Movie Name - Ek Saal ( transl. A one year )

Release Date - 1957 December 20

Genre(s) - Drama /Family /Romance

Duration - 2 hours 14 minutes

Cast - Ashok Kumar, Madhubala, Johnny Walker, Kuldip Kaur, Minoo Mumtaz, Mehmood, S.K. Prem

Director - Devendra Goel

IMDB Rating - 7.7/10 ( as per 2024)


The film "Ek Saal" revolves around Usha Sinha, a young lady grappling with a terminal brain tumor. As she lives alongside her retired colonel father, she remains unaware of the limited time she has left to live due to unsuccessful surgeries. At her birthday celebration hosted by her aunt, she crosses paths with Suresh Kumar, a suave individual who aids in the recovery of her aunt's stolen necklace. Usha soon uncovers Suresh's true identity as the recently appointed manager of their estate, yet she remains oblivious to his scheme with his girlfriend Rajini to pilfer her family's assets. Amidst these circumstances, Usha finds herself progressively drawn to Suresh, only to eventually recognize his absence of genuine affection. With her health deteriorating, Mr. Sinha requests that Suresh feign love for Usha, resulting in a convoluted relationship. Ultimately, doubts arise, prompting the involvement of an investigator. However, amidst the ensuing chaos, Usha's heart gradually opens up to Suresh's sincere love, leading them on a perilous quest in search of a potential remedy. Infused with unforeseen twists, heartbreak, and redemption, their tale of love navigates against all odds and uncovers a glimmer of hope in the face of despair.


Being a devoted fan of Madhubala, this movie had long been on my wishlist, but it took quite some time for me to finally watch it. However, the prolonged wait was absolutely worthwhile. As expected, she looks absolutely stunning and breathtaking in this film. During the first half, her portrayal of Usha Sinha highlights her innocence and tender heart. However, in the second half, when she discovers that Suresh's love for her is not genuine, her acting prowess truly shines. The seamless transition from a mischievous Usha to a heartbroken Usha exemplifies Madhubala's versatility as an actress. She flawlessly captivates throughout the film, both with her appearance and her acting abilities.


Ashok Kumar, as always, effortlessly delivers a remarkable performance. His portrayal of Suresh Kumar, transitioning from a negative character to a positive one, is truly brilliant. Normally, I didn't enjoy their other films together because their chemistry didn't quite click for me, but this is the only film in which I truly appreciate their pairing.


Kuldip Kaur, as usual, fulfills her role as a villain, although her performance doesn't offer anything extraordinary.


While the plot primarily focuses on the emotional aspect, Minoo Mumtaz and Johnny Walker inject entertainment into the narrative. I have always been a huge fan of their chemistry.


Mehmood, often seen in comedic roles, presents himself in a serious role as a doctor in a few scenes. Although his screen time is limited, I am impressed by his performance.


S.K. Prem delivers a mesmerizing portrayal of Colonel Sinha, capturing the emotional depth of a father's role superbly.


The film's narrative bears striking resemblance to the real-life story of Madhubala, who grapples with a Ventricular Septal Defect. The only divergence lies in the fact that the film concludes on a happy note. The soundtrack composed by Ravi stands out as the most notable aspect of the film. It can be rightfully deemed the soul of the movie itself. There isn't a single song that could be considered subpar, as each one seamlessly fits into the various situations depicted in the film. Personally, my favorite songs are "Dil To Kisi Ko Doge" and "Miyan Mera Bada Beimaan". The cinematography exhibits an impressive flair, capturing the essence of the film effectively. Furthermore, the dialogues are well-crafted and seamlessly mesh with the overall plot.


To conclude, Ek Saal is a heart-touching story that offers an enjoyable viewing experience for the entire family. If you happen to admire Madhubala, then this film is definitely a must-watch for you.