Screen gems inspired from Munshi Premchand literature

Mazdoor - In 1934 May 31st, a bankrupt Premchand landed in Mumbai to find opportunities in the Hindi film industry. His first stint as a writer at Ajanta Productions resulted in 'Mazdoor'(1934), a film about the ill conditions of the working class. Directed by Mohan Bhawnani, the film was banned in Mumbai due to pressure from businessmen and moreover, inspired workers in Premchand's own printing press in Benares to protest against unpaid wages. (Photo | Film Heritage foundation)

Sevasadanam - A Tamil social directed by K Subrahmanyam, 'Sevasadanam' starred celebrated singer Bharatratna MS Subbulakshmi in the lead role. The movie was based on 'Bazaar Ka Huns', a novel by Premchand which in turn was translated by RS Subbulakshmi and serialised in the Tamil weekly Aananda Vikatan.

The film faced severe opposition from Brahmin community in South India due to its progressive plot.

Heera Moti - Balraj Sahni and Nirupa Roy plays the lead in 'Heera Moti' (1959), directed by Krishen Chopra. The film revolves around Dhuri, a farmer, Razia, his wife and their two oxen - Heera and Moti. Premchand's story pitches the impoverished family against a rich landlord who tried to acquire on of their oxen forcefully. The film also stars Shubha Khote, Helen (as a courtesan) and Baij Sharma.

Godaan - Based on the novel by Premchand with the same name, 'Godaan' starred Raaj Kumar, Mehmood and Shashi Kala.

The film/novel revolved around the exploitation of poor farmers as well the economically deprived conditions of the poor in India. This was the last complete novel written by Munshi Premchand.

The novel also inspired a 26-part TV series by director Gulzar in 2004. The series, titled 'Tehreer', starred Pankaj Kapur, Surekha Sikri and was telecast in Doordarshan. (Photo | YouTube)

Shatraj Ke Khilari - The first Hindi film directed by Satyajit Ray, 'Shatraj Ke Khilari' is based on the Premchand novel with the same name. The film is set in 1856 Awadh- one year before the 'First War of Independence' or according to the British - the Sepoy Mutiny.

The film is about the overthrown Nawab of Awadh Wajid Ali Shah (Amjad Khan) and two royals who are obsessed with Chess while the imminent doom of their kingdom at the hands of British East India Company.

Oka Oori Katha - Based on the hard-hitting novel 'Kafan' by Premchand, 'Oka Oori Katha' (1977) is a Telugu film directed by National Award winning Bengali director Mrinal Sen. The movie revolves around Venkaiah and his son Kistaiah and dwells into the revolting as well as mad thoughts of the two. (Photo | mirnalsen.org)

The story changes when Nilamma (Mamata Shankar) enter the scene and threatens their idle way of life. The film stars Vasudeva Rao, Narayana Rao and Mamata Shankar in lead roles. The entire film was shot in Telangana, then Andhra Pradesh state. (Photo | mirnalsen.org)

Sadgati - Primarily made for TV, Sadgati (1981) is directed by master filmmaker Satyajit Ray and stars Om Puri and Smita Patil in the lead as well as Mohan Agashe and Gita Siddharth. A dig on the Indian caste system, the film follows a Dukhi (Om Puri), a shoemaker and how his encounter with the village priest (played by Mohan Agashe) changes their lives. (Photo | YouTube)