Gujarati cinema
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Gujarati cinema
Sources
Information about all Gujarati Films are provided by Shree Narhari Vyas. We are very thankful to him for providing us such a good information. Once again thank you Shree Narhari Vyas from Gujarati Rock's Team.
ii) Golly! Gujarati films cross 1k mark
AshishVashi, TNN Jul 29, 2011 The Times of India
iii) indianetzone
iv) SriKumar
v) Gujarati cinema: A battle for relevance
By Smitha R, Dec 16, 2012: DNA India [1]
1932-1949
The 1930s
The first Gujarati movie, Narasinh Mehta , was released in the year 1932, which was directed by Nanubhai Vakil. The film starred Mohanlala, Marutirao, Master Manhar, and Miss Mehtab. It was of the Saint Film genre and was on the life of the saint Narasinh Mehta. The film was matchless as it avoided any depiction of miracles.
In 1935, another social movie, Ghar Jamai , was released, directed by Homi Master. The film starred Heera, Jamna, Baby Nurjehan, Amoo, Alimiya, Jamshedji, and Gulam Rasool. The film featured a Resident Son-In-Law or Ghar Jamai, and his escapades as well as his problematic attitude towards the freedom of women. It was a comedy oriented movie and was a major success in the industry.
Gunasundari was thrice made from 1927 to 1948. The film was such a success in its first appearance in 1927, that director Chandulal Shah remade it in 1934. The film was again remade in 1948 by Ratilal Hemchand Punater. In its last version Hindi films’ eternal Mother Nirupa Roy made her debut as its heroine Gunasundari is the story of an Indian poor woman who is disliked by her husband for her moral stand. The woman finally lands in the street where she meets with a person who is just like her – a social outcast. The story ends here.
The 1940s
The Gujarati movies such as Kariyavar, directed by Chaturbhuj Doshi, Vadilona Vanke directed by Ramchandra Thakur, Gadano Bel, directed by Ratibhai Punatar and Leeludi Dharti, directed by Vallabh Choksi, brought immense success to the industry. The problems of modernisation are the underlying concern of several films.
The movies like Gadano Bel had a strong realism and reformism.
Jogidas Khuman, a Gujarati movie that was made thrice (1948, 1962, 1975). All three movies were directed by Manhar Raskapoor.
Avinash Vyas is credited with giving the music score for most Gujarati films (188). He also gave music for 61 Hindi Films
The major films of 1932-1949
Achhoot
Banner of the film: Ranjit Movietone, Bombay
Producer: Chandulal Shah
Year of the film: 1939
Director: Chandulal Shah
Music: Gyan Dutt
Lyrics: Kavi Raghunath Brahmabhatt
Actors: Gohar, Motilal, Vasanti, Charlie, Rajkumari, Sitara, Mazhar, Dikhit, Trilok Kapoor, Lala Yakub, Bhupatbhai, Ibrahim
Ajaamil
Banner of the film: Sanskar Chitra, Bombay
Name of the film: Ajaamil
Year of the film: 1948
Genre: Mythology
Director: Jamanadas Kapadia
Music: Master Mohan (Junior)
Lyrics: Kavi Prabhulal Dwivedi
Actors: Umakant Desai, Malti Kapadia, Kanta Kumari, Narmada Shankar, Kashi Naath, Bhimjibhai, Chandrika, Shantabai, Suresh, Manhar Desai
