Hoarding for the film 'Aan' (1952), printed on paper in Bombay, India, 1980s.

In the foreground is a reclining female figure dressed in a lavish costume. Above her stands a male figure dressed in a princely costume holding a sword and brandishing a flaming torch (this represents a key scene from the film). They are set against a background of a grand palace with a courtyard filled with people. In the top right hand side a woman descends from a grand staircase. The title in monumental three-dimensional lettering is in the bottom right hand corner extending into the centre of the poster design. In the very bottom right hand corner is a a side profile of a couple about to kiss. The artists signature is in the bottom left hand side. Bide Viswanathan signed his name on many posters and booklets pre-1950s, and this printed hoarding is likely to be a reprint of his original design.

Given by Mehboob Productions (Private) Ltd., Mumbai, India

Seth Studios reprinted the original design by Bide Viswanathan.

This was the director Mehboob Khan's first experiment with colour film. Set within the kingdom of a Rajput prince and princess this sweeping narrative involves an evil prince who kidnaps a village girl, a farmer who tames the proud and 'wild' princess, and a spectacular sword fight in front of a funeral pyre. The poster reproduces key elements from the film which indicate its spectacular nature such as the grand staircase, the princess in a stunning costume, the crowd scenes and palace architecture.

IS.12-2001