The story of an honest thief was told to the Bhopalites. A children’s film ‘Charandas Chor’ was screened here on Thursday at Madhya Pradesh State Tribal Museum. The movie was screened observing the third day of the weeklong foundation anniversary celebrations.

Charandas Chor is a 1975 children's film by noted director Shyam Benegal, based on the famous play by Habib Tanvir, which itself was an adaptation of a classical Rajasthani folktale by Vijaydan Detha. The lyrics of the film were also by Habib Tanvir.

The film features Smita Patil, lalu Ram, Madanlal, and Habib Tanvir.

The film is derived from a classic folk tale, originally narrated by Vijaydan Detha, and interpreted as folk play by Habib Tanvir. The film charts the tumultuous life of a petty thief, Charandas played by lalu Ram. Curiously, he is a man of principles, an honest thief with a strong sense of integrity and professional efficiency.

He makes four vows to his Guru that he would never eat in a gold plate, never lead a procession that is in his honour, never become a king and never marry a princess, thinking all of them are far out possibilities for him. later, his guru adds a fifth one never to tell a lie and sets him of on his life's journey which leads him to a kingdom, where the turn of events make him famous, and eventually, he is offered the seat of political power which he has to refuse.

later, the local princess played by Smita Patil gets enchanted by him, and proposes to marry him. This is when his refusal costs him his life as he is put to death. The movie was much enjoyed by the Bhopalites. It was followed with various other events including tribal art and craft workshop and tribal dance performances.