Parasmani (1963)

A special-effects fantasy about the son of a princely state’s army Chief. Jettisoned from a ship by his father during a storm, the son grows into the fearless Paras who falls in love with the princess of the realm. The king is told by a fortune-teller that his son-in-law will cause his death unless the mythical Parasmani diamond, owned by the witch queen of Mayanagari, is acquired. After many adventures, Paras obtains the jewel. The film, although in the tradition of cheap Hindi Arabian Nights fantasies, seems to take its cue from Tamil costume dramas. The inexpensive effects include a fight between Paras and his father on what looks like a cross between a magic carpet and a spaceship. Remembered mainly as the debut of the celebrated composers Laxmikant-Pyarelal, with hits such as Ooi ma yeh kya ho gaya and Hansta hua nurani chehra, filmed in colour.