Draupadi (1931 film)

Draupadi (The Daughter Of King Drupad) is a 1931 sound film from Indian cinema.[1] The film was a big-budget mythological production from Ardeshir Irani's Imperial Film Company following their release of the first talkie in India, Alam Ara (1931).[2] It was directed by Bhagwati Prasad Mishra, who had made a name for himself as a photographer and painter and had worked with Irani in his Star, Majestic, Royal and Imperial Studios.[3] The story adaptation from Vyasa's Mahabharata and the screenplay, were by Mishra. The star cast included Prithviraj Kapoor who played the role of Arjuna,[4] with Ermeline as Draupadi, and Khalil as Krishna.[2] The rest of cast included Hadi, Elizer, Rustom Irani and Jilloobai. The cinematographer was Adi M. Irani.[5]

Draupadi
Directed byBhagwati Prasad Mishra
Produced byArdeshir Irani
Written byBhagwati Prasad Mishra
Based onVyasa's Mahabharata
StarringErmeline
Prithviraj Kapoor
Khalil
Jagdish Sethi
CinematographyAdi. M. Irani
Production
company
Imperial Film Company
Release date
1931
Running time
124 minutes
CountryBritish India
LanguageHindi

The film was based on an episode from the Mahabharata' showcasing Duryodhan's plans of usurping Hastinapur and his subsequent attempt at shaming the Pandavas by disrobing Draupadi's sari.

Plot

Duryodhana (Jagdish Sethi) plots to attain Hastinapur for himself and his hundred Kaurava brothers. The five Pandavas brothers are sent to exile during which time Arjuna (Prithviraj Kapoor wins Draupadi (Ermeline) at her swayamvara. According to his mother's unintentional suggestion, the five brothers share Draupadi as their wife. On their return from banishment, the Pandavas establish themselves at Indraprastha. The Rajasuya Yagna takes place and a game of dice follows. The Kauravas cunning uncle Shakuni (Hadi) helps them win the game, wherein the Pandavas first lose their Kingdom, and then as a last wager by the oldest brother Yudhishtra, even Draupadi. When Duryodhan, with the intention of shaming the Pandavas tries to remove Draupadi's sari, it is Lord Krishna who saves her from humiliation by performing the miracle of a never-ending sari.

Cast
  • Ermeline as Draupadi
  • Khalil as Lord Krishna
  • Prithviraj Kapoor as Arjun
  • Jilloobai as Kunti
  • Jagdish as Duryodhana
  • Hadi as Shakuna Mama
  • Elizer as Yudhishtra
  • Rostam Irani as Bhim
  • Nayampally

Draupadi in Indian Cinema

The use of Hindu mythology in context to women, was a common feature in most films produced in the early part of the twentieth century. According to author Prem Chowdhry, Draupadi was referenced in films about eleven times between 1916-44.[6]

Silent films

Lists:[7][8]

  • Keechaka Vadham a.k.a. Draupadi Vastrapaharanam (1916) directed by R. Nataraja Mudaliar
  • Draupadi Vastraharan (1920)
  • Sairandhari (1920) directed by Baburao Painter
  • Draupadi Swayamwar (1922) directed by Vishnupant Divekar
  • Draupadi Veni Bandhan a.k.a. Veni Bandhan (1922) directed by Vishnupant Divekar
  • Draupadi's Fate a.k.a. Draupadi Bhagya (1924) directed by Raghupathy Prakash.
  • Draupadi Vastraharan (1927) directed by Dadasaheb Phalke
  • Draupadi Vastraharan (1928) directed by P. Y. Altekar
  • Keechak Vadh (1928) directed by Baburao Painter

Talkies

Lists:[7][8]

Soundtrack

Song List

The songs were sung by the actors in the film.[9]

#TitleSinger
1 "Anokhi Jaadu Bhari Mri Kaisi Hai Paase Ki Chaal" Hadi
2 "Bhagat Ke Bas Mein Hai Bhagwan" Khalil
3 "Bhaj Krishan Kanhaiya Paar Kare Meri Naiya"
4 "Do Din Ka Mehmaan Arre Kyun Murkh Mann Bhatkave" Jilloobai
5 "Gaavein Manaavein Aanad Hum Mil Kar Saari" Chorus
6 "Jis Main Apni Nazar Se Dekhoon" Ermeline
7 "Kanhaiya Aao Re Dhaao Re" Ermeline
8 "Laaj Rakhe Dinanath Jagat Mein" Ermeline
9 "Main Toh Shakuni Kumar Hoon Matlab Ka Yaar Hoon" Hadi
10 "Mujh Mein Kaisi Badi Karamaat Hai"
11 "Nayanwa Khol Maharaj Atal Rahe Tero Raj" Hadi
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gollark: This was important, actually.
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References
  1. "Draupadi". chiloka.com. Chiloka. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  2. "Draupadi (1931)". indiancine.ma. Indiancine.ma. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  3. Ashish Rajadhyaksha; Paul Willemen; Professor of Critical Studies Paul Willemen (10 July 2014). "Mishra, Bhagwati Prasad". Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. Routledge. pp. 247–. ISBN 978-1-135-94318-9. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  4. Ananda Lal (2004). The Oxford Companion to Indian Theatre. Oxford University Press. p. 195. ISBN 978-0-19-564446-3. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  5. "Draupadi 1931". citwf.com. Alan Goble. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  6. Prem Chowdhry (2000). "Gunga Din". Colonial India and the Making of Empire Cinema: Image, Ideology and Identity. Manchester University Press. pp. 143–. ISBN 978-0-7190-5792-2. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  7. "Draupadi". citwf.com. Alan Goble. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  8. Guy, Randor (24 July 2011). "Draupadi Vastrapaharanam (1934)". The Hindu. The Hindu. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
  9. "Draupadi 1931". muvyz.com. Muvyz, Ltd. Retrieved 17 July 2015.
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