The reason for its unpopularity with the Indians was because of the actions of the Indian hero, a young Rajah somewhere on the North West Frontier. A devious Khan foments a religious Jihad against the Raj with some help from Russia. The 'Noble' British Resident is helped by the young Rajah who warns the British of trouble by the use of the drum. The reason the young prince supports the British is because of the sheer force of character of the British imperial servants. In one scene, the resident refuses to remain within the safe confines of his fort with the argument that even if he is killed, his actions will still advance the forces of civilisation over the barbaric peoples of the interior. Such simplistic ideology may have struck a cord with the imperial classes, but hardly inspired those who were living under imperial rule.

The film itself has few artistic merits. It is thoroughly a product of its times complete with wooden performances, unconvincing sets and some pretty awful dialogue. The only reason that you would want to watch this film is to see the kind of blatant messianic messages that could be employed by the authorities at times.