tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20906767011258641392024-03-14T11:49:24.455-07:00Antarra's ramblingsantarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-4361271268249814252011-01-28T12:07:00.001-08:002011-01-28T12:10:02.958-08:00Dastan (1950)<a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00005-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00005-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Dastan is one of these movies which derives its interest not so much from how it works out (it is pretty obvious from the start that things didn’t end well) but from they way the story unfolds; and even that isn’t the most exciting thing ever here. ( I ended up owning it purely by chance as I was under the impression that I was purchasing a movie of the same title starring Dilip Kumar. ) The movie begins with a view of a large mansion and a voice over informs us that we are about to hear a story connected with it.<br /><br />You better have an interesting architectural history:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00006-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00006-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />An elderly gentleman (Raj Kapoor in not entirely convincing old person make-up) knocks on the door and is greeted by a loyal retainer. Apparently, it’s 25 years since he last set foot in the house, but now he has come to pay his respects to his deceased sister (Veena). She spent the last 25 years living on her own in the house and avoiding any society. Her brother claims that he doesn’t want to remember what happened 25 years ago. As there is still another two hours of movie to go, he then starts to recount precisely what it is that he doesn’t want to remember (presumably so as to be better able to forget it).<br /><br />One of them is more convincingly aged than the other:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00009.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We learn that Raj had a happy childhood together with his brother Kundan, the aforementioned loyal retainer and his father. His sister, Rani, was always proud and easily angered as well as given to call everybody Budtameez at the slightest provocation.<br /><br />Impressions of a happy:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00016.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00016.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and possibly somewhat less happy childhood:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00014.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00014.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The family´s equilibrium is disturbed one day when the father brings home an orphaned girl, Indira. While the two boys accept her straightaway, Rani is more than a little suspicious of the stranger. Matters are not improved by the fact that her father asks her to give her room to Indira, as it is closer to his room, and he worries that she might be frightened at night in a strange house. Days pass and the situation doesn´t improve. One day, Rani is annoyed with her brothers for listening to Indira play the piano instead of heeding the dinner gong, and she is so rude to Indira that her father slaps her. However, as a voice over informs us, having to slap his beloved daughter is too much for this father’s already fragile heart and he promptly expires.<br /><br />This new arrival won’t improve familial harmony:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00019.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00019.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Just after the deadly slap:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00027.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00027.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Immediately after her father’s death, Rani decides that it is time for Indira to leave the house, but her brothers disagree and Indira gets to stay. More time passes and everybody is now grown up. However, relations haven’t changed much. Rani is as proud and haughty as ever, and still dislikes Indira (now played by Suraiya), whereas Raj and Kundan (now played by Al Nasir) are both fond of her. The brothers and Indira are still in college, and one evening they participate in a college performance which also constitutes our first song. When Rani finds out, she is horrified and proclaims that Indira has turned the family name to mud (somehow, Raj and Kundan performing on stage isn’t a problem).<br /><br />I am pretty and I know it:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00047.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00047.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I look ridiculous and I know it:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00050.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00050.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I also look ridiculous but I don’t know it:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00049.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00049.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Okay, I have decided to join all the ridiculous looking people:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00056.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00056.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I don’t care what you all look like, no members of my family are to perform in public, and that’s an order:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00055.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00055.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After Rani has given a piece of her mind to Indira, Raj sneaks into the latter’s room, to console here and flirt with her. It is rather obvious that those two are very much in love with each other. After this has been established, Indira turfs out Raj, who returns to the room he shares with is borther only to give his brother a very different version of events with him in a much more heroic part. His rendition of this imaginative but not very truthful account is cut short when Rani appears and forces him to take some sleeping pills. (I have to say that there are many points later in the movie where I would have liked to have had some sleeping pills handy).<br /><br />Kundan would much rather sleep:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00060.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00060.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />One of the few occasions where I sympathise with Rani:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00061.