Crew
Ayodhyecha Raja, literally "The King of Ayodhya", was the first Marathi talkie. It is based on the mythological story of Raja Harishchandra of Ayodhya and his test by sage Vishwamitra, as recounted in Valmiki's epic, Ramayana. The film was also made as a double-version, Ayodhya Ka Raja (1932) in Hindi, making it the first double version talkie of Indian cinema.
Prince Sudhirchandra goes into hiding as an infant when his father gets overthrown by Naagraya, a greedy minister. After 20 years, Sudhirchandra returns to reclaim his throne.
Set during the Pandavas’ exile in the Mahabharata, the story focuses on Draupadi living incognito as a maid-in-waiting named Sairandhari in King Virata’s palace. The arrogant Keechak becomes obsessed with her, prompting Bhima (disguised as a cook) to intervene and kill Keechak to protect her honor.
Udaybhanu captures Kamlakumari who is planning to commit Sati and brings her to his fort in Kondana. Tanaji Malusare prepares to attack the fort with fifty soldiers. He manages to scale it but is killed in the battle with Udaybhanu. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj arrives and wins the fort but he is despondent on losing his most trusted Lieutenant.
Sant Eknath, a 16th-century poet-saint who challenges caste discrimination by serving and dining with the untouchables. His actions provoke outrage from orthodox Brahmins, leading to his excommunication. Despite opposition, Eknath stands firm in his belief in equality and devotion, inspiring others to join his cause and defending his principles through his spiritual teachings.
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.
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.
