In the world of cinema, horror holds a special place. Horror films not only scare but are also widely loved. But do you know the name of India’s first horror film? If not, let us tell you. The beginning of horror films in India is considered to have started with the 1949 film “Mahal.” Directed by Kamal Amrohi, this film was not only a superhit of its time but also introduced Indian audiences to stories of mystery and the supernatural.
Mahal was produced on a grand scale for its time. It is said that the film cost about 1.2 million rupees (which would be around 12 to 14 crores in today’s value), a huge amount for the 1940s. The film’s grand sets, excellent cinematography, and the presence of big stars like Madhubala made it an ambitious project. Kamal Amrohi presented the story as a mysterious and psychological thriller, a genre that was new to Indian cinema back then. It was produced by Bombay Talkies and was one of the most expensive films of its era.
Mahal performed brilliantly at the box office. It earned around 2.5 million rupees in India (which would be equivalent to around 2 billion rupees today), setting a record at the time. The pairing of Madhubala and Ashok Kumar was widely appreciated by the audience, and songs from the film—especially “Aayega Aanewala”—are still considered classics. Its success played a key role in establishing horror and suspense as genres in Indian cinema.
The story combined elements of love, reincarnation, and mystery, which kept viewers hooked till the end. Mahal laid the foundation for Indian horror cinema and inspired later films like Bees Saal Baad and Raat. Even today, it is regarded as a classic among cinema lovers.
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