Kathputli (1957 film)

Kathputli is a 1957 Indian Hindi-language film directed by Amiya Chakrabarty. The film stars Vyjayanthimala and Balraj Sahni in lead roles. The story revolves around Panna, a young woman forced to work as a dancer after being orphaned, and her interactions with a kind-hearted professor, Professor Anand.

The film is known for its social commentary, addressing issues such as poverty, exploitation, and the plight of orphaned children. It utilizes the metaphor of puppets (kathputli in Hindi) to represent how individuals can be controlled and manipulated by societal forces and circumstances.

The music for Kathputli was composed by Kalyanji Anandji, and the lyrics were written by Shailendra. The soundtrack includes notable songs that contributed to the film's popularity.

Although not a major commercial success, Kathputli is often remembered for its sensitive portrayal of social issues and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Vyjayanthimala's portrayal of Panna. It is considered a notable film within the context of Indian cinema during the 1950s, often cited for its thematic content and artistic merit.