FilmIndia (1940)

PICTURES in H1III1G INDIA ARTISTS LTD. Perhaps the most extensive publicity ever given to a motion picture in India will herald the release of "Bahurani" the maiden production of India Artists Ltd. The picture has been in production for some time now, and from the way Kishore Sahu and Dwarkadas Daga give their time and energy to the study and execution of every detail, it is safe to expect a brilliant success to this social story which presents an old theme with an entirely new angle. "Bahurani" will be ready during this month and arrangements for its country-wide release on an hitherto unknown scale are being made by the producers. BOMBAY TALKIES LTD. "Azad" the second social picture of Leela Chitnis at the Bombay Talkies, opened to huge crowds at the Roxy in the first week of May. The unique success of "Kangan" has paved the way brilliantly and audiences receive "Azad" very enthusiastically. At the studios the work of shooting "Narayani" with Devika Rani in the lead is gradually progressing. However, before this picture is completed, another with Leela Chitnis will get into production to maintain the producers' production schedule. NATIONAL STUDIOS LTD. "Woman", a social picture which portrays the simple and rustic life in the villages in India, will be on the screen by the time this is in print. Mr Mehboob has directed the picture. "Sanskar" another social picture is also ready at the studios. It has been directed by Mr. Virendra Desai. "Puja" a social subject has gone into shooting under the direction of Mr. A. R. Kardar. CDICO PRODUCTIONS. "Sohag" has been completed and is awaiting release. "Geeta" in Hindi and Marathi is fast nearing completion. "Anuradha" is also being shot steadily. We regret to announce the sudden death of Mr. Nanasaheb Sarpotdar at Mahableshwar on Tuesday 23rd April 1940. Mr. Sarpotdar was one of our veteran directors, loved and respected by all. Beginning his career on the stage in amateur theatricals twenty-five years ago, he soon took up the movies and within ten years started the Aryan Film Company, which produced over twenty silent pictures. With the advent of the talkies, he got an added advantage with his stage experience over others and soon directed several talking pictures. Some of his notable successes were: "Prithviraj Sanyogita" Devaki" and "Bhagwa Zenda". Known for his diverse literary activities as a critic, journalist and dramatist, his versatile talents expressed themselves brilliantly in conversations and debates. A friend has died and it is impossible to fill up his place in our heart. "Deepak" another social story featuring Ashalata and Prithviraj has also gone into production. RANJIT MOVIETONE. Crowds greeted the release of "India To-day" at the Royal Opera House. Director Jayant Desai has another one ready in "Diwali." "Pagal" directed by A. R. Kardar is awaiting release. "Musafir" has been completed under the direction of Chaturbhuj Doshi. Another one written by Pandit Indra the famous Bombay writer will soon go into shooting. Manibhai Vyas is directing "Umeed' and expects to complete the same very soon. NOOTAN PICTURES "Madari Mohan" with Satyarani will soon grace the screen in Bombay. "Seva" a social subject will shortly go into production. WADIA MOVIETONE. The news of the month is the association of the Boses with this studio which had hitherto specialized in the production of thrillers. Sadhona and Modhu Bose will produce two pictures — in Bengali and Hindi — for Wadia's during the period of fourteen months. The other pictures either ready or in making are as follows: "Vijay Kumar", "Bride From Ceylon" and "Diamond Queen". MOHAN PICTURES. "Capt. Kishori" is now ready for release. K. Amarnath has directed this one. (Con hi. on page 55) ROSE in "Bahurani". 35