Saqi (film)
Saqi (transl. "Bartender") is a 1952 Indian Hindustani-language film directed by H. S. Rawail and starring Madhubala and Prem Nath.[2][3] The film's music was composed by C. Ramachandra. Saqi was based on Arabian Nights and was one of the most expensive Indian films at the time of its release.[1]
Saqi | |
---|---|
Directed by | H. S. Rawail Rajendra Kumar (assistant director) |
Produced by | R. C. Talwar |
Written by | Anjana Rawail Kamal Amrohi (dialogue) |
Screenplay by | Anjana Rawail |
Story by | Anjana Rawail |
Based on | Arabian Nights[1] |
Starring | Madhubala Prem Nath |
Music by | C. Ramachandra |
Cinematography | Rajendra Malone[2] |
Release date | 1952 |
Country | India |
Language | Hindustani |
Budget | est. ₹1 million |
Plot
The film told the story a common man named Ajeeb, who tries to woo the princess Rukhsana.
Cast
Production
Saqi was the Indian version of Arabian Nights.[1] The film was announced in February 1951, along with one more Madhubala-Nath starrer Badal.[5] While Badal was completed and released in the same year, Saqi took about one and a half year to complete. Saqi was an expensive venture for the producers and it was made on a huge budget of ₹10 lakhs.[1]
Reception
Although Saqi was not extremely popular among audience, but the film managed to recover its investment and also brought in some profits.[6] Rawail told in one of his interviews that Premnath proved to be a "lucky hero" for Rawail as their two films together: Sagai (1951) and Saqi had done great business.[7]
References
- Deep, Mohan (1996). The Mystery and Mystique of Madhubala. Magna Books.
- "Saqi (1952) - Review, Star Cast, News, Photos". Cinestaan. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
- Akbar, Katijia (2011). I Want to Live: The Story of Madhubala. Hay House. p. 139. ISBN 9789381398210.
- "Saqi (1952) Cast - Actor, Actress, Director, Producer, Music Director". Cinestaan. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
- Thought. Siddhartha Publications. 1951.
- "H. S. Rawail Biography by Divya Kapoor". www.gomolo.com. Retrieved 2021-01-25.
- Rawail, H. S. (1985). Mohabbat Ki Adhoori Dastaan Madhubala. Madhuri magazine. p. 16.