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synopsis

Raja Rammohan

This film depicts the life and work of Raja Rammohan Roy (Basanta Choudhury) who is known as the Father of Indian Renaissance, the founder of the Brahmo Sabha movement in 1828, which engendered the Brahmo Samaj, an influential social-religious reform movement. Raja Rammohan was best known for his efforts to abolish the practice of Sati, the Hindu funeral practice in which the widow was compelled to sacrifice herself in her husband’s funeral pyre in some parts of Bengal.
The film starts with the childhood of Rammohan when his studies in Persian and Arabic influence him in the concept of One Supreme God ('Ekamebadwitiyam'). His father Rairayan (a title at those days) Ramkanta Bandopadhyay (Kamal Mitra) cannot tolerate Rammohan's thinking of One God concept and Rammohan is forced to leave his parental house.
After the death of his father, the battle of religious opinion starts between Rammohan and his mother Tarini Devi (Chhaya Devi). But Rammohan remains firmed in his beliefs. He also gets support from his wife (Basabi Nandi). Not only his mother, but the so-called religious leaders of Bengal also stand united against Rammohan for his idealism.
The battle ignites when Rammohan with the help of Lord Bentinck pass “Sati” bill which bans “Satidaha Pratha”, a cruel Hindu custom where a woman is forced to burn alive with her dead husband. The religious leaders appeal in Privy Council of England. Rammohan left for England and in the Privy Council he fought against the appeal and win the battle at the end.
At the same time this film also covers Rammohan's other major works like educational reforms, foundation of Brahmo Sabha etc.

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film details

Name of the Film:
Raja Rammohan
Director:
Bijoy Bose
Production Company:
Aurora Film Corporation P. Ltd.
Music:
Robin Chattopadhyay
Cast:
Basanta Choudhury, Kamal Mitra, Chhaya Devi and others
Format:
DVD
Genres:
Biography
Release Date:
January 10, 1965
Pioneered at:
This is the first Bengali film to be declared tax-free (patrons did not have to pay entertainment tax)
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Festival(s) / Award(s)

  • ‘Certificate of Merit’ in the Regional Award in the year 1965