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Shaheed (1948)
Watch it for Kamini Kaushal
This is a Hindi language film starring Dilip Kumar and Kamini Kaushal.
The film has very little to do with the title. It's more a love story and circumstances that let lovers to separate. The movie has little value adding the childhood friendship as it becomes inconceivable that they totally go out of touch or one of them turns totally villainous. Overall it's well made but at one point three songs are placed one after the other at five-minute interval which makes it very boring. Likewise, the script is contrived to get both the hero and the heroine to die to evoke sentiment.
The parts about non violent vs violent struggle are appreciative. So also about how Indians were the very representatives of the British and the most cruel offenders against fellow Indian freedom fighters.
This was Chandra Mohan's last role but much of the character is caricatured. His reason for changing sides in the end is not convincing. But the court scene in the climax with him shows the intensity of his performance!
Kamini Kaushal is most impressive in this film. She's known to audiences more for playing elderly roles which makes one forget these lead roles that she played so competently. Watch it for her sensitive performance.
Newspaper Boy (1955)
A cynical portrayal of poverty
This is a Malayalam language film on poverty. It was considered a landmark effort by the amateur students and actors at the time. And maybe it was reflective of the times in Kerala it was made in.
But the purpose of cinema, while sharing a slice of life, is also to give hope. The film is very depressing on that front. The first hour shows the father struggling with his job health and details his suffering. Just when you hope some stroke of luck will intervene, he dies! The next hour shows the mother similarly suffering at get work place, falling ill and then dying at the end of the film!!
Meanwhile the son goes to Chennai to get work and - as expected given the tone of the film - nothing works in his favour and he goes from pillar to post to make ends meet.
The film missed crucial opportunities to generate hope - the spoilt rich beat at the mother's employer home never learns a lesson - it's as if the writer / director completely forgot about the character midway.
And the most surprising fact is the name of the film. The film has nothing to do with the title until the last 5 seconds. It seems to be added as an afterthought to - suddenly - show the boy selling newspapers because they couldn't up with a name for the film!
An absolutely cynical and amateurish venture. I would not recommend.
Baapjanma (2017)
Family Drama - Must watch for Dads
This is a Marathi language film starring Sachin Khedekar
The film is a family film which passes a very nice message on relationships while keeping everyone entertained with humour.
It's about an ex-RAW agent who due to the secretive nature of his work, had strained relationships with his children. The film is about how due to a life threatening turn of events, the protagonist re-prioritises his life and goes about merging his relationships.
Excellent performances by Sachin Khedekar as usual and the rest of the cast and good direction and editing keep the film a wholesome entertainer.
A must watch for Dads and the whole family.
Abhimanyu (1991)
Larger than life Mumbai Underworld film
This is a Malayalam language film starring Mohanlal and Geetha.
It's a big budget Priyadarshan direction filmed in Mumbai. Capitalising on Mohanlal at his peak of popularity with intelligent family films like Bharatham and His Highness Abdullah. This time by making a mass film with lots of action. It was sure to be a hit. But unlike the previously mentioned, is it still memorable today - no.
The theme is lifted from Kamal Hassan starrer Nayakan of an ordinary guy being pushed into circumstances that lead him to becoming a dreaded gangster. And ending up losing everything in the end. The story and screenplay - with due respect - are very different and predictable.
The music is great, Mohanlal is larger than life and the production expense quite high given the times then. Definitely a one time watch.
Nokketha Dhoorathu Kannum Nattu (1984)
Nadia's breakthrough film is a complete entertainer
This is a Malayalam language film starring Mohanlal, Padmini and Nadia Moidu.
Even before Mohanlal became a superstar with the 1988 film Chitram, he had worked in many notable films through the decade after his debut in 1981. This film which is written and directed by Fazil (he even plays a supporting cast role in it) is one such. It is remembered more for being the breakthrough film of Nadia Moidu and for her versatile performance.
The film is a comedy in the first half and melodramatic in the second half. Reminds a bit of the Hindi film Mili with Jaya Bhaduri - Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan. The heroine in this film also is a bubbly and mischievous girl who pesters the youngsters next door to no end. Only to reveal that she is hiding the pain of terminal illness behind this cheer.
It's a complete entertainer with good music also. An excellent watch.
Baiju Bawra (1952)
A musical classic
This is a Hindi musical film starring Bharat Bhushan and Meena Kumari.
