indian cinema heritage foundation

Bandini (1963)

  • Release Date1963
  • GenreDrama, Musical, Romance
  • FormatB-W
  • LanguageHindi
  • Run Time157 min
  • Length4404.00 meters
  • Number of Reels15
  • Gauge35 mm
  • Censor RatingU
  • Censor Certificate NumberU-38287-MUM
  • Certificate Date29/04/1963
  • Shooting LocationMohan Studios
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She was an unusual prisoner - young, innocent looking, well-behaved and ever willing to help every one. How did such a girl comit the crime? Every one was curious but none knew her past - not even the handsome jail-doctor Devendra who had fallen in love with her. Disregarding the social stigma attached to Kalyani s ashe was a prisoner, Devendra confessed his love for her and proposed to marry her. But Kalyani would not respond. 

It was however the kind-hearted jailor who succeeded in pursuading Kalyani to reveal her dismal past. 

She was the only daughter of a village post-master. Those were the days when the country was struggling for independence and the atmosphere was surcharged with terroristic activities. The simple life of the village folk was agog  with excitement when a terrorist leader Biksh Ghosh was interned there. The powerful personality of the heroic leadere soon made a deep romantic impact on the girl and the fate so conspired that before Bikash was transferred to another jail, he declared Kalyani to be his wife under dramatic circumstances and promised to marry her on his return as a free man. 

Time passed and Kalyani kept waiting for the man who had pronounced her his wife. But there was no news from Bikash. And when it did come, it was a shattering blow to her innocent heart. Her Husband-to-be had married and settled down in the city after his release from the jail. The village rocked with scandal. The aged post-master was humiliated . In sheer agony and shame Kalyani left her home and her village. 

The hapless unfortunate girl, victim of cruel circumstances, drifted from place to place like an aimless little boat in a stormy sea. But the fate had yet to have its final say and her cup of sorrow was full when she landed in jail stamped as a criminal. 

Such then was her past- a pathetic story stranger than fiction. But it was not the end. The most agonising moment for her came when both Devendra and Bikash crossed her path once again and she stood at the cross - roads of her life. It was a momentous decision she had to take and we have no doubt you will want to know what decision she took. We therefore invite you to see the film. 

[from the official press booklet]