FilmIndia (1939)

Studio Close-ups RANJIT MOVIETONE "On The River" which was released at the Pathe last month has proved a popular picture. It is a light comedy drama, and has appealed to all classes of people. "Sant Tulsidas" is still going strong all over the country. It is heard that this picture has broken all records at the Box-office, even that •of their own picture "Toofan Mail." Sardar Chandulal Shah is busy preparing to release "Achhut" (Gujrati version) at the Royal Opera House. This picture brings back to us Gohar and that is enough to draw houses. A. R. Kardar has completed "Holi" and is fast progressing with "Pagal" featuring Madhuri and Prithviraj in the lead. Jayant Desai has finished "India To-day" and is now racking his brains on a new subject. Chaturbhuj Doshi is again up and doing; this time he is definitely promising to give something unique. It is going to be a seriocomic picture with Charlie as the hero and little Vasantee is there, too! BOMBAY TALKIES Their recent release "Kangan" is taking full houses at the Roxy Talkies. Leela Chitnis has given a fine performance and there are a couple of very good songs. Their next is "Rebel" featuring Leela Chitnis, Ashok Kumar and Rama Shukal, etc., and will be ready in a week's time. Again the story comes from the pen of Saradindu Bannerji and the fans will get a treat. SAGAR MOVIETONE Their "Kum Kum The Dancer" in two versions has at last been completed and the Bengali version is scheduled to be released at Calcutta during X'mas Holidays. Mr. Madhu Bose has taken great pains to make this an outstanding picture and with Sadhona Bose, Dhiraj Bhattacharya, Padma Devi, etc., in the cast we think his efforts will be crowned with success. "Civil Marriage" and "Ali Baba" are complete and are awaiting release. And that is the end of Sagar! WADIA MOVIETONE "Kahan Hai Manzil Teri" was released at the Lamington Talkies and proved moderately popular. With this Wadia Bros., have turned a new leaf and they are to be congratulated on their new departure. Miss M. A. Rajamani in Mohan Pictures Tamil Talkie "Jay Bharati" MOHAN PICTURES "Hamara Desh," a powerful "Social," is awaiting release. "Volunteer" directed by K. Amarnath featuring Yasmin, Rajkumar. Nazir, etc.. is fast nearing completion. They have also produced a Tamil film "Jai Bharati" featuring Baby Rukmani and M. A. Rajamani, etc.. in the lead. MINERVA MOVIETONE The success of "Pukar" all over the country has given more impetus to Sohrab Modi and now he is busy shooting "Bharosa" a story by Aga Jani Kashmiri. The cast includes Mazhar, Chandra Mohan, Sheela, etc., in the lead. SUDAMA PRODUCTIONS Their maiden picture "As You Please" is running well at the Imperial Cinema. Their next is "Chingharee" featuring Sabita Devi, and Prithviraj and will, of ourse, be directed by S. Badami. SUPREME FILMS "Ghazi Salahuddin" will be released on the coming I'dd day throughout the country. It is a well known historical subject and is bound to prove popular at the Box office. The main cast is led by Ratan Bai, Mazhar, Gulam Md, Yakub, Lalita, etc., and is directed by Hafeezji who, we think, knows the Muslim ' History quite well. HINDUSTHAN CINETONE Gunjal has finished "Mud" alias "Apni Nagariya" featuring Shobhana Samarth, Nazir, Jayant, K. N. Singh, etc., in the lead. The story is by that brilliant young writer, S. H. Manto. Chimanlal Luhar has started another social story "Pravasi". full of social problems. CIRCO PRODUCTIONS This concern who were hitherto producing pictures at Calcutta have come down to Bombay and have taken up the old Ajanta Studio. Their news bulletin says that thenfirst picture "Laxmi" is going to be "a high, wide and handsome" comedy with Kumar. Bibbo and Maya in the lead. Let us believe them. NATIONAL STUDIOS LTD. At last this studio has started functioning at Film City. POONA PRABHAT FILM CO. The magnificent response from all over to Mr. Shantaram's "Life's for Living" has once again convinced him of the need of producing social pictures with a message. As usual, he is going to present something entirely new in theme and treatment. Production will start by the middle of next month. The shooting of "Dnyaneshwar" is proceeding at top speed, half the picture being over. Prabhat is again bringing out new talents. 31