FilmIndia (1939)

FILM INDIA is a mild satire on society but does not annoy or provoke at any stage and leaves behind a pleasant impression. Renuka Devi is a remarkable discovery as a star of the screen. Her performance has that distinctive grace and poise which can only be associated with a lady of culture and education. Her personality has a fragrance that we so often miss on the Indian screen. Renuka must be seen oftener on the screen. Bombay Talkies owe this to their fans. The Story: The story opens with Tirath a poor young man lying on his death bed. Tirath's death would make Bimla, his young and beautiful wife an orphan. The thought of her being left unprotected at the tender mercies of a cruel and unkind world makes the approaching death look horrible to Tirath. Kishore, his old college friend, rushes to his bed side and promises to look after Bimla in spite of the world. Tirath dies. Bimla is now in the charge and care of Kishore. They are staying together — she a poor and beautiful widow and he an unmarried young man. Scandal starts and tongues begin to talk. Kishore's father, a religious fanatic, hears of the scandal, arrives in town and surprises his son. A hot interlude and Kishore is disinherited and disowned. Bimla is still with him as the sacred trust of a dear departed friend, in spite of the slandering tongues. And now by coincidence, Kishore comes across Renu the only daughter of a wealthy doting father. Love sees and responds, etc., etc. But in Anupam a young waster, their love gets its acid test. Through scandal, separation and heartburnings, the story moves to numerous beautiful locations, till it reaches one beautiful climax where love triumphs and scandal dies. Indeed, a 'beautiful storysoothing ana suggestive. Acting: Renuka Devi as Renu the heroine of the picture is almost a beautiful vision of grace and charm. Her performance has to be seen to be appreciated. She doesn't merely act, but lives her part to perfection. Stepping gracefully out of the screen, she glides charmingly into the heart of the audience to stay there as a gentle memory with a soothing ache. Bombay Talkies have found another Devika. Meera as Bela flutters well as a society butterfly, while Maya as Bimla the young widow lives up to be a symbol of stoic resignation. Three different women but three different types and all interlinked cleverly with the life of the hero— none too much, none too less— and yet there all the time, seen or felt, that is the finesse in the art of story telling, which one finds in this picture. Jairaj as Kishore gives a good, vigorous portrayal punctuated at times with suppressed rage or grief. Rama Shukul is a good addition to the Indian screen. As Anupam, the main obstacle in the whole scheme, he turns out to be a successful nuisance. And can we forget V. H. Desai as the nervous father of the heroine? In a light character portrayal, this graduate of law is superb. He may have failed in our law courts, but on the screen, No! He provides many a tickle with a humour that excites a smile but does not provoke a laughter. Production: Photography, recording or other technical work is beautiful. Editing is clever. Franz Osten has excelled himself in direction. It is subtle and clever. The dialogues are intelligent and intriguing. The music is pleasant. The beginning of the picture is rather slow, and in between there are a couple of slow sequences. But barring this, which can hardly be called a defect, the picture deserves every praise that can be given. Points of Appeal: Renuka's personality and performance should not be missed under any circumstances. Meera's songs are sung with a lilt peculiarly her own. And the story and its treatment are by themselves worth more than you may pay for. The picture has entertainment and instruction. Make it a point to see it. January 193{'| "FILMINDIA" AGITATION VINDICATED (Continued from page 13) censure in the correct spirit in which it was meant, he is reported to have said as follows : — "I would like to have an official ruling as to what episode of British history we can now make intf a film. I made "The Life of Nelson"— with Admiralty co-operation — and the French weren't annoyed. The Admiralty lent me H.M.SJ "Tiger" to make the "Flag Lieutenant" about a British garrison besieged in the Persian gulf — and the Arabs weren't annoyed. The War Office lent me troops to make "Mademoiselle from Armentiers''— and Germany wasn't annoyed. The Residency in Lucknow is still preserved as sacred ground. The flag which flew during the sie?,c has never been lowered since 1853J My story was in memory of the birth of co-operation between the two nations. Half the troops whoj defended the white women and] children in Lucknow were Indians."! Admitting that "that the flag which flew during the siege hasi never been lowered since 1858." thanks to the diplomatic sense of the British, we may as well point out that the danger to the flag would unnecessarily be hastened if men like Maurice Elvey start thinking loudly in the way he has done. NOTICE Excellent site for FILM STUDIOS, 10 miles from Bombay, Ideal sur-i roundings, 4 double storied bungalows, 2 flat bungalows; 3 chawis with all modern conveniences; the complete land admeasuring 21,000] square yards to be given ON' LEASE. For full particulars write oo: DULERAI & CO., 22, Apollo Street, Fort, Bombay. Phone No: 23315. 48