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />We then see Rani reading a book in the hallway (presumably it is the next morning but it may be later). Her reading is disturbed by something which sounds rather like an oversized, angry bumble-bee but is in fact Raj impersonating a plane. Apparently, he has decided to become a pilot officer. Rani isn’t very impressed (very little impresses Rani), Kundan thinks that it requires too much getting up at silly hours of the morning (you have to be dressed before 9 am! the horror!) but Indira is happy for Raj. The two love birds engage in some mild flirting, before Raj goes to have his picture taken in his new uniform and Indira is sent off by Rani to have a necklace fixed. I am sure you will be as surprised as I to learn that the two meet on their respective errands. Indira has been drenched in the rain, and Raj takes her home in the car, with a small detour via a song, during which we learn that Kundan spends is time painting pictures of Indira and then gazing longingly at them (I suspect he may be in love with her, too).<br /><br />Don’t I look smart in my new uniform:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00066-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00066-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Our two lovebirds:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00078.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00078.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The artist:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00086.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00086.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and his painting:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00081.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00081.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />My suspicions are confirmed shortly afterwards, when Indira comes home with the now repaired necklace, and Kundan tells her that the necklace isn’t worthy to be worn by her. Alas, Indira is so wrapped up in her love for Raj, that Kundan’s attempts at flirting don’t register with her. Shortly afterwards, Rani appears and has a go at Indira for taking so long to return with the necklace.<br /><br />Don’t bother, her flirting detector is temporarily out of order:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00088.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We are then treated to some stock footage of a landing plane. It turns out that this is nothing to do with Raj’s professional aspirations but heralds the return of a close friend of the family, Ramesh (Sureh) (so close that this is the first time he is ever mentioned). He is disappointed that Raj hasn’t turned up for his welcome-home party, but Rani tells him that he is at work. When Ramesh phones up Raj to ask him over, after all, Rani and Kundan are already there, Raj puts two and two together and after faking a stomach ache, heads home, where Indira is all alone, spending her time playing the piano and singing about her love for Raj.<br /><br />Hello, long lost friend we have never seen before:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00097.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00097.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />She is very pretty when she pines:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00100.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00100.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Indira and Raj spend the afternoon flirting, while back at Ramesh’s house his poor guests have to spend rather a long time without tea (the cruelty) as he is still waiting for Raj. When it becomes obvious that he isn’t going to turn up, Rani and Kundan go back to the family home, only to find Raj and Indira in a rather disheveled state. They are both sent to their respective rooms to make themselves more presentable. When Ramesh turns up some time later Raj is overjoyed to see him. Ramesh, on the other hand, while also being happy to see Raj (they do perform some sort of impromptu dance with lots of yelling), is rather impressed with Indira. This doesn’t escape Rani’s attention, who all of a sudden sees a way of freeing her brother from the clutches of this lowly girl (never mind that one brother doesn’t want to be freed from these clutches and the other is eager to become imprisoned in them). Before the story moves on, we are also given an answer to the question of why Rani has never married. Her unmarried state worries the loyal retainer but she tells him that she doesn’t want to become a man’s slave and as long as society regards a married woman as her husband’s property she isn’t going to get married. Of course we are meant to be horrified by this, but I have to admit that I have some sympathy for Rani, and I also can’t see her ever working out well in a household which contains a mother in law.<br /><br />It’s fun making other people wait for their tea:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00105.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00105.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Though lack of tea may make your hair go all frizzy:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00111.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00111.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Frizzy hair notwithstanding, Ramesh is impressed:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00117.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00117.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is a very interesting development:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00123.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00123.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ramesh has invited the whole family, including Indira, over for a party. Raj has to go for work, so he can’t come, and Indira tries to stay behind (probably hoping for the sudden occurrence of more stomach trouble) but Rani insists that she come along to. At the party, we first get treated to a dance perfomance (which actually isn’t a song, but has some very nice sets). Unsurprisingly, Raj’s stomach has taken a turn for the worse, but when he comes home, Indira is gone, so he goes on to Ramesh’s house. There the performance is over, but those present are in the mood for more music, and Indira ends up playing the piano and singing. Rani notices with approval that Ramesh looks rather smitten, while Kundan (remember his feelings for Rani) is beginning to look rather worried and Raj is oblivious.<br /><br />You have to come, I want to know whether Ramesh likes women with non-frizzy hair:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00130.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00130.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00135.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00135.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The lack of frizziness doesn’t seem to bother him:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00142.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00142.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Look, my hair is all neatly arranged:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00139.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00139.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Your plan seems to be working, surely you should look happier:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00143.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dastan/vlcsnap-00143.