Prem Sanyas
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Prem Sanyas (The Light of Asia) AKA Die Leuchte Asiens in Germany. A tale from India about the origin of the Buddha. Produced by the same filmmakers who made Shiraz (1928) which was presented at the 2002 San Francisco Silent Film Festival — Prem Sanyas depicts the story of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, the man who became the Buddha, portrayed by Himansu Rai, who journeys from privilege and seclusion to awareness of the inevitability of life’s suffering, renouncing his kingdom to seek enlightenment. It was made with the cooperation of the Maharajah of Jaipur and a cast of thousands.
Directed by Franz Osten and Himansu Rai. From a story by Edwin Arnold. Set decoration by Devika Rani. Cinematography by Willi Kiermeier and Josef Wirsching.
Producers: Great Eastern Film Corporation and Münchner Lichtspielkunst AG
Distributed by Münchner Lichtspielkunst AG and Great Eastern Film Corporation Scenario by Niranjan Pal.
Released 22 October 1925 in Germany. B&W. Length unknown. Standard 35mm spherical 1.37:1 format. The film was released in the USA by Film Arts Guild on 11 May 1928.
[edit] Cast
- Seeta Devi [Gopa]
- Himansu Rai [Gautama]
- Sarada Ukil [King Suddhodhana]
- Rani Bala [Queen Maya]
- Prafulla Roy
- Modhu Bose
- Mrinalini Devi
- Sunalini Devi
- Ekambi ‘Wilhelm’ Tongo
