The Light of Asia

Living an indolent life in a luxurious palace, Prince Gautama (Rai) is insulated by his family from the harshness of the world outside. But he is destined to learn greater truths: shocked to discover the pain and suffering of so many in his kingdom, he abandons his privileged existence, and his wife Gopa (Seeta Devi), to become a wandering teacher, eventually finding enlightenment and founding Buddhism. Featuring superimposed images and deep-focus shots that were highly impressive for the time, Light of Asia astutely combines a deeply felt spirituality with the surefire attraction of Indian exotica, which helped make it a considerable success in Europe.

• Release date
• October 22, 1925
• Runtime
• 97 min
• Genres
• Drama
• Director
• Himansu Rai

Cast

Seeta Devi Gopa

H

Himansu Rai Gautama

S

Sarada Ukil King Suddhodhana

R

Rani Bala Queen Maya

P

Prafulla Roy Devadatta Modhu Bose

M

Mrinalini Devi

S

Sunalini Devi