Humayun

Plot

The film chronicles the tumultuous life of Mughal Emperor Humayun, beginning with his ascension to the throne following his father Babur's death. Humayun faces numerous challenges to his rule, including rebellious brothers and the formidable Afghan leader Sher Shah Suri, who ultimately defeats him at the Battle of Kannauj, forcing him into exile for fifteen years. During his exile, Humayun finds refuge in Persia where he marries Hamida Banu, who becomes his steadfast companion and bears him his heir Akbar. With Persian military support, Humayun regains his empire and returns to Delhi, but his triumph is tragically short-lived when he dies from a fall down the stairs of his library just six months later. The film weaves together political intrigue, personal relationships, and the grand sweep of Mughal history, portraying Humayun as a tragic figure caught between his scholarly nature and the brutal realities of empire-building.

Historical Background

The film was produced in 1945, a pivotal year in world and Indian history. World War II was ending, and India was on the brink of independence from British rule. This historical context made the story of Humayun - a ruler who lost and regained his throne - particularly resonant with Indian audiences. The film industry in Bombay was undergoing significant changes, transitioning from the studio system to more independent production models. Mehboob Khan, as an independent producer-director, represented this new wave of Indian cinema. The film's themes of exile, struggle, and restoration mirrored the broader Indian experience under colonial rule, making it more than just a historical drama but a subtle commentary on contemporary political realities.

Making Of

Mehboob Khan was deeply passionate about bringing Indian historical stories to the screen and saw 'Humayun' as his magnum opus. The director spent months researching Mughal history and consulted with historians to ensure accuracy. The casting process was particularly challenging - Ashok Kumar was initially hesitant to play a historical role as he was primarily known for contemporary dramas. Nargis was relatively new to films but Mehboob Khan saw in her the perfect blend of beauty and gravitas needed for Hamida Banu. The production faced numerous challenges including wartime rationing, which affected everything from film stock to costume materials. The elaborate palace sets were constructed in Bombay's studios and took months to complete. Mehboob Khan insisted on authenticity, even importing special fabrics from traditional weavers for the royal costumes.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Faredoon Irani was noted for its innovative techniques and visual grandeur. Irani employed deep focus photography to capture the scale of the palace sets and battle sequences. The film used dramatic lighting techniques, particularly in the exile scenes, to convey Humayun's emotional state. Low-angle shots were used extensively to enhance the majesty of the imperial scenes. The battle sequences featured dynamic camera movement, unusual for Indian cinema of the period. The color palette, though in black and white, was carefully composed through lighting and set design to create visual contrast between the opulent palace scenes and the stark exile sequences.

Innovations

For its time, 'Humayun' featured several technical innovations in Indian cinema. The battle sequences used multiple cameras to capture different angles simultaneously, allowing for more dynamic editing. The film employed sophisticated matte painting techniques to extend the visual scope of the palace sets. Sound recording techniques were advanced for the period, with particular attention paid to capturing the ambient sounds of large crowd scenes. The production also pioneered the use of detailed storyboards for complex sequences, a practice that was not common in Indian cinema at the time. The film's editing, particularly in the battle scenes, was more sophisticated than typical for the period, using rapid cutting to create tension and excitement.

Music

The music was composed by Rafiq Ghaznavi, with lyrics by Shams Lakhnavi. The soundtrack incorporated elements of traditional Mughal-era music, using instruments like the sitar, tabla, and sarangi. The film featured several classical-style songs that reflected the cultural sophistication of the Mughal court. Notable songs included 'Mere Humdum Mere Dost' and 'Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein'. The background score was particularly praised for its ability to enhance the emotional impact of key scenes without overwhelming the drama. The music helped establish the historical atmosphere and became popular in its own right, with records of the soundtrack selling well.

Memorable Scenes

• The coronation sequence where Humayun ascends the throne with elaborate Mughal court rituals
• The Battle of Kannauj with its大规模 choreography and dramatic cinematography
• Humayun's exile scenes showing his transformation from emperor to wanderer
• The romantic interlude between Humayun and Hamida Banu in the Persian desert
• The final triumphant return to Delhi and the tragic accident that follows

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised the film for its ambition and scale. The Times of India noted its 'splendid visualization of Mughal grandeur' and particularly commended Ashok Kumar's performance in the title role. Filmindia magazine, then the most influential film publication, gave it a positive review, highlighting Mehboob Khan's direction and the film's historical authenticity. Modern critics and film historians have recognized 'Humayun' as a significant precursor to the golden age of Indian cinema, noting its influence on subsequent historical films. The film is often cited in studies of Mehboob Khan's work as an example of his early mastery of the epic form and his ability to blend spectacle with emotional storytelling.

What Audiences Thought

The film was well-received by audiences in 1945, particularly in urban centers like Bombay and Calcutta. Its historical theme resonated with educated Indian audiences who were increasingly interested in their cultural heritage during the independence movement. The film ran for several weeks in major theaters, which was considered a successful run for the period. Audience letters published in film magazines of the time praised the film's patriotic undertones and its respectful portrayal of Indian history. The performances of Ashok Kumar and Nargis were particularly appreciated by viewers, helping to establish both stars' reputations for serious dramatic roles.

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