In todays era a film released pan-India is no big deal. However in the 40s it was a significant achievement due to limited distribution higher costs and several other factors. Today we will tell you about a film known as Indias first movie to witness a pan-India release in 1943. This was a South Indian film dubbed in Hindi and released in theaters as a Hindi film. The practice of dubbing South Indian films into Hindi dates back to the 1940s. If you are wondering which movie we are talking about the film in discussion is Chandralekha. Released in 1948 the film was originally in Tamil. It was produced and directed by S. S. Vasan of Gemini Studios and featured T. R. Rajakumari M. K. Radha and Ranjan. Later the movie was dubbed in Hindi and released in North India where it proved to be a super hit. The film revolves around two brothers vying for the throne of their father’s kingdom while also competing for the love of a village dancer named Chandralekha. According to media reports Chandralekha was made on a budget of Rs 32 lakh and minted money at the box office. In Hindi the movie earned Rs 70 lakh whereas in Tamil it earned Rs 88 lakh. You will be surprised to know that the movie was also released in places such as Paris New York Los Angeles Tokyo and Rome. Tarachand Barjatya the founder of Rajshri Productions and grandfather of Sooraj Barjatya played an essential role in the distribution of the 1948 Tamil film Chandralekha in the North. According to Mid-Day Sooraj Barjatya said The makers of Chandralekha dubbed the film. In fact some scenes of the film were also re-shot so that the lip movements could match. Then the entire dubbed version was prepared and ready for release. Then Vasan called my grandfather to talk about the business.