Akkal Na Baardan
Banner of the film: Premier Films, Bombay
Producer: Dwarkadas Sampat
Year of the film: 1936
Genre: Comedy
Director: Homi Master
Music: Jamadeshaji – Khan Saheb
Actors: Jamna, Hira, Amu, Jamshedji, Sayed Ahmad, Rustam Poonawala, Gulam Rasool, Gani
Bhakta Ambarish
Banner of the film: Jubilee Pictures, Bombay
Year of the film: 1947
Genre: Mythological
Director: Jayant Desai
Actors: Vishnupant Pagnis, Vasanti, Kaushalya Dixit, Mubarak, E Billimora, Kantilal, Bhagvandas, Noorjahan, Phatak
Bhakta Prahlad
Banner of the film: Shri Vishnu Movietone, Bombay
Year of the film: 1948
Genre: Mythology
Director: Homi Master
Music: Indukumar Parekh
Lyrics: Mohanlal Dhami
Actors: Tara, Kishori, Hiralaxmi, Master Amrut, Jamshedji, Alibhai Punawala
Bhakta Pundlik
Banner of the film: Shri Vishnu Cineton, Bombay
Producer: Dhirubhai Desai
Year of the film: 1949
Genre: Mythology
Director: Dhirubhai Desai
Music: Chitragupt
Lyrics: Kavi Raghunath Bhrahmabhatt
Actors: Suryakant, Rani Premlata, Chandulal Pandey, Radha, Chunilal, Kamlesh Thaker, Saguna, Nazira, Baby Rambha, Shivlal
Bhakta Puran
Banner of the film: Chitra Mandir, Bombay
Producer: Jawaharlal Sharma
Year of the film: 1949
Genre: Mythology
Director: Chaturbhuj Doshi
Music: Mohan Junior
Lyrics: Prafull Desai
Actors: Bhagwandas, Natwarlal Chauhan, Pinakin Shah, Mulchand, Kantilal Mustafa, Lalji Nanda, Madhurika Divecha, Bhavna, Kantakumari, Saguna, Malini, Kesar ....
Gorakh Dhandha
Banner of the film: Diljit Chitra, Bombay
Producer: Chhotabhai Punatar
Year of the film: 1949
Director: Jashubhai Trivedi, Vaju Kotak
Music: Avinash Vyas
Lyrics: Avinash Vyas
Actors: Dular, Babu Raje, Avinash Vyas, Master Dhulia, Barkat Virani, Maruti, Kamal Kant, Mohanlal Bhinda, Anvari
About the film: Famous music director Avinash Vyas and legendary Lyricist Barkat Virani had acted in the film.
Gun Sundari
Banner of the film: Ajit Chitra, Bombay
Producer: Ratibhai Punatar
Year of the film: 1948
Genre: Social Drama
Director: Ratibhai Punatar
Music: Avinash Vyas
Lyrics: Avinash Vyas
Actors: Nirupa Roy, Manhar Desai, Dulari, Saraswati, Babu Raje, Chhagan Romeo, Jalejar Righter, Kamalesh Thakur, Nazira, Ibrahim, Master Pransukh Nayak
Gunial Gujaratan
Banner of the film: Sunrise Pictures, Bombay
Producer: V M Vyas
Year of the film: 1949
Genre: Family Social
Screenplay: Karsandas Manek
Dialogues: Karsandas Manek
Director: V M Vyas
Music: Chhnalal Thakur
Lyrics: Manasvi Prantijwala
Actors: Madhurika Divecha, Dulari, David, Champaklal, Radha, Dhulia, Shantabai, Ramlal, Baby Rambha, Pinakin Shah, Mervan
About the film: This film was also released in Hindi with the name of Nirali Dunia
Hothal Padamani
Banner of the film: Kirti Pictures, Bombay
Producer: P B Zaveri
Year of the film: 1947
Genre: Historical Film
Director: Maheshchandra Chunawala
Music: Avinash Vyas
Lyrics: Prafulla Desai
Actors: Saraswati Devi, Chhanalal Pande, M. Udwatia, Saguna, Mulchand, Bakulesh Pandit, Gajendra, Dhandrakala, Daksha, Kadar, Pransukh
