Kirat Arjun (1923)

Embedded with fierce action and intense emotion, this historical silent film is set against the backdrop of the Mahabharata, in the period when the Pandavas are exiled in the forest. In an attempt to prepare for the inevitable war with the Kauravas, Arjuna at the instruction of Indra, propitiates god Shiva with penance (tapasya) in the forest. Pleased by his austerities, Shiva decides to reward him. When a demon named Muka, in the form of a wild boar, charges toward Arjuna, Shiva appears in the form of a Kirāta, a wild mountaineer. Arjuna and the Kirāta simultaneously shoot an arrow at the boar, and kill it. They argue over who shot first, and a battle ensues. They fight for a long time, and Arjuna is shocked that he cannot conquer this Kirāta. Will Arjuna recognise that this Kirāta is no ordinary human? How will Lord Shiva reward Arjuna for his valour?