Acting
Set in medieval Rajput court, mainly addresses Rajput notions of chivalry. The legendary warrior Mansingh (Phatak) is the nation's strong man but he is cordially hated even by his own people. Claiming to have been offended by Taramati (Tarkhad), he insists to her eminent father that only a marriage (on terms insulting to her) can placate him. He becomes a tyrant imprisoning large numbers of people, and eventually Taramati's father, also in prison, leads a popular revolt, threatening to kill his son-in-law. Only Taramati's decision to protect her husband resolves the conflict.
Chandrasena, wife of their captor Mahi. Despite her loyalty to Rama, she despises the decadence of her husband's kingdom. As the battle rages and Mahi proves invincible with his ability to duplicate himself and his fallen soldiers, Chandrasena holds the key. She reveals the secret to defeat her husband, turning the tide of the war. Expect grand visuals, including classic flying figures, magical arrows, and a memorable scene of a gigantic Hanuman dwarfing a human figure.
This classic opens with a sensational low-angle circular track movement as Chandika cult followers meet in a dungeon of flickering lights and deep shadow. As the more rationalist King Krantivarma (Varde) banned human or animal sacrifices from the increasingly fanatical festivals dedicated to the goddess, the cult's high priest (Chandramohan/Date) orders the hapless Vishwagupta (Kelkar) to kill the king.
