Father of Indian Films: Who Really Holds the Title?

Father of Indian Films: Who Really Holds the Title?

Ever thought about how Indian films began? There’s one name that pops up every single time—Dadasaheb Phalke. People call him the father of Indian cinema, but he wasn’t some superstar or billionaire. He was just a regular guy facing a lot of hurdles, from technical issues to people who didn’t believe movies could even work in India.

Before Phalke, there was nothing like Bollywood. No real movie scene, just traveling acts and some silent short clips from the West. Phalke changed the game with 'Raja Harishchandra' in 1913. Imagine, this guy built his own camera because nobody in India was selling film equipment back then. He even convinced family and friends to act when professional actors wouldn’t show up—most thought acting was a joke!

• The Big Question: Who Is the Father of Indian Films?
• Meet Dadasaheb Phalke: The Real Pioneer
• Life on Set: How Phalke Changed Everything
• Must-Watch Early Films and Where to Find Them
• Phalke’s Legacy: Why He Still Matters

The Big Question: Who Is the Father of Indian Films?

So, who really deserves the title of the father of Indian films? There’s no debate: it’s Dadasaheb Phalke. He wasn’t Hollywood-trained, and he didn’t have big studios backing him. When Indian movies weren’t even a thing, Phalke rolled up his sleeves and got things going—literally from scratch.

Phalke’s first movie, “Raja Harishchandra,” hit the screen in 1913. At a time when most folks in India had never even seen a moving picture, he made a full-length feature film. He did it all: writing, directing, producing, and even editing. Back then, acting in films was sometimes seen as shameful work, so he struggled to find actors and even had men play the female roles. Crazy, right?

Here’s some bite-sized info on Phalke’s early milestones:

If you want to figure out why people respect Phalke so much, just look at the numbers. “Raja Harishchandra” packed theaters when no one even knew what a movie was. Soon after, Indian filmmakers started popping up everywhere. Even today, the top award in Indian cinema is named after him. Think of him as the guy who set the blueprint for every blockbuster you see coming out of Mumbai.

Meet Dadasaheb Phalke: The Real Pioneer

Dadasaheb Phalke isn’t just a random name from history books. Born in 1870, he grew up in Maharashtra and started his career as a photographer and printer. That background actually helped him when he jumped into making movies, because he already understood cameras and chemicals inside out. What really pushed him was watching a short French film called “The Life of Christ” in 1910—it made him realize Indian stories could be told this way, too.

Getting into moviemaking wasn’t easy. There were zero studios, barely any gear for filming, and literally no Indian actors willing to perform in front of a camera. Phalke got creative, even getting his wife to help with special effects using household items, and after tons of setbacks, managed to finish 'Raja Harishchandra' in 1913. This film is a big deal because it’s India’s first full-length feature film, and that's why Dadasaheb Phalke is simply called the father of Indian films.

Here’s some quick info that puts just how groundbreaking Phalke was into perspective:

Phalke didn’t set out to be famous—he just wanted Indians to see their own stories on screen. Now, every Indian film award show gives out a Dadasaheb Phalke Award to honor his legacy. If you’re into film trivia or want to understand why Bollywood became so big, know that it all started with his wild idea and the hustle that followed.

Life on Set: How Phalke Changed Everything

Filmmaking in India wasn’t even a real thing before Dadasaheb Phalke jumped in. He wasn’t just making up stories—he was inventing the way to actually tell them on screen. First problem? There were no trained actors. Most people flat-out refused to act, thinking movies were a scam or something shady. So Phalke made his own team out of family members. Even the kid who played Harishchandra’s son was Phalke’s own kid!

Phalke’s biggest headache was getting equipment. Seriously, he had to import a camera from London, and when it broke, he fixed it himself. Editing? No studios. He converted his own house into what you could call a studio and even made his own sets out of whatever was lying around. The first film, 'Raja Harishchandra,' was shot on a shoestring budget, but he still made it work.

