Amrit Manthan, directed by the legendary V. Shantaram, belongs to the rich genre of 'fairy tale' costume drama in Indian cinema. Set in India's fantastical past, the film chronicles the tale of an enlightened king who outlaws 'pashubali' and 'narbali' (animal and human sacrifice), practices considered essential by some fanatical Hindu priests. Consequently, the king becomes the target of assassination by one such priest. Produced simultaneously in Hindi and Marathi, this bilingual film performed various important functions for the yet-to-be-independent nation. It served to reintroduce reformism in Hinduism, drawing on various Buddhist and Gandhian influences. By portraying a mythic past, the film aimed to disprove colonial notions of native 'savagery' and provide historical legitimacy for Indian civilization. Through the character of King Kantivarma, a thinly veiled roman à clef of Ashoka, the film attempts to subdue superstitious sects of Hinduism that engage in dark practices such as human sacrifice. It challenged the Western belief that Hinduism was a static and unalterable faith. This idea fueled the notion of the 'white man's burden,' a rationale for bringing "civilization" to India, which in turn served as a justification for the long history of colonial exploitation. Released during the heyday of Indian nationalism, Amrit Manthan functioned as a reconstructed historical memory, presenting an idealized national past. It provided a romanticized history for an exploited population to embrace, challenging colonial narratives and fostering a sense of cultural pride. The film not only entertained but also served as a powerful tool in shaping the national consciousness during a critical period of India's struggle for independence. Reference used for a small portion: Colonial India and the Making of Empire Cinema: Image, Ideology and Identity by Prem Chowdhry