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After the return from the party, every member of the household, apart from Rani, decides to pour forth their feelings in song. This only confirms Rani in her opinion that she needs to get Indira married to Ramesh as soon as possible. In order to make her even more attractive, she decides to buy some new, more elaborate sarees for her on the pretext that it is her birthday. When the two brothers find this out, they are overjoyed and do a happy dance, as they take it as evidence that Rani is warming towards Indira. However, Kundan also notices that Ramesh is warming towards Indira, and decides to tell her about his feelings for her in a letter. Alas, this letter is intercepted by Rani. Will she use this to drive a wedge between Raj and Indira? What will happen when Kundan finds out that Indira’s affection is otherwise engaged? What drove Rani to seclude herself from the world?<br /><br /><br />I have to say, this isn’t a great movie. Raj is irritatingly childish for most of it, the conflict towards the end is very contrived, even by Hindi movie standards, and mostly driven by people not talking to each other and jumping to the least favourable conclusion possible. To me, the most memorable character is Rani, torn as she is between her dislike for Indira and her often exasperated but still real affection for her brothers.antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-89203843526839622552010-04-20T11:50:00.000-07:002010-04-20T11:58:29.796-07:00Nadiya ke par (1948)Nadiya ke par (1948) claims on the box that it shows the stars in cupid form. That is a lie. There are no small chubby children with loincloths and wings. Nevertheless, I have developed a liking for this movie and its catchy songs. It starts one dark and stormy night when a doctor who's presence has been requested by the local landowner gets off a train in the middle of nowhere, only to find that due to a communication mishap there is nobody to receive him. The station master's claim that there is no transport available is undermined by energetic neighing off-screen, but the journey is further hindered by the appearance of a river. There is a settlement of fisher folk nearby (some of whom are more than a little peculiar, especially a woman called Iriya (Gulab) who has issues with an older man called Damdi (Sampson); the reason for their strained relation will become clearer later) but they refuse to cross the river at night because it is haunted by a pair of lovers who drowned there 5 years earlier, and who won't let anyone cross the river at night. The doctor isn't convinced, but he can't persuade anyone to take him across. In the end, he ends up spending the night inthe room where one of the lovers, Phulwa, used to live. However, mysterious voices and things moving soon send him back out, where he is told the story of the two lovers; and we start with the movie proper.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />So, this is what the middle of nowhere looks like:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I can sympathise with not wanting to spend the night here:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00013.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00013.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />5 years ago, the landowner's younger brother was expected back after having completed his studies. The landowner's accountant learns this news while he is visiting Thakur Gulab Singh (DAvid) who recently moved into the area with is daughter Chanchal (Maya Banerji). The Thakur is most interested in this news of the arrival of an eligible bachelor and tells his daughter to get their car so they can pick up Kuwar (Dilip Kumar) (for that is his name) from the train station, instructing her to wear the dress her mother wore for her engagement. Meanwhile, another reception committee including the accountant sets off on horseback. They have to cross the river, and the fisherfolk are not overly friendly, mainly because they refuse to pay, as they are the landlord's people. We already know some of the fishermen, namely the older gentleman with the impressive moustache, Damdi, and the one who is telling the story, Bala (Sushil Sahu), from the introduction. Grumpy fishermen notwithstanding, the men on horseback make it to the railway station in time to receive Kuwar and his friend, Sher Singh (Ramesh Gupta), who has also come for a visit (and to provide us with comic relief).<br /><br />Hi, I am here to fall in love with the wrong person:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00025.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00025.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I sense a certain amount of tension:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00028.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00028.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Maybe they suffer from moustache envy:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00030.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00030.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The new arrivals:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00033.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00033.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I wonder what I will do on vacation:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00037.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00037.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />On the way, Kuwar spots a deer and decides to go for an impromptu hunting expedition. It turns out, however, that the deer in question is the pet of one of the local girls. Her shrieking helps the deer to escape, which annoys Kuwar. After some discussion as to whether pet deer should wear collars or not, we check in with Kuwar's friend, and the rest of the reception committee who have met the Thakur on the road, as his car had broken down and his daughter is trying to repair it. He is instantly interested in the daughter and the interest is reciprocated especially as he introduces himself as Kuwar.<br /><br />Yep, we are off to a good start:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00047.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00047.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />You may not know it, but you are clearly meant for each other:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00048.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00048.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Our second couple is accounted for:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00053.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00053.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Of course they aren't that alone:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00054.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00054.