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{{About|the 1952 musical|the 2004 drama|Aan: Men at Work|other uses|}}
{{About|the 1952 musical|the 2004 drama|Aan: Men at Work|other uses|}}


{{EngvarB|date=April 2015}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name = Aan
| name = Aan
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| story = R. S. Choudhury
| story = R. S. Choudhury
| narrator =
| narrator =
| starring = [[Dilip Kumar]]<br />[[Nimmi]]<br />[[Premnath]]<br />[[Nadira (actress)|Nadira]]
| starring = [[Dilip Kumar]]<br />[[Nimmi]]<br />[[Nadira (actress)|Nadira]]<br />[[Premnath]]  
| music = [[Naushad]]
| music = [[Naushad]]
| cinematography = [[Faredoon A. Irani]]
| cinematography = [[Faredoon A. Irani]]
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| studio = [[Mehboob Productions]]
| studio = [[Mehboob Productions]]
| distributor = [[Mehboob Productions]]
| distributor = [[Mehboob Productions]]
| released = {{Film date|df=y|1952|07|4}}
| released = {{release date|df=y|1952||}}
| runtime = 161 min.
| runtime = 161 min.
| country = [[India]]
| country = [[India]]
| language = [[Hindustani language|Hindustani]]
| language = [[Hindi]]
| budget = {{INR|link=yes}}3,500,000<ref name="interview"/>
| budget = {{INR|link=yes}}3,500,000<ref name="interview"/>
| gross = {{estimation}} [[#Box office|{{INR}}35,731,000 ($6,042,410)]]
| gross = {{estimation}} [[#Box office|{{INR}}35,731,000 ($6,042,410)]]
}}
}}
[[File:Aan (1952).webm|thumb|x150px|''Aan'']]
[[File:Aan (1952).webm|thumb|x150px|''Aan'']]
'''''Aan''''' ([[Hindi]]: आन, [[Urdu]]: '''آن''', translation: ''Pride''), released as '''''The Savage Princess''''' in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[United States]], is a [[Bollywood films of 1952|1952]] Indian [[Bollywood]] [[adventure film]], produced and directed by [[Mehboob Khan]]. It was [[India]]'s first [[technicolour]] film, as it was shot in 16mm [[Gevacolour]] and was blown up in Technicolor.<ref name=uiowa>[https://uiowa.edu/indiancinema/aan Aan (1952 film) on  University of Iowa - Indian Cinema website]</ref><ref name=upperstall>{{cite web |title=Aan (1952 film)|url=http://www.upperstall.com/films/1952/aan |website=Upperstall.com website |access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref> It stars [[Dilip Kumar]], [[Premnath]], and [[Nimmi]], and marked the debut of [[Nadira (actress)|Nadira]]. It was the [[List of most expensive Indian films|most expensive Indian film ever]] at the time.
'''''Aan''''' ([[Hindi]]: आन, [[Urdu]]: '''آن''', translation: ''Pride''), released as '''''The Savage Princess''''' in the [[United Kingdom]] and [[United States]], is a 1952 Indian [[Bollywood]] [[adventure film]], produced and directed by [[Mehboob Khan]]. It was [[India]]'s first [[technicolor]] film, as it was shot in 16mm [[Gevacolour]] and was blown up in Technicolor.<ref name=uiowa>[https://uiowa.edu/indiancinema/aan Aan (1952 film) on  University of Iowa - Indian Cinema website]</ref><ref name=upperstall>{{cite web |title=Aan (1952 film)|url=http://www.upperstall.com/films/1952/aan |website=Upperstall.com website |access-date=20 November 2022}}</ref> It stars [[Dilip Kumar]], [[Nimmi]], [[Nadira (actress)|Nadira]] (in her debut role), [[Premnath]]. It was the [[List of most expensive Indian films|most expensive Indian film ever]] at the time, subsequently becoming the highest grossing Indian film ever, a record it held for several years.


