indian cinema heritage foundation

Rahi (1953)

  • Release Date1953
  • GenreSocial
  • FormatB-W
  • LanguageHindi
  • Run Time118 min
  • Length3693.26 meters
  • Censor Certificate Number8940 – Mumbai
  • Certificate Date05/08/1953
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Based on Mulk Raj Anand’s novel Two Leaves and a Bud, Rahi opens as Mr Waker hires Ramesh, an ex-Army officer, as the overseer at a tea plantation in pre-Independence Assam. He is initially obedient to his masters and is ready to inflict punishment on unruly workers. He falls in love with a tea-picker, Ganga. Gradually he grows to sympathise with the workers’ plight. The workers eventually rise in revolt against their inhuman conditions. Ramesh tries to convince Ganga to leave the plantation with him, but Ganga chooses to stand by her co-workers. In the film’s climax Ramesh is faced with the conflict between his duty to his employer and his solidarity with the workers. He chooses to turn against the owner and join the revolt. Ganga is shot and killed by the owner when she dives in front of Ramesh to shield him. Ramesh leaves the plantation, but Ganga’s memory and principles stay with him.

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