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Kuwar and Phulwa have come closer, and he introduces her to his binoculars. Alas, she spots one of her fellow villagers and, worried that she will be in trouble when they see her talking to a stranger, she leaves. The new arrival is Bala, who is very friendly with Phulwa and complains about her habit of breaking pots. Kuwar makes his way to the river and asks to be taken across and even offers to pay for the journey. Not unsurprisingly, he finds it much easier to secure transport than the accountant before him. Phulwa then starts to sing about how her beloved is crossing the river, much to Bala's joy, who answers in song, though it is rather obvious that he is really not the object of her song.<br /><br />Of course, she couldn't hold them on her own, could she.<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00060.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00060.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />You are rather superflous to requirements:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00062.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00062.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />She sings:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00066.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00066.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />for him:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00071.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and he misunderstands:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00067.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00067.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />At the Thakur's place, Kuwar's friend and the Thakur's daughter are getting closer, with much encouragement given by her father. The two young people celebrate their new-found fondness of each other with a song, again with Dad's enthusiastic encouragement. Kuwar and Sher Singh spend the night at Thakur Gulab's place, and the next day the whole party sets off for a fishing expedition. The Thakur, still under the impression that Sher Singh is Kuwar, drags off the real Kuwar to show him some interesting bushes and to give the two lovebirds some privacy. However, the botanical lecture is cut short when Kuwar spots Phulwa's deer which leads him to her owner who is taking a bath in the river.<br /><br />She passed the cooking-test:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00078.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00078.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Somebody is having fun:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00083.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00083.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The fishing expedition:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00088.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He does look rather distracted:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00096.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00096.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Kuwar is enjoying the view:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00101.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00101.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00102.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00102.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Kuwar and Phulwa continue their flirting for a bit, but when she wants to get out of the river and he won't move, she swims further along only to be attacked by one of my favourite protagonists of Hindi cinema: The fake crocodile. Kuwar comes to the rescue and shoots the beast, but the sound of his gun attracts the other villagers. Damdi isn't too impressed to find his daughter in Kuwar's company, who is the son of his enemy, after all, and Bala does his best to fan the flames, claiming that Kuwar only came to the river to seduce Phulwa, while his mother claims that she killed the crocodile with magic (Bala's mother does come across as rather differently sane throughout the entire movie). The whole situation quickly deteriorates, and in the end only Phulwa's intervention prevents Damdi, Bala and Kuwar from coming to blows, which earns her a slap from her father.<br /><br />I am absolutely terrified:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00111.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00111.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The first meeting with the future in-laws appears to be not going so well:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00118.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00118.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Really not:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00123.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00123.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Suspicious, us, whatever gives you that idea?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00119.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00119.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We then meet Kuwar's older brother, the landlord (Hari Shivdasani), who provides us with a bit of useful exposition concerning the enmity between Damdi and his family. Apparently, Damdi has a habit of stealing from the landlord's stores and was responsible for his (the landlord's) father's death, but there has never been sufficient evidence for an arrest. Kuwar and Sher Singh arrive, and get told off for having spent the night away from home. We also meet Kuwar's sister-in-law, Pushpa (Kanta Kumari), whose main aim in life seems to be to see her brother-in-law suitably married (no, I don't think Phulwa would be considered suitable).<br /><br />Providing background information in a dignified manner:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00130.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00130.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />They are worryingly happy this early in the movie:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00136.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00136.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile the fisherfolk are planning to go to the market. There are other plans afoot too, namely a robbery of the landlord's stores when his accountant goes for his evening walk, planned by Bala and Damdi. When the villagers pass the landlord's house on their way, while singing, Phulwa makes very sure that Kuwar knows where she is going. Kuwar, grapped by a sudden desire to purchase fish, together with Sher Singh who insists on coming along, goes to the market and there more or less subtly agrees with Phulwa to see her that evening. Alas, his brother has some trouble making sense of the accounts, and ropes in Kuwar to help. Many hours and a sad song on Phulwa's part later, Kuwar finally makes his escape and the two take a nocturnal trip on the river, which leads to a very catchy song indeed. In the meantime, Pushpa has observered her brother-in-law's behaviour and come to the (correct) conclusion that he is in love. However, she is rather far off the mark where the object of his affection is concerned, as she assumes this to be Chanchal, who has indeed written a letter to Kuwar, only of course she still thinks that Sher Singh is Kuwar. Pushpa isn't to keen on Chanchal who is too modern for her taste and has a rather eccentric father, but the landlord is in favour of the match, and not too worried about Chanchal's trouser-wearing (which, of course, isn't such good news for Kuwar, who has no interest in Chanchal).