Jogidas Khuman
Banner of the film: Poorchhaya Chitra, Bombay
Producer: Raskapoor Madhusudan
Year of the film: 1948
Genre: Historical
Director: Manhar Raskapoor
Music: Ramesh Desai, Indrakumar Parekh
Lyrics: Avinash Vyas, Venibhai Purohit, Prahlad Parekh, Kailash Pandya
Actors: Arvind, Dalpat, Vimal, ChanshibhaiNagada, Ratikumar Vyas, Chimanlal, Sanjay, Balwant Lohan, Pinakin Shah, Pramila, Gulab, Master Navinchandra
About the film: Music director Laxmikant of Laxmikant Pyarelal fame was a child artiste in this film
Karanghelo
Banner of the film: Pinakin Pictures, Bombay
Producer: Jamu Patel
Year of the film: 1948
Genre: Historical
Director: Narayan Patel
Music: Indravadan Bhatt
Lyrics: Raghunath Brahmabhatt
Actors: Jamu Patel, Umakant Desai, Charubala, Sharda, Natvar Chauhan, Chandrika, Babu Raje, Saguna, Shyam, Kalpana, Pinakin Shah
About the film: The film was made in Hindi in 1949 in the name Roop Sundari
Kariyavar
Banner of the film: Sagar Movietone, Bombay
Producer: Chimanlal Desai
Name of the film: Kariyavar
Year of the film: 1948
Genre: Social Drama
Director: Chaturbhuj Desai
Cinematographer:
Music: Ajit Merchant
Lyrics: Chaitanya, Nandkumar Pathak
Actors: Deena Sanghvi, Manhar Desai, Urmila, Chhanala, Kusum Thakkar, Dulia, Shobha, Mulchand (Khichadi), Shyamabai, Kamalkant, Narendra Desai
Krishna Sudama
Banner of the film: Diljeet Chitra, Bombay
Producer: Chhotubhai Punatar
Year of the film: 1947
Genre: Mytology
Director: Raman B Desai
Music: Avinash Vyas
Lyrics: Avinash Vyas
Actors: Natu Desai, Devendra, Thakorbhai Desai, Bakulesh Pandit, Saraswati, Anjana, Urmila, Maruti, Kamalesh Thakkar, Latabai, Baby, Bhupatrai Oza, Tarabi, Popatlal
Meerabai
Banner of the film: Gautam Chitra, Bombay
Producer: Nanubhai Bhatt
Name of the film: Meerabai
Year of the film: 1947
Genre: Mythology
Director: Nanabhai Bhatt
Music: Shankar Rao Vyas
Lyrics: Meerabai, Raghunath Bhrahmabhatt
Actors: Nirupa Roy, Natwarlal Chauhan, Umakant Dalpat, Gulab, Pandi, Kanta, Madhukar Gupte, Jaal Righter, Leela, Aga, Shapur, Sindhu, Hira Date, Manekbai, Sitaram, Laxman, Shashi
Narad Muni
Banner of the film: Diljit Pictures, Bombay
Producer: Chhotubhai Punatar
Year of the film: 1949
Director: Raman B Desai
Music: Avinash Vyas
Lyrics: Avinash Vyas
Actors: Babu Raje, Latabai, Purnima, Devendra, Urmila, Kusum Thakkar, Kalpana Kumari, Shanti Madhok, Chandrika, Indumati Shanti Madhok, Chandrika
Narsinh Mehta (1932)
Banner of the film: Sagar Movietone, Bombay
Producer: Chimanbhai Desai
Year of the film: 1932
Genre: Biographical film
Director: Nanubhai B Vakil
Actors: Mohan Lalji, Master Manhar, Bachu, Umakant Desai, Vikram Das, Miss Jamna, Miss Khatun, Miss Mehtab, Miss Devi, Maruti Rao
Narsinha Mehta (1947)
Banner of the film: Prakash Pictures, Bombay
Year of the film: 1947
Genre: Mythology
Director: Vijay Bhatt
Music: Shankar Rao Vyas
Lyrics: Narsinha Mehta
