A cinematic masterpiece that redefined Indian filmmaking, Aan stands as a testament to the nation's burgeoning film industry. As the most expensive film produced in India at the time, Aan set new standards for production value and storytelling. It also became the first Indian film to receive a worldwide release. Subtitled in 17 languages and released in 28 countries, including the US, UK, and Japan, the film marked Indian cinema's international breakthrough. The story follows Jai Tilak (Dilip Kumar), a fearless peasant who confronts the tyranny of a despotic prince, Shamsher Singh (Premnath). After defeating the prince in combat, Jai kidnaps his sister, Rajkumari (Nadira), a haughty princess who eventually falls for him. Meanwhile, Jai's romance with Mangala (Nimmi) introduces a subplot of emotional depth and sacrifice. The film climaxes with the overthrow of the oppressive monarchy, symbolising the triumph of the people over autocracy. Drawing inspiration from Western costume adventure films, it brought an indigenous twist with its opulent sets, colourful costumes, and stunning depictions of idealised imagined Indian kingdoms of Rajpoots from several centuries ago. The film conjures a mesmerising world of Maharajas, grand palaces, and royal intrigue, resonating with Indian audiences while appealing to global tastes. Jewish-born Nadira made her iconic debut as the film's vamp, arguably the first of Indian cinema, portraying a scheming yet captivating royal. Naushad's musical genius also left an indelible mark, as he became the first Indian composer to record a film's background score overseas, at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London. His rich compositions for Aan enhanced its grandeur, adding another layer of distinction to this pioneering cinematic achievement.