<br /><br />I wonder what's going on outside:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00147.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00147.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Aah, I see:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00148.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00148.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />A man driven to buy fish:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00153.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00153.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Though not necessarily this fish:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00165.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00165.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Being separated from your beloved makes accounting even more exhausting:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00172.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00172.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Now that's much better:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00190.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00190.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Alas, they aren't unobserved:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00196.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00196.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />When Kuwar returns from his romancing, he learns that Damdi has broken into his brother's storeroom, which is near Thakur Gulab's house, and has attacked the accountant (this is obviously a more dangerous occupation than is generally appreciated). He has been apprehended, and the landlord, Kuwar, and Sher Singh set out to deal with him, or rather, the landlord sets out to deal with him, and the two younger men follow him on Pushpa's insistence, as she is afraid that her husband might do something rash. Of course, this means that Thakur Gulab learns the true identity of Sher Singh and Kuwar, which leaves both him and Chanchal rather underwhelmed. The situation provides the perfect opportunity for Bala to do some intriguing. He tells Phulwa that her father was beaten up because the landlord disapproved of her relation with Kuwar (which he does, only that wasn't why he beat Damdi - half-truths are always so much more effective); and he tells the landlord, that Damdi encouraged Phulwa to entice Kuwar to ruin the landlord's family's reputation. Wouldn't it be so much better if Phulwa got married to a man able to control her as soon as possible (and by the way, wouldn't he be the perfect husband material)? The landlord is very concerned by this news (a girl in trousers he can cope with, the daughter of his father's killer, less so) and is prepared to release Damdi as long as he promises to get his daughter married and stop her from bothering his brother.<br /><br />There are now rather a lot of deeply irritated people in this movie:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00207.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00207.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00212.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00212.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00213.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00213.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />They aren't happy either:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00218.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00218.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He, at least, is working very hard to brighten his own future:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00215.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00215.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00219.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00219.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Damdi decides to get his daughter married the traditional way; that is, having her marry the winner of a boat race. Phulwa isn't glad to hear this, but things look up somewhat (temporarily) when the same night, Kuwar sneaks into her house with the help of a friendly villager, and at least manages to convince her of his love for her. Unfortunately, he is spotted by Damdi and ends up being beaten badly. His brother is decidedly underwhelmed when he learns that Kuwar was beaten up by the villagers. He decides to put an end to this Phulwa business once and for all and approaches Thakur Gulab Singh to ask for Chanchal on his brother's behalf. The Thakur is more than happy to agree (he has debts with the landlord, which is partly why he is so keen to get his daughter married to Kuwar) and after a liberal dose of emotional blackmail (including that staple of well-adjusted family relationships: threatening suicide), Kuwar agrees, too.<br /><br />Pining, I feel she will do a lot of that from now on:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00230.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00230.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Enjoy it while it lasts:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00240.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00240.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Because soon you will have every reason to look concerned:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00259.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00259.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />What will happen next? Well, we know Kuwar and Phulwa are going to die, the question is how and when. Whose family will be responsible for their death. Will either of them be married to someone else? How will Sher Singh and Chanchal cope with the sudden turn in their fate? How many more songs will there be? And who is this guy with the eye-patch and how does he fit into the story?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00279.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/nadiya%20ke%20paar/vlcsnap-00279.