Kismet (1943) was Bombay Talkies‘ biggest blockbuster that broke all box-office records and runs to packed houses for uninterrupted 3 years at Roxy Theatre in Kolkata! The film introduced the lost and found drama which later became a favorite of Bollywood and it minted gold in the ’70s with films like Waqt (1965), Yaadon ki Baraat (1973), Fakira (1976), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), etc.
About Kismet
Written and directed by Gyan Mukherjee, the major highlight of the film was its tight script and crisp screenplay. Gyan Mukherjee presented his script to Ashok Kumar, but Ashok Kumar wasn’t impressed Hence Ashok Kumar gave Gyan Mukherjee a book, written by American author Frances Marion, to read. The book called ‘How to Write and Sell Film Stories’ gave important tips to sharpen a story and improvise a screenplay. Thus after reading the book, Gyan Mukherjee made necessary alterations in his script and screenplay. The result, the film turned out to be a fabulous entertainer with the right dose of romance, action, and music.
Film’s Major Highlight
The film had another highlight: it broke Hindi film industry bondages. It experimented with an anti-hero and a unique double role for the first time.Besides, a good story the film’s melodious music was another reason for the film’s success. Songs like Ghar Ghar Mein Diwali …and a soothing lullaby, Dheere Dheere Aa….were super hit.
Movie’s Famous Song
However, the cherry on the cake was the famous song Door hato aye duniya walo, Hindustan hamara hain‘ . The movie released during India’s freedom struggle, as freedom and Mahatma Gandhi issued the Quit India call, Thus, the film lyricist cleverly wrote the song Door hato aye duniya walo, Hindustan hamara hain … to generate patriotic favor in Indians.Kismet
The song reportedly created such mass hysteria that people went crazy. They watched the movie repeatedly, particularly to hear Pradeep‘s patriotic number. Audiences gave standing ovations to the song, demanding repeats. When the British government took notice, they issued a warrant against Kavi Pradeep, prompting changes to appease the censors.
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