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Shabnam (1949)

Dilip Kumar in Filmistan's Shabnam (1949) - has a "Yo! Ho! Ho! and a bottle of Rum" look

This latest Filmistan picture running to crowded houses at Roxy for many weeks now is a picture which does credit to S. Mukerji the producer, who gave us in the past pictures like Kangan, Bandhan, Naya Sansar etc. There are no less than ten songs, several dance numbers in which the selection of artistes has been made very discreetly with a certain eye on the box office. The result is a picture to which sex starved thirsty humanity will throng. Though the picture has fine settings, beautiful costumes, good comedy, pleasing photography, excellent sound recording, yet an idealist or utilitarian reviewer cannot help feeling that all this skill and equipment would have been harnessed much better, social and patriotic purpose by Filmistan Ltd.

The picture lacks a well-connected story. Indeed it is all disjointed and unbelievable episodes come one after another on an astonishing scale. One cannot get away from the idea that those responsible for the production happened to see Chandralekha and having been impressed by its phenomenal success could not get over the temptation of imitating some scenes or ideas therefrom or at least taking inspiration from there. The flashback technique has been effectively used, yet all things considered Shabnam can be rated as fine entertainment but disappointing pictorial story.

Kamini Kaushal has been at her best in this picture, particularly before interval. Light hearted acting, grace of body and features, and understanding, easily place her above everybody. After his performance in Andaz Dilip Kumar has raised certain expectations but it must be said that he does not fulfill them in Shabnam. Mubarak and Jeevan are as satisfactory as ever. Paro and Cuckoo who are responsible for the dance numbers and do very good work indeed and even there, the palm must go to Paro who excels Cuckoo in spite of the latter’s better looks and presentability. We, however want to emphasize that Filmistan Ltd. must employ their resources capacity and superior talents to much more important social and patriotic purpose as entertaining the masses cannot alone be sufficient function for men like Messrs. Chuni Lall and Shashadhar Mukerji (The Motion Picture Magazine, September 1949)

Cast and Production Credits

Year – 1949, Genre – Musical/Costume, Country – India, Language – Hindi, Producer – Filmistan,  Director – B. Mitrai, Music Director –S. D. Burman, Cast - Paro, Mubarak, Cuckoo, Haroon, Kamini Kaushal, Dilip Kumar, Jeevan, Rajendra Singh, Shyama

Musical