys playing their sons are good enough while the supporting cast lends adequate support. I’m highly impressed by the lady “Vibhawari Deshpande…she’s done full justice to the character, hats off’ for her patience and support. Dadasaheb was really lucky to have a better half like her, the entire credit of his success goes to his wife and his children…It’s truly said behind “Every successful man there is a women.” There is no better example then this. This movie is a tribute to Indian cinema and Dadasaheb Phalke.
This movie is worth a watch. It is motivational and an exclusive treat to the viewers.
Harishchandrachi Factory is an institution in itself.
Deepak 