Phalke’s filmmaking style was hands-on and full of hustle. He was the director, editor, cameraman, set designer, and sometimes, even makeup guy. Here's a snapshot of Phalke's famous multitasking:

No script girls, no fancy trailers, just hard work and creativity on the fly.

And since women were completely unwilling to act on screen, Phalke convinced a male cook—yes, a cook—to play the heroine. This wasn’t out of choice but total necessity. His tricks may sound wild now, but they got the job done. 'Raja Harishchandra' premiered in 1913, and it blew people’s minds. Suddenly, Indian audiences were lining up for homegrown stories instead of just imported Western reels.

By changing how people saw movies and what they could be, Phalke didn’t just create a film. He laid the groundwork for an entire industry—what we now call the father of Indian films legacy.

Must-Watch Early Films and Where to Find Them

If you want to see how Indian cinema really started, you’ve got to check out Dadasaheb Phalke’s earliest work. His first movie, Raja Harishchandra, dropped in 1913 and is often called the first full-length Indian feature film. You won’t get epic sets or special effects in this one—just raw storytelling and a lot of guts.

Most of the original print of Raja Harishchandra is lost, but parts still survive. The National Film Archive of India (NFAI) has a copy, and sometimes they show clips at festivals or special screenings. There’s also a short preview you can watch on YouTube. If you’re in Pune, you can ask at the NFAI about their next open day. Crazy, right?

Here are some early Phalke films worth looking up:

• Raja Harishchandra (1913) – The first Indian feature. Some fragments available.
• Lanka Dahan (1917) – Famous for doing double roles using early camera tricks. NFAI and YouTube have short pieces.
• Shri Krishna Janma (1918) – Known for early special effects. You might spot some images in documentaries.

Most full movies are not online unless you catch a rare screening. But the Film Heritage Foundation and NFAI sometimes organize free viewings. Some bits and behind-the-scenes talk are on YouTube channels that focus on classic Indian films. If you’re a student, your college’s film club might have rare DVDs or digital files—always worth asking around.

Big tip: Sign up for alerts from NFAI or the Film Heritage Foundation so you don’t miss screenings. These early movies aren’t just for film students—they’re for anyone who loves history or wants to see where Indian movies really began.

Phalke’s Legacy: Why He Still Matters

When you talk about the real roots of Indian movies, it all comes down to Phalke’s impact. His work literally laid the foundation for the entire Indian film industry, which is now the biggest producer of films in the world. Not many people realize that when he released Raja Harishchandra in 1913, there was no concept of story-driven Indian movies, let alone an industry with directors, scripts, or crews. He started from zero.

Phalke’s influence goes way beyond just making movies. He pushed everyday people to look at cinema as more than just a silly side gig. For example, he broke serious taboos by convincing men to play women’s roles because no women wanted to work in films—now, look at the number of female stars we have today. The guy even ran his first movie set like a small startup—he did the makeup, directed, shot the film, and edited it himself.

What’s wild is that some of Phalke’s camera tricks and storytelling moves are still copied and studied by film students across India. Directors like Satyajit Ray and Raj Kapoor openly said they took inspiration from his style. Plus, every year, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award honors folks who make waves in Indian cinema. Winning that award is the biggest mark of respect in the movie business here.

You’re probably curious about how big of a deal Indian cinema is these days, so check out these quick facts:

If you ever watch a classic Indian film festival or check the credits of big Bollywood movies, you’ll see Phalke’s name pop up everywhere. Film schools still teach his storyboards. So, Phalke isn’t just a dude from the past—his legacy defines what father of Indian films truly means, and his style lives on in every new generation of filmmakers. If you’re thinking about making your own movie or even just picking what to watch next, knowing a bit about this guy gives you a whole new lens to look through.

About Author

Elijah Thornhill

Jun, 1 2025

I specialize in society-related topics and have a strong passion for writing about various aspects of education and societal development in India. My interest in cinema and sports also often influences my work, providing a diverse range of ideas to explore. As a freelance writer, I enjoy delving into contemporary issues and sharing insights through my narratives.

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