Shiraz (1928)

A humble potter (Himansu Rai) follows his childhood sweetheart (Enakshi Rama Rau) when she is sold by slave traders to the future Emperor of India (Charu Roy). Based on the stage play by Niranjan Pal and directed by Franz Osten (A THROW OF THE DICE). A co-production of Great Britain, Germany and India, this lavish romantic epic was filmed entirely in India with a cast of native Indian actors as part of a trilogy (the other two being LIGHT OF ASIA and THROW OF THE DICE). Visually, with its authentic Indian landmarks and lavish costumes, this is a treat for the eyes. But it's also a marvelous romantic melodrama with its heroine beloved by two men and sharing an affection for both. The film is immeasurably aided by a new score composed by Anoushka Shankar expressly for the film's 2017 restoration by the British Film Institute. With Seeta Devi and Maya Devi.