FilmIndia (1940)

FILMINDIA March 1940 be another record breaker as the producers think that nothing better has been given in this line of production. At the studios two pictures will be going into shooting simultaneously, one is "Padosi" (The Neighbours) a social story which Director Shantaram will handle while the other is "Ram Shastri" another social theme on justice written by Mr. V. S. Sukhtanker and which picture will be in charge of Messrs. Damle and Fatehlal. The Prabhat programme for 1940 is expected to be a very ambitious one. One of the biggest costume pictures which the East can give is likely to go into production sometime in the month of June. SARASWATI C1NETONE "Mazi Ladki" is drawing still in Poona and at several provincial towns because of its comedy element. The picture was directed by Dada Saheb Torney who is now going through a volume of new material to find his next story. NAVAYUG CHITRAPAT This new company, it is reported, has already started functioning by undertaking their first picture called "Lapandav", (Hide and Seek). ARUN PICTURES By the time this is in print director Bhal G. Pendharkar's "Alakh Niranjan" or "Gorakhnath" will be at the Central in Bombay. In the cast we find old and favourite names like Leela and Chandrakant. KOLHAPUR HUNS PICTURES Director Vinayak has now completed "Better Half". With Baburao Pendharkar and Leela Chitnis in the lead this social picture which is written by principal P. K. Atre is expected to be a winner of the season. CALCUTTA NEW THEATRES LTD. Director Barua's "Zindagi" is now ready with Saigal and Jamuna leading the cast. The picture is expected to be a box office success. Baburao Patel and a Warner Bros, starlet. Phani Majumdar is giving the finishing touches to "Doctor" a social subject which is being produced in Bengali. Director Amar Mullick's picture is at last named "Avinetri". It depicts the heart-struggles of an artiste, in this case a lady from good society who joins the stage for a career. Another picture which is awaiting release is "Andhi". FILM CORPORATION Under director Ram Daryani fast progress is being registered in the production of "Hindusthan Hamara" with Padma Devi and Jamuna in the lead. Daryani Brothers with their usual love of detail expect to make this a sensational success of the year. KALI FILMS LTD. It is reported that this company has secured the services of Padma Devi on an annual contract for their future Hindi and Bengali pictures. Bombay is more conversant with the excellent name this star has achieved by being popularly known as the ColourQueen of India. SOUTH INDIA SALEM SANKER FILMS LTD. (Salem). "Prahalada" the Tamil mythological picture produced by this progressive concern is reported to be having record runs in various places in the Presidency. SRI JAGADISH FILMS (Madras) "Malli Pelli" is reported to be having unequalled success. MADRAS UNITED ARTISTES CORPORATION (Madras) "Baktha Chetha" a Tamil historical, with Papanasam Sivan, G. Subbulakshmi, S. R. Janaki, Master Thirumalai and Kothamangalam Subbu, is reported to be running well in various places. Their next picture "Ahimsa Sakthi" will have well-known star S. D. Subbulakshmi in the lead. VEL PICTURES LTD. (Madras) While their "Panduranga Vittal" is having good run at important places, their next production "Bakthi" is reported to be nearing completion and will be screened soon. VAUHINI PICTURES (Madras) For 1940 they have started shooting the Telugu social "Sumangali" which is expected to be a greater success than "Vandemataram." BABY SAROJA RELEASES (Madras) "Kamadhenu" a Tamil social is being produced at the Vel Picture studios with Baby Saroja, G. Subbulakshmi in the lead. Director Nandlal Jaswantlal is reported to have taken great pains to make his first attempt at a Tamil picture a success. MOTION PICTURE PRODUCERS COMBINE LTD. (Madras) Directed by Ellis R. Dungan "Surya Puthri" will go into shooting shortly. Shooting of the picture "Child Marriage" with great social significance, was inaugurated by Mayor S. Satyamurthi. Director Ramkumar is expected to give a really !?ood picture in this. DANDAPANI FILMS & SALEM MOHINI FILMS (Madras) "Kavi Kalamegam'" is expected to be released soon. ASANDAS CLASSICAL TALKIES (Madras) "Manimegahalai" will be on the screen shortly.