While the film is lengthy, it's rich in the story, music and performances. It is a fictional periodical story of a music lover bent on seeking revenge from the mighty Tansen of Akbar's court. His father was a Vaishnavaite chanting the lord's name on the streets. Unbeknownst to Tansen, the father was stopped by Tansen's guards from singing and thus disturbing their master's riyaaz. In the ensuing melee, the father is killed but he extracts a promise from the son to take revenge. The boy forgets this promise while growing up with his sweetheart Gauri but is reminded of it when a princess turned dacoit kidnaps him. Events unfold thus that the son Baiju now learns music from Swami Haridas who keeps advising him to remove hatred from his heart in order to truly appreciate music.
Eventually when he learns that Gauri has possibly died due to snake bite, he is greatly shaken up and as a mad man (Bawra) keeps singing in deep pain. He ends up in the court of Akbar in a challenge to death with Tansen and defeats him. Tansen is humble and mighty hearted. And so is Baiju and gets a promise from Akbar to permit street singers as well as return back the lost Kingdom of the princess.
As a true classic film, he dies when rushing back trying to prevent Gauri from marrying someone else.
Excellent performances by Bharat Bhushan, Meena Kumari in her debut and Kuldip Kaur enrich the film. The standout obviously is the award winning music of Naushad.
Don't be deterred by the length, watch it and you'll appreciate the music and humanity elements in the film!
Shor (1972)
Predictable, melodramatic storyline
This is a Hindi language film starring Manoj Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri.
This film is the perfect example of a formula film. It would have been tolerable if it were shorter. But with its length and predictable, melodramatic storyline, I was forwarding it at many instances. Writer - Director - Hero Manoj Kumar has no doubt put a lot of effort into the film. Likewise at least one song in the film (Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma Hai) is memorable even today 50+ years later! And I'm sure the film would have performed well as a wholesome family entertainer back in the day. But cinema has evolved, and much more even back then even with regional films back in the 60s and 70s. If only Hindi cinema had kept pace. I rate it 6/10.
Khel Khel Mein (1975)
Entertaining Breezy film that converts into a murder mystery
This is a Hindi language film starring Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh.
The film has a breezy flair to it in the first half. College gimmicks, rivalries and romance keep it light. Then there is a twist in the second half and the film now converts into a murder mystery. Thus it's overall quite entertaining while the ending is a bit incredible and over the top.
The film theme is interesting about how college folk try to prank a businessman into giving money only to find him dead. Also one the pranksters himself played by Rakesh Roshan is found dead making it an edge of the seat thriller from that point on.
Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh have excellent on screen chemistry - no wonder they got married later. Neetu is the college sensation of the film and perhaps that generation of 70s - drop dead cute wearing short dresses which redefined boldness.
Music by RD Burman and songs sung by Kishore, Asha and Shailendra are still popular today.
While it's a formula film, it shows that a simple story needs expertise in execution and hence you don't see many such after this one. Recommended watch.
Lekin... (1990)
Haunting Film - Excellent story and Performances
This is a Hindi language film starring Vinod Khanna and Dimple Kapadia.
Technically you may categorise this as a horror film, and yet there are no scary scenes in the film. The film is definitely haunting, because it'll stay with you forever after you watch it. Brilliant story, direction and performances are the highlights of the film. The lyrics by Gulzar (who was also the director) and singing by Lata Mangeshkar (who was also the producer) won National awards. Vinod Khanna, Dimple Kapadia, Amjad Khan and Hema Malini are excellent in their roles - Vinod Khanna stands out! Set in the deserts of Rajasthan, Gulzar is at his best with his directorial skill - the story keeps moving while seeming slow, and doesn't feel boring at the least - instead keeps you intrigued until the end.
The film is about a government officer who has come to evaluate a palace in ruins. Strangely he able to connect and communicate with a spirit that is unknowingly stuck in time. How he goes about redeeming her and the challenges faced form the crux of the him. The questions and contradictions throughout including the end of the film justify the title.
A must-watch!
Dharti (2011)
Multi starrer Political action thriller
This is a Punjabi language political drama starring Jimmy Shergill and Surveen Chawla.
The film is a multi starrer and a political revenge drama. The film has Jimmy Shergill as a political heir with an airforce background. Rahul Dev plays the antagonist. Both of them give excellent performances. Surveen Chawla is glamorous and caught the limelight with this movie. She later went on to be a host in weekly Rangoli and Hindi films like Hate Story where she performed well. Prem Chopra - the yesteryears Hindi film villain - also plays his part well.