It was the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|highest-grossing Indian film]] ever at the time, domestically<ref name="boi50s"/> and overseas.<ref name="Rajinder">{{cite book|last1=Rajinder|first1=Dudrah|last2=Jigna|first2=Desai|title=The Bollywood Reader|date=2008|publisher=[[McGraw-Hill Education]]|isbn=9780335222124|page=65|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4Wz4AAAAQBAJ&pg=PA65|language=en}}</ref> ''Aan'' was the first Indian film to have a worldwide release in many countries, subtitled in 17 languages and released in 28 countries,<ref name="Rajinder"/> including the United Kingdom,<ref name="moviemahal"/> United States, [[France]],<ref name="filmfare"/> and [[Japan]].<ref name="Japan"/> The film also received critical acclaim in the British press at the time.<ref name="gaur"/> In [[South India]], it was also dubbed and released in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] with the same title, ''Aan''.<ref name="Dhool">{{cite web|url=http://www.tfmdhool.com/sotd2/691.html |title=Dhool |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305221404/http://www.tfmdhool.com/sotd2/691.html |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref>
It was the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|highest-grossing Indian film]] ever at the time, domestically<ref name="boi50s"/> and overseas.<ref name="Rajinder">{{cite book|last1=Rajinder|first1=Dudrah|last2=Jigna|first2=Desai|title=The Bollywood Reader|date=2008|publisher=[[McGraw-Hill Education]]|isbn=9780335222124|page=65|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4Wz4AAAAQBAJ&pg=PA65|language=en}}</ref> ''Aan'' was the first Indian film to have a worldwide release in many countries, subtitled in 17 languages and released in 28 countries,<ref name="Rajinder"/> including the United Kingdom,<ref name="moviemahal"/> United States, [[France]],<ref name="filmfare"/> and [[Japan]].<ref name="Japan"/> The film also received critical acclaim in the British press at the time.<ref name="gaur"/> In [[South India]], it was also dubbed and released in [[Tamil language|Tamil]] with the same title, ''Aan''.<ref name="Dhool">{{cite web|url=http://www.tfmdhool.com/sotd2/691.html |title=Dhool |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305221404/http://www.tfmdhool.com/sotd2/691.html |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref>
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==Production==
==Production==
This prestigious production was to be India's first full feature in Technicolor.<ref name=upperstall/> The film was made with an extremely large budget. [[Dilip Kumar]],
This prestigious production was to be India's first full feature in Technicolor.<ref name=upperstall/> The film was made with an extremely large budget. [[Dilip Kumar]],
[[Nimmi]] and [[Prem Nath]], then at the height of their popularity and success, were quickly signed on for starring roles, but the second female lead proved more troublesome to cast. Initially, [[Nargis (actress)|Nargis]] was cast but left the film to concentrate on her association with R. K. Studios. For a time [[Madhubala]] was considered, with considerable lobbying from Dilip Kumar who was romantically involved with her at the time, but for reasons unknown, she was never cast. Finally [[Mehboob Khan]] decided to launch a newcomer and selected the then unknown Nadira and promoted her as his new star discovery.<ref name="interview"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Aan-1952/article15922186.ece|title=Aan (1952)|date=19 September 2009|publisher=The Hindu (newspaper)|access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref>
[[Nimmi]] and [[Prem Nath]], then at the height of their popularity and success, were quickly signed on for starring roles, but the second female lead proved more troublesome to cast. Initially, [[Nargis (actress)|Nargis]] was cast but left the film to concentrate on her association with R. K. Studios. For a time [[Madhubala]] was considered, with considerable lobbying from Dilip Kumar who was romantically involved with her at the time, but for reasons unknown, she was never cast. Finally [[Mehboob Khan]] decided to launch a newcomer and selected the then unknown Nadira and promoted her as his new star discovery.<ref name="interview"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Aan-1952/article15922186.ece|title=Aan (1952)|date=19 September 2009|publisher=The Hindu (newspaper)|access-date=21 November 2022}}</ref>


When a first edit of the film was shown to the film's financiers and distributors, they objected that Nimmi's character died too early. This was due to Nimmi's vast popularity as an actress. Therefore, a lavish and extended dream sequence was filmed and edited in to give Nimmi more prominence and screen time in the film.<ref name="m.rediff.com">{{cite web|url=http://m.rediff.com/|title=Rediff.com: News - Rediffmail - Stock Quotes - Shopping|website=m.rediff.com}}</ref>
When a first edit of the film was shown to the film's financiers and distributors, they objected that Nimmi's character died too early. This was due to Nimmi's vast popularity as an actress. Therefore, a lavish and extended dream sequence was filmed and edited in to give Nimmi more prominence and screen time in the film.<ref name="m.rediff.com">{{cite web|url=http://m.rediff.com/|title=Rediff.com: News - Rediffmail - Stock Quotes - Shopping|website=m.rediff.com}}</ref>


The production cost of the film was {{INRConvert|35|l|year=1953|lk=c}}.<ref name="interview">{{cite web|title=Nadira – Interview|url=http://cineplot.com/nadira-interview/|website=Cineplot.com website|date=25 November 2012|access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref> It was the most [[List of most expensive Indian films|expensive Indian film ever]] at the time.
The production cost of the film was {{INRConvert|35|l|year=1953|lk=c}}.<ref name="interview">{{cite web|title=Nadira – Interview|url=http://cineplot.com/nadira-interview/|website=Cineplot.com website|date=25 November 2012|access-date=20 November 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130094039/cineplot.com/nadira-interview/|archive-date=30 November 2022}}</ref> It was the most [[List of most expensive Indian films|expensive Indian film ever]] at the time.


