`Harishchandrachi factory` India`s entry for Oscars

Mumbai, Sep 20 (PTI) Marathi film "Harishchandrachi
Factory", by theatre-veteran Paresh Mokashi has been selected
as India's official entry to this year's Oscars in the Foreign
Film Category.

The two-hour-long film depicts the struggle of Dadasaheb
Phalke, the father of Indian cinema, to make 'Raja
Harishchandra' in 1913, India's first feature film.

"Harischandrachi Factory" beat off competition from 15
films including Bollywood movies like "New York" and "Delhi 6"
to get selected for the honour.

The nomination of the Marathi film was announced by The
Film Federation of India (FFI) and the jury was headed by
noted actress Asha Parekh.

Paresh Mokashi, the writer and director of the film
was elated on hearing the news.

Mokashi said he will have to submit the prints to the
Oscar Academy by October one.

"The film was completed in December last year. We plan a
grand release all over Maharashtra and rest of the country in
Marathi and Hindi with English sub-titles by this year-end,"
Mokashi told PTI.

"The film is totally based on facts. It is the first ever
attempt to bring the making of the first feature film made in
India on celluloid," Mokashi said.

"Harishachandrachi Factory" is the second Marathi film
after "Shwaas" in 2004 to be selected as India's official
entry to the Oscars. PTI