FilmIndia (May-Dec 1938)

Studio Close Ups RANJIT MOVIETONE: "The Secretary" a light comedy directed by Mr. Chaturbhuj Doshi is still running at the West End Talkies. The picture that will come to the screen after this one is called "Professor Waman M.Sc", and is directed by Manibhai Vyas, who is reported to have given very good directorial, considering that this is his very first picture. Director Jayant Desai is fast nearing the end of "Sant Tulsidas", while Mr. Chandulal Shah is shooting "Achhoot" whenever he gets time from the numerous activities. Director Kardar's social picture will take only a month more for completion. With Kumar and Madhuri in the cast, this picture is likely to be another boxoffice hit. Mr. Chaturbhuj Doshi will take up a new subject sometime in the second week of December. SAGAR MOVIETONE: The remarkable success which the "Postman" met with at the Imperial Cinema when it was released proved to those experts who always look suspiciously at a picture, that people take to what they like rather than being served by the producers. "The Postman" has proved a surprising box-office hit for the Sagar studio. At the studios Director Mehboob's social picture Is proceeding fast towards conclusion, while Director Badami has nearly completed "Ladies Only" while "Service Ltd." by director Luhar is receiving the final touches. New directors in Zia, Atorthy and Nandlal are kept busy with the scripts for the 1939 production plans. Director Nandlal will be taking up a social comedy before he takes up "Prithvi Vallabh" that wonderful literary classic. BOMBAY TALKIES: At least these producers have come out with the name of their next picture which secret they were guarding very jealously. "Bhabi" is the name of the new picture, in which P. Jairaj plays the leading role with Meera, Maya and Renuka. The picture is expected on the screen sometime in the month of January. WADIA MOVIETONE: Through mishaps and accidents Director Ghadiali's "Jungle King" is being steadily shot with an intention to give the people something unusual in the world of thrilling pictures. Owing to the unfortunate accident to Pramilla and to the hero, the shooting of this picture has been suspended for some days. However, the picture will be finally completed during the month of December and put on the screen sometime In January. "Vijay Kumar" directed by Raja Yagnik is progressing steadily while Homi Wadia's "Punjab Mail", featuring the fearless Nadia is speeding up fast for a Censor certificate. Director Aspi Irani has finished his paper work for "Jai Swadesh". GENERAL FILMS: On the 19th November "Industrial India" directed by Mohan Sinha was released at the Royal Opera House to a huge crowd. The picture is expected to go several weeks in Bombay as it throws a refreshingly new light on the present day industrial problems. At the studios "Pati Patni" is receiving finishing touches and is likely to come on the screen sometime in the month of February. The Fazalbhoy Bros, contemplate a huge amalgamation with another local studio with a view to establish several production units functioning during the year 1939. We hope they will do so as our theatres will require more pictures in 1939, due to a shortage which at present seems inevitable. RUBY PICTURES: "Prem-ki-Jyot" their maiden picture starring Miss Sulochana with D. Billimoria, Jal Merchant and others supporting her has been completed and is expected to come on the screen at the Imperial Cinema after the "Postman" concludes its run. The advance reports regarding this picture are very encouraging and already the Provincial rights of the same have been disposed off. MINERVA MOVIETONE: "Talaq" and "Pukar" are being" steadily shot at this studio under the supervision of Mr. Sohrab Modi. In "Pukar" Chandramohan is reported to have given a good performance as Jehangir and people are already looking forward to the release of this picture as early as possible. KRISHIN MOVIETONE: Director Ram Daryani's "Zamana" has been passed by the Censors and is now awaiting a vacancy at some theatre in the city. In the cast we find Padmadevi in the stellar role and Nazir and others in the supporting characters. This picture is likely to set up a new standard of pictorial treatment of. the present day social themes. PRAKASH PICTURES: The success of "Poornima" surprised the critics. The picture has been well received not only in Bombay but at several places, and it therefore supplied a much required urge to the producers to porduce social subjects in future in preference to their usual stunt thrillers. At the studios Director Khosla has made considerable progress with "Hero No. 1", a story with plenty of fast and slapstick action. EVEREST PICTURES: Ezra Mir is in full swing, which means that "Sitara" is being shot with a frenzy and abandon so much required for a gipsy story. From day to day wild and romantic scenes with their unique haunting melody are being shot on the studio floors of the Film City. Rafique Guznavi, the Music Director is reported to have excelled himself in giving a wonderful lilt to the music, which is expected to haunt the ears of the people for months to come. Ezra Mir as the Director, is of course, doing his best to make "Sitara" not only a box-office success but a standard of clever technical work. BHAVNANI PRODUCTIONS: By the time this is in print "Double Cross" will be on the screen at 45