This superspectacular was the film with which the South Indian cinema made its mark. It tells the story of two royal brothers, one Good, one Evil, who clash over the throne and over a country maiden, the dancer Chandralekha. The late William K. Everson wrote, "Chandralekha was pure home-grown DeMille, based on both legend and fact, but letting neither stand in the way of showmanship. It's a colorful, naive, and zestful film in which the overall ingenuousness quite disarms criticism of plot absurdity or...production shortcomings....The only local criticism, however, was of its 'excessive sensuality,' but don't be alarmed-or excited....The action has gusto and size, the songs are a joy, and the music guilelessly pillages from cultures all over the world, ranging from unexpurgated Wagner and Spanish flamenco to traditional Indian....Busby Berkeley would surely have been delighted to see his influence extending to the climactic drum dance." Note: No English subtitles, but great viewing nonetheless!