Prabhat Studios, an Undying Legacy

From the first flickering frames to the final credits, Prabhat Studios told stories that captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on the film industry. With its commitment to excellence and its unyielding dedication to craft, Prabhat Studios will always be remembered as one of the greatest studios in the history of Indian cinema. Let’s delve into the legacy of Prabhat Studios.

5 young men, 15,000 rupees, and Prabhat company. (Source: Rapidleaks)

In 1929, Damle, Fateh Lal, V. Shantaram, and Keshav Rao Dhaibar were considering starting their own company for producing and making ground-breaking films. They partnered with Sitaram Kulkarni, a successful jeweller in Kolhapur, who provided financial support. With an initial investment of INR 15,000, the group of five officially established their new company on June 1st. Baburao Pendharkar proposed the name "Prabhat," which means "dawn" in Sanskrit, symbolising the new beginning they hoped to bring to the film industry in India.

Prabhat Studios was a beacon of hope in the Indian film industry, shining bright and illuminating the path forward with its ground-breaking films and innovative approach to movie-making. During the 1930s, Prabhat Studios released a series of blockbuster hits that captivated audiences across the country. One of their most successful films was "Ayodhya Ka Raja" (1932), a historical drama about the ancient Indian king Rama. The film featured stunning sets, elaborate costumes, and compelling performances, and it became one of the highest-grossing films of the decade.

Another major hit from Prabhat Studios was "Gopal Krishna" (1934), a mythological epic about the life of the Hindu deity Krishna. The film featured breathtaking special effects and elaborate song-and-dance sequences, and it became one of the first Indian films to use sound. A massive commercial success, "Gopal Krishna" established Prabhat Studios as a major force in the Indian cinema industry. This was followed by "Sant Tukaram" in 1936 which was also a massive commercial success and played for 57 weeks in Mumbai alone. The movie was a box office hit, but surprisingly it also won praise from critics at the 1937 Venice Film Festival, where it was named one of the year's top three films together with "Maria Nover" from Hungary and "Flying Doctor" from Australia.

In addition to these blockbuster hits, Prabhat Studios also produced a number of other notable films during the 1930s. "Durga" (1939) was a drama about a woman who fights for her rights in a male-dominated society, and it was praised for its progressive themes and strong female lead. "Ankush" (1936) was a social drama that addressed the issue of untouchability, and it was one of the first Indian films to tackle such a controversial topic.

Not just “Ankush”, they used their platform and influence to raise awareness about issues such as education and women's rights, and they were known for their progressive values and commitment to making a positive impact on society. They were also known for their innovative approach to movie-making. They were one of the first studios in India to use sound in their films, and they also introduced the concept of song-and-dance sequences, which became a staple of Indian cinema. Prabhat Studios was also ahead of its time in terms of production value, using advanced techniques like matte paintings and miniatures to create elaborate sets and special effects.

One of the key figures at Prabhat Studios was V. Shantaram, who was not only a talented director and producer but also an actor and screenwriter. Shantaram was instrumental in the success of the studio, and he went on to become one of the most respected and influential figures in the Indian film industry.

Additionally, Guru Dutt, an Indian film director, producer, and actor who began his career as a choreographer with the firm, was connected to Prabhat Studios along with other well-known names in the film industry. At some time in their careers, several prominent personalities, including actors like Dev Anand and Durga Khote, composers like Govind Rao Tembe and Vasant Desai, and directors like Dinkar Patil, also had ties to Prabhat Studios.

The studio system's artistic peak was reached in the 1940s, but its impending decline was evident for various reasons. The star system rose, independent filmmakers and freelancers arrived, and the import of raw materials was prohibited during World War II, all playing a part in the downfall of the studio system. Studio employees discovered that they could earn more from a single film than they could in a full year of work, while freelancers could rent studios and equipment as needed. The studios lost many performers, forcing them to pay market rates for their former workers' services.

The high overhead costs of big studios made self-sufficiency impossible for companies and led to a decrease in film quality, with profits taking priority over content. The changes affected Prabhat Studios, causing it to close in 1953. The property in Pune that was once owned by Prabhat Studios is now the location of the Film and Television Institute of India. It is fitting that FTII has taken the place of one of India's most prestigious studios, formerly owned by Prabhat Studios.

Prabhat Studios was a major force in the Indian film industry during the 1930s. Their innovative approach to movie-making and their dedication to crafting high-quality films helped shape the future of the industry and left a lasting legacy. Their success is a testament to the hard work and determination of the studio's founders, who followed their dreams and brought their vision to life on the big screen. We can only strive to live up to the high standards they established. Prabhat Studios will always remain a brilliant example of art's transformational power, and their tale will inspire future generations.

In 1960, the Indian government built the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) on the site of Prabhat Studios in Pune. (Source: Hindustan Times)