The simple plot has the maharani (Devika Rani) fall in love with the neighbouring prince (Rai) despite her father's disapproval. It is presented as an Orientalist fantasy with a, by Indian standards, scandalously prolonged kiss. It was described as 'a sort of American romance done against an Indian background'.
Acting
Devika Rani and Rai's real-life chemistry burns through the screen.
Production
Lavish Orientalist sets that aged like colonial milk.
Director
John Hunt
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Devika Rani and Himansu Rai founded Bombay Talkies, India's first major film studio, after this film. The kiss wasn't just scandalous — it was empire-crossing foreplay for an entire industry.
Karma was actually shot in England with German technicians — a truly global production pretending to be Indian. The 'authenticity' is pure costume party.
GB
US