==Innovative music of Naushad==
==Innovative music of Naushad==
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==Cast==
==Cast==
*[[Dilip Kumar]] as Jai Tilak Hada<ref name=uiowa/>
*[[Dilip Kumar]] as Jai Tilak  
*[[Nimmi]] as Mangala<ref name=uiowa/>
*[[Nimmi]] as Mangala
*[[Premnath]] as Shamsher Singh<ref name=uiowa/>
*[[Nadira (actress)|Nadira]] as Princess Rajeshwari  
*[[Nadira (actress)|Nadira]] as Princess Rajeshwari ‘Raj’<ref name=uiowa/>
*[[Premnath]] as Prince Shamsher Singh
*Sheela Naik as Maid of the princess
*Sheela Naik as Maid of the princess
*[[Mukri|Muqri]] as Chandan
*[[Mukri]] as Chandan
*[[Murad (actor)|Murad]] as Maharajah
*[[Murad (actor)|Murad]] as Maharaja
*Nilambai as
*[[Cuckoo Moray|Cuckoo]] as Dancer
*[[Cuckoo Moray|Cuckoo]] as dancer
*Amir Banoo as Jai's Mother
*Maya
*Abdul
*Aga Mehraj
*Amir Banoo as Sardar Ma, Jai's mom


==International release==
==International release==
''Aan'' was the first Indian film to have a worldwide release in many countries with the English title - ''Savage Princess''.<ref name=upperstall/> It was subtitled in 17 languages, and released in 28 countries. Its distribution in the United Kingdom and [[Europe]] was handled by [[Alexander Korda]].<ref name="Rajinder"/> The film had a lavish [[London]] premiere, attended by [[Mehboob Khan]], his wife Sadar Akhter, and Nimmi.<ref name="moviemahal">{{cite web|url=https://moviemahal.net/2017/01/11/mehboobs-aan-1952-indian-cinemas-entry-into-europe/|title=Mehboob's AAN (1952) – Indian Cinema's entry into Europe|date=11 January 2017}}</ref> The English version was entitled ''Savage Princess''. On the London trip, they met many Western film personalities, including [[Errol Flynn]]. When Flynn attempted to kiss Nimmi's hand, she pulled it away, exclaiming, "I am an Indian girl, you cannot do that!" The incident made the headlines, and the press raved about Nimmi as the "...unkissed girl of India".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinestaan.com/articles|title=Cinema news and updates: latest Bollywood news, Tamil Cinema news, Movie reviews and Movie updates - Cinestaan.com|website=www.cinestaan.com}}</ref> The premiere was also attended by the [[British prime minister]] [[Clement Attlee|Lord Attlee]], among other Indian and British elites at the time.<ref name="gaur">{{cite book|last1=Gaur|first1=Madan|title=Other Side of the Coin: An Intimate Study of Indian Film Industry|date=1973|publisher=Trimurti Prakashan [distributed through Universal Book Service, Delhi]|page=160|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LAAwAAAAMAAJ&q=mehboob+khan+aan+united+kingdom|language=en}}</ref>
''Aan'' was the first Indian film to have a worldwide release in many countries with the English title - ''Savage Princess''.<ref name=upperstall/> It was subtitled in 17 languages, and released in 28 countries. Its distribution in the United Kingdom and [[Europe]] was handled by [[Alexander Korda]].<ref name="Rajinder"/> The film had a lavish [[London]] premiere, attended by [[Mehboob Khan]], his wife Sadar Akhter, and Nimmi.<ref name="moviemahal">{{cite web|url=https://moviemahal.net/2017/01/11/mehboobs-aan-1952-indian-cinemas-entry-into-europe/|title=Mehboob's AAN (1952) – Indian Cinema's entry into Europe|date=11 January 2022}}</ref> The English version was entitled ''Savage Princess''. On the London trip, they met many Western film personalities, including [[Errol Flynn]]. When Flynn attempted to kiss Nimmi's hand, she pulled it away, exclaiming, "I am an Indian girl, you cannot do that!" The incident made the headlines, and the press raved about Nimmi as the "...unkissed girl of India".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cinestaan.com/articles|title=Cinema news and updates: latest Bollywood news, Tamil Cinema news, Movie reviews and Movie updates - Cinestaan.com|website=www.cinestaan.com}}</ref> The premiere was also attended by the [[British prime minister]] [[Clement Attlee|Lord Attlee]], among other Indian and British elites at the time.<ref name="gaur">{{cite book|last1=Gaur|first1=Madan|title=Other Side of the Coin: An Intimate Study of Indian Film Industry|date=1973|publisher=Trimurti Prakashan [distributed through Universal Book Service, Delhi]|page=160|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LAAwAAAAMAAJ&q=mehboob+khan+aan+united+kingdom|language=en}}</ref>


