'PRABHAT'S GREAT SOCIAL 'MANUS'/'AADAMI'..80!

'Prabhat's social film 'Manus/Aadami' (Marathi/Hindi-1939).

One of the prominent film companies of our India..'Prabhat's social film.. 'Manus'/'Aadami' (Marathi/Hindi) made in 1939..completed 80 years!

Great filmmaker V. Shantaram with camera!

Great maker of social reformist films..V. Shantaram directed this film was based on the short story 'The Police Constable'.. wrote by Bhaskarrao Amembal. It's screenplay-dialogues were written by Anant Kanekar. This film was simultaneously made in Marathi and Hindi.

Shahu Modak & Shanta Hubalikar in 'Manus/Aadami' (1939).

It was an unusual love story of policeman and prostitute..in which he goes against the society & rehabilitates her! Shahu Modak (known for acting in mythological films) did the character of Ganapat Hawaldar and powerful actress Shanta Hubalikar played the role of Maina in it! With them Sundara Bai, Ram Marathe, Narmada & Raja Paranjpe played notable parts in it!

Shanta Hubalikar in that song of 'Manus/Aadami' (1939).

Art Director S. Fattelal created the sets of this film realistically in 'Prabhat Studio', Pune. 
Then V. Avadhoot did the cinematography effectively in which includes meaningful close-ups of Ganapat & Maina with proper lighting ! Music was also essential part of this which composed by Master Krishna Rao..And Shanta Hubalikar herself sung her songs in which includes multi-lingual "Kashala udyachi baat.."

Shanta Hubalikar & Shahu Modak in 'Manus/Aadami' (1939).

However, this film had some similarity to American classic 'Waterloo Bridge' (1931) made by James Whale! Apart from that 'Manus'/'Aadami' kept it's own identity with handling the social problem in different way! Our audiences appreciated this film..And special thing was great artist Charlie Chaplin admired it!

I got opportunities to meet Shahu Modak and Shanta Hubalikar in their old age..And heard about the characters they portrayed from them!

Tribute to this 'Prabhat's landmark film!!

- Manoj Kulkarni