FilmIndia (May-Dec 1938)

December 1938 r FILMINDIA historical subject "Netaji Palkar". Rehearsals of this wonderfully thrilling episode from the times of Shiva ji, the Maratha conqueror are now on and the picture will go into shooting sometime by the middle of December, probably at the Huns studios in Kolhapur. CALCUTTA NEW THEATRES: Director Barua's "Adhikar" has been running in Bombay to the delight of the intellectuals in the city. High pitched in conception and different in treatment this picture offers a treat to the intellectuals and a retreat to the thinkers. To the masses in general, it is however, a bit high flown. People who complain that the long lapses between two pictures peculiar to New Theatres, should be surprised to learn that when "Adhikar" is running at one theatre in the city "Street Singer" has also been released at another, namely, at the Minerva Talkies. For the first time, Saigal and Kanan Bala those melodious crooners of the screen, have been paired together with the result that huge crowds come out of the theatre singing in the street, songs from the "Street Singer". At the studios "Bar Didi" "Dushman" and "Snake Charmer" are being shot steadily, while Director Phani Majumdar has taken up "Kapalkundala" in Hindi, the subject which broke all box-office records in the days of the silento. Director Barua who has returned from his foreign tour, of course, accompanied by Jamuna will now rush into new activity by taking up a social subject of an entirely different type. FILM CORPORATION OF INDIA: "Asha" which was released at the Royal Opera House proved a disappointment to several people who had expected a lot from this new company. Nothing definite is Known at present about the new activities of this studio. SOUTH INDIA ANDHRA CINETONE, (Vizagapatam) : Director Hiren Bose entertains high hopes of success of "Bhakta Jayadev" which ought to be on the screen sometime by the 2nd weeK of January. "Kiratha Arjun" under the capable guidance of Mr. Ramashesham is progressing steadily. "Pasupathasthram" is being produced in this studio for Ramgopal Talkies. MODERN THEATRES, (Salem): "Maya Mayavan" was released to an appreciable audience In the Ratan Bai in "Mr. X" a Prakash picture. Crown Talkies, Madras and the picture is likely to stay there for sometime. Director Sundaram is busy with the selection of artistes for his new picture "Santhana Thevan" while Jaya Bharat's "Thayammannavar" will go to the editing room very shortly. PREMIER CINETONE, (Coimbatore) : "Eknath" must be on the screen by the time this issue is in your hand. As all directors usually feel, Mr. Metha who directed this one expects this to be roaring success. 'Lucky Star" produced by Dwarkanath productions should have been complete by now. CENTRAL STUDIOS: (Coimbatore) : "Musiri" was to a great extent responsible for the success of their Tamil Talkie "Tukaram". If reports are to be believed, there is hardly any entertaining material in the story except 'Musiri' as "Tukaram" in celluloid. "Rambha's Love" is ready for release. MOHAN PICTURES, (Madura): Mr. Tandon is at Calcutta, shooting "Yayathi". He has been doing so for long and goodness knows when he is going to finish. SARATHI FILMS, (Madras): "Mala Pilla," a social story advocating untouchability was well received in the South, inspite of protests from the Sanatanists who must have given the picture plenty of free publicity. A lucky coincidence indeed! Their next picture will be the "Battle of Palnad" and we hope there will be no bloodshed. RAJENDRA FILMS, (Madras): Director Rao's "Swarnalata" is reported to be doing rather good business. The distribution rights are held by Mahalaxmi Studios, Madras. JAYA FILMS. (Madras): "Vimochan" is ready and should be on the screen by the time this is in print. "Kalidas" will be their next. MAYURA FILMS. (Madras): "Luck" seems to wait for its turn to be released in the city. The 47