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />If, like me, you are a fan of melodrama, and like 40s music (and there is plenty of it), as well as a nice tale of star-crossed lovers, this is a good movie to enjoy. I prefer it to Arzoo, which is of the same vintage, and also stars Dilip Kumar and Kamini Kaushal, because the story holds together better, misunderstandings between the lovers are cleared up quite swiftly, rather than pivotal parts of the story revolving around people lacking vital pieces of information. It is also interesting that Bala isn't portrayed as evil, it's his love for Phulwa and his self-interest which lead him to act in a way which ultimately causes tragedy, and leaves him alone and full of remorse.antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-36249961142008804242010-03-18T10:17:00.000-07:002010-03-18T10:21:46.524-07:00Shashi-week 2010: Hum to chale pardes (1988)Hum to chale pardes (1988) resembles nothing so much as a condensed version of the plot line of a day-time soap opera. Personally, I am very fond of this sort of thing. We start off at a maternity ward where a baby girl has just been born. Alas, all is not well, and her mother is about to expire. Before she leaves this world, she encourages her husband, Kumar (Shashi Kapoor) to live for their daughter's sake and also makes him promise that he won't marry again (this may become important later on). We are then treated to our first song, showing us the little girl growing up surrounded by lots of toys and a doting father. The relationship is ever so slightly creepy, but it is obvious that they are very close.<br /><br />Tonight, we will have a generous helping of Red Leicester:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00015.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /> <br /><br />Very cute:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00006.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00006.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /> <br />She looks very peaceful, possibly because she knows that her presence in this movie will now be limited to garlanded pictures:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00008.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He isn't taking the news well:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00009.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It's a nice set, but a bit unexpected for a father-daughter bonding song:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00023.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00023.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />While we have been enjoying the song, years have passed. We return to the present with Kumar as a successful businessman with very strict rules as to when work finishes and his time with his daughter, Priya (Mandkini), starts. Alas, this particular evening when he comes home, his daughter is nowhere to be seen. Instead he finds a diary where she complains about his love stifling her and that therefore she is running away from home. After several hours of frantically searching for her, her father returns home, only to find her there, the entry in her diary was a scene from her college drama, and she had just been at the back where the cat had kittens. Her father is very happy to have her back, but a family friend, Gul, whom he had met earlier during his search, and who comes now to check how his friend is doing, points out, once Priya has retired to bed, that a daughter will leave her father's house one day, and that maybe he should tone down his love for his daughter a bit (well, if he took the advice we would have a much shorter movie)<br /><br />He seems inordinately happy to be able to finish work:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00029.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00029.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It's not good news:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00031.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00031.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Did I do something wrong?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00038.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00038.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />A manly heart to heart:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00043.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00043.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />However, trouble is brewing across the seven oceans in a far away city. Ajay (Rajeev Kapoor), Gul's nephew and Priya's childhood friend, has fallen in love with Priya's photograph and decided to get married to her only. Before this can develop any further, we are back with Priya and Dad. It's dad's birthday and they don't celebrate it, because they don't celebrate Priya's birthday either, as that was the day her mother died. They do, however, go out for a meal at a hotel, and in the lobby they meet a lady called Krishna (Sharmila Tagore), who, much to Priya's surprise, knows that it is her father's birthday. She is also unmarried and as she studied at the same college as as Priya's parents, it is obvious (at least according the the logic of this movie's version of reality) that she was (and still is) in love with Priya's father. Priya, in a departure from standard movie spoilt daughter behaviour, actually goes to see Krishna and more or less directly asks her to marry her father. Alas, in the interest of the prolongation of the movie's plot, her father feels still bound by the promise he made to her mother and refuses to get married again.<br /><br />I wonder where we are meant to be:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00047.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00047.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He has a really close relationship with her picture:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00050.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00050.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Does remaining single mean that horrible things happen to your hair?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00060.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00060.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />If that is what happens if you stay single, maybe marriage isn't that bad:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00063.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It's okay Dad; you don't have to marry all that hair:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00073.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00073.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, other marital plans are afoot. Ajay and his mother have returned to India. He first (re) introduces himself to Kumar and then begins to stalk Priya in a manner which is meant to be romantic. Before she can set her friend's dog on him, he tells her that he is her childhood friend. They soon spend a lot of time together, swimming (in a scene which involves the sole and mercifully brief appearance of the comic relief), dancing and visiting her father's guesthouse somewhere in the middle of nowhere (apparently alone). The latter gives us our first romantic song and shortly afterwards Ajay's mother comes to Kumar to ask for Priya. After he is assured that they won't take Priya to London but will settle in India he reluctantly agrees to the marriage.<br /><br />He might be less welcoming if he knew this young man's plans:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00077.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00077.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Don't worry, he just wants to play:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00082.