Actors: Vishnupant Ragnis, Durga Khote, Pande, V Audhav, Vimala Vashista, Amirbai Karnatake, Ram Marathe, Baby Indira, Damayanti Joshi, Baburao Sansari, Dayadevei, M Nazir, Vimal Sirdesai, Janardan Sharma, Tarabai Athawale, Sheetal Ghosh
About the film: This film was also made in Hindi
Banner of the film: Pravinlila Pictures, Bombay
Producer: W Garchar
Year of the film: 1948
Genre: Historical
Director: W Garchar
Music: Chhanalal Thakur
Lyrics: Kavi Manasvi, Meerabai, Danabhai Garchar
Actors: Asharani, Dalpatram, Mastar Gopal, Baby Rambha, Pandey, Kesar, Maher Sultana, Manubhai Bhatt
Saavki Maa
Banner of the film: Rupam Chitra, Bombay
Producer: Raja Yagnik
Year of the film: 1948
Genre: Family Social
Music: Chhanalal Thakur
Lyrics: Jeevanlal Brahmabhatt, Manasvi Prantijwala
Actors: Umakant Desai, Saraswati, Bhagvandas, Urmila, Dalpat, Pandey, Purnima, Babu Raje, Meena, Pradeep, Kesarbai, Saguna, Bakulesh Pandit
Sadevant Savlinga
Banner of the film: Basant Pictures, Bombay
Producer: Homi Wadia
Year of the film: 1949
Director: Mahesh Chunawala
Music: Chitragupt
Lyrics: Prafull Desai
Actors: Sharda, Ghanshyam, Dalpat, Saguna, Bakulesh, Lajendra, Champaklal, Narmada Shankar, Leela Karle, Rajni
Samaj Na Vaanke
Banner of the film: Gujarat Kala Mandir Ltd., Bombay
Year of the film: 1940
Director: Dakubhai Mehta
Music: Sundardas Harihar Diwana
Lyrics: Raghunath Brahmabhatt
Actors: Miss Kamla, Champaklala, Inamdar, Narhar Mehta, Balabhai, Kusum Pramil Dalal, Dr. Nagindas, Jagannath, Putalibai, Baby Ranjanbala, Manjula
Sati Sukanya
Banner of the film: Nutan Films, Bombay
Producer: Raman B Desai
Year of the film: 1949
Genre: Mythology
Director: Raman Desai
Music: Avinash Vyas
Lyrics: Avinash Vyas
Actors: Nirupa Roy, Manhar Desai, Ghanshyam, Ramuk, Chhagan Romeo, Babu Raje, Vijya, Kamla Kant, Zarina, Mohini, Monica Suman
Satyawadi Harishchandra
Banner of the film: Shri Vishnu Cineton, Bombay
Year of the film: 1948
Genre: Mythological
Director: Dhirubhai Desai
Music: Chhanalal
Lyrics: Raghunath Brahmabhatt
Actors: Rani Premlata, Natwarlal Chauhan, Shivlal, Chhanalal, Pandey, Kamlesh Thaker, Lajendra, Pransukh Nayak, Kesarbai, Shanta Maanek
Shaamalshaa Na Vivah
Banner of the film: Sunrise Pictures, Bombay
Producer: V M Vyas
Year of the film: 1948
Genre: Mythology
Story: Karsandas Manek
Screenplay: Karsandas Manek
Dialogues: Karsandas Manek
Director: V M Vyas
Cinematographer: Raley, Bapurao Badodekar
Music: Chhanalal Thakur
Lyrics: Manasvi Prantijwala
Actors: Rani Premlata, Gamanlal, Dulari, Amrut Nayak, Radha, Natvar Chauhan, Shantabai, Tara, Sundar, Mulchand Marwadi, Malini, Pinakin Shah
Sheth Sagalshaa
Banner of the film: Kirti Pictures, Bombay
Producer: P B Zaveri
Year of the film: 1947
Genre: Mythology
Director: Balwant Bhatt
Music: Avinash Vyas
Lyrics: Prafulla Desai
Actors: Rani Premlati, Chhanalal, Pandey, Manu Bhatt, Mulchand, Dalpat Kumar, Vithhaldas, Bakulesh Pandit, Chandrakala, Lajendra, Saguna, Tara
1965 to 1990: the Golden Era
When India won its freedom in 1947, the industry was just 23 films old. In 1960, when Gujarat became a separate state, the industry crossed the 100-film mark.
