FilmIndia (May-Dec 1938)

Studio Close" Ups RAN JIT MOVIETONE: "The Cat", a social comedy which was released during the month is drawing good houses at the West End Cinema, Bombay. At the studio, "The Secretary", directed by Mr. Chaturbhuj Doshi is lying ready for release. "Sant Tulsidas" is being shot steadily by Jayant Desai with Vishnupant Pagnis, Vasanti and others in the cast. Mr. Chandulal Shah is busy shooting "Achhut" with Gohar in the lead. SAGAR MOVIETONE: "Gramaphone Singer" had a good reception at the Imperial Cinema when it was released on the 17th September. At the studio "Postman" directed by Mahindra is lying ready for release while Badami is giving finishing touches to "Ladies Only", a picture featuring Sabita. Director Luhar has gone half way through "Service Ltd.". Mehboob has started another picture and he has taken plenty of indoor shots of the same. BOMBAY TALKIES: "Vachan" is still running at the Roxy and people seem to be thrilled at seeing the new triumphs of Devika Rani. At the studio, a social picture is being shot, but the name of the said picture is not yet announced. MINERVA TALKIES: "Jailor" completed its run at the Krishna Cinema and was transferred to the Novelty Talkies in Bombay. "Vasanti" starring Naseem will be shortly coming to the Minerva Talkies in Bombay. Mr. Sohrab Mody has already taken up another social subject called "Divorce", for shooting at the Sewree studios. JYOTHI & CO.: People say that this is a new concern which is being built on the lost hopes of the Imperial Film Co. The company is being financ ed by Kapurchand Ltd., and the old Khan Bahadur is seen taking active part in its conduct. We wish the old campaigner every success. KRISHIN MOVIETONE: Director Ram Daryani's "Zamana" has been completed and defi Ishwarlal in "The Cat" a Ranjit picture. nitely booked for the Pathe, to run sometime next month. The picture features Padmadevi, and is ably supported by Nazir and other artistes, in a social melodrama. GENERAL FILMS: "Pati Patni" is receiving final touches at the studio at the hands of Director Kardar. "Industrial India" has practically been completed and it should be on the screen in the coming month. "Baghban" is reported to have run very well in the northern circuit. PRAKASH PICTURES: "Poornima" received splendid ovation at the Krishna Cinema, Bombay, when it opened there on the 10th September. "Toofan Queen" a Tamil picture is lying ready, while "Hero No. 1" a stunt thriller, by Director Khosla, is fast progressing. WADIA MOVIETONE: The horse is ill. We refer to "Punjab-ka-Beta", and therefore "Punjab Mail" which is being directed by Homi Wadia is held up. Director Ghadialli's "Jungle King" starring Pramilla, and Maheru the monkey, is well on way with its stunts and thrills. The studio has ordered new recording machines and other equipment for the 1939 production programme. EVEREST PICTURES: Ezra Mir should go into shooting cf his gypsy story "Sitara" on the 1st of October. The picture features Khursheed, Yasmin, Ratan and others. Mr. Mir is likely to score a signal success in this picture because of the care he is taking in production and the publicity he is giving to the picture. BHAVNANI PRODUCTIONS: "Yangrilla" was well received at the Super Talkies. The future programme of Mr. Bhavnani is not yet known. But he is bound to give something new this time with his previous record. PARAMOUNT FILM CO.: "Banke Savaria" was released at the Lamington Talkies, Bombay, to a crowded house. In the studio, "Midnight Man", "Golden Gang" and "Madhu Bansari" are fast proceeding towards completion. 57