Hiralal trailer: Promising ode to a forgotten pioneer of Indian cinema

The trailer for Arun Roy’s upcoming film Hiralal gives a glimpse of the journey of pioneering filmmaker Hiralal Sen, who is credited with making India's first advertising film and political documentary.

Starring Kinjal Nanda as the visionary, Hiralal has ample references to the political scenario of contemporary times. The film also features Kharaj Mukherjee as eminent actor, director and writer Girish Ghosh, Saswata Chatterjee, Shankar Chakraborty, Arna Mukhopadhyay and Anuska Chakraborty.

The trailer begins with Sen’s fateful first encounter with the medium of cinema, which leaves him awestruck and inspired. There are glimpses of the films made by Sen — all of which were tragically destroyed in a fire in 1917 — and how they were received by influential personalities of his time.

Sen also filmed certain sections of a play, but his journey from being a still photographer to founding his own production house, Royal Bioscope Company, was fraught with innumerable obstacles.

The visuals suggest that artistes of the Edwardian era had trouble accepting the new medium.

Hiralal promises an authentic portrayal of a once towering figure who was dealt a bad hand by fate and whose work has been destroyed.

Nanda looks commanding as Sen, appearing determined in the face of adversity and ridicule.

While the trailer's sepia tone captures the vibe of the early 20th century, the absence of melodrama suggests Roy has treated the subject with seriousness.

Hiralal is slated to be released on 5 March. Check out the trailer below and let us know if you are keen on watching the film.