Lakhrani (1945)

Bichwa (Khote) is the queen of a devout Untouchable community not permitted to enter the temple. Her daughter Lakha, the best dancer in the community, marries the prince of a rival community of atheists and is excommunicated by her own people. The devout group has their devotion tested by economic setbacks and a major conflict erupts between them and the atheists but god materialises on earth, thus solving the problems of belief and its attendant conflicts. Untouchability is abolished and they can all join together to worship in the temple. This transparent piece of religious propaganda saw Guru Dutt’s acting debut in the minor role of Lachman, Lakha’s brother.