Nazir

The naive Saroop (Nandrekar) romantically renounces earthly pleasures under the influence of a sadhu (Ashraf Khan). Arrested at a fairground and jailed, fellow convicts change his view of the world. Working in the prison’s garden, he meets the superintendent Sohanlal’s (Nazir) daughter Durga (Kumari), who was married as a child to a boy now believed dead. Ranjit (Singh) covets her and on her wedding day to the nasty Ranjit, it is discovered that Saroop was her child-husband.

An elder brother's sacrifice to educate his sibling leads to family strife when the younger brother marries into a rival family, sparking betrayal and tragedy that tests their bonds.

Chandragupta is a 1934 historical film that chronicles the rise of Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire. Directed by A.R. Kardar, the film depicts Chandragupta's journey from a humble background to becoming a powerful emperor, guided by the strategic brilliance of his advisor, Chanakya. The narrative likely covers the political turmoil of ancient India, including the decline of the Nanda Empire, the threat posed by Alexander the Great's invasion, and Chandragupta's efforts to unite various kingdoms to establish a vast and influential empire.

Taj Mahal tells the epic love story of Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jehan) and Arjumandbano (who becomes Mumtaz Mahal Begum). Their destined romance unfolds amidst political intrigue, military campaigns, and courtly life in the Mughal Empire. After Mumtaz Mahal's tragic death, a heartbroken Shah Jehan commissions the construction of the magnificent Taj Mahal as an eternal monument to their love.

Kardar’s ultra-conservative ode to patriarchy tells of Binod (Jairaj) and Indira (Sitara Devi) who were married as children and never meet as adults. Indira grows into a ‘modern’ young woman while Binod, disinherited when his stepfather has a son, works in a distant village. Indira haughtily refuses a relationship with a pauper but she eventually realises her duties to her husband and goes to meet him disguised as Shanta, a beggar woman. Binod then falls in love with her, not realising she is in fact his wife.

An early Indian sound film, Zarina is a dramatic tale featuring Zubeida as a vibrant and passionate circus girl. The film explores a bold romance that reportedly pushed the boundaries of on-screen intimacy for its era, leading to early censorship debates.

Oriental fantasy derived from classic Parsee theatre. The heir to the Yemeni throne, Prince Parviz, is falsely imprisoned by his stepmother who claims power. Parviz receives a magic dagger from a mystic sufi fakir to liberate himself and his people. The dagger makes him invisible. He kills the Apeman and the genii, rescues the captive Princess Parizad and, finally, overwhelms the soldiers sent to recapture him. The king learns the truth and repents.

A scientist (Nayampally) turns himself into a monster in this story based on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

An early Indian film that explored social issues or class differences within its narrative, it highlight a commentary on contemporary societal norms, inequalities, or interactions.

Film starring Sabiha Khanum and Santosh.

Based on the timeless tragic Arab folk tale of star-crossed lovers, depicting the intense and obsessive love between Qays (Majnu) and Laila, often ending in heartbreak and separation due to societal or familial opposition.

A fiery rivalry across two generations of gypsies sparks when a scorned love leads to tragedy. Decades later, a free-spirited young woman, unknowingly caught in the ancestral feud, must reconcile her wild heritage with bourgeois life when a passionate abduction reveals her true lineage and destiny.

An early Indian romantic musical drama, likely following a "caravan of beauty" and exploring themes of love and allure.

Suresh, a Hindu graduate, and Rafique, a Muslim mechanic, are close friends despite their different worlds. Suresh’s father refuses consent for his marriage to Rafique’s sister, but the bond between the two men survives. Later, unemployment drives them into hardship until they find work together, with Suresh managing Rafique’s business. Trouble brews when Rafique’s jealous brother-in-law sows suspicion, leading to quarrels and separation. Rafique, devoted to his young daughter, misjudges Suresh’s intentions, but a crisis ultimately reunites them, underscoring friendship, sacrifice, and Hindu-Muslim unity.

A village girl's life is complicated by a love triangle or conflict, exploring themes of innocence, love, and loyalty amidst rural challenges.

A disgraced widow is forced to work as a maid for her fatherless child.

A married couple is overcoming social challenges and obstacles, with fate playing a pivotal role in their decisions.

Film starring Shyam Kumar, Suraiya and Amar