A Throw of Dice (Prapancha Pash)
Directed by Franz Osten
Written by W.A. Burton and Max Jungk; story by Niranjan Pal
1929/India
British Instructional Films/Eye 4 Films/Himansu Rai Film/Universum Film
IMDb Page
First viewing/YouTube
One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die
“Mahabharata – whatever is not contained in this is not to be found anywhere”
― Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, The Complete Mahabharata, Volume 1 of 4, Books 1 to 3
I had zero expectations for this going in and came out of the experience delighted.
The film takes place in the India of the Mahabharata. Adjoining kingdoms are ruled by cousins – King Ranjit and King Sohat. The two spend much of their time gambling together. Unbeknownst to King Ranjit, King Sohat is plotting to take his kingdom from him. His first attempt is to send out his associate to kill his cousin with a bow and arrow while the two are tiger hunting.
King Ranjit is not killed but is nursed back to health by a recluse and his beautiful daughter Suneeta. The two fall in love and eventually elope back to Ranjit’s kingdom where elaborate wedding preparations commence.
Puckering up for the first kiss in Indian cinema history.
The unsuspecting Ranjit welcomes Sohat as an honored guest. Violence having failed him, Sohat sets out to capture both Ranjit’s Kingdom and his bride in a game of chance,.
Every element of the simple story is beautifully presented and acted. I especially enjoyed all the details of courtly life way back then and the wild animal footage. A very pleasant surprise. Recommended.
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