This is a good entertaining watch for Punjabi film lovers.
Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum (2003)
Sensitive portrayal of a child's mind
This is a Malayalam language film starring Jayaram, his own son Kalidas playing his son's role, and the underrated Jyothirmayi.
The film is a very sensitive portrayal of a child's mind, a role so well played that Kalidas received a National Award for it. The plot is around feelings of jealousy leading to hatred that a child feels for his newborn step brother. Which situationally leads to the death of the baby. How the parents hold up and support their son emotionally while the system and society is against him is the crux of the film.
I say it's a must watch for parents to learn to prioritise feelings of all their children equally. To understand and help evolve their child's psychology.
Superb story, direction and performances. A must watch.
Aryan (1988)
Hard hitting action and drama flick
This is a Malayalam language action and drama film starring Mohanlal and Ramya Krishnan.
The film is one of those in the 80s starring Mohanlal which deserved much better appreciation than they do today. Action films like this have more element to them than those that came in the late 90s starring Mohanlal which had no story element to them. This movie feels more realistic and well written. The character goes through a lot of struggle to metamorphise from a priest's son in Kerala framed for a crime he hasn't committed to becoming a dreaded gangster in Mumbai. Ramya Krishnan's performance as his love interest is also excellent. If films like these had become massive hits she would have got better chances to play lead heroine roles.
The film has a tragic end and the message is apt to convey that crime does not pay. But the ending scene is a soul stirring cry of the youth who's left with no choices. When he screams from the witness box in the classroom of what choice did society leave him with when he was wronged and forced into this path to survive. Indeed, a call to conscience keepers in pre - liberalized Bharat.
A good film to watch.
Saath Saath (1982)
Great music and good performances - a one time watch
This is a Hindi language film starring Farooque Sheikh and Deepti Naval.
The lead pair were a big draw after the hit of Chashme Baddoor a year before. This film thus came with a lot of promise. There is a lot of production effort into it, what with songs that are still memorable today such as "Tum ko dekha to yeh Khayaal aaya" and "Pyar Mujhse kiya to kya paaogi".
It story starts earnestly too with the above songs placed perfectly. The let down is the second half of the film. The girl was attracted to the poor but idealist guy. But the guy became material in order to provide for family, which distances him from her.
The film is idealistic and doesn't go into pragmatism and thus ends up being a bit of a let down in the end. But it's definitely worth a watch for the performances, music and chemistry between the lead pair.
Dakuaan Da Munda (2018)
An inspiring true story on fighting drug addiction
This is a Punjabi language biographical film about drug addiction.
The film story stays quite honest and realistic. And really an eye opener to how drugs can impact your life. In a state like Punjab battling against drug addiction in its youth population, this is a much needed eye opener. All youth across the world should watch and learn from this inspiring true story. A story of how a promising athlete messes up his life in drug addiction. How he fell to the lowest depths of self esteem in the process. And also how he then fights back and straightens up his life.
The lead act Dev K has performed well. The overall direction of the film though looks amateurish. But that shouldn't downplay the value and importance of such a film. Must watch!
Angaar (1992)
Relatable Gangster film with shades of grey
This is a Hindi language film of the gangster genre with Jackie Shroff and Nana Patekar in key roles.
The film is highly underrated but actually was outstanding for its storyline and performances. With a gritty script and relatable situations in Mumbai where builders are always on the lookout to set up multi storeys via gangsters as the legal route is cumbersome. And gang lords running parallel courts and starting to see themselves as messiahs. And the real problems of the youth, of joblessness and fall into violence to protect their self respect. The film has it all elevated by excellent performances by everyone in the cast. Every character is shown in grey, with a human side to them. Nana Patekar is the cruel businessman bent upon revenge for his brother's death, but also tends to a mentally challenged child. There is a scene where his assistant played by Kiran Kumar has to convey the news of his younger son to Kadar Khan, and the loud wail of the gang lord father is unforgettable. All of those who played a part should consider this one of their best films! A must watch for gritty tough film lovers.
Premachi Goshta (2013)
True to its name: A well made love story
This is a Marathi romantic film starring Atul Kulkarni and Sagarika Ghatge.
The film has a simple story and sticks to its theme and title of showcasing a love story. Which is why it works: a simple and non-confusing message. The film is about how two married individuals end up in circumstances together and discover love for each other.
