Cited as Bollywood's first horror film and also noteworthy for catapulting both its lead actress & playback singer into stardom, Mahal is as gothic as it is enchanting and as elegantly crafted as it is enigmatic in its storytelling. Making expert use of lighting, shadows & setting to establish its eerie atmosphere that brims with mystery & melancholy and further elevated by fine inputs from its committed cast, this haunted house horror juggles love, longing, death, reincarnation & class struggles with flair. Madhubala is an absolute delight but the long runtime, dated elements & plentiful songs do make the ride a bit tedious. However, the artistic rendition & neat camerawork leaves one wondering how Bollywood horror fell so low after starting on such an arresting & impressive note. In short, a fascinating gothic romance chiller.