Heat and dust

Blending east with west, and moving effortlessly between vibrant modern-day India and the splendors of the Raj, Merchant Ivory’s film intertwines the story of Anne (Julie Christie), who is drawn to India by her desire to unravel a mysterious family scandal, and, in flashback to the 1920s, the events surrounding the seduction of her great-aunt Olivia (Greta Scacchi) by a handsome and charismatic, if not entirely scrupulous, Indian prince (Shashi Kapoor). Anne’s quest proves to be a journey of self-discovery — like Olivia, she is immersed in the allure of an India that, in a different way, has remained as sensual and romantic as it was half a century before.

Winner — 1984 BAFTA Film Awards Best Adapted Screenplay

Official Selection — 1983 Cannes Film Festival: In Competition Nominated — 1984

BAFTA Film Awards Best Film, Best Cinematography, Best Direction

United Kingom | English | 1983 | 130 mins | 4K Restored