The rare footage of 1948 film Vande Mataram becomes part of NFAI

The rare footage of an iconic Marathi film Vande Mataram (1948) has become part of the Pune-based National Film Archives of India (NFAI). A Video Home System (VHS) cassette containing about 35 minute footage of the film is part of the collection that was donated to NFAI by Dinesh Thakur ( nephew of Sunita Deshpande) and film historian Satish Jakatdar, along with U-Matic tapes containing rare footage of Harmonium playing by P.L. Deshpande. The film Vande Mataram is considered a very important as the story was based on India’s freedom movement and struggle. The legendary writer and playwright P L Deshpande played a major role along with his wife Sunita Deshpande. The script, dialogue and lyrics were written by renowned writer G.D. Madgulkar whereas the music was composed by stalwart composer Sudhir Phadke. The iconic film was directed by renowned filmmaker Ram Gabale. The film was released a year after independence and presented narratives woven with patriotism and humanist affection. Songs like “Ved Mantrahun Vandya…” became very popular and are remembered even today. The shooting for the film took place in early 1948 at Shalini Studio in Kolhapur.