Cinema
Ranakdevi
રાણકદેવી
V. M. Vyas · 1946
Synopsis
In the twelfth century, the Solanki king Siddharaj Jaysinh, ruler of Patan, wants to marry Ranak, daughter of the Parmar king of Sind but raised by a potter near Junagadh, who his bard predicts will give him an heir. Ranak nevertheless marries Khengar, king of Junagadh, and this marriage sets the two kingdoms at war. Siddharaj besieges the city, helped by two nephews of Khengar, while Ranak refuses to yield to him.
Context
Drawn from a story by Mohanlal G. Dave, with dialogue by Karsandas Manek, and produced by its director's Sunrise Pictures, the film mixes historical facts and legend. It gives Nirupa Roy her first role; the music is by Chhanalal Thakur, the cinematography by R. M. Rele. The same legend had already inspired a book published in 1883 and two silent films, in 1923 and in 1930.
Who it is for
Two hours in Gujarati, with no French release; it helps to know the legend and the practice of sati.
Prizes and reception
The only Gujarati film of its year; it started a tradition of adaptations of Rajput legends and, together with another film, founded Gujarati cinema.
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