Although Nimmi was not the romantic lead, she made a big impact on audiences, and her character, Mangala, emerged as the most popular in the film.<ref name="m.rediff.com"/> This was to such an extent that, when the film was released dubbed in French in 1954, it was retitled ''Mangala, fille des Indes'' (''Mangala, the girl of India'') and Nimmi was promoted as the main star of the film in the theatrical posters and trailers for the French language release. Nimmi further revealed in a 2013 interview, that at the London premiere of Aan, she received four serious offers from Hollywood, including from Cecil B. DeMille who greatly admired the production design and Mehboob's vision as a director. He was in fact, so impressed by the film, that he personally wrote a letter of commendation to Mehboob Khan praising the film and the performances of Nimmi and Nadira in particular.<ref name="filmfare">{{cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/nimmis-filmfare-interview-11920.html|title=Dilip Kumar ke aashiq hum bhi the|website=filmfare.com}}</ref>
Although Nimmi was not the romantic lead, she made a big impact on audiences, and her character, Mangala, emerged as the most popular in the film.<ref name="m.rediff.com"/> This was to such an extent that, when the film was released dubbed in French in 1954, it was retitled ''Mangala, fille des Indes'' (''Mangala, the Girl of India'') and Nimmi was promoted as the main star of the film in the theatrical posters and trailers for the French language release. One reason for her popularity was the incident with Errol Flynn which made headlines. Nimmi further revealed in a 2013 interview, that at the London premiere of Aan, she received four serious offers from Hollywood, including from Cecil B. DeMille who greatly admired the production design and Mehboob's vision as a director. He was in fact, so impressed by the film, that he personally wrote a letter of commendation to Mehboob Khan praising the film and the performances of Nimmi, Dilip Kumar and Nadira in particular.<ref name="filmfare">{{cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/nimmis-filmfare-interview-11920.html|title=Dilip Kumar ke aashiq hum bhi the|website=filmfare.com}}</ref>


''Aan'' was also released in [[Japan]] in January 1954, as the first Indian film to ever release in Japan. ''Aan'' was accepted by audiences there, and it earned a considerable profit in Japan.<ref name="Japan">{{cite book | url=http://ir.minpaku.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/10502/1140/1/SES71_011.pdf | title=Asia to Watch, Asia to Present: The Promotion of Asian/Indian Cinema in Japan | publisher=Senri Ethnological Studies, Reitaku University | last=Matsuoka | first=Tamaki | year=2008 | page=246 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722073202/http://ir.minpaku.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/10502/1140/1/SES71_011.pdf | archive-date=22 July 2011}}</ref>
''Aan'' was also released in [[Japan]] in January 1954, as the first Indian film to ever release in Japan. ''Aan'' was accepted by audiences there, and it earned a considerable profit in Japan.<ref name="Japan">{{cite book | url=http://ir.minpaku.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/10502/1140/1/SES71_011.pdf | title=Asia to Watch, Asia to Present: The Promotion of Asian/Indian Cinema in Japan | publisher=Senri Ethnological Studies, Reitaku University | last=Matsuoka | first=Tamaki | year=2008 | page=246 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722073202/http://ir.minpaku.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/10502/1140/1/SES71_011.pdf | archive-date=22 July 2022}}</ref>
In 1995, This Movie was telecast aboard TV Premier on [[Bangladesh Television]] on the occasion of a Personal visit of Dilip Kumar & Saira Banu in [[Bangladesh]].


