Republic Day movie recommendations are often a compilation of patriotic films, which we have probably already seen many times over the years. I was about to do the same thing when I started thinking about if there was another way to feel more connected to our roots through the lens of cinema, and bingo! What better way to do so than to step back in time captured by classic films set in pre-independence India? These films were marked by the ongoing struggle for independence and rightly capture the essence of that era.
However, finding movies made before 1947 available to stream on OTT today is not an easy task. While most platforms offer ‘retro’, ‘classic’ or ‘old’ genres, you’ll probably end up with hits from the latter parts of Indian cinema – a brilliant range of films starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna or Dilip Kumar.
While I relied on Netflix the most, I couldn’t find a single title from the era in its long list of recommendations (trust me, I’ve tried every cheat code and hack). Even Prime Video only had one: Mehboob Khan’s Humayun.
JioCinema, however, will let you stream many of these classics for free (of course, with a few annoying ads at the start of the movie). Apart from those recommended below by JioCinema, you can also opt for Shah Jehan (1946), Sikandar (1943), Tansen (1943) and Pukar (1949) available on the streaming platform.
Next up was Sheemaroo’s own OTT platform, SheemarooMe, which still hosts films from the 1920s. Although you might still have to battle a few ads here and there, if you’re not a subscriber, for a devotee retro movie fan, this could be his next favorite website!
Although YouTube itself does not have many films from the pre-independent era for rent or purchase, some channels like Ultra Movies and Shemaroo have uploaded full-length films for movie buffs, including Neel Kamal (1947), Achhut Kanya (1936) and Amar Jyoti. (1936).
If you have an Amazon Prime subscription, you can also opt for an add-on for Eros Now, which includes many titles such as the iconic Devdas (1935), Khazanchi (1941) and Anmol Ghadi (1946). Although the original Eros site and app are down, the Eros Now channel on Prime’s Video is working just fine.
That being said, get ready to take a trip back in time this Republic Day with these rare cinematic pieces. Here is our selection of six classic Indian films filmed before 1947, available for streaming in 2024. Enjoy binge-watching!
Bhakta Pralhad (1926)
Where: SheemaroMe
By 1926, silent films had already existed in India for around 13 years. At that time, mythological and religious plots dominated cinema.
Bhakta Pralhad is yet another classic from the father of Indian cinema, Dada Saheb Phalke. It narrates the mythological legend of demon king Hiranyakashyap and his defiant son Prahalad, who is a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap did everything – from burning Prahalad with oil to having him trampled under elephants – to stop him from worshiping Vishnu, but Prahalad’s faith remained unscathed. According to legend, the film shows the Lord finally appearing to his aid and killing his demon father. The film was later remade in most Indian languages.
Let us not forget that this was a time when cinema was still relatively new in colonized India and audiences strongly associated actors with their mythological roles outside of theater as well. Interestingly, it was also around this time that buses were introduced to India, in the coastal city of Mumbai.
Dharmatma (1935)
Where: ShemarooMe
Dharmatma came to the Indian public when social injustice and untouchability were the rule of the day. It is a biopic of Sant Eknath – a philosopher, saint and poet from 16th century Maharashtra. The film particularly focuses on his humanitarian defense of the “untouchable” castes.
Dharmatma offers a rare insight into the deeply troubling social fabric of this era. The bilingual film was shot in Hindi and Marathi and was one of only four films made on casteism at the time.
The film was originally titled “Mahatma”, but the name did not gain clearance from the certification committee (probably because the term had become synonymous with Gandhi at the time?). This was also the year when the Government of India Act, 1935 was passed by the British Parliament.
Pukar (1939)
Where: JioCinema
Get a taste of bygone days and long Urdu dialogues in 4:3 format with the black and white classic Pukar. One of the first Muslim social films of the era, Pukar follows the inner conflict of Mughal emperor Jehangir – known for his “eye for an eye” attitude – when a woman accuses his wife Noor Jahan of murdering a commoner by mistake.
It is worth mentioning that a few months after release – while people were probably still reminiscing about the film and its characters during their ritual evening tea breaks – British India officially declared war on Nazi Germany, during the Second World War. World War. (Isn’t it fascinating to think about how the timeline of wars and art coexist?)
Kismet (1943)
Where: JioCinema
Kismet holds a special place in the history of Indian cinema for many reasons. It was the first blockbuster Indian film that grossed a million dollars and redefined the position of cinema in India. It is also the first to show an anti-hero character in significant dual roles. Filled with many patriotic songs, the film also resonated with the ongoing struggle for independence.
Here, Ashok Kumar – an undisputed superstar of the times – steps into the shoes of a pickpocket who doesn’t have an ounce of shame for his immoral actions. (You probably remember him from his role as Professor Sinha in Mr. India. Or is that just me?). Moral revelations, emotional breakthroughs and romantic breakthroughs await.
Prithvi Vallabh (1943)
Where: JioCinema
Prithvi Vallabh is an ideal king for the Avantipurkind, just and courageous; he bows his head before God and before no one. Tailap, the leader of his neighboring state, is just the opposite. Envious of Vallabh, Tailap hatches a diabolical plan to attack his domain and hold him captive.
Mughal-E-Azam’s Durga Khote plays Tailap’s equally evil sister, who plays the role of accomplice in all his conspiracies.
Interestingly, the film was a remake of Manilal Joshi’s 1924 silent film of the same name – which in turn was an adaptation of a Gujarati novel.
Humayun (1944)
Where: Prime Video
Another Ashok Kumar success at that time was this classic – the seventh highest-grossing film of 1945. The film brings a slice of history in the form of the Mughal emperor Humayun, who was forced to flee to Iran after having lost Delhi to its enemies. , shortly after being crowned after Babur’s death. Nargis (Mother India) plays Humayun’s queen consort Hamida Bano in the film.
Unfortunately, this is the only choice from the era that I could find on Prime Video. So, if the movie buff in you wakes up and you decide to look for more on the platform, let me spare you the disappointing exercise!
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