In a filmdom which was theatrical and melodramatic and often shunned by the audience, Akhand Saubhagyabati , that starred Bollywood queen Asha Parekh, made a success in 1963. Asha also has immense contribution to Gujarati television serial making. Her TV production ’Jyoti’ was a household show for a long time.
The film industry in Gujarat experimented with various issues. Gujarati films such as Leeludi Dharti reflect the rural world with its fertility rituals.
The first Gujarat colour film: Leeludi Dharti (1968) was directed by Vallabh Chokshi
1970s was the “Golden Era” of Gujarati music, songs and films. Some classic movies and some all time favourite songs were created during this era, which are in memory till date. In its golden period during the ’70s and the early ’80s it produced movies with striking storylines, starring actors like Sanjeev Kumar, Kiran Kumar, Aruna Irani, Rita Bhaduri and Upendra Trivedi. “In those times, many films were adapted from novels that were not only popular, but also probed the society’s conscience. Movies like Kumkum and Bhavni Bhavai are examples,” says Prashant Jadav, who has penned several songs for Gujarati movies.
In 1975 Tanariri, directed by Chandrakant Sangani presents highlights the little known side of Akbar who is usually presented as a consistently benign ruler.
The first cinemascope film of Gujarati cinema was Sonbaini Chundadi, directed by Girish Manukant released in the year 1976.
Besides these, Bhavni Bhavai, released in the year 1980, was directed by Ketan Mehta. It boasted of superlative performances, fine camerawork and won two awards, National Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration, and another award at the Nantes festival in France.
In 1984, after the sad departure of music maestro Avinash Vyas, Gujarati music lost its magical melodies. In the same period, the Gujarati films also saw steep decline in popularity and viewership owing to stale stories and targeting only a certain audience.
In 1992, Hun Hunshi Hunshilal, directed by Sanjiv Shah was sought to be post-modern.
Downfall
The downfall of Gujarati cinema was synonymous [co-terminus] with the rise of its own megastar — Naresh Kanodiya.
“The only other actor who had seen such fame as Kanodiya was Upendra Trivedi. Kanodiya’s rise came during the darkest days of Gujarati film,” said Antani.
The rural-urban divide
Those who have watched the industry closely attribute a lack of audiences for driving the industry to churn out poor quality films that are solely aimed at recovering the cost and a reasonable profit. Others, however, feel that a lack of quality content is keeping audiences at bay.
“In Gujarat you can either make movies for the rural masses or the urban class. This is a dilemma that no other industry faces. There are just a few movies like Desh Re Joya Dada Pardesh Joya that work with both audiences,” said Ritam Bhatnagar, founder-director, Freeway Film Company. Movies with urban story lines are few and far between.
When Kevi Rite Jaish, a film by first-time director Abhishek Jain, found favour with the urban audience, newspapers and media houses sat up and took notice. The film, a comedy-drama, depicting a particular Patel family’s desperation to land in the USA, struck a chord with the multiplex-going youth.
While Jain’s film was garnering praise, Vikram Thakore, the current [2012] heartthrob of Gollywood, was busy cementing his position as the superstar. But few in the urban areas know of the actor whose six films have earned over Rs3 crore each in revenue. That is because Thakore mostly stars in movies that concentrate on village audiences.
Deepak Antani, a director and writer, whose three films garnered critical acclaim but failed to make money, believes that it is the Gujarati’s lack of love for their language that exacerbates the situation.
