Newal Kishore Press and the Silver Screen
- Gaurav Vatsa
- Mar 1
- 3 min read
For over a century, the Newal Kishore Press, established in 1858 in Lucknow, played a monumental role in shaping Indian literature, storytelling, and cinema. While Bollywood is often seen as a product of the talkies era, the roots of its narratives lie in the books, folktales, and historical epics preserved by the press. From romantic sagas and historical dramas to magical fantasies, the Newal Kishore Press was the original content provider for early Indian cinema. Many of the earliest Indian films were based on books, operas, and folktales printed by this legendary press, making it an unseen yet vital force in Bollywood’s evolution.
Bridging Print and Cinema
Before the era of screenwriters and scriptwriters, filmmakers turned to printed literature for inspiration, and the Newal Kishore Press had a treasure trove of content ready to be adapted. Many of its publications were later transformed into Bollywood classics. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic films adapted from works published by the press:
1. Raja Harishchandra (1913) – India’s First Film
🎬 Directed by: Dadasaheb Phalke📖 Based on: Ramcharitmanas (Tulsidas)
✨ Newal Kishore Press’s Contribution: The press printed affordable editions of Ramcharitmanas, allowing filmmakers easy access to the story. The film’s narrative of truth and sacrifice set the foundation for mythological films in India.
2. Laila Majnu (1922, 1931, 1953, 1976, 2018) – The Eternal Love Story
🎬 Multiple Adaptations📖 Based on: Laila Majnun, a Persian-Urdu romance
✨ Newal Kishore Press’s Contribution: By publishing the Urdu and Persian versions, the press ensured that this timeless tale of love and longing remained accessible for generations of filmmakers.
3. Alif Laila (1927, 1953, 1976, 1993) – Arabian Nights in Bollywood
🎬 Directed by: Various directors📖 Based on: One Thousand and One Nights
✨ Newal Kishore Press’s Contribution: The press translated and published this collection of folktales, bringing Sindbad, Aladdin, and Scheherazade to an Indian audience and inspiring generations of Bollywood’s fantasy films.
4. Indrasabha (1932) – The Opera That Made History
🎬 Directed by: J.J. Madan📖 Based on: Inder Sabha (Agha Hasan Amanat)
✨ Newal Kishore Press’s Contribution: The press published the Urdu opera, ensuring its legacy in musical storytelling. The film adaptation holds the Guinness World Record for the most songs (72) in a single movie, influencing Bollywood’s love for musicals.
5. Gul-e-Bakawali (1924, 1938, 1947, 1956, 1963, 1979) – The Enchanted Flower
🎬 Multiple Adaptations📖 Based on: Qissa Gul-e-Bakawali, a Persian-Urdu folktale
✨ Newal Kishore Press’s Contribution: The press preserved Urdu fairy tales, providing filmmakers with rich fantasy material that inspired Bollywood’s early adventure films.
6. Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1977) – A Cinematic Masterpiece
🎬 Directed by: Satyajit Ray📖 Based on: Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1924) by Munshi Premchand
✨ Newal Kishore Press’s Contribution: By publishing Premchand’s works, the press ensured their literary survival, enabling Ray to create this National Award-winning historical drama.
7. Umrao Jaan (1981, 2006) – The Courtesan’s Tragic Tale
🎬 Directed by: Muzaffar Ali (1981), J.P. Dutta (2006)📖 Based on: Umrao Jaan Ada (1899) by Mirza Hadi Ruswa
✨ Newal Kishore Press’s Contribution: The press first printed the novel, making it one of the most widely read Urdu literary works. The films immortalized its poetry, dialogues, and atmosphere.
The Lasting Legacy of Newal Kishore Press in Indian Cinema
The Newal Kishore Press was not just a printing house—it was Bollywood’s first great storyteller. From mythological tales and romances to fantasy epics and historical narratives, the press ensured that India’s cinematic journey began with a strong literary foundation.
Even today, filmmakers and historians recognize its contribution to Indian cinema, proving that the power of print can transcend time and medium, leaving a lasting legacy on the silver screen.
Comments