| Basant | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Poster_de_Basant_(1942).jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Amiya Chakrabarty |
| Written by | Amiya Chakrabarty |
| Produced by | Bombay Talkies |
| Starring | Mumtaz Shanti Madhubala Ulhas Kanu Roy |
| Cinematography | R.D. Mathur |
| Edited by | R.G. Gope |
| Music by | Pannalal Ghosh |
Release date |
|
Running time | 146 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindustani |
| Box office | ₹1.35 crore |
Basant (transl. Spring) is a 1942 pre-partition Indian romantic musical film directed by Amiya Chakrabarty, produced by Bombay Talkies and starring Mumtaz Shanti and Madhubala along with Ulhas. It revolves around Uma (Shanti), who is left to dance on stage for money when her husband (Ulhas) abandons her.
Basant marked the Hindi film debut of Shanti, who was already a celebrated star in Punjabi film industry.[2] However, the film is largely remembered as the first screen appearance of Madhubala, who played an uncredited role of daughter to Shanti and later became a leading star in the 1950s and early 1960s.[3]
The film was theatrically released on 29 July 1942 and was praised by critics for the performances of actors, music and direction. It was the highest-grossing Indian film at the time of its release and the highest-grossing Indian film of 1942.[4] The film had a 76-week run in the theatres.[5] As of 2021, Basant remains one of the fifty highest-grossing Indian films in the history (when adjusted for inflation).[6]
- ^ Patel, Baburao (1 September 1942). "Devika Rani makes 'Basant' a Sparkling Entertainment". Filmindia. New York The Museum of Modern Art Library. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
- ^ says, Pritha Chakrabarti. "Mumtaz Shanti – Interview – Cineplot.com". Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ Bali, Karan (14 February 2000). "Madhubala". Upperstall.com. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ "Boxofficeindia.com". 14 October 2013. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2020.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Dawnwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Biggest BLOCKBUSTERS ever". 22 April 2006. Archived from the original on 22 April 2006. Retrieved 24 January 2021.