DbcultAccessing Vault...

Shiraz (1928): The History Cult Classic You Need to See · IMDb 7 | Dbcult

Shiraz

Name: Shiraz
Director: Franz Osten
Released: 1928
Rating: 7
Cast: Seeta Devi Jr., Profulla Kumar, Charu Roy, Himanshu Rai, Enakashi Rama Rao

1928Franz OstenIMDb: 7/10

Synopsis

A historical romance set in the Mughal Empire. Selima (Enakshi) is a princess-foundling raised by a potter and loved by her brother, Shiraz (Rai).

Director

Franz Osten

Cast

Esther Ricks Jr.

Charu Roy

Himanshu Rai

Maya Devi

Editor's Choice Analysis

Shiraz (1928) Review: A Silent Epic That Still Commands Attention

Is Shiraz (1928) Worth Watching Today? For cinephiles with an appreciation for silent epics and historical spectacle, F.P. Pal's 1928 film Shiraz is absolutely worth seeking out. This Anglo-Indian co-production, recently restored, offers a fascinating window into early cross-cultural filmmaking and the grand, romantic ...

Archivist John

Read Full Review

Featured Video

Shiraz Trailer: We Are One Global Film Festival

Filmography

Movies by Franz Osten

View all

Prem Sanyas

1925 · IMDb 6.4

Der Klosterjäger

1920 · IMDb 8.2

The Great Cattle War

1920 · IMDb 6.1

Prince Seppl

1932 · IMDb —

Cast related

More from Esther Ricks Jr.

View all

Analysis & IMDb Ratings

Cult cinema reviews

All reviews

Bar Kochba, the Hero of a Nation

1913IMDb—

Read full analysis

Pick-up

1933IMDb6.7

Read full analysis

Battle of the Cult

Intelligence Comparison

Comparing the cinematic DNA and archive impact of two defining moments in cult history.

1928

Shiraz

Franz Osten

ScoreCult MeterScore

70%Popularity50%

#316Archive Rank#477

1920

The Flame

F. Martin Thornton

Analyze Head-to-Head

Knowledge Base

Shiraz FAQ

The movie Shiraz was directed by Franz Osten.

Shiraz was released in the year 1928.

Shiraz has an IMDb rating of 7 out of 10.

Shiraz is a movie from India.

Shiraz is categorised as History, Drama, Romance in the cult cinema archive at Dbcult.

Shiraz features Esther Ricks Jr., Charu Roy, Himanshu Rai, Maya Devi.

The screenplay for Shiraz was written by Niranjan Pal, William A. Burton.

If you enjoy Shiraz, you might also like The Flame (1920), Eva, wo bist du? (1920), Der Klosterjäger (1920), A Sister to Salome (1920).

Yes, Shiraz (1928) is featured in the Dbcult archive as a curated cult cinema title, known for its History and Drama qualities.

Community

Comments

Community

Comments

Summary

Shiraz (1928) unfolds a sweeping historical romance against the opulent backdrop of the Mughal Empire, tracing the legendary origins of the Taj Mahal. At its heart is Selima, a princess raised as a humble potter's daughter, beloved by her adoptive brother, Shiraz. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she is abducted and sold into slavery, ultimately finding herself in the court of Prince Khurram, who will later become Emperor Shah Jehan. A passionate connection blossoms between them, much to the fury of the scheming courtier Dalia. When Selima's past connection to Shiraz is revealed, it sets in motion a chain of events involving a dramatic rescue, the discovery of her true royal lineage, and her ascent to Empress Mumtaz Mahal. The film culminates in the tragic loss of Selima and Shah Jehan's enduring tribute: a magnificent monument designed by an aged and blind Shiraz, born from a love that transcended status and time.

Synopsis

A historical romance set in the Mughal Empire. Selima (Enakshi) is a princess-foundling raised by a potter and loved by her brother, Shiraz (Rai). She is abducted and sold as a slave to Prince Khurram, later Emperor Shah Jehan (Roy), who falls for her, to the chagrin of the wily Dalia (Seeta Devi). When Selima is caught with Shiraz, the young man is condemned to be trampled to death by an elephant. A pendant reveals Selima's royal status and she saves her brother, marries the prince and becomes Empress Mumtaz Mahal while Dalia is banned for her machinations against Selima. When Selima dies (1629), the emperor builds her a monument to the design of the now old and blind Shiraz, the Taj Mahal. The film contains a number of passionate kissing scenes.

Review Excerpt

"Is Shiraz (1928) Worth Watching Today? For cinephiles with an appreciation for silent epics and historical spectacle, F.P. Pal's 1928 film Shiraz is absolutely worth seeking out. This Anglo-Indian co-production, recently restored, offers a fascinating window into early cross-cultural filmmaking and the grand, romantic storytelling of its era. It's a visually ambitious production that attempts to bring the legendary origins of the Taj Mahal to life with genuine passion. Viewers accustomed to mode..."

Archivist John

Read Full Review