Hanste Aansoo

Hanste Aansoo was theatrically released in October 1950.[6] It became the first Indian film to be awarded an Adults certification, following the amendment of the original Indian Cinematograph Act (1918) in December 1949.[7][8] The reasons behind such certification were the film's double-meaning title (laughing tears),[9] and its depiction of a modern age woman fighting for her rights, during the time when women were restricted to household chores, were expected to be completely submitted to their spouses, and had no freedom for education or were allowed to work outside.[10] Many contemporary audience deemed the film's storyline bold and immoral.[4]

In his filmindia review, Baburao Patel noted that "the picture has nothing objectionable in it to justify this classification but by classifying it this, the Censors have classified themselves as unnecessarily prudish and unintelligent."[11] Madhubala's comedic-cum-dramatic performance won her significant laurels from critics. Patel commented: "The versatility of this girl seems to endless. In this picture, in addition to her serious and pathetic work, she shows a rare talent for flirting. [...] It is not an easy job to steal a scene from these two seasoned artists (Gope and Motilal), but Madhubala does it."[12]

Due to the box-office popularity of Madhubala and the wide media attention she was receiving during this time, Hanste Aansoo was a popular release, running in packed theatres for several weeks.[13] However, the film did not become the kind of success it was expected to be, with trade journalists attributing its failure to the Adult certification.[10]

• Akbar, Khatija (1997). Madhubala: Her Life, Her Films. UBS Publishers Distributors. ISBN 9788174761538.
• Deep, Mohan (1996). The Mystery and Mystique of Madhubala. Magna Publishing Co. Ltd. ISBN 1906574219.