Jal Khambata

The Wadia's, remake of Homi Master's 1932 silent film is a Ruritanian drama mainly featuring the stunts of the horse Punjab-Ka-Beta. Good King Mansingh (Tarapore) is dethroned by evil minister Zalim Singh (Khambatta). Princess Hansa (Husn Banu) transforms lover Prince Randhir (Sarda Mansoor) from an easy-going youth into the masked Hind Kesari, saviour of the poor.

In Manipur, in the early years of the 19th century, graceful and enchanting court dancer Indrani has captured the heart of Prince Chandrakirti. However, Indrani is looked down upon because of her low social standing and turned away when she tries to enter the city temple. She seeks solace in a crumbling temple, where all are welcome. Meanwhile, Prince Chandra comes under pressure to marry the princess of a neighboring land and secure a peace treaty for his kingdom.

The story addresses the conflict between reformist enlightenment and obsolete, inhuman ritual, questioning the contemporary validity of traditional rituals. The dramatic pivot is the conflict between the king who banned animal sacrifice, and the priest who calls for the king's own blood. Emotionally, the film revolves around the childless queen and a beggar girl whose pet goat has been taken for the sacrifice and who loves a servant in the temple.