indian cinema heritage foundation

Nausherwan-E-Adil (1957)

  • GenreAction, Adventure, Drama
  • FormatB-W
  • LanguageHindi
  • Run Time137 mins
  • Gauge35 mm
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                                                            "The sheep drank water with the wolf
                                                              His goodness & justice were such
                                                              That people called him Nausherwan."
                                                                                                                               -Firdousi in Shahnama

The world's history proudly records the 6th century as the luckiest for Iran, as in that century, Nausherwan - meaning 'of immortal fame' - ruled that country with the keenest sense of justice. He lived for justice sacrificed his all at its altar. So easy it is for a judge to pronounce judgments on the sins of others but to be equally just in the case of one's own kith and kin is a task that only the bravest of the brave can accomplish. Such a stalwart was Nausherwan whose unstinted devotion to justice survived even the severest test and made him immortal.

Though the world was not the so advanced and though the rule of law was not so prevalent as today, Nausherwan ruled in strict accordance with the principles laid down by his forefathers. The world recognised him as a just ruler. But one day the Christian Priest suddenly rushed to his Court and severely complained regarding the absence of any clear cut law and rules. Instead of getting angry at the Priest's conduct Nausherwan, just and kind-hearted as he was, began to search his own heart to find out the real cause for such complaints so that he may set things right and make his subjects happy. He gave a careful thought to the matter and offered his people a new code of justice, pure and simple: - "No one shall do any wrong to the other. The offenders shall be awarded exemplary punishment. And in dispensing justice, the mighty and the humble shall be equal in the eyes of Law."

His strict adherence to justice irrespective of any other consideration had the desired effect and people were happy and content.

But then, something terrible happened. His own code of justice placed him into a very distressing and embarrassing position. It had completely robbed him of the peace of his mind.

He had to pronounce judgment against his own son, the heir to the throne. The incident had terrible shaken him. And his subjects looked anxiously to him for a decision. An Empire trembled with the movement of his lips ... and then what happened? 

Please see the rest on the screen.

(From the official press booklet)

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