FilmIndia (1939)

FILM INDIA December 1939 admission, the channels of celluloide medium. I mean, a door will be opened to supplementary programmes of enlightening, educating and entertaining nature. May I give a list ? There will be cartoons ! Our mythology is full of fantasies, ethical tales, allegories. They could be better picturized in the cartoon medium. When one sees this medium developed to the perfection of "Snow-White" one blushes with shame, not to be able to mention even one tolerable Indian cartoon. Length of films had blocked this branch altogether ! There could be news reels ! Is our country dead still ? Is our national life, eventless, dull, as to provide no news for reels ? Gandhi — The individual is himself an institution sufficient to be a news for a weekly topical. Many Leagues and Conferences and the movements of their leaders, Congress activities, new plans introduced, meeting of the Viceroy with the greatest leader of India; these are perennial sources for the news-reels. India is the golden land of gay festivities. Inspite of the ceaseless drains of centuries with occasional festivals, the poor folk muster up mirth and de votion. They will be happy pictures for reels. These news-reels, showing 'The personalities of the public life' in action will promote the national cause and carry the message of the hooks and corners of our vast continent-mother India. Then there are sports. Like Hammond and Bradman, we have our own "C. K.", Amarnath. Wazir Ali, —we have Dhyanchand — we have our Uday Shankar, we have our Gama by the side of "Joe Louis" — In no sport India is less colourful and vigorous ! — Best Hockey wizards, swimmers, and footballers— but they are 'shadowed out' because they are not 'shadowed' on the film. India is the unparalled land of marvels in architecture, art, geographical wonders and beauties ! It was a pity to see ourselves gasping with wonder and awe to seethe snowy heights of Himalaya in Capra's 'Lost Horizon'. And yet we have never seen these mountains in our own films? Our rivers with thick population on their banks, with floating commerce, with interesting rituals, our thick forests with mysterious life, our gigantic temples, hundred times grander than the greatest of the citadels in the West. Their present boast is a mere prattle. Our Taj, our Madura, Humpi, Tanjore, Puri many to mention ! Castles of historical significance, holy places, natural marvels and marvels wrought by human handlike Ajanta, Abu. Naland and Elephanta ! Then there could be films of educative value. We can exhibit machines in the making and in the working — and thus display the march of the times. Our peasant population is ignorant of the tremendous speed with which life beyond is moving. He is the same old man of the days before walking by the side of his bullock. Let him know "The 20th Century", and have the idea of the shape of things to come. Let events of famine, epidemic, earth-quake be picturized. It is a better appeal to the brotherly instinct than the appeal in words and communiques issued by leaders. There are strikes declared, Phoneix Mill, Dighoi, Cawnpore and many more. Let them be picturized and the workers' grievances be laid on the blazing screen ! India will be a nation in no time. More busy, tense and eventful times are ahead. They are so very near. Resignation of the ministers, the A scene from New Theatres (Circo Production) "Jawani Ki Hit" featuring the Queen of Melody Kanan Bala and the handsome Najamul Husein to be released thru Calcutta Film Exchange. «10