Watch Dulari

Dulari is a Hindi film from 1949 that tells the story of a young woman named Dulari, played by Madhubala, and her struggles in a world where societal norms and traditions often dictate her life. The film is directed by Abdul Rashid Kardar and features Suresh and Shyam Kumar in prominent roles alongside Madhubala. The movie centers around Dulari's life, a young woman who grows up in a small village in India before moving to the city. Dulari has been promised to Sunder, the village's local rich boy who is possessive and controlling. However, no one knows that Dulari is secretly in love with a young man named Shyam, played by Suresh, who is just as poor as she is. The two of them hide their love for each other and meet in secret, knowing that if Sunder were to find out, he would never let them be together.

Dulari moves to the city with her mother after her father dies, where she starts to work as a maid in a wealthy household. However, her struggles only continue as the people she works for have many expectations of her, including marrying an older man who is infatuated with her. Dulari pushes back on this expectation, knowing that she has already given her heart to Shyam. As fate would have it, Shyam ends up working in the same household as Dulari, acting as a gardener, giving him the chance to see her more often.

The film explores the themes of love, duty, sacrifice, and society's expectations. It shows how those who are in power in society often dictate who ends up with who and how those who don't follow these rules are punished. Madhubala's portrayal of Dulari captures the essence of a young woman struggling to navigate a world that is constricting her at every turn. Her portrayal is nuanced and sensitive, capturing both the heartbreak and the resilient spirit of her character.

The music of the film is by Naushad and features several iconic songs, including the titular track "Dulari". The lyrics are poetic, capturing the essence of the emotions expressed in the movie. The music is still popular today, and several songs are often played on the radio or in films.

One of the standout performances of the film comes from Shyam Kumar, who plays Shyam with a quiet intensity that draws the viewer in. The chemistry between him and Madhubala is palpable, and their love story is woven throughout the movie, giving it a sense of emotional depth.

Overall, Dulari is a poignant film that explores the complexities of love and society. The story is engaging, and the performances of the actors, particularly Madhubala and Shyam Kumar, are memorable. Although the film was made over 70 years ago, its message is timeless, speaking to the struggles that many women face in the world today. It is definitely worth watching for those who enjoy classic Bollywood movies.

Dulari is a 1949 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.