The year of India’s independence, 1947, was a year of lot uncertainty. A newly independent country was still grappling with the challenges that lay ahead. But cinema, as an industry, was thriving.
A flourishing film industry already existed post the success of 'Raja Harishchandra' (the first feature film released in 1913). Filmmakers were making silent films in many states, each experimenting with filmmaking, and the idea of narrating a story through 'moving pictures' till the first talkie was made in 1931.
By the 1940s, the formula for a box office hit was discovered- almost all films had an elaborate routine of song and dance- something that was introduced in the last decade and something that continues to be an integral part of our cinema till date.
The year 1947 saw five films doing extremely well at the Box Office and being declared as highest earners of that year. The films were social dialogues on the existing society. Some were considered bold and ahead of its time, some reflected the trials the society was going through at that time where on one had, traditions had to be adhered to but on the other hand, one had to move out of the conservative mindset to take progressive steps towards modernity.
On the occasion of India’s 69th Independence Day, let’s look back at the top 5 blockbuster films of 1947.
Jugnu: Featuring Dilip Kumar and Noor Jehan, the film was primarily a love story where a rich boy falls in love with poor orphaned girl and how the class divide plays the villain in their story. The film was Dilip Kumar’s first hit and was directed by Shaukat Hussain Rizvi. Soon after the film’s release, the director along with his actress wife Noorjehan moved to Pakistan. Interestingly, ‘Jugnu’ also had singer Mohammad Rafi in a small cameo role. Spot him in the video here:
Do Bhai: Another hit film featuring Noor Jehan, ‘Do Bhai’ was directed by Munshi Dil and also featured Kamini Kaushal in a key role. While the film was the second highest grosser of that year, it is most remembered for its soulful songs which were composed by Sachin Dev Burman. The film included the classic hits, ‘Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya’ and ‘Yaad Karoge’.
Shehnai: Directed by PL Santoshi, the film featured a young Kishore Kumar in a supporting character of a police inspector. The film’s lead was played by Nasir Khan, a big star of that era and film also featured actress Indumati, Radhakrishan, and Rehana. The director later went on to make the classic ‘Barsaat Ki Raat’ with Madhubala in the lead.
Dard: The film made the country sit up and take notice of the musical genius called Naushad. Known as the musical hit of 1947, the film boasts of songs like “Afsana likh rahi hoon" which was sung by Tuntun (Uma Devi) and “Hum dard ka afasana duniya ko suna denge." Directed by Abdul Rashid Kardar, the film featured actors Shyam Kumar, Suraiya, Nusrat and Munawwar Sultana.
Elaan: A love story directed by the legendary Mehboob Khan, the film featured Munawwar Sultana and Surendra playing estranged couple. A mature love story with a murder plot in between, the film’s music was composed by Naushad. ‘Elaan’ was also termed as ahead of its time for it depicted a the double standards of a stifling upper class Muslim family. Apparently, the film was banned for a limited period in 1947 after certain groups raised objection to the ‘bold’ story line.
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