In a rich career with intense character roles, National Award winner Atul Kulkarni makes a welcome change to prove his versatility. He is a romantic hero here yes, but the role is still a bit intense. Yet to showcase chemistry is hard and he does it well.
The beautiful Sagarika, who first wowed Hindi audiences in Chak De India, is as charming here. In a different role, she gives and genuine performance. She's the standout in the film for being able to match up to Atul Kulkarni. It's sad to note that she's not been doing films in this decade.
The supporting star cast, screenplay, direction and editing are also quite good and keeps the film breezy for young audiences.
Manzil (1979)
Watch it for Moushumi and Rimjhim gire sawan
This is a Hindi film starring Amitabh Bachchan and Moushumi Chatterjee. The film is best remembered for the immortal song "Rimjhim Gire Sawan". There are two versions of it sung at different times in the film by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar respectively. Both versions are superb!
The film itself is average but worth a watch for the chemistry between Amitabh and Moushumi who didn't get to work in many films together. Moushumi especially is at get most beautiful self in this film. Good start cast but they aren't able to cover up the defects.
Apparently the film took years to make and the lack of quality in the script and focus in direction is visible in the output despite a good story and message.
Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye (1977)
Excellent family story - Rameshwari' debut
This is a Hindi language film by Rajashri Productions and which was the Hindi film debut of veteran actress Rameshwari.
Rajashri Productions have been reputed for creating one after the other, back-to-back classics among family stories in the 70s, and this film is one such. Any film lover can pick up any one those and enjoy them with the whole family. Many of them will make your eyes well up at some point in the film and so does this film. Films play an important role in moulding society and truly Rajashri films knew that. The way their films passed a message while keeping you entertained was uncanny. Note that their films from that era weren't multi starrers, the hero was the story of the film as is true with this one too.
Indeed, the hero is the most disappointing aspect of this film. He didn't know to act or perform and thankfully he went into Production in later years. The film is carried by the support cast including veterans Iftikar and Madan Puri as the wealthy businessman trying to get his grandson on the right path and get him married to a woman who can do that. Rameshwari gets a good role and is the centre of the film and does a great job for a debut performance. Her simple beauty was apt for the role - great job by the casting director. Shyamali as the supporting actress also does well and is actually the most beautiful woman in the film and it's sad that she wasn't seen in films later. Shashikala's role is wasted.
Ravindra Jain's music is a standout. His debut in singing with this film introduces us to his voice later immortalised by the tele serial Ramayana.
As with any other Rajashri film, hang in there for the first half hour. They don't do a great job with the context setting in any of their films. The rest of the movie will keep you glued. Enjoy it with family!
Mukham (1990)
Dark and Slow: Waste of a talented star cast
This is a Malayalam language film starring Mohanlal, Renjini and Naseer in pivotal roles.
The film has a good premise - a police officer investigating a serial killer who is an excellent sniper, with a twist on who it actually turns out to be. But the film is created crudely by involving the police officer's wife into an incredulous blackmail scheme. Add to that the dark theme running in the film overall makes it a dull watch - why did the director / cinematographer think that people watching in theatres would enjoy watching a dull, dark screen throughout. Top that with the fact that the film is very slow moving. I wouldn't be surprised if some fell asleep in the theatres. The motivation of the killer is equally unconvincing. Just as the overall film itself.
A plain waste of a talented main cast...
Kabuliwala (1961)
The truth about life - love transcends bonds even amidst hardships
This is a Hindi language film starring Balraj Sahni based on the poet Rabindranath Tagore's story with the same name.
The family is about a dry fruit seller's friendship and close bond with one of his customer's child. The street seller is from far away Afghanistan and is here in Bharat to make ends meet. But it's been years and he's not seen his daughter left behind. The young child reminds him of her. Tragedy strikes and circumstances put him in jail. How things turn out in the end forms the crux of the film's message.
Of how bonds of love transcend time and blood relations. Of the hardships that people world over go through, forcing them to be away from ones they love in order to make a living. Living a life of longing actually.
This film will stay with you. There is also a very good remake in the Netflix web series recently on Short stories by Rabindranath Tagore.
Balraj Sahni's performance is so realistic that you'd still remember him as the Kabuliwala. And the haunting song "Ae Mere Pyaare Watan" is played in channels even today.
