| Draupadi | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Bhagwati Prasad Mishra |
| Written by | Bhagwati Prasad Mishra |
| Based on | Vyasa's Mahabharata |
| Produced by | Ardeshir Irani |
| Starring | Ermeline Prithviraj Kapoor Khalil Jagdish Sethi |
| Cinematography | Adi Irani |
Production company | Imperial Film Company |
Release date | 1931 |
Running time | 124 minutes |
| Country | British India |
| Language | Hindi |
Draupadi (The Daughter Of King Drupad) is a 1931 sound film from Indian cinema. 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).[1] 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.[2] 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,[3] with Ermeline as Draupadi, and Khalil as Krishna.[1] The rest of cast included Hadi, Elizer, Rustom Irani and Jilloobai. The cinematographer was Adi Irani.[4]
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.
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.
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 and 1944.[5]
The songs were sung by the actors in the film.
| # | Title | Singer |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