==Music==
==Music==
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| 4 || "Aaj Mere Man Mein Sakhi" <ref name=upperstall/>|| Lata Mangeshkar  || 03:55
| 4 || "Aaj Mere Man Mein Sakhi" <ref name=upperstall/>|| Lata Mangeshkar  || 03:55
|-  
|-  
| 5 || "Mohabbat Choome Jinke Haath"<ref name=upperstall/> ||  Mohammed Rafi || 03:36
| 5 || "Mohabbat Choome Jinke Haath"<ref name=upperstall/> ||  Mohammed Rafi & [[Shamshad Begum]] || 03:36
|-  
|-  
| 6 || "Gao Tarane Man Ke" ||  Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar & [[Shamshad Begum]] || 04:41
| 6 || "Gao Tarane Man Ke" ||  Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar & Shamshad Begum  || 04:41
|-  
|-  
| 7 || "Takra Gaya Tumse" ||  Mohammed Rafi  || 03:44
| 7 || "Takra Gaya Tumse" ||  Mohammed Rafi  || 03:44
|-  
|-  
| 8 || "Khelo Raang Hamare Sang" || Lata Mangeshkar & [[Shamshad Begum]] || 04:18
| 8 || "Khelo Raang Hamare Sang" || Lata Mangeshkar & Shamshad Begum  || 04:18
|-  
|-  
| 9 || "Aag Lagi Tan Man Mein" <ref name=upperstall/>|| Shamshad Begum  || 03:32
| 9 || "Aag Lagi Tan Man Mein" <ref name=upperstall/>|| Shamshad Begum  || 03:32
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== Reception ==
== Reception ==
=== Box office ===
=== Box office ===
Domestically in India, it was the [[List of Bollywood films of 1952|highest grosser of 1952]], grossing {{INR|link=yes}}2.8{{nbsp}}[[crore]]<ref name="boi52">{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=158&catName=MTk1Mg==|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922022116/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=158&catName=MTk1Mg==|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 September 2012|title=Box Office India 1952|website=[[Box Office India]]|date=22 September 2012|access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref> ([[United States dollar|$]]5.88{{nbsp}}million).{{efn|name=Exchange|4.76 Indian rupees per US dollar from 1951 to 1965<ref name="sauder">{{cite web|title=Pacific Exchange Rate Service|url=http://fx.sauder.ubc.ca/etc/USDpages.pdf#page=3|website=[[UBC Sauder School of Business]]|publisher=[[University of British Columbia]]|page=3|access-date=21 November 2017}}</ref>}} Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to {{US$|{{Inflation|US|5.88|1952}} million|long=no}} ({{INR|{{#expr:{{Inflation|US|5.88|1952}}*68.3978/10 round 0}} crore}}).<ref name="sauder"/> It was the [[List of highest-grossing films in India|highest-grossing film in India]] at the time, and the first to [[Net income|net]] {{INR}}1.5{{nbsp}}crore. It held the record for several years, until it was surpassed by ''[[Shree 420]]'' (1955).<ref name="boi50s">{{cite web|title=Top Earners 1950-1959 (Figures in Ind Rs)|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=122&catName=MTk1MC0xOTU5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919200259/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=122&catName=MTk1MC0xOTU5|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 September 2012|website=[[Box Office India]]|date=19 September 2012|access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref>
Domestically in India, it was the [[List of Bollywood films of 1952|highest grosser of 1952]], grossing {{INR|link=yes}}2.8{{nbsp}}[[crore]]<ref name="boi52">{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=158&catName=MTk1Mg==|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922022116/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=158&catName=MTk1Mg==|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 September 2012|title=Box Office India 1952|website=[[Box Office India]]|date=22 September 2012|access-date=21 November 2022}}</ref> ([[United States dollar|$]]5.88{{nbsp}}million).{{efn|name=Exchange|4.76 Indian rupees per US dollar from 1951 to 1965<ref name="sauder">{{cite web|title=Pacific Exchange Rate Service|url=http://fx.sauder.ubc.ca/etc/USDpages.pdf#page=3|website=[[UBC Sauder School of Business]]|publisher=[[University of British Columbia]]|page=3|access-date=21 November 2022}}</ref>}} Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to {{US$|{{Inflation|US|5.88|1952}} million|long=no}} ({{INR|{{#expr:{{Inflation|US|5.88|1952}}*68.3978/10 round 0}} crore}}).<ref name="sauder"/> It was the [[List of highest-grossing films in India|highest-grossing film in India]] at the time, and the first to [[Net income|net]] {{INR}}1.5{{nbsp}}crore. It held the record for several years, until it was surpassed by ''[[Shree 420]]'' (1955).<ref name="boi50s">{{cite web|title=Top Earners 1950-1959 (Figures in Ind Rs)|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=122&catName=MTk1MC0xOTU5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919200259/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=122&catName=MTk1MC0xOTU5|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 September 2012|website=[[Box Office India]]|date=19 September 2012|access-date=21 November 2022}}</ref>


It was also an overseas success, earning considerable profit from overseas.<ref name="Japan"/> In overseas markets, the film was released in 28 countries and earned {{INR}}773,060<ref name="Rajinder"/> ($162,410).{{efn|name=Exchange}} Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to {{US$|{{#expr:0.16241*(9.11/0.53) round 2}} million|long=no}} ({{INR|{{#expr:2.79*68.3978/10 round 0}} crore}}).<ref name="sauder"/> ''Aan'' was the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films in overseas markets|highest-gross Indian film overseas]] at the time, until it was surpassed by ''[[Awaara]]'' (1951) after its [[List of Soviet films of the year by ticket sales|Soviet release]] in 1954.
It was also an overseas success, earning considerable profit from overseas.<ref name="Japan"/> In overseas markets, the film was released in 28 countries and earned {{INR}}773,060<ref name="Rajinder"/> ($162,410).{{efn|name=Exchange}} Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to {{US$|{{#expr:0.16241*(9.11/0.53) round 2}} million|long=no}} ({{INR|{{#expr:2.79*68.3978/10 round 0}} crore}}).<ref name="sauder"/> ''Aan'' was the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films in overseas markets|highest-gross Indian film overseas]] at the time, until it was surpassed by ''[[Awaara]]'' (1951) after its [[List of Soviet films of the year by ticket sales|Soviet release]] in 1954.
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[[Category:1952 films]]
[[Category:1952 films]]
[[Category:Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:1950s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:1950s Hindi-language films]]
[[Category:Urdu-language films]]
[[Category:1950s Urdu-language films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Mehboob Khan]]
[[Category:Films directed by Mehboob Khan]]
[[Category:Films scored by Naushad]]
[[Category:Films scored by Naushad]]
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[[Category:Indian historical adventure films]]
[[Category:Indian historical adventure films]]
[[Category:1950s historical adventure films]]
[[Category:1950s historical adventure films]]
[[Category:Films featuring an item number]]
[[Category:1950s action drama films]]
[[Category:1950s action drama films]]
[[Category:1950s action war films]]
[[Category:1950s action war films]]
[[Category:Urdu-language Indian films]]

