संत तुकाराम

Set in 17th-century Dehu, Maharashtra, the film follows Tukaram — a farmer and grocer who, after personal tragedies, renounces worldly affairs and turns to devotional poetry and bhakti. His growing popularity draws the jealous wrath of Brahmin priest Salomalo, who falsely accuses him and attempts to destroy his abhangas (devotional verses). Despite persecution, Tukaram's following grows, winning even the admiration of King Shivaji; the film concludes with miraculous events and the saint's ascension to heaven.

Keshavrao Bhole's score draws directly from Sant Tukaram's own abhangas composed in Varkari bhakti tradition; the devotional Marathi verse was rendered in classical raag settings that made the film's music simultaneously liturgical and cinematically powerful.

One of the first Indian films to receive international recognition, winning distinction at the 1937 Venice Film Festival as one of three best films worldwide. The film's abhangas — Tukaram's own 17th-century devotional verses set to Keshavrao Bhole's music — remain living religious and cultural artefacts. Vishnupant Pagnis's performance as Tukaram was widely regarded as one of Indian cinema's great devotional portrayals.