Rangbhoomi is a documentary directed by Kamal Swaroop,[1][2] telling the story of Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of Indian cinema.[3] The film was released in 2013 and won the National Award for Best Non-Feature Film.[4]
| Rangbhoomi | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Kamal Swaroop |
| Produced by | Films Division |
Release date |
|
Running time | 80 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
Production and background
editKamal Swaroop got a grant from the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) to trace Dadasaheb Phalke's life. Workshops across India, especially one in Benaras, laid the foundation for the documentary. Funded by Films Division, the film explores Phalke's life when he left cinema and turned to theatre, focusing on the semi-autobiographical play Rangbhoomi.[citation needed]
Narrative structure
editThe documentary combines readings from the play's script, insights into theatre and literature, and behind-the-scenes moments of preparing for a play. The narrow alleys of Benaras become the backdrop for Swaroop's search, revealing surprising discoveries among Phalke's friends' descendants.[5]
Synopsis
editRangbhoomi follows Kamal Swaroop's attempt to uncover Dadasaheb Phalke's life in Varanasi, where he turned to theatre after leaving cinema. The focus is on Phalke's semi-autobiographical play, Rangbhoomi.[5]
Screenings and recognition
editThe film premiered at the Rome Film Festival and won the National Award for Best Non-Feature Film. It also opened the Ladakh International Film Festival in 2014.[6] Also, it featured in the Indian Documentary Film Festival in Odisha.[7]
References
edit- ^ "Kamal Swaroop: Battling for cinema". Mintlounge. 16 February 2018. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
- ^ Swaroop, Kamal (16 February 2021). "Kamal Swaroop on Mani Kaul: 'A visionary and ahead of his time'". Scroll.in. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
- ^ "Kamal Swaroop documents the LS election". The Times of India. 22 April 2014. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
- ^ "Padmavati Row: Veteran Director Kamal Swaroop Says 'All Political Parties are Using Mythology as a Tool'". News18. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
- ^ a b Praveen, S. R. (23 July 2018). "Combing Varanasi for Phalke". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
- ^ "Ladakh film festival opens with 'Rangbhoomi' screening". DailyExcelsior. 27 June 2014. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
- ^ Prachitara (1 October 2018). "Dadasaheb Phalke Is An Idea In 'Rangbhoomi': Kamal Swaroop". odishabytes. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
External links
edit- Rangbhoomi at IMDb