Latest revision as of 18:07, 17 November 2022


This article is about the 1952 musical. For the 2004 drama, see Aan: Men at Work. For other uses, see Aan (disambiguation).

Aan
File:Aan 1952 film poster.jpg
Film poster
Directed byMehboob Khan
Produced byMehboob Khan
Written byS. Ali Raza
Story byR. S. Choudhury
StarringDilip Kumar
Nimmi
Nadira
Premnath
Music byNaushad
CinematographyFaredoon A. Irani
Edited byShamsudin Kadri
Production
company
Distributed byMehboob Productions
Release date
1952 (1952)
Running time
161 min.
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹3,500,000[1]
Box officeest. ₹35,731,000 ($6,042,410)
Aan

Aan (Hindi: आन, Urdu: آن, translation: Pride), released as The Savage Princess in the United Kingdom and United States, is a 1952 Indian Bollywood adventure film, produced and directed by Mehboob Khan. It was India's first technicolor film, as it was shot in 16mm Gevacolour and was blown up in Technicolor.[2][3] It stars Dilip Kumar, Nimmi, Nadira (in her debut role), Premnath. It was the most expensive Indian film ever at the time, subsequently becoming the highest grossing Indian film ever, a record it held for several years.

It was the highest-grossing Indian film ever at the time, domestically[4] and overseas.[5] Aan was the first Indian film to have a worldwide release in many countries, subtitled in 17 languages and released in 28 countries,[5] including the United Kingdom,[6] United States, France,[7] and Japan.[8] The film also received critical acclaim in the British press at the time.[9] In South India, it was also dubbed and released in Tamil with the same title, Aan.[10]

Plot[edit]

It begins with a royal Indian family, which consists of the Maharaj (Murad), his brother Shamsher Singh (Premnath) and sister Rajshree (Nadira). A local village leader named Jai Tilak (Dilip Kumar) enters a contest to tame Princess Rajshree's horse, and after he is successful, Shamsher challenges Jai to a bout of fencing. Jai is declared the winner of the fight after much dispute and Shamsher is enraged at losing to a poor villager. Jai then falls in love with Rajshree and tries numerous times to woo her, but the princess's arrogance prevents her from revealing her true feelings.

Shamsher becomes even more enraged when Emperor Maharaj reveals that Shamsher is not the heir to his throne after his death and that he plans to free India from monarchy and turn to democracy.

Shamsher then plans to gain control of the kingdom by killing the Maharajah on the night before he is due to travel to England for a medical procedure. However, he is unsuccessful after the Maharajah escapes an attempt on his life by Shamsher's henchmen and disguises himself as a servant in his own palace.

Shamsher then sets his eyes on Mangala (Nimmi) who was a village girl and childhood friend of Jai, but her love is not reciprocated as he is only in love with princess Rajshree. After Mangala is kidnapped by Shamsher Singh who plans to keep her prisoner in his palace and molest her, Mangala takes a bottle of poison and dies. Jai kills Shamsher in revenge and provokes Princess Rajshree to launch an attack on his village to avenge her brother's death. Jai manages to kidnap Rajshree and sets out to gain her love by taking her into his village and forcing her to live as a peasant girl. Just when Rajshree begins to realize her feelings for Jai, Shamsher Singh who was presumed dead returns to take his revenge against Jai.

Production[edit]

This prestigious production was to be India's first full feature in Technicolor.[3] The film was made with an extremely large budget. Dilip Kumar, Nimmi and Prem Nath, then at the height of their popularity and success, were quickly signed on for starring roles, but the second female lead proved more troublesome to cast. Initially, Nargis was cast but left the film to concentrate on her association with R. K. Studios. For a time Madhubala was considered, with considerable lobbying from Dilip Kumar who was romantically involved with her at the time, but for reasons unknown, she was never cast. Finally Mehboob Khan decided to launch a newcomer and selected the then unknown Nadira and promoted her as his new star discovery.[1][11]

When a first edit of the film was shown to the film's financiers and distributors, they objected that Nimmi's character died too early. This was due to Nimmi's vast popularity as an actress. Therefore, a lavish and extended dream sequence was filmed and edited in to give Nimmi more prominence and screen time in the film.[12]

The production cost of the film was ₹35 lakh (equivalent to ₹30 crore or US$3.4 million in 2019).[1] It was the most expensive Indian film ever at the time.

