As Republic Day approaches, many seek to revisit patriotic films that have become staples over the years. However, a deeper connection to our roots can be found through classic cinema from India’s pre-Independence era. These films reflect the spirit of a transformative period in our history, captured through the art of filmmaking.
Finding films from before 1947 available for streaming is quite a challenge. While several OTT platforms categorize films as “retro” or “classics,” viewers often find themselves sifting through more contemporary hits featuring stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna.
My initial exploration focused on Netflix, yet I was unable to locate a single film from the desired period despite trying numerous search techniques. Prime Video yielded only one result – Mehboob Khan’s Humayun.
On the other hand, JioCinema offers a wealth of classic films available for free streaming, albeit with some advertisements at the beginning. Besides the suggested titles listed below from JioCinema, viewers can also find films such as Shah Jehan (1946), Sikandar (1943), Tansen (1943), and Pukar (1949) on the platform.
Sheemaroo’s OTT service, SheemarooMe, also features films from as early as the 1920s. While users may encounter periodic advertisements unless subscribed, this platform could be a treasure trove for enthusiasts of vintage cinema.
YouTube may not widely offer pre-Independence films for rent or purchase, but several channels, including Ultra Movies and Shemaroo, have added full-length films for classic film aficionados. Notable uploads include Neel Kamal (1947), Achhut Kanya (1936), and Amar Jyoti (1936).
If you subscribe to Amazon Prime, consider the Eros Now add-on, which features titles such as the legendary Devdas (1935), Khazanchi (1941), and Anmol Ghadi (1946). Although the original Eros site and application are currently unavailable, the Eros Now channel on Prime Video remains operational.
Prepare to embark on a nostalgic journey this Republic Day with these classic cinematic gems. Below are six Indian films shot before 1947 that are available for streaming in 2024. Happy watching!
Bhakta Pralhad (1926)
Where: SheemarooMe
By 1926, silent films had been captivating Indian audiences for over a decade, primarily featuring mythological and religious narratives. Bhakta Pralhad, a hallmark of Indian cinema by Dada Saheb Phalke, recounts the tale of demon king Hiranyakashyap and his steadfast son Prahalad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu. Despite relentless attempts by his father to deter his worship, Prahalad’s faith withstood all trials, culminating in divine intervention. The film’s legacy persists, having been remade in various Indian languages.
This era marked the nascent days of cinema in colonial India, where audiences frequently associated actors with their mythological roles beyond the cinema halls. Interestingly, it was also the year when buses were introduced in Mumbai.
Dharmatma (1935)
Where: ShemarooMe
Dharmatma emerged at a time when social injustices and untouchability were rampant. The film, a biopic of Sant Eknath—a philosopher, poet, and saint from 16th century Maharashtra—highlights his humanitarian efforts for the marginalized castes. This bilingual film, made in both Hindi and Marathi, offers a rare insight into the sociocultural struggles of the era, standing as one of the few films addressing caste discrimination at the time.
Originally titled “Mahatma,” the film faced naming hurdles, likely due to the term being closely associated with Gandhi. This was also the year when the Government of India Act 1935 was enacted by the British Parliament.
Pukar (1939)
Where: JioCinema
Pukar invites viewers into a historical landscape, featuring lengthy Urdu dialogues and classic black-and-white aesthetics. This film, one of the earliest Muslim social dramas, delves into the emotional turmoil of Mughal Emperor Jehangir, who confronts allegations against his wife Noor Jahan regarding an accidental death.
Notably, within months of the film’s release, World War II saw British India declaring war against Nazi Germany, marking a significant crossover of historical events and artistic expression.
Kismet (1943)
Where: JioCinema
Kismet is a landmark film in Indian cinema history, being the first to achieve blockbuster status, grossing one crore and altering the landscape for future films. It is also recognized for introducing the anti-hero archetype, featuring Ashok Kumar in a dual role as a morally ambiguous pickpocket. Loaded with patriotic melodies, the film resonates with the themes of India’s struggle for independence.
Viewers can expect compelling life lessons intertwined with romance and emotional revelations throughout the narrative.
Prithvi Vallabh (1943)
Where: JioCinema
Prithvi Vallabh depicts an ideal king of Avantipur, presenting themes of kindness, justice, and courage. In contrast, Tailap, his envious neighbor, concocts a plan to capture Vallabh with the assistance of his conniving sister, portrayed by Durga Khote of Mughal-E-Azam fame.
This film is significant as it is a remake of Manilal Joshi’s silent film from 1924, which itself was adapted from a Gujarati novel.
Humayun (1944)
Where: Prime Video
Another noteworthy entry featuring Ashok Kumar, Humayun recounts the historical journey of the Mughal emperor who fled to Iran after losing Delhi. Nargis, famed for her role in Mother India, portrays the queen consort Hamida Bano. Remarkably, this is the only film from the specified era currently available on Prime Video, so cinephiles might want to manage their expectations for additional finds on the platform.
