Bandini (1963)

 ●  Hindi ● 2 hrs 40 mins

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Nutan’s best-known film is set in the women’s ward of a pre-independence prison. The story is based on a book by Jarasandha, a former Alipore central jail superintendent who wrote fictional versions of his experiences (Louha- Kapat, 1953; Tamasha, 1958; Nyaydanda, 1961). The gentle inmate Kalyani (Nutan), imprisoned for murder, appears determined to serve her full sentence, resisting the kind overtures of the prison doctor (Dharmendra). Her past is told in flashback. In a 30s Bengal riddled with revolutionary terrorists, she had become involved with the anarchist Bikash Ghosh (A. Kumar), and tries to save his life by claiming to be his wife. Her father (Paranjpe) insists that for her honour’s sake she must really marry the man. Bikash disappears and Kalyani later learns that he has married another woman. To avoid her father’s dishonour she leaves the village and becomes a servant in a nursing home where she encounters a particularly obnoxious patient who is revealed to be Bikash’s wife. Regarding her as the cause of all her and her father’s suffering, Kalyani poisons the woman and assumes her guilt. The sentimental story, which suggests a straight link between terrorism and patricide, is redeemed by the most accomplished cinematography Bimal Roy ever achieved and by Nutan’s performance, perhaps the only consistent expression in Indian film of female guilt.

Cast: Ashok Kumar Ganguly, Dharmendra, Nutan Samarth

Crew: Bimal Roy (Director), Kamal Bose (Director of Photography), Sachin Dev Burman (Music Director)

Rating: U (India)

Genres: Drama, Musical, Romance

Release Dates: 29 Apr 1963 (India)

Hindi Name: बंदिनी

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Did you know? The entire rural backdrop was shot in Shahibganj, in present Jharkhand. Bimol Roy chose this remote location after passing by the spot and finding a beautiful landscape with the Ganga river. Read More
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as Bikash Ghosh
as Devendra
as Kalyani
as Shambu
Supporting Actress
as Badi Warden / Head Warden
as Chutti Babu
as Dr. Verma
as Inspector
Supporting Actor
Supporting Actress
Supporting Actor
as Devendra's Mother
Supporting Actress
as Mahesh Chandra

Direction

Director

Production

Producer
Production Company

Distribution

Distributor

Writers

Screenplay Writer

Camera and Electrical

Director of Photography

Art

Art Director
Set Decorator

Makeup and Hair

Makeup Artist
Film Type:
Feature
Language:
Hindi
Colour Info:
Black & White
Sound Mix:
Mono
Frame Rate:
24 fps
Aspect Ratio:
2.39:1 (Scope)
Stereoscopy:
No
Trivia:
The lead female role was initially offered to Vyjayanthimala who had to decline due to her busy schedule. The role later went to Nutan.

The movie swept that year's Filmfare Awards, winning six awards in all, including Best Movie, Best Director and Best Actress.

The entire rural backdrop was shot in Shahibganj, in present Jharkhand. Bimol Roy chose this remote location after passing by the spot and finding a beautiful landscape with the Ganga river.