Innovative music of Naushad[edit]

A major highlight of Aan is Naushad's music - both music of film songs and the grand background score that was so innovative and played a key role in the box office success of this film. Reportedly Naushad used a 100-piece orchestra while recording the music of this film, something unprecedented in those days. To create the sound effects that had better bass, Naushad had special rugs put on the walls of the sound studio. Finally, the film songs were mixed in London. Naushad worked very long hours for three whole months to complete this film's music. The symphony with the 100 musicians was much praised and even played on the BBC Radio.[3]

Cast[edit]

International release[edit]

Aan was the first Indian film to have a worldwide release in many countries with the English title - Savage Princess.[3] It was subtitled in 17 languages, and released in 28 countries. Its distribution in the United Kingdom and Europe was handled by Alexander Korda.[5] The film had a lavish London premiere, attended by Mehboob Khan, his wife Sadar Akhter, and Nimmi.[6] The English version was entitled Savage Princess. On the London trip, they met many Western film personalities, including Errol Flynn. When Flynn attempted to kiss Nimmi's hand, she pulled it away, exclaiming, "I am an Indian girl, you cannot do that!" The incident made the headlines, and the press raved about Nimmi as the "...unkissed girl of India".[13] The premiere was also attended by the British prime minister Lord Attlee, among other Indian and British elites at the time.[9]

Although Nimmi was not the romantic lead, she made a big impact on audiences, and her character, Mangala, emerged as the most popular in the film.[12] This was to such an extent that, when the film was released dubbed in French in 1954, it was retitled Mangala, fille des Indes (Mangala, the Girl of India) and Nimmi was promoted as the main star of the film in the theatrical posters and trailers for the French language release. One reason for her popularity was the incident with Errol Flynn which made headlines. Nimmi further revealed in a 2013 interview, that at the London premiere of Aan, she received four serious offers from Hollywood, including from Cecil B. DeMille who greatly admired the production design and Mehboob's vision as a director. He was in fact, so impressed by the film, that he personally wrote a letter of commendation to Mehboob Khan praising the film and the performances of Nimmi, Dilip Kumar and Nadira in particular.[7]

Aan was also released in Japan in January 1954, as the first Indian film to ever release in Japan. Aan was accepted by audiences there, and it earned a considerable profit in Japan.[8] In 1995, This Movie was telecast aboard TV Premier on Bangladesh Television on the occasion of a Personal visit of Dilip Kumar & Saira Banu in Bangladesh.

Music[edit]

Aan
Soundtrack album by
Naushad
Released1952
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Naushad chronology
Jadoo
(1951) 		Aan
(1952) 		Baiju Bawra
(1952)

The film features an acclaimed soundtrack composed by Naushad.[2][3]

Hindi/Urdu lyrics were by Shakeel Badayuni[2]

No. Song Singers Lyrics Length (m:ss)
1 "Maan Mera Ehsan"[3] Mohammed Rafi Shakeel Badayuni 02:48
2 "Dil Mein Chhupake Pyar Ka Toofan Le Chale"[3] Mohammed Rafi 02:55
3 "Tujhe Kho Diya Hamne" [3] Lata Mangeshkar 03:14
4 "Aaj Mere Man Mein Sakhi" [3] Lata Mangeshkar 03:55
5 "Mohabbat Choome Jinke Haath"[3] Mohammed Rafi & Shamshad Begum 03:36
6 "Gao Tarane Man Ke" Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar & Shamshad Begum 04:41
7 "Takra Gaya Tumse" Mohammed Rafi 03:44
8 "Khelo Raang Hamare Sang" Lata Mangeshkar & Shamshad Begum 04:18
9 "Aag Lagi Tan Man Mein" [3] Shamshad Begum 03:32
10 "Mein Raani Hoon Raja Ki" Shamshad Begum 03:10
Aan Tamil-language film poster

The Tamil lyrics were by Kambadasan. Lata Mangeshkar and Shamshad Begum rendered the Tamil songs also. However, it appears that the lyricist did not approve of their diction, and so songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar were recorded again with M. S. Rajeswari and songs sung by Shamshad Begum were recorded with Soolamangalam Rajeswari. While the film had the original recordings, the records (Plates) had both versions. So, there are 14 songs recorded on the gramophone records.[10][3]

