Do you know which was India’s first horror film? After all, how did that film made 76 years ago scare the audience so much? Why is ‘Mahal’ still considered the foundation of Indian horror cinema? Did this film itself start the trend of ghost stories? Know the complete story of that film which opened the first door of horror in Bollywood.
There is a big market for horror films in Indian cinema today. Films like ‘Stree’, ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’, ‘1920’ and ‘Haunted 3D’ have scared the audience a lot. But very few people know that the real beginning of horror cinema in India is considered to be with the film ‘Mahal’ released in 1949. Directed by Kamal Amrohi, this film was not just a horror story, but was a mixture of mystery, reincarnation, love and supernatural activities, which introduced the Indian audience to the horror experience for the first time. This is the reason why even after decades, ‘Mahal’ is considered a milestone in the history of Indian cinema.
The first Indian horror film came in 1949
‘Mahal’, released about seven decades ago, introduced a new cinematic experiment at that time. The film included elements such as a mysterious mansion, strange occurrences, a mysterious woman, and reincarnation. At that time the audience had never seen such a story on the big screen before. This was the reason why the film attracted people’s attention and made the horror-mystery genre popular. The film was released in theaters on 19 October 1949. But even today when it comes to horror films, it is remembered.
Also read: Mithun Chakraborty’s son’s horror film running at a gallop, close to releasing the budget in 5 days
Who was in the star cast of the first horror film?
Ashok Kumar and Madhubala were seen in lead roles in the film. Especially the mysterious character of Madhubala had become a topic of discussion among the audience. He played the role of a ghost in the film. His screen presence and the mysterious atmosphere of the film kept the audience engaged till the end. This film is also counted among the early major milestones of Madhubala’s career.
The song ‘Aayega Aane Wala’ of the film created history
The song ‘Aayega Aane Wala’ from the film is included among the most memorable songs of Indian film music. This song recorded in the voice of Lata Mangeshkar became a major reason for the popularity of the film. Even today this song is counted among the classic songs of Indian cinema.
Also read: There was such a demand for the 2 hour 18 minute horror movie that the shows had to be extended in theatres, it earned so much.
Why is the horror film ‘Mahal’ considered special?
‘Mahal’ was not just a horror film, but it introduced mystery and psychological fear in a new way in Indian films. Its cinematography, lighting and shadow effects were considered far ahead of that time. The British Film Institute has placed it in the category of 10 best romantic horror films. Later its influence was seen on many horror and mystery films. Even after more than 75 years of its release, ‘Mahal’ is considered the foundation of Indian horror cinema. Film experts believe that if films like ‘Mahal’ had not been made, the horror genre would not have got recognition so soon in Indian cinema. Even today the new generation considers this film as one of the most influential classic films in Indian film history.