Izzat (1937)

Based in Central India, there is a village named as Aashti. In the village lives two tribes, Marathas and Bheels. Marathas are stronger and richer while Bheels are relatively poorer and weaker. However, the leaders of both tribes have a peace pact for last 25 years and there is peace in the village. The heir of Maratha leadership, Balaji, who is nephew of the leader does not like Bheels and is counting on the days when he becomes Patel (Leader) of the clan. When the Maratha leader dies and he becomes new Patel, he starts violating the peace deal and capturing Bheel lands in lieu for the unpaid loans. Initially Bheels exercise restrain because of the peace deal and overall friendly attitude of most of the Maratha people but after assassination of one of their fellow on the orders of Balaji, they vow to take revenge. The old Bheel leader orders election of a new younger leader to take them forward. After a series of tests, they elect a brave young man Kanhaiyya (Ashok Kumar) as their new leader. Will he be able to get the rights of his tribesmen back even at the cost of his life?