FilmIndia (May-Dec 1938)

May 1938 FILMINDIA bar and drawing good crowds. The producers seem to be intent on producing Malayalam talkies in future. At the studios, Angel Films will shortly go into shooting of "Kovalan". Andhra Cinetone: (Vizagapatam). Director Hiren Bose has almost completed his Telugu picture "Bhakta Jayadev" in Telugu and Hindi. Andhra Talkies: (Vizagapatam). "Shree Satyanarayana", their Telugu talkie has been released in the mofussil. The new one under production is called "Mohini" with Dasari Kotiratnamma, in the cast. Kalidas Films: "Kannappanayanar" which has been recently released is reported to have failed rather badly. The future programme announced points to "Mohini" and "Kalamega Pulavar" as their two pictures to go into production. Mysore Sound Studios: (Bangalore). The shooting of "Mayuradwa ja" or "Self Sacrifice" has been completed and the picture is now in the editing room. Miss Man nargudi Papa is in the cast. Vel Pictures: That famous musician and actor Subbiah Bhagavathar is working in a Tamli picture called "Kambar". The shooting of this picture is fast progressing. The next one to go into production is "Bhakta Pundalik" in Telugu with Miss Sriranjini in the lead. Srinivas Cinetone: Mr. Narayan is making steady progress with "Pururava" or 58 "laya Pradha" in Tamil and Telugu. He is bound to catch hold of some Chettiars to relieve himself of this picture. Motion Picture Producers' Combine: A number of pictures are under production in this new studio. Jupiter's "Orphan Girl" has completed its shooting and is being edited while Raja Sandow is giving his finishing touches to "Vishnu Leela". Director Ramabraham has finished the out door shooting of "Mala Pilla" for Sarathy Films. Rajagopal Talkies are progressing fast with "Krishna Thoothu," while Rajendra Films will soon be starting "Swarnalata" under the direction of Y. V. Rao. Mahalakshmi studios have started shooting of "Inbasagaran" in Tamil featuring Santhanalakshmi. Newtone Studios: Owing to Director Rao's sickness the picture "Bhakta Meera" has been slightly delayed. It will however be completed within the next fortnight. Rayal Talkies' "Sakubai" has also been delayed because of Miss K. Aswathmma. Rajan Films of Trichy are thinking of shooting "Tiruneelakanta Nayanar". Jaya Films: "Krishna Jarasanda," will be released at the Kinema Central during the month. They are now making preparations for another social picture which is being discussed rather hotly. Oriental Films: With M. S. Vijayal, the lucky mascot of the season, "Sowbagya Sundari" is being steadily shot at the Imperial studios in Bombay under the direction of Mr. Padmanabhan. Karthikeya Films: All affairs are at a stand still after the luke warm reception given to "Sundaramoorthy Nayanar". They are still thinking. Sundaram Sound Studios: "Bhu Kailas" is in the editing room. The next picture is expected to be a mythological one. Renaissance Theatres: "Jalaja" featuring Seshgiri will be released at the Broadway Talkies during the month. Miss Banumati is reported to have given a couple of good dances. National Movietone: Kubera Films have just completed their picture "Bhakta Markandeya" at the above studios. Their own production "Raj Mohan" is awaiting release. A new picture will be taken in hand railed "Punjab Kesari". Mohan Pictures: "Baghya Leela" starring Miss K. T. Rukmcmi is progressing fast in Mohan Sound Studios in Bombay. Grand National Productions: "The Devil On Horse Back" a "Grand National" all-colour picture starring Lili Damita, Jean Chatburn, Fred Keating and Del Campo now running at the Eros, proves to be a popular attraction for Bombay fans. Some of the outstanding releases of "Grand National" are "Something to Sing About", starring James Cagney, "Devil On Horse Back", 23^ Hours", starring James Ellison & Ferry Walker, "Sins of Children" with Eric Linden and Cecelia Parker. "Wallaby Jim of the Islands" featuring George Housten, "Girl Said No" with Irene Harvey. " Hats off" with Helen Lynd and many others. The Distribution rights of Grand National Pictures are held by Messrs. Chaudhri Film Service of Lahore.