The film, when it was released in 1948, was hailed by movie critics as a work of art much ahead of its times. At a time when Indian cinema was still in its infancy, Kaul picked a very delicate subject and handled it with ease. Kaul played himself in the film--a movie director.
The subject revolves around Mohan,played by Raj Kapoor in his first major appearance on screen before he went on to become the legend that he did. His performance was beyond that of an actor in an early stage of his career.
The hero, Mohan, is a simpleton fascinated by film stars and when he comes in contact with a major actress in real life, his life changes completely. The star in question is, in turn, fascinated by his simplicity--uncommon in her circle---and wants to find out what she would feel like if he were to fall in love with her. A game for her, but a dangerous reality for Mohan and the simple girl Gopi who loves him for what he is. Kaul plays the bystander--the movie director on whose movie set this game is played--who keeps cautioning her not to let her childish fancy get the better of her judgement but fails to prevail upon her.
The movie ends brilliantly,deftly handled by Kaul who was known, in his heydays, as the master of filmcraft.The Government of India has, rightly, preserved a print of the film in its National Film Archives for posterity.
There are few Indian films made to match the sheer brilliance of this one--a one man show---written,conceptualised and directed by Mahesh Kaul who went on to make many more classics. This early effort, however, is clearly his masterpiece.
