In Bollywood’s backyard, Marathi cinema finds a fresh voice

A young man living in Bombay at the peak of colonial rule is determined to make a film.

His journey is brought to life with wit and clarity by director Paresh Mokashi in his Marathi debut feature, Harishchandrachi Factory. The young man in the film, Dadasaheb Phalke — who would go on to produce over 90 films and 25 shorts — represents the spirit of the indie filmmaker: hustling, failing, and learning on the go.