Delhi (1938)

Delhi (1938) poster

Filmed in 1938, less than a decade before Indian independence, Delhi has a curious tale to tell. ‘Delhi’, the viewer is informed, ‘is the cockpit of the Indian Empire’, it provides the ‘gateway to the riches of the south’. The opening sections of the film focus upon those who have tried and failed to establish a lasting power in the capital. ‘At Delhi’, the commentator states, ‘successive cities have been built by conquering invaders – each has fallen into disuse and decay’. The camerawork focuses on the ‘impressive ruins’ of these earlier invaders. Although the film also depicts the enduring architecture of Muslim rulers, such as Akbar and Shahjahan, it is stressed that their power has been superseded. Legend has it that it will be the ninth city of Delhi that ‘will endure and will rule forever’. Shahjahan had built the eighth.

Director: Hans Nieter
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 10 min
Release Date:
Music: Ludwig Brav
Cinematography: Jack Cardiff
Editing: Hans Nieter
Production: World Window
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Original Language: en

Keywords

delhi, india

More Films by Director: Hans Nieter
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Delhi about?
Filmed in 1938, less than a decade before Indian independence, Delhi has a curious tale to tell. ‘Delhi’, the viewer is informed, ‘is the cockpit of the Indian Empire’, it provides the ‘gateway to the riches of the south’. The opening sections of the film focus upon those who have tried and failed to establish a lasting power in the capital. ‘At Delhi’, the commentator states, ‘successive cities have been built by conquering invaders – each has fallen into disuse and decay’. The camerawork focuses on the ‘impressive ruins’ of these earlier invaders. Although the film also depicts the enduring architecture of Muslim rulers, such as Akbar and Shahjahan, it is stressed that their power has been superseded. Legend has it that it will be the ninth city of Delhi that ‘will endure and will rule forever’. Shahjahan had built the eighth.
Who directed Delhi?
Delhi was directed by Hans Nieter.
How long is Delhi?
Delhi has a runtime of 10m (10 minutes).
What genre is Delhi?
Delhi is a Documentary film.
Where was Delhi produced?
Delhi was produced in United Kingdom.