Veer Bhimsen

Old Indian mythology movie poster for sale of the classic Hindi film, Veer Bhimsen (1985).

This is an actual surviving original Bollywood poster of the 1985 Hindi film that was based on the story of the Mahabharata (one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India), highlighting the might of Bhima.

Directed by Sushil Vyas, Veer Bhimsen starred wrestler Dara Singh in the lead role as Bhima and Anjana Mumtaz as Draupadi.

Printed and circulated during the first release of the film (somewhere in the mid 1980s), this original Indian cinema poster was printed for publicity of the film but never ended up being used.

This old Indian mythology poster features an interesting combination technique in the design of its artwork. Still photographs have been over painted with striking colors, giving this old Hindu devotional cinema poster a vivid appearance.

In this Hindu mythological movie poster, Dara Singh is seen prominently on the top carrying a Gada (mace). Draupadi’s “Cheer Haran” (an attempt to disrobe her in the King’s court) is depicted below. Lord Shree Krishna is seen on the top left of this Hindu mythological film poster showering his blessings and protection over Draupadi. The top of the poster features a line in Devanagari Hindi that translates as, “If someone does injustice to a woman, that society will be wiped out.”

As per the Mahabharata, Bhima is the second born among five brothers (Pandavas). During the great Kurukshetra war, Bhima single handedly killed hundred Kaurava brothers and was believed to possess the physical strength of 10,000 elephants.

The word Bhima in Sanskrit means “big” or “tall” and Dara Singh was aptly chosen to essay his role in the film. With over 500 professional fights to his credit – all undefeated – Dara Singh was awarded the titles “Rustum-e-Punjab” and “Rustum-e-Hind.” In an acting career that spanned over five decades, Dara Singh featured in over 140 films.