Indrasabha

Indrasabha 1932

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Big-budget movie with over 69 songs. 'The Hindi Devmala [Hindi Pantheon] with the Islamic Ravaiyat' are crystallized into a plot structure revolving around a benevolent king whose moral fibre is tested by celestial powers as they cause an apsara (a fairy) to appear before him as a fallen woman begging for mercy.

1932

Durgeshnandini

Durgeshnandini 1927

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Durgeshnandini is a sweeping historical drama set against the backdrop of 16th-century India. This epic tale follows the intertwined destinies of Jagat Singh, a Mughal general, and Tilottama, a Bengali princess. Their love story unfolds amidst the turbulent Pathan-Mughal conflicts, leading to a series of dramatic events, including betrayal, loss, and ultimate triumph.

1927

Giribala

Giribala 1930

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Giribala explores the life of a neglected wife who finds liberation and success through the world of theatre. Based on a Rabindranath Tagore short story, the film follows Giribala as she navigates a loveless marriage and ultimately transforms her life by embracing her talents. A powerful story of female empowerment and societal critique.

1930

Nala & Damayanti

Nala & Damayanti 1921

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This big-budget film depicts a famous episode from the 'Mahabharata', starting with Narada's ascent of Mount Meru. It shows Swarga, the Heaven of Indra, the Transformation in the Clouds of the Four Gods into impersonations of King Nala, Swan Messengers of Love, the Transformation of Kali (the Demon of Evil) into a Serpent, the Meeting of Kali and Dwapor and the Four Gods amidst the Blue Air.

1921

Jamai Shashthi

Jamai Shashthi 1931

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Jamai Shashthi was the first Bengali talkie short film produced in 1931.

1931

Béhula

Béhula 1921

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"Béhula" takes as its plot the rivalry between the goddesses Chandi, wife of Shiva, and Manasa, his daughter. The merchant Chand Sadagar is a faithful devotee of Chandi, and Manasa attempts to attract him. Rejected by Chand Sadagar, Manasa condemns his son, Lakhindar, to perish on the night of his marriage to the beautiful Béhula. The next morning, Béhula discovers her husband’s inanimate body after he suffers a snakebite. She sets out on a long voyage along the Ganges until she succeeds in bringing him back to life.

1921

Bilwamangal

Bilwamangal 1919

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Bilwamangal also known as Bhagat Soordas, is a 1919 silent black-and-white film directed by Rustomji Dhotiwala, a Parsi Gujarati based on the story by Gujarati writer Champshi Udeshi. This full length (12000 feet) film was credited as the first Bengali feature film.

1919

Triumph of Devotion

Triumph of Devotion 1921

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Mythological story based on the Puranic legend of the boy Dhruva. His quest for eternal salvation was rewarded when he became the brightest star in the heavens. The pole star is known as Dhruvatara.

1921

Krishnakanter Will

Krishnakanter Will 1932

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Haralal arranges a fake will and makes Rohini, an orphaned widow, agree to change the original will for the fake one.

1932