Narsinh Mehta (Gujarati: નરસિંહ મહેતા) is a 1932 Gujarati biographical film directed by Nanubhai Vakil. It was the first Gujarati talkie film.[2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Narsinh Mehta
Film poster
Directed byNanubhai Vakil
Written byChaturbhuj Doshi
Based onNarsinh Mehta
Produced byChimanbhai Desai
StarringMaster Manhar, Umakant Desai, Mehtab
CinematographyFaredoon Irani
Music byS. P. Rane[1]
Production
company
Release date
  • 7 April 1932 (1932-04-07)
Running time
139 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageGujarati

Plot

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The film is based on the life of the saint-poet Narsinh Mehta.[5]

Cast

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The cast was:[5][9]

  • Marutirao as Narsinh Mehta
  • Umakant Desai as Krishna
  • Mohan Lala as Ra Mandlik
  • Khatun as Kunwarbai
  • Master Bachu as Kunwarbai's husband
  • Miss Jamna as Manekbai
  • Miss Mehtab as Rukmini

Master Manhar, Trikam Das and Miss Devi appeared in other roles.[5][9]

Production

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The film produced in 15 days at the cost of 17,000 (equivalent to 5.2 million or US$62,000 in 2023).[9] The sets were designed by Ravishankar Raval.[5][9]

Soundtrack

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Total 15 songs are in the film. The soundtrack is as follows:[1]

Narsinh Mehta
Soundtrack album
Released1932
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LanguageGujarati
Track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Pragat Thashe Purush Shreshth Gurjarine Khole" 
2."Kan Khelto Bansi Dhun" 
3."Oshiyala Avata amaro..." 
4."Sukhdukh Manma Na Aanie Re" 
5."Aapya Thaki Kadi Koina Khajana" 
6."Harini Bhakti Vina Je Jive" 
7."Parameshvare Banavya Saune Ek j Sarkha" 
8."Mamata Saghali Melo Re, Maya Saghali" 
9."Krishna Krihsna Sau Kaho Re Bhaio" 
10."Mari Hundi Svikaro Maharaj Re..." 
11."Bhar tu Ange Ang Umang" 
12."Lakho Aafat Chho PAde Ma Koini" 
13."Viththalvar Varsavo Varasad Prithvi" 
14."Pidhi Pyali Ane Duniya Badhi" 
15."Karo Karm Nishkam Tyaji Do" 

Reception

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The film was successful and was followed by release of the film Sati Savitri in same genre.[9]

According to Anandshankar Dhruv, the film adhered to a Gandhian interpretation of Narsinh Mehta. The film was devoid of miracles associated with him.[5][9]

References

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  1. ^ a b Raghuvasnhi, Harish (March 1995). ગુજરાતી ફિલ્મ ગીતકોશ (૧૯૩૨ – ૧૯૯૪) [Gujarati Film Geet Kosh (1932 – 1994)] (First ed.). Surat: Harish Raghuvanshi. p. 1.
  2. ^ "Gujarati cinema: A battle for relevance". 16 December 2012.
  3. ^ "NEWS: Limping at 75". Screen. 4 May 2007.[dead link]
  4. ^ "'Dhollywood' at 75 finds few takers in urban Gujarat". Financial Express. 22 April 2007.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Rajadhyaksha; Willemen (10 July 2014). Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. Taylor & Francis. p. 1994. ISBN 978-1-135-94325-7.
  6. ^ Rachel Dwyer (27 September 2006). Filming the Gods: Religion and Indian Cinema. Routledge. pp. 84–86. ISBN 978-1-134-38070-1.
  7. ^ K. Moti Gokulsing; Wimal Dissanayake (17 April 2013). Routledge Handbook of Indian Cinemas. Routledge. pp. 88–99. ISBN 978-1-136-77284-9.
  8. ^ "Gujarati cinema: A battle for relevance". dna. 16 December 2012. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Shukla, Bansidhar (1 January 1998). "નરસિંહ મહેતા". Gujarati Vishwakosh (in Gujarati). Retrieved 21 October 2023.
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