No. Song Singers Lyrics Length (m:ss)
1 "Yetriduvaai Arul Thaan" S. M. Sarkar Kambadasan 02:48
2 "Manadhil Mei Kaadhal" S. M. Sarkar 02:55
3 "Izhandhen Unai Anbe" Lata Mangeshkar 03:14
4 "Izhandhen Unai Anbe" M. S. Rajeswari 03:14
5 "Indru Endhan Nenjil Sakhi" Lata Mangeshkar 03:55
6 "Indru Endhan Nenjil Sakhi" M. S. Rajeswari 03:55
7 "Mohamuththam Tharum" S. M. Sarkar 03:36
8 "Paadu Singara Paadalai" S. M. Sarkar, Lata Mangeshkar & Shamshad Begum 04:41
9 "Sandai Moondathuve" S. M. Sarkar 03:44
10 "Nagaru Nagaru Mel Jal Jal" Lata Mangeshkar & Shamshad Begum 04:18
11 "Aah Sududhe En Maname" Shamshad Begum 03:32
12 "Aah Sududhe En Maname" Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi 03:32
13 Naan Raaniye Rajavin Shamshad Begum 03:10
14 Naan Raaniye Rajavin Soolamangalam Rajalakshmi 03:10

Reception[edit]

Box office[edit]

Domestically in India, it was the highest grosser of 1952, grossing ₹2.8 crore[14] ($5.88 million).[lower-alpha 1] Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to $Error when using {{Inflation}}: NaN/calculation error please notify Template talk:Inflation. million (₹Expression error: Unexpected < operator. crore).[15] It was the highest-grossing film in India at the time, and the first to net ₹1.5 crore. It held the record for several years, until it was surpassed by Shree 420 (1955).[4]

It was also an overseas success, earning considerable profit from overseas.[8] In overseas markets, the film was released in 28 countries and earned ₹773,060[5] ($162,410).[lower-alpha 1] Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to $2.79 million (₹19 crore).[15] Aan was the highest-gross Indian film overseas at the time, until it was surpassed by Awaara (1951) after its Soviet release in 1954.

Worldwide, the film grossed ₹35.731 million ($6,042,410). Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to ₹395 crore ($58 million). It was the highest-grossing Indian film ever at the time, up until it was surpassed by Awaara after its Soviet release in 1954.

Critical reception[edit]

Aan received critical acclaim in the British press at the time. The Times, for example, wrote a positive review of the film, comparing it favourably with Hollywood productions at the time. They stated that "Hollywood has nothing to reach up to handsome Dilip Kumar and seductive Nadira."[9]

Hollywood producer Cecil B. DeMille himself wrote a letter to Mehboob Khan saying, "I believe it is quite possible to make pictures in your great country which will be understood and enjoyed by all nations without sacrificing the culture and customs of India. We look forward to the day when you will be regular contributors to our screen fare with many fine stories bringing the romance and magic of India."[3]

Notes[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 4.76 Indian rupees per US dollar from 1951 to 1965[15]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Nadira – Interview". Cineplot.com website. 25 November 2012. Archived from the original on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 20 November 2019. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch (help)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Aan (1952 film) on University of Iowa - Indian Cinema website
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 "Aan (1952 film)". Upperstall.com website. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Top Earners 1950-1959 (Figures in Ind Rs)". Box Office India. 19 September 2012. Archived from the original on 19 September 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Rajinder, Dudrah; Jigna, Desai (2008). The Bollywood Reader. McGraw-Hill Education. p. 65. ISBN 9780335222124.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Mehboob's AAN (1952) – Indian Cinema's entry into Europe". 11 January 2022.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Dilip Kumar ke aashiq hum bhi the". filmfare.com.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Matsuoka, Tamaki (2008). Asia to Watch, Asia to Present: The Promotion of Asian/Indian Cinema in Japan (PDF). Senri Ethnological Studies, Reitaku University. p. 246. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 July 2022. {{cite book}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch (help)
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Gaur, Madan (1973). Other Side of the Coin: An Intimate Study of Indian Film Industry. Trimurti Prakashan [distributed through Universal Book Service, Delhi]. p. 160.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Dhool". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  11. ↑ "Aan (1952)". The Hindu (newspaper). 19 September 2009. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Rediff.com: News - Rediffmail - Stock Quotes - Shopping". m.rediff.com.
  13. ↑ "Cinema news and updates: latest Bollywood news, Tamil Cinema news, Movie reviews and Movie updates - Cinestaan.com". www.cinestaan.com.
  14. ↑ "Box Office India 1952". Box Office India. 22 September 2012. Archived from the original on 22 September 2012. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "Pacific Exchange Rate Service" (PDF). UBC Sauder School of Business. University of British Columbia. p. 3. Retrieved 21 November 2022.

External links[edit]

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