indian cinema heritage foundation

Jailor (1958)

  • Release Date1958
  • GenreCrime, Drama
  • FormatB-W
  • LanguageHindi
  • Run Time138 min
  • Length4121.20 meters
  • Number of Reels15
  • Gauge35 mm
  • Censor RatingU
  • Censor Certificate Number351
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"I am going away with Ramesh never to return, and if you want to know why, - just have a good look at yourself in the mirror." These were the words uttered by Kanwal, the beautiful young wife of Dilip the Jailor, to her husband. Poor Dilip ! His only fault was that he had an ugly face. This terrible blow turned Dilip into a cruel sadist. He had received pain and misery, and he distributed if freely who ever came in contact with him. The only oasis now, in his otherwise barren life was his daughter Bali.

Kanwal and Ramesh in their criminal adventure found that happiness was a will O' the wisp for them. The news of their elopement had spread like wild fire and finding hostility all around they decided to seek asylum in some far away corner. But nemesis overtook them in the form of a terrible accident. Ramesh lost his eyesight and Kanwal her beauty.

For vengeful Dilip it was a heaven sent opportunity. He brought Kanwal back to his home. Ramesh however escaped his wrath by running away from the hospital in a repentant mood. He takes shelter in a temple where he settles down to pass his dark days.

Dilip now wreaks his vengeance on Kanwal. He treats her as a prisoner and lashes her every now and then with vicious and poisonous words. He keeps Bali away from her. With all her faults, Kanwal was a loving mother and when she is denied the opportunity to nurse her when the child is seriously ill, she breaks down, and commits suicide. Bali too is unable to bear the separation from her mother and she collapses and dies.

In his mad pursuit of revenge, Dilip had completely destroyed whatever had remained of his home and happiness. The death of his wife and child makes him a new man. He turns a new leaf, and a new life opens up before him.

Destiny brings blind and beautiful Chhaya into his life. A new dawn throws the golden rays of sunshine into his dismal life. And for a brief period there are smiles and laughter and music in Dilip's home. But suddenly there is a piece of dark cloud, and the sunshine vanishes. What is this dark cloud? Will it pass away leaving Dilip happy and contented or will it turn into storm and lightening? You will find the answer on the silver screen.
 

(From the official press booklet)

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