Another old Hindi movie that exceeded my expectations. Because, after listening to this incredible soundtrack as much as, if not more than, any other, and after watching the clips so many times (and already posting a few of them), I had assumed that seeing the movie couldn’t be nearly as satisfying an experience…and I was wrong. I thought this was a magnificent dark melodrama.
Many people who haven’t actually seen the whole film might think this is strictly a horror movie, and if they don’t know about what happens in the movie later on, they might assume it’s just a haunted house story combined with a reincarnation story. The fact that reincarnation was a subject in this movie is kind of impressive, because it was probably the first popular Hindi film to focus on that theme. But really, this turns out to be something a bit different from a supernatural thriller, and much more than one. What it is more than anything else is a tale about obsessive love and heartbreak. But on top of that, by the end, it’s also an ingenious crime story and courtroom drama, and it even offers a poignant comment or two about the effects of class and class-based prejudice. (As you might be able to recognize, ths film has some of the same elements as quite of few of the classic Bollywood dramas of the 50s – only it predated them.)
At this point, though, I don’t want to say more about why initial expectations might be misleading, because this one really did take me by surprise, and I hope that others might have the same experience. (So, try to stay away from all these reviews with the plot summaries – because after looking at a few now, I can tell you that there are far too many spoilers floating around!)
In addition having a good plot with satisfying surprises, Mahal features several incredibly good performances. Madhubala is remarkable in this movie, especially considering that she was 16 when this was made. (That is kind of amazing to me. I’ve seen other movies with some of the great actresses when they were at around this age, and they really did look much more their age to me. It’s hard to believe that Madhubala was not an adult when she acted in this film.) Ashok Kumar, I thought, did a fine job, even if the word is that he was overshadowed by Madhubala. And I, at least, thought that Vyjayalaxmi was excellent; it’s too bad her performance in this movie is not so well known (from what I can tell), once again probably because everyone who saw this was so taken with Madhubala.
Kamal Amrohi did some impressive directing and writing here; you might say that this showcased his talents at bringing out deep gloom many years before he directed Pakeezah. And I greatly enjoyed the look of the whole film; this beautiful darkness pervaded everywhere.
I guess I’ve already said enough about this soundtrack by Khemchand Prakash, but, on the other hand, maybe I just can’t say enough… In addition to being quite moving, the music has a very timeless, atmospheric quality that makes it stand apart from most old filmi soundtracks. But that atmospheric music wouldn’t be so impressive if it weren’t complemented by such great, dramatic female vocals. This soundtrack contains very good performances by a few women – I’ve already mentioned enjoying the singing of Rajkumari and Zohrabai in the song “Ye Raat Phir Na Aayegi”… But of course, the singer whose work really stands out with this movie, and lingers with you long after it’s over, is the other woman who made her breakthrough here…
Because if this was anyone’s movie more than anyone else’s, even more than Madhubala’s, it was Lata’s.
Dances on the Footpath 
It is a fantastic film, with fantastic music…great photo of Lata! where did you dig that up?
It certainly had several surprises in store. I remember being very, very impressed by Ashok Kumar’s acting – he was so convincing as the possessed lover. Madhubala was lovely (she really didnt look 16!) but I much prefer her older version. And I think Mahal (especially Aayega aayega ) was the beginning of Lata’s superstardom.
Hello, Memsaab. I remembered your “Oh, my god, the music!” comment from a few months ago, and as the soundtrack ascended to the top of my own list, I found myself saying the same. But I was under the impression you weren’t quite as impressed by the movie – you had said at the same time that you didn’t love it as much as you had hoped… I was wondering, has the movie grown on you?
Re. the Lata picture… It was hard to remember where I’d gotten it. I found it on an image search many months ago. I put it in my sidebar for a while (my copy was actually smaller than the one here – I have “resized” it). Your question made me curious, so I did another image search tonight and found a very similar looking picture at Rediff.com. But that one has more on the sides, more background – surely, it can’t be the same picture… ; )
Hello, Bollyviewer… Regarding Madhubala, I think her role in this movie required her to be mysterious and/or tragic. Within those limits, I think she was remarkably good here. Probably, she did become much better as an actress over the years – certainly, she showed other talents, as she was just great in some of those late ’50s (and 1960) comedies. And then, of course, she showed that she was still just as capable of exhibiting total despair, weeping in a dungeon while tied up in chains. (Unfortunately, given what we know of her life, that probably was a truer picture most of the time.)
At first I was a little resistant to join the great Madhubala fan club. Maybe it’s because I saw just too many people going on in too many places about her limitless beauty. It’s true that she was nice to look at (especially by the late ’50s), but I’ve learned that she was great as an actress and performer also. So, now I’m there, I’m in that club, too.
Ha! I watched it again recently, and as happens with me a lot, I liked it better the second time around. I should probably just make a rule for myself that unless I’ve watched it at least two/three times I should not pass judgement on a film! :-)
Hi Richard: This is brilliant! I’ve been stopping by to listen to some of the music you’ve been sharing, and it’s all really very good. Many thanks. The music, vocals, and (mostly) Madhubala mean this is in my shopping list too!
Hi, BollywoodFan. Kind words very much appreciated!
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hello everyone, can anyone please tell me where can i get the full movie, i am dying to watch it!!
Nouman, I I have found this movie pretty easy to find in New York City, U.S. just by going to Bollywood DVD stores. Moreover, the DVD didn’t cost more than $5, possibly less.
Not sure where you are, but have you looked in these kinds of stores? If you tell me your location and your e-mail location :) , maybe I can offer more suggestions.
Also, I think other people must be able to find it online (which is usually not the way I buy films)… Have you tried all the search options, etc.?
One way or another, I think it should turn up for you. :)
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