Krishna Balram poster for sale.
Featured here is a rare original vintage Bollywood poster of the old 1968 devotional Hindi film produced and directed by Chandrakant that starred Dara Singh and Shahu Modak in the titular roles of Balram and Shri Krishna respectively.
Released under the banner of Joy Films, Balram Shri Krishna (1968) also featured an ensemble supporting cast comprising Gemini Ganesan, Prithviraj Kapoor, Prem Nath, Jayshree Gadkar, Savitri, Aruna Irani, Uma Khosla, Sulochana Chatterjee, Ratnamala, Bela Bose, Nana Palsikar, Randhawa, Asis Kumar, Azad, Babu Raje, B.M. Vyas, Polson, Tiger Joginder Singh, Ram Mohan and Hercules.
The story of Balram Shri Krishna (1968) was based on the revered and sacred narration of Shrimad Bhagwat Katha (an explanation of one of the major Hindu Puranas called Bhagavata Purana). After Lord Krishna (Shahu Modak) and his elder brother Balram (Dara Singh) end evil Kansa’s reign of terror over Mathura, King Banasur (Prithviraj Kapoor) along with several other kings from neighbouring kingdoms vow to eliminate them. Balram gets married to Revati, post which relentless wars begin. Balram and Shri Krishna decide to build Dwarka, their new capital city. When the question of their sister Subhadra’s marriage arises, both brothers are divided as to who should marry her.
World champion wrestler turned actor Dara Singh played the role of Balram. A divine manifestation of Krishna, Balram possessed immense physical strength that surpassed human capacity. India’s most celebrated strongman, Dara Singh, embodied the formidable physicality of Balarama in the film.
Printed and circulated during a subsequent release run of the film (somewhere in the 1970s), this Balram Shri Krishna poster was printed for publicity of the film in north Indian theaters but never ended up being used.
This devotional film poster was originally designed in hand painted oil on canvas format by a Bollywood movie poster art studio in Delhi and features striking artwork.
Dara Singh is seen in his character of mighty Balram, carrying his weapon of choice, a plough (hal) over his shoulder. Shahu Modak, who plays Lord Krishna is seen alongside, with a discus (Sudarshan Chakra) spinning on his index finger, his supreme divine weapon. Ram and Balram are depicted standing upon lotus flowers, signifying their divine nature and association with Lord Vishnu. Both portraits are illustrated in a light purplish hue, evoking the divine nature of both characters.
The artwork is set against a minimal white background, which makes it stand out in contrast. An ornate palace arch frames the portraits, resembling the architectural style of ancient Indian temples.
Typography used in this vintage Bollywood poster is entirely in Devanagari Hindi. Painted in a striking red font, the title stands out with a sharp yellow border.
The soundtrack album of Balram Shri Krishna (1968) was composed by C. Ramchandra.