“Hindi is similar to Gujarati and most the people here follow it. So when they failed to get quality films in their own language, they had the option of Hindi films,” Ritam Bhatnagar feels.
Post-1996: a boom in numbers
Between 1932 and July 2011, 1003 Gujarati films had been made and passed by censors.
The industry, believed to be worth Rs 10-15 crore in 2011, registered its 1000th film in the year of the state's golden jubilee.
Since 1996, as many as 424 films were censored. At least 62 films each were censored in 2009 and 2010, which is the highest in the Gujarati film history. Between Jan and July 2011 alone, 36 films were censored.
In 2012, more than 65 films were made. This was the highest number of movies ever made in this industry in any given year.
However, film historian Harish Raghuwanshi feels that “Most films continue to be poor quality low-budget movies, barring a few exceptions.”
About recent Gujarati films, Suresh M Thakkar’s Sajan Haiye Sambhre, Gormano Var Kesariyo and Dikro Kahu Ke are huge hits.
According to experts, many factors influenced the growth. Kartik Bhatt, a researcher on the industry, said that in the past three years, Gollywood has also made big-budget films. Though Gujarati cinema is an attraction in rural areas, many new directors have started experimenting with the urban crowd, Bhatt said. "Films representing such experiments include 'Mohan Na Monkey', 'Love is Blind', 'Vanechand no Varghodo', and 'Better Half'," he said. Bhatt believes that the main reason for the expansion of the industry was the rise of superstar Vikram Thakor. This actor lives in Gandhinagar and all his eight films have been hits at the local box office. "Looks like we have broken the jinx," Bhatt said.
Diaspora cinema
IndianHerald February 14, 2012.
In 2012 in an effort to provide entertainment to Gujarati Diaspora, with the support of local community and affiliated organizations, Mahavira Production presented “Pardesh Ek Sapanu”–First ever Gujarati film shot & produced in Australia by Pardesh Pty Ltd.
“Pardesh Ek Sapanu” is a new experiment, with a decent budget, providing an insight into the journey and the difficulties of a migrant, a person trying to establish identity in a different country. The film has English subtitles respecting the younger generation and Gujaratis who have resided overseas for generations.
Actors of Gujarati Films
Gujarati films were further enriched by the brilliant performances of the film personalities. Anupama, Upendra Trivedi, Arvind Trivedi, Ramesh Mehta and Veljibhai Gajjar, Dilip Patel, Ranjitraj, Sohil Virani, Narayan Rajgor, Premshankar Bhatt, Jay Patel, Ashvin Patel, Girija Mitra, Anjana, Manmohan Desai, Sanjay Gadhvi, Kalyanji Anandji, Deepika Chikhalia, Bindu Desai, Renuka Shahane and Priti Parekh are the celebrated actors who have contributed a lot to the Gujarati film industry.
Gujaratis in Hindi-Urdu cinema
Gujarat has immense contribution to the Bollywood in the form of sending actors and actresses of fame to make the base of Hindi films. Much of Bollywood rest on the performance of these Gujarati film men and women.
Filmistan boasts of Gujarati talents like Alka YagnikAmisha Patel, Aruna Irani, Asha Parekh, Asrani, Ayesha Takia, Ben Kingsley, Bindu [Desai], Deepika Chikhalia, Dimple Kapadia, Falguni Pathak, Farooq Shaikh, Himesh Reshammiya, Indra Kumar, Ismail Darbar, Kalyanji Anandji, Ketan Mehta, Mallika Sarabhai, Manmohan Desai, Mehul Kumar, Namitha, Neelam, Nirupa Roy, Paresh Rawal, Parveen Babi, Rita Bhaduri, Sanjay Gadhvi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Sanjeev Kumar, Satish Shah, Shravan, Shruti Seth, Tina Munim, Upen Patel, Vipul Shah.
Mallika Sarabhai, Naseeruddin Shah and Sanjeev Kumar have also worked in Gujarati Films.
