Watch A Throw of Dice

A Throw of Dice is a captivating Indian silent film, directed by German-born director Franz Osten and released in 1929. The film stars Seeta Devi, Himanshu Rai, and Charu Roy in lead roles, with many other talented actors in supporting roles. The story is set in ancient India, where two neighboring kings, played by Rai and Roy, are constantly at war with each other. Rai's king, Ranjit, lives a lavish life and is known for his love for gambling. He loses his palace and even his kingdom to Roy's king, Sohat, in a game of dice.

Meanwhile, Seeta Devi's character, Sunita, is introduced as a widowed peasant woman who is abducted by a group of bandits. During her capture, she meets a young man named Tribhuvan, played by Rai, who saves her from the bandits. From there, the two share a beautiful love story.

When Tribhuvan learns of Ranjit's defeat in the dice game, he realizes that his own kingdom may also be at risk. He travels to Ranjit's palace and offers to gamble his own kingdom against Ranjit's in a game of dice. As the game unfolds, tensions rise, and the fate of both kingdoms lies in the balance.

One of the most intriguing aspects of A Throw of Dice is the film's stunning visuals. The movie was entirely shot on location, with many scenes taking place in the breathtaking landscapes of Rajasthan, India. Throughout the film, the audience is treated to vivid images of ancient India, from the colorful costumes to the ornate palaces. Even the animals in the film, from majestic elephants to nimble horses, add to the film's overall grandeur.

Another noteworthy aspect of the film is its score, which blends traditional Indian music with western classical music. The result is a beautiful and unique sound that fits perfectly with the film's grand themes and stunning visuals.

Despite being a silent film, the acting performances in A Throw of Dice are excellent. Seeta Devi, who was one of the most popular actresses in the Indian film industry at the time, delivers a standout portrayal of Sunita, the resilient peasant woman. Her chemistry with Himanshu Rai, who also co-wrote and co-produced the film, is palpable and adds depth to the film's romantic storylines.

Charu Roy, who plays the film's villain, is also impressive in his portrayal of the ruthless king. His character's greed and lust for power make him a formidable opponent for Ranjit and Tribhuvan, and he succeeds in adding to the film's suspenseful elements.

Overall, A Throw of Dice is a beautifully crafted film that showcases the best of Indian cinema. Its grand visuals and stunning score, combined with excellent acting performances and a compelling storyline, make it a true masterpiece of silent cinema.

A Throw of Dice is a 1929 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.