Dhundiraj Govind Phalke
1870 - 1944Mohini Bhasmasur
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke
Durgabai, Kamala
The plot of the film revolves around the Hindu mythological story of Mohini and Bhasmasur. At over five hours, it inaugurated the tradition of Indian cinematic epics and was the first Indian film to feature actresses.
Mohini Bhasmasur
Lanka Dahan
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke
Anna Salunke, Ganpat G. Shinde
Lanka Dahan (Lanka Aflame) is a 1917 Indian silent film directed by Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (Dadasaheb Phalke). Phalke also wrote the film based on an episode of the Hindu epic Ramayana, credited to Valmiki. A retelling of the familiar 'Ramayana' story of Rama's wife Sita being abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, and Rama's triumph with the aid of men, monkeys and bears. From the trees Hanuman the brave monkey observes Sita held captive in the tulasi garden where Ravana comes to intimidate her. The main part of the film covers Hanuman's rage while in Lanka when he set the whole island afire with his burning tail.
The Burning of Lanka
Shri Krishna Janma
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke
Bhagirathibai, D.D. Dabke
This film begins with the invocation of 'almighty god' at a river where several people are gathered. The child god Krishna rises out of the water astride the demon snake Kaliya. Then we see Yashoda as she rocks the sleeping Krishna's crib and imagines the god as Gopala. The next scene shows Kamsa fantasizing about Krishna threateningly duplicated many times around him. Kamsa then imagines himself dead as his severed head rises up and descends again. People of all castes pay obeisance to the deity with the title-card: 'may this humble offering be accepted by the Lord'.
Birth of Shri Krishna
Raja Harishchandra
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke
D.D. Dabke, P.G. Sane
The first feature-length Indian film is based on the legend of Raja Harishchandra, recounted in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. It revolves around the noble and righteous king, Harishchandra, who first sacrifices his kingdom, followed by his wife and eventually his children to honour his promise to the sage Vishwamitra. Though, in the end, pleased by his high morals, the Gods restore his former glory, and further bestow him with divine blessings.
Raja Harishchandra
Bhakta Pralhad
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke
Bhaurao Datar, B. Pawar
Drawn from the Vishnu Purana, this legend tells of Prahlad, the son of the demon tyrant Hiranyakshapu. Prahlad disobeys his father by worshipping the latter's hated enemy, Vishnu. He undergoes tortures, including being burnt in oil, trampled beneath an elephant and poisoning, until, finally, Vishnu appears from a pillar in his Narasimha guise to overwhelm the demon.
Bhakta Pralhad
Kaliya Mardan
Dhundiraj Govind Phalke
Neelkanth, Mandakini Phalke
The playmates of Krishna are insulted by a female villager who splashes water on them. They take revenge by stealing butter from her house. When they are beaten up by the woman, they again take revenge with the aid of Krishna. He receives a gift of fruit for his help but gives it away. Krishna then enters the room of a wealthy merchant and his wife at night and ties the man's beard to his wife's hair. These exploits lead to a large crowd complaining of Krishna's antics to his foster parents.
The Childhood of Krishna
