It sounds inevitable and obvious. Who else but Pakistan's greatest singing star to play the doomed courtesan, Anaarkali in one of the biggest Pakistani films of 1958 with the top director or the day Anwar Kamal Pasha at the helm of the project? Sadly, the film isn't anywhere as exciting. Noor Jehan, for all her vocal impress, was a little too old when she played the role and Sudhir as Salim let's down the film further with a rather insipid performence.

With the technical, aesthetical and monetary constraints, even if Anaarkali is regarged as one of the better films to come out of Pakistan, the film fails to come anywhere near the various Indian versions. The budgetary constraints show in the production values, lack of spectacle and the limited art direction often giving a tacky feel to the film that is based on Imiaz Ali Taj's version of the story. Noor Jehan's stagey and stilted act does't help either.

So what does work in the film? For one, Himalayawala gives a strong performance as Akbar and Ragini does her bit efficiently as Anaarkali's rival, Dilaram even if she is also too old for the role. Shamim Ara makes an impact in an early role as Anaarkali's sister and even if Noor Jehan's central performance doesn't quite work, one can't find any fault whatsoever with her vocalising. She is in brilliant form as is music director Rashid Attre and the songs have their charm even if they are that bit short of C Ramchandra's memorable score in Anarkali (1953) or Naushad's immortal compositions in Mughal-e-Azam (1960).

For all its problems, Pakistani cinema by and large always got it musically right. Easily the best written and composed song in the film is Jalte Hain Arman Mera Dil Rota Hai. Sample lyricist Qateel Shifai's work here - Jalte Aansoo Jis Daaman ki Kismet Ho Us Daaman Mein Moti Kaun Pirohta Hai or Aayi Aisi Mauj ki Sahil Chhoot Gaya Varna Apni Kashti Kaun Dubota Hai. Amongst other songs, special mention must be made of Banwari Chakori, Bewafaa Hum Na Bhoolen, Kahan Tak Sunoge and Sada Hoon Apne Pyar ki.

All in all, The film is mainly watchable only for its music.