This one has a special significance - it was the first film shot at the newly constructed and well-equipped studio at Pune (the present site of the Film Institute). The film is one of the NTR black and white era folk tales, and is based on the conflict between cruel religious customs and the efforts of the King Kranti Varma to put a stop to them.
In ancient days when religion prevailed upon humanity, there ruled over the Kingdom of Avanti, a monarch by name Kranti Varma. It was a time when animal and human sacrifices were made to propitiate many deities, the main among them being Chandi.
This ruler is broader in outlook, and realizes the sin involved in sacrifice, even if it is in the name of God. The orthodox section led by the Head Priest stirs up discontent against the King and ultimately succeeds in having him murdered by one of his followers. Not only is the murderer caught and condemned to death, even his son is not spared for his father's act. There is confusion in the pandal set up for the human sacrifice and Madhav, the priest's son escapes.
On the way to the forest he picks up the princess who is also fleeing from the Palace. His sister is in turn mistaken to be the princess, and taken to the Palace. In the forest, Madhav tames the naughty princess and falls in love with her, despite protests from the High Priest. She is taken back to the palace and kept under guard. This provokes a confidante of the High Priest, who turns against him and takes up a position of vantage with the princess.
Madhav, when he learns that his sister is under guard, comes up and encounters the remorseless enemy - the High Priest. A tug of war ensues and results in the defeat of the tyrants. The High Priest, in the end, offers himself in self-immolation at the feet of deity.
Like we started out saying, this is for those who love folk tales.
Director: V Shantaram
Story: N H Apte
Cinematography: K Dhaiber
Music: K Bhole
Cast: Chandramohan, Shanta Apte, Nalini Tarkhud, Suresh Baby
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