Apna Ghar


Apna Ghar is a Bollywood film. It was released in 1942.

Plot

The film centers on the concept of a "home" as more than just a physical structure, but as a sanctuary built on love, sympathy, and understanding. The narrative follows a middle-class family whose peace is disrupted by external pressures and societal judgments.
The story involves Narendra, the old and infirm father of Mira, who is falsely accused of fraud. To atone for the alleged wrongdoing and compensate for it, he is forced to relinquish all his possessions, plunging the family into hardship. His strong-willed daughter, Mira, becomes an unwitting instrument in the unfolding of this fraud, further complicating her personal struggles and the family's plight.
The family's trials are exacerbated by the return of Jeevan, an ex-convict whose past casts a shadow over their lives and brings forth societal scrutiny. The film explores the "clash of wills" within the family, particularly between Mira and her father, as they navigate these adversities. "Apna Ghar" delves into themes of societal prejudice, the importance of inner goodness, and the resilience required to maintain domestic harmony in the face of life's stern problems. The film also touches upon the complexities of marriage, suggesting it can sometimes be a "bargain" rather than purely love-driven, with no effort or affection going to waste.

Cast

Apna Ghar was produced by Circo Productions. Debaki Bose directed the film, with the Filmindia magazine hailing his direction as "masterly" and "subtle," praising his unique approach to presenting the story and his ability to balance emotional values.
  • **Director:** Debaki Bose
  • **Producer:** Circo Productions
  • **Music:** Harishchandra Bali
  • **Dialogues:** Narottam Vyas
  • **Photography:** Bhai Patel
  • **Recording:** Minoo Katrak

    Release and Reception

Apna Ghar was released on 28 February 1942 by Krishna Cinema. The film garnered significant praise from Filmindia magazine in 1942. The reviewer lauded Debaki Bose as a "genius" for his direction, noting his ability to present life's stern problems and subtly portray human emotions without exaggeration. The film was described as a "great reality," offering a blend of "sighs and smiles" interspersed with tears and laughter. Special mention was made of Shanta Apte's performance as Mira, which was characterized by "perfect harmony of dramatic values" and a deep understanding of her character.