1940s Indian Movies

A drama symbolizing a new beginning, hope, or a significant turning point

Mayalokam is a 1945 Telugu-language film produced and directed by Gudavalli Ramabrahmam under the Sarathi Films banner. It stars Akkineni Nageswara Rao and S. Varalakshmi.

Based on age-old Buddhist folklore connected with Mauryan Emperor Ashoka's son Kunal.

Apna Ghar tells the story of a middle-class family whose peace is shattered when the father, Narendra, is falsely accused of fraud, forcing him to lose everything. His strong-willed daughter, Mira, becomes unwittingly entangled in the deception. The family's struggles are further complicated by the return of Jeevan, an ex-convict, whose past brings societal judgment. The film explores their fight to maintain their home's integrity and the true meaning of family amidst adversity.

Queen Kaikeyi exiles Rama and demands Bharat be king. Bharat, devoted to Rama, refuses the throne and goes to the forest, urging Rama to return. Rama insists on upholding his father's vow. Bharat then rules Ayodhya as Rama's regent, placing Rama's sandals on the throne until his return.

Chhamia, a street dancer falls in love with Ranjit, a man from a higher social class. Their relationship faces significant challenges and disapproval due to their differing backgrounds and the interference of Ranjit's family, specifically his aunt and uncle. The plot explores the emotional trials and societal prejudices Chhamia endures as she tries to maintain her love amidst these obstacles.

Do Bhai (English: The Two Brothers) is a 1947 Indian Bollywood film directed by Munshi Dil. Its starred Ulhas, Kamini Kaushal, Dipak Mukherjee, Tiwari, Rajan Haksar and Paro Devi in lead roles. It was the second highest grossing Indian film of 1947. Raj Karan, Nirmala's father and Forest Officer of the State had brought up Jai from childhood like his son. With the comming of youth the playful comradeship between Nirmala an Jai had naturally changed into deep love. Sarala and Shiva Karan, Nirmala's mother an brother, however hated Jai and they succeeded on day in ousting him from their home. Jai comes accross to know he has a stepmother and stepbrother. He was mistaken as the real son of his stepmother and made Yuvraaj.

King Rajendra Varman and Queen Mrinalini are reigning the Vyjayanti empire. Mahendra Varman is the rival and the neighbouring king. Kannika is the minister’s daughter, who is in love with King Rajendra Varman and aims to attain him at any cost. This convoluted tale of palace intrigue, suspicion, unreciprocated love, seduction, villainy and piety was interspersed with excellent music.

A quarrel at a birthday party ends in a guest’s death, and the son takes the blame to protect his father. Fleeing to the city, he struggles until a street dancer helps him, and the two grow close. A chance encounter between the dancer and the man’s sister sets off events involving love, misunderstandings, and the eventual unveiling of the truth.

They are in love - have grown up together. Circumstances lead her to get married to a older man with a small child who does not accept her physically after having seen her face for the first time - he feels guilty that she has been cheated upon and her youth has been snatched away. One day she returns home to meet her childhood friend.

A historical drama that delves into the human side of the legendary romance between Emperor Jehangir and Empress Nur Jehan. The film explores the complexities of their lives, encompassing themes of love, conflict, jealousy, passion, and the pursuit of peace, moving beyond mere regal splendor to portray their emotional journey.

A devoted woman, Badi Maa dedicates her life to raising her deceased friend's child, her love and sacrifices influencing all around her, leading to emotional conflicts as the child matures.

Two look-alike sisters, one good and one evil, are at odds. The evil sister, a criminal, frames her innocent twin for her misdeeds. The good sister must then expose her criminal sibling to clear her name.

A young doctor, Dr. Deepak, uses faith cures and is expelled from his profession. After successfully curing a Prince, he becomes a Chief Medical Officer but is framed for murder by a jealous State Physician. When his sweetheart falls ill, Dr. Deepak must cure her from prison, leading to a "satisfactory ending."

When young Jyoti is suddenly widowed, her life takes a dark turn as she faces an indecent proposal from her late husband's brother and pressure from her own sister to become a prostitute. Caught between impossible choices, Jyoti must navigate a treacherous world to find her own path.

A poet who has spent life in the village with his childhood sweetheart goes to Bombay to meet a fan of his who is also a popular radio singer.