Asli-Naqli (1962)
Masterpiece: Beautiful love story with good music and nice message
This is a Hindi language film starring the beautiful pair of Dev Anand and Sadhana.
The film has a great message of truth and love. The music in the film is superb specifically the song "Tera Mera Pyar Amar" sung so hauntingly by Lataji. To be honest, it was this song that brought me to the film, and I'm so grateful for it, so that I could watch this beautiful classic.
The film is about an independent woman, who stands on her own in the midst of personal tragedy to take care of her mother and sail through. However the film follows Dev Anand and the parallel track of how a boy born with a silver spoon learns the value of things that matter most in life. A simple, well written story by Inder Raj, elevated to a masterpiece by the direction of Hrishikesh Mukherjee.
A wonderful film with a happy ending. A must watch!
Kaliyattam (1997)
Adaptation of Othello - Suresh Gopi's career best!
This is a Malayalam language film starring Suresh Gopi and Manju Warrier.
The film is an adaptation of Othello - a famous story by William Shakespeare. The story has a stark lesson on the need for trust in human relationships and how fragile it can be if disillusioned within a weak mind.
Kaliyattam is the best of the two excellent adaptations of this story, the other being Vishal Bharadwaj's Omkara in Hindi. While the latter is popular being a multi starrer and also set in the backdrop of UP politics at the time, I love Kaliyattam more because of the beautiful music that elevates an excellent script and makes it memorable till date.
The film had Suresh Gopi playing his career best role as an acclaimed Theyyam performer Perumalayan, the protagonist with a complex that eventually makes him suspect his wife of an illicit relationship to disastrous consequences. Lal as the primary antagonist is diabolical. Perumalayan's weakness at falling for a third person's words and his angst are well portrayed by Suresh Gopi who deservedly won the National award for this film.
Watch it for him, the awesome music and the direction!
Unnikale Oru Kadha Parayam (1987)
An innocent and touching film
This is a Malayalam language film starring Mohanlal and Karthika.
Superbly directed by Kamal, the story is about a man who runs an orphanage is diagnosed with a terminal illness. When the plot is simple is where the greatness of the talents in script, direction and performances come to fore (think of movies like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun). And this film is one such.
The story is one on those in the 80s whose tragic endings would touch the audience and make the film a runaway success. The music especially the title track is still memorable.
Mohanlal in one of his earlier appearances as the bearded hero along with his hit pairing with Karthika thrive in their mutual chemistry.
Worth a watch!
Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Men (1964)
Formula film but great music and performances
This is a Hindi language film starring Kishore Kumar, the young Amit Kumar and Supriya Choudhury in perhaps her only Hindi film appearance.
The film is still remembered for its songs, and the real life father son playing so in reel life. The film was close to Kishore's heart and was written, directed and produced by him. While the story is simple and formula based, the script around it could have been better. This is where remakes of the same film in South Indian languages improvised and did well. This Hindi version though falls short.
Even though running just over 2 hours, by the end of it I found the film dragging and was waiting for it to finish. Numerous depictions like the search for doctors and the altercations with Vikram seemed like attempts to lengthen the film as there was nothing else in the script.
Likewise Kishore playing one man army when he was already injured by a single blow at the beginning seemed incredulous. Getting a healthy support cast would have helped.
Both Kishore and Amit especially play their parts well. It's a nice change to not see Kishore playing a comic, but going against typecast is also why the film wasn't accepted by the Hindi film audiences. The show stealer still is the beautiful Supriya for her sensitive presence and performance. Watch the film for her along with the songs. Any further expectations and you may be let down.
Sargam (1992)
Timeless for its music and story
This is a Malayalam film starring Vineeth and Rambha.
A timeless and memorable film due to its music which was based on Carnatic. The story is also excellent which led the film to be remade in multiple South Indian languages. The film is a love story of a young couple who are separated by the mother of the boy's friend to whom the young boy is indebted to. What happens next, the toll it takes in everyone's lives and how in the end things take a turn for the better is the plot of the film. The ending fills everyone's eyes and Rambha won awards for this debut of hers while she was still in high school. It's sad that she wasted her talent later to glamour roles to be only remembered today for her item songs. Vineeth, Manoj K Jayan are also excellent. This is the film where Urmila - while much younger - excelled in mother roles and got typecast in it.
Watch it for Hariharan's direction, Yesudas and Chithra's voice and Bombay Ravi's music!