The Man Who Would Be King (1975)

In the heart of India, under the golden reign of British rule, two audacious ex-soldiers, Daniel Dravot and Peachy Carnehan, dream of a destiny far greater than their humble station. Convinced that India is a playground too small for their towering ambitions, they chart a course for the uncharted lands of Kafiristan, armed with a daring plan to become kings in their own right. The duo's perilous journey is fraught with formidable challenges - the treacherous terrain, the icy grip of freezing temperatures, and the hostility of native inhabitants. Amidst these adversities, they find an unlikely ally in an English-speaking Indian, Billy Fish, and the small village of Urheb becomes their base of operations. Employing their military expertise, they arm the villagers with rifles and orchestrate a sweeping conquest of village after village. In the heat of a ferocious battle, an arrow strikes Daniel, yet he remains unscathed, sparking a wave of awe amongst the naive natives. Seizing this divine misunderstanding, Peachy and Daniel spin a tale of celestial lineage, presenting Daniel as the son of Alexander the Great, returned to rule Kafiristan. This clever deception culminates in their coronation, and they are showered with the ancient gold and riches of Alexander, a bounty that promises to make them the wealthiest men on earth. However, as they bask in the glow of their newfound glory, the intoxicating allure of power begins to cloud Daniel's judgment. His growing delusions of grandeur fracture his bond with Peachy, and in a reckless pursuit of his 'destiny', Daniel decides to marry Roxanne, much against the Kafiri belief that a mortal cannot marry a god. The ensuing ceremony erupts into chaos as Roxanne's bite reveals Daniel's mortal nature, and their world comes crashing down. Their escape is thwarted, and they are captured by the enraged monks. Daniel meets a tragic end, plummeting from a rope bridge into the abyss, while Peachy is crucified, only to survive miraculously. He retrieves the crowned head of his fallen comrade and returns to the renowned writer, Rudyard Kipling, entrusting him with their extraordinary tale - a testament to their ambition, friendship, the risks they took, their perseverance and ultimately, the intoxicating and dangerous pull of power.

The Man Who Would Be King is an adventure movie featuring Sean Connery.

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