Mahal (1949) :
Breif Review -
A landmark in the Gothic-Horror-Fiction genre for Indian cinema, with complex romance theories that are still untouched. The gothic horror genre was set in mind when I saw the silent German classic, "The Golem" (1920). I never thought that world cinema could use Gothic horrors in such a manner to create a haunting viewing experience. Even Hollywood stayed away from it in the early days, so of course, Indian cinema was supposed to try its hands way later. I am surprised to see that Kamal Amrohi did it in 1949. Okay, one second, How??? Mahal is such an uneven mixture of Indian Gothic, horror, romance, drama and intellectual yet complex theories, it is hard to believe. I haven't seen such a unique combination in any Indian horror film yet - including every film made till 2022. Having a love story in a horror film is like having water in tea for Bollywood movies. Tell me, have you seen any hits or popular horror films that haven't got romance? The answer is probably No, I guess. But Mahal is way ahead of all those romantic horror films, despite being made early. Kamal Amrohi has been hailed for making "Pakeezah" (1972), but I believe he did a better job in Mahal, 23 years before the musical classic. This deserves to be hailed at a higher level than Pakeezah. Mahal is a prime example of human horror meeting gothic formulas, including an influential romance based on reincarnation. Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini's Mehbooba (1976) was too late to copy it. There are many instances like this because Mahal is a textbook of multiple theories-right from romance to horror to crime to drama to a sad ending. Now you may want to argue with me for calling it a horror movie, as it's not a ghost horror film like the Ramsay Brothers. So what? Even Biren Nag's "Bees Saal Baad" was similar. It had "Kahi Deep Jale", while Mahal had an even better song, " Aayega Aane wala". Top class stuff. A little lengthy, but needed that time to absorb you as a viewer.
RATING - 7.5/10*
By - #samthebestest.