Meera, a zealous devotee of Lord Krishna, considers him to be her husband. She gets married to Rana Bhojraj, but follows her own way of living which is not acceptable to her husband and the society.

No overview available

A social drama starred Sardar Akhtar, Mazhar Khan, Anjali Devi and Krishnakant

Nallathambi (NSK) a simple rural man inherits an estate from his deceased Zamindar relative. The Zamindar's daughter Pushpa (Bhanumathi) falls in love with Nallathambi. However he loves another girl (T. A. Madhuram). Bhoopathy (Sahasranamam) the estate manager has his eye on the wealth and tries to cheat Nallathambi out of it. He goads Pushpa into filing a suit that Nallathambi is mentally insane. In the end Nallathambi defeats Bhoopathy's machinations.

A young man gets jailed for killing a woman who seduces him. When he gets released, he tries to stop his employer's son from committing the same kind of crime he did.

Yusuf moves to Bombay with his wife to prove himself but gets entangled with a glamorous woman, putting his marriage and values to the test.

An earthquake separates wealthy siblings Premnath and Mala, leaving Premnath with amnesia and in love with beggar girl Mira. As Mala seeks to reunite with her brother, the film questions whether true love can bridge societal divides.

Mumtaz Mahal tells the story of Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal, tracing their deep love, her death during childbirth, and his grief that leads him to build the Taj Mahal in her memory.

Pradip, a poor artist, lives with his sister Rajani, a child-widow whose past he doesn’t know. Wealthy Rohini falls in love with him, but her guardian schemes to marry her to his wastrel son for money. Rajani briefly returns in disguise as a dancer, then withdraws again, and Rohini’s love story with Pradip collapses under the weight of deceit, duty, and misfortune.

A dancer is determined to open a cultural center and breathe new life into India’s traditional artistic forms. Meanwhile, the visible adoration between him and his lead dancer arouses the jealousy of his enterprising companion.

Taj Mahal tells the epic love story of Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jehan) and Arjumandbano (who becomes Mumtaz Mahal Begum). Their destined romance unfolds amidst political intrigue, military campaigns, and courtly life in the Mughal Empire. After Mumtaz Mahal's tragic death, a heartbroken Shah Jehan commissions the construction of the magnificent Taj Mahal as an eternal monument to their love.

The story of Uma and Ramesh, who share a platonic love. Ramesh, an engineer, is dedicated to his villagers' welfare. Their relationship is tested when Ramesh's social ideals conflict with the realities of capitalism. To help Ramesh, Uma sacrifices her fortune and marries another man. However, Ramesh tragically misunderstands her immense sacrifice, leading to a deep emotional crisis in their relationship.

Directed by Homi Wadia.

Roop Kumari (Leela Desai) a famous court dancer is forbidden entry into a temple monastery run by a strict disciplinarian Priest. The cast listed here is for the Hindi version, there is also a Bengali version with a different cast, but same director and release year.

Sukumar is misled into investing all his savings in the moviemaking business. However, things take a turn when he ends up debt-ridden and at the mercy of the law.

Aziz, an unemployed graduate, turns to crime after his brother’s death and ends up in prison. Years later, he escapes, becomes a gang leader, and unknowingly falls in love with his long-lost sister, leading to a tragic confrontation with the police.

Beena, a young village girl and Nirmal love each other. When Suresh decides to create rift between them, things begin to challenge both Beena and Nirmal.

A social drama centered on the life and struggles of an orphaned child. The film explore themes of vulnerability, resilience, the search for belonging, or the challenges faced by someone without familial support in society. It aim to evoke empathy and highlight societal responsibilities towards orphans.

A young man after knowing his past through his queen mother who has been abandoned from the kingdom by the king for some false complaints against her, tries to make the things get better in the kingdom with the help of a magical horse.

Directed by S.F. Hasnain, Duniya (1949) is a classic social drama from the golden era of Indian cinema. It explores themes of justice, class struggle, and the moral complexities of the legal system.

Foreign-educated Venu falls for Lakshmi, his servant's daughter. However, he leaves for the city and forgets all about her only to discover that she is pregnant with his child.

A village boy seeking work in the city falls for a mill owner's daughter, but their love is tested by escalating labor disputes and class conflict.

No overview available

A humble villager should win the love of a princess.