Nastik (1954 film)

Nastik (transl. The Atheist) is a 1954 Indian Hindi-language crime drama film written and directed by I. S. Johar. It was produced by Filmistan Ltd.. 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 was dubbed into Tamil and released in 1962 as Madadhipathi Magal (transl. The Abbot's Daughter). Dialogues and lyrics were written by Ku. Ma. Balasubramaniam.

Opening with a philosophical verse from Kabir, 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.