Sant Tulsidas
Sant Tulsidas

Movie spotlight

Sant Tulsidas

1939
Movie
154 min
Hindi

Big-budget miracle-laden saint film on Tulsidas (16th C). who rewrote Valmiki's 'Ramayana' in Hindi. To the despair of his teacher Narahari Guru, who hopes that Tulsidas will make the classic text accessible to the people, the poet spends time with his beloved wife Ratnavali. The dramatic pivot of the story comes when Tulsidas discovers his life's vocation amid howling wind and a river in spate. He becomes an ascetic and settles down in Benares where his translation threatens the brahmanical clergy, until then sole proprietors of the wisdom of the Sanskrit text.

Insights

Director: Keki MistryGenres: Biography, Drama, History, Musical

Plot Summary

This biographical drama chronicles the life of the 16th-century Indian poet and saint Tulsidas. It depicts his journey of spiritual devotion, his struggles, and his eventual composition of the Ramcharitmanas, an epic poem retelling the story of Rama. The film highlights his profound impact on Indian culture and religion.

Critical Reception

As a film from 1939, detailed critical reception is scarce. However, it is recognized as an important early Indian film focusing on a revered religious figure, likely appreciated by audiences for its devotional themes and portrayal of a saintly life. Its historical significance lies in its contribution to early Indian cinema's exploration of religious narratives.

What Reviewers Say

  • A significant early Indian film that delves into the life of a revered saint.

  • Explores themes of devotion, spirituality, and artistic creation.

  • Notable for its historical context within Indian cinema's development.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not available due to its age.

Fun Fact

The film was produced during a period when devotional and mythological films were gaining popularity in Indian cinema, often serving as a significant cultural and religious outreach.

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