Based on the romance between 17th-century Mughal ruler Shah Jahan and his queen, this epic silent film is the ravishing, romantic tale behind the creation of one of the world’s most iconic structures: the Taj Mahal.
Shot entirely on location in India, it features lavish costumes and gorgeous settings – all the more impressive in this restoration by the BFI National Archive which features a specially commissioned score by the Grammy Award-winning Anoushka Shankar.
Produced by and starring Indian film legend Himansu Rai, the film is performed by an all-Indian cast, featuring Rai as humble potter Shiraz, who follows his childhood sweetheart Selima (Enakshi Rama Rau) when she’s sold by slave traders to the future emperor (Charu Roy).
Subjects: Film Studies, World Cinema, Architecture, East Asian Studies, World History
Institutional Licensing Options
DVD with PPR: $349
Digital Site License: $449 $299 ON SALE NOW
Digital Site License + Public Performance Rights: $499 $399 ON SALE NOW
UK-Germany-India 1928
Directed by Franz Osten
With Himansu Rai, Enakshi Rama Rau, Charu Roy
105min