The film is derived from a classic folk tale, originally narrated by Vijaydan Detha, and interpreted as folk play by Habib Tanvir. The film charts the tumultuous life of a petty thief, Charandas (Lalu Ram). Curiously he is a man of principles – an honest thief with a strong sense of integrity and professional efficiency. He makes four vows to his Guru, that he would never eat in a gold plate, never lead a procession that is in his honour, never become a king and never marry a princess, thinking all of them are far out possibilities for him. Later, his guru adds a fifth one - never to tell a lie and sets him of on his life's journey which leads him to a kingdom..
Released: Apr 21, 1975
Runtime: 156 minutes
Genre: Drama
Stars: Smita Patil, Lalu Ram, Habib Tanvir, Anjali Paigankar
Crew: Shyam Benegal (Director), Nand Kishore Mittal (Music Director), Shyam Benegal (Writer), Shama Zaidi (Writer), Vijayadan Detha (Story)