Nastik (1954 film)

Nastik
Song synopsis booklet cover
Directed by	I. S. Johar
Produced by	Shashadhar Mukherjee Productions
Written by	I. S. Johar
Starring	Ajit Nalini Jaywant Ulhas Raj Mehra
Music by	C. Ramchandra
Cinematography	Dronacharya
Edited by	Babu Lavande D. N. Pai
Production company	Filmistan Ltd.
Release date	1954 (1954)
Running time	149 minutes
Country	India
Language	Hindi

Nastik (The Atheist) is a 1954 Hindi social crime drama film written and directed by I. S. Johar. It was produced by Filmistan Ltd. under the Shashadhar Mukherjee Productions banner. Its cinematographer was Dronacharya, and the choreography was by the Indian classical dancer Lachhu Maharaj and Narendra Sharma. The dialogues were by Mrs. Ramma Johar. C. Ramchandra composed the music while the lyricist was Kavi Pradeep. Known for his "patriotic" lyrics, Pradeep's "immortal" song "Dekh Tere Sansar Ki Haalat Kya Ho Gayi Bhagwan" (See What Your World Has Come To, God) sung by him, remains popular. The film starred Nalini Jaywant, Ajit, Raj Mehra, Ulhas, Mehmood and Roopmala.

The film is set against the back drop of Partition with its ensuing riots and violence, and using actual footage of refugees. The story is about a man who loses his faith in God when his parents are killed in the rioting, and his brother and sister die as refugees when the priest refuses to help them. He sets out to avenge his siblings' death.

Anil (Ajit), sees his parents killed in front of him during the violence of partition and flees with his sister Kamla (Kamala), and young brother Munna. Having to leave everything behind them in Pakistan, they enter India as refugees and take shelter in a temple. When Munna falls sick, Anil goes to the Mahant (priest) Tulsiram (Ulhas) for help. The priest has no time for the poor, and refuses to visit the sick child. An infuriated Anil attacks the priest, who calls the police and has him arrested. His brother dies and Kamala is forced to become a singing girl (Tawaif) by Vinod Kumar (Raj Mehra) and his henchman (Mehmood). When Anil comes out of prison he is devastated to find his brother dead and his sister a courtesan. The sister kills herself out of shame. Anil vows vengeance on the priest and Vinod. His belief in god is lost and he becomes an atheist, deriding god and priests. His friend from jail, Joker (I. S. Johar) is with him. Tulsiram on finding out that Anil has vowed vengeance on him, is on the run with his daughter. He goes on a pilgrimage with Anil and Joker in pursuit. Joker thanks God that at least this way an atheist will also perform a pilgrimage.