Director: Bibhuti Mitra; Cinematographer: Drona Acharya; Editor: Pundalik, Babu Lavande; Cast: Shyam, Naseem Banu, Murad, Bipin Gupta, Cuckoo, D.K. Sapru, Bahujbal Singh, Helen
Summary: Shabistan is a spectacular costume drama with an engaging tale of romance, valour and chivalry. The Maharaja of Kalindi loses a battle against the Maharaja of Kishkindha and is taken prisoner by the enemies. They agree to free him on condition that the princess of Kalindi, Shibani should wed the heir apparent of Kishkindha. Shibani is already in love with the valiant warrior, Timir. However, she decides to sacrifice her love for the sake of filial duty. Timir is disappointed and decides to leave Kalindi. Shibani is subsequently summoned to be presenet at the coronation ceremony of the prince of Kishkindha. It so happens that the younger brother of the heir apparent, Asit Baran has vile and ambitious designs of coveting the throne. He hatches a plot in collusion with the vamp Nilama, whereby he drugs his elder brother on the eve of his coronation and locks him up in a secret place. He now plans to claim the throne for himself. But the diplomatic and conscientious Prime Minister Phalguni foils his evil designs, by presenting a fake heir apparent at the appointed hour, who is none other than Timir himself. Undaunted, Baran continues with his intrigues but his every attempt meets with failure. Timir, for his part is plagued by a guilt feeling for having taken the place of the genuine king. Shibani recognises Timir, and is torn between her love for him and her filial obligation. Nilama reads through the double crossing plans of Baran and starts plotting against him, by luring Baran's most trusted servant. Plots and intrigues multiply and there ensues tensions and clash of emotions. But the wheels of destiny move in such a way that the evil doers are punished and virtue and truth are rewarded, Baran, Nilama and their band of gangsters are brought to task in the end and ultimately meet with a crushing defeat. Shibani and Timir are united in happy wedlock. Everything ends on a happy note. The story is one of kings and queens of ancient lore, of sword weilding braggarts and damsels in distress, waiting to be saved by the gallant knight at arms, all of which contribute to a world of fantasy and romance. True to its romantic quality, the film is replete with thrills and fighting scenes, love blossoms, there is music in the air and chivalry abounds. C. Ramachandra's lilting melodies lend a rare charm to this musical romance. Other than its sheer entertainment value the film does not hold much else. Neither social comment nor historical perspective seems to be its objective. Its box-office performance was a stypendous success partly because of its spicy thriller quality and partly due to the fact that the hero of the film - popular actor Shyam fell from the horse and met with his tragic death while shooting the final scenes of this film.
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