Which of the following was the first Indian talkie film (sound film) to be released?

Introduction / Context:
The arrival of sound in cinema marked a major milestone in Indian film history. Before talkies, films were silent and often accompanied by live music. The first Indian talkie film is therefore a favourite topic in questions on art and culture, as it represents the beginning of a new era for the Indian film industry. Recognising the title of this pioneering movie helps place later developments in perspective and is part of basic cultural literacy for general knowledge exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question specifically asks for the first Indian talkie or sound film. • Options are Alam Ara, Raja Harishchandra, Pundalik, and Sant Tukaram. • We assume some familiarity with early Indian cinema milestones.

Concept / Approach:
The main idea is to distinguish between the first Indian film and the first Indian talkie. Raja Harishchandra, released in 1913, is known as the first full length Indian feature film, but it was silent. Alam Ara, released in 1931, is recognised as the first Indian talkie. Pundalik predates Raja Harishchandra but is not generally accepted as the first full length Indian feature film in the same sense. Sant Tukaram is an important later film but not a pioneering talkie. Thus, when the term talkie appears, Alam Ara is the correct association.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the keyword in the question is talkie, meaning a sound film with recorded dialogue and music. Step 2: Recall that Raja Harishchandra by Dadasaheb Phalke is the first Indian full length feature film but is a silent film, not a talkie. Step 3: Remember that Alam Ara, released in 1931, introduced synchronised sound to Indian cinema and is widely regarded as the first Indian talkie. Step 4: Recognise that Pundalik is historically important but is not commonly credited as the first talkie. Step 5: Note that Sant Tukaram is a celebrated devotional film that came later and is not associated with this particular first in film technology. Step 6: Therefore, select Alam Ara as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick verification method is to keep a short list of landmark films and their distinctions: Pundalik and Raja Harishchandra for early silent films, Alam Ara for the first talkie, and later classics like Mother India or Sholay for other milestones. Whenever a question mentions sound arriving in Indian cinema, you can immediately recall Alam Ara and its 1931 release year. This linkage is repeated so often in cultural history summaries that it becomes a reliable memory anchor.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Raja Harishchandra: Although it is recognised as the first Indian full length feature film, it is a silent film and not a talkie. Pundalik: An early film with historical significance but not accepted as the first Indian talkie. Sant Tukaram: A later devotional film celebrated for content, not for being the first sound film.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the phrases first Indian film and first Indian talkie and answer Raja Harishchandra even when the question clearly mentions sound. Others may not remember the title Alam Ara and instead pick a familiar devotional film such as Sant Tukaram. To avoid this, read the question carefully for words like silent, feature film, or talkie, and maintain a simple table of milestones with one or two keywords for each film.

Final Answer:
The first Indian talkie film to be released was Alam Ara.