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00082.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Both seem to prefer easily inflammable clothing:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00097.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00097.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00098.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00098.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He doesn't look particularly thrilled:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00100.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00100.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Priya is less than overjoyed when she hears the news. Yes, Ajay is a nice guy but she really doesn't want to leave her Dad and marry anyone. Some emotional-blackmail later, she agrees to the marriage, but as she says good-bye to her parental home during the next song, it becomes rather obvious that neither father nor daughter are terribly happy with this. Later that night her father phones (possibly not the brightest idea ever) to check whether she has calmed down and in the conversation with Ajay says that Ajay should give Priya so much love that she forgets her father. Priya is so horrified when she hears that she promptly runs to her father's house to be reassured that he still loves her, while back at Ajay's house, he finds himself blamed for mistreating his bride because why else would she have run away. Gul works out where she has most likely gone, but before he can go to fetch her, her father brings her back. Harmony is restored temporarily, though it is very clear the mother-in-law is less than impressed with her new daughter-in-law's behaviour.<br /><br />Giving the bride away (first attempt)<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00110.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00110.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Don't worry, she will be back sooner than you think:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00120.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00120.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Giving the bride away (second attempt)<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00131.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00131.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before Priya's concern/obsession/love/dependency (please delete as appropriate) for her father causes more problems the newly weds go on honeymoon in Kashmir. This involves one romantic song, one unnecessary but apparently required fight scene with a gang of wandering rapists, lots of snow and some silly knitwear. All is well, until Ajay suggests settling down in Kashmir, which Priya won't agree to because she would be so far away from her Dad. Ajay is starting to get a bit irritated by her close bond with her father.<br /><br />Being married means wearing your hair in a bun:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00139.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00139.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Howerver, it doesn't save you from bad-hat syndrome:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00140.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00140.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00143.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00143.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After they return from honeymoon, they first go to see Priya's father and Ajay is quite insistant that she spend some time with him. However, when his mother is unhappy about Priya's absence (as she rather wanted to show off her daughter-in-law to her lady friends) he says that Priya insisted that she stay with her father. Of course, this doesn't really endear Priya to her mother in law. The latter now decides that maybe it is time to go back to London, at leat until Priya has sorted out her priorities. Gul is not impressed by this idea (and I am coming slowly to the conclusion that he may well be the only completely sane person in the movie, and he isn't married) and points out that she promised Kumar that she wouldn't take his daughter abroad. Ajay's mother still goes and makes the suggestion to Kumar, but he doesn't take it very well and claims that he would die if didn't live close to his daughter. To make things even worse, Priya actually overhears the conversation. (Of course, the one solution which might make everybody happy, Kumar marrying Ajay's mother, so Priya can have father and husband around all the time, is a possibility which only exists in my mind).<br /><br />He is very fond of his dressing-gowns:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00153.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00153.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The first meeting of the daughter-in-law appraisal committee:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00156.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00156.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />She is not impressed:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00160.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00160.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Seriously not impressed:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00162.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00162.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before a decision is made on the relocation plans, there is good news: Priya is pregnant. Her husband is naturally very happy, and so is his mother, as the birth of a son in this family will finally lift a curse which has meant that there was first none and then only one surviving offspring in each of the past six generations. Of course, Priya's father is also very happy, but his joy also gives his son-in-law an opening to point out that a too close relation to one's grown-up offspring may not be good. Kumar is clearly surprised by this but also sees Ajay's point.<br /><br />Honest, dear, anything you hear down there at the moment is just my digestion:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00173.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00173.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Happy!<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00178.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00178.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Not any longer:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00182.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00182.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Some days later, Priya's father phones on a day when she is meant to take her mother-in-law to the hospital for a check up and as he has a headache, she goes to see him and forgets all about her mother-in-law. When she comes back, her husband is more than upset, his mother's appointmant can't be rescheduled for another month (quite why she couldn't go by herself is beyond me, she isn't an invalid) and why does Priya spend so much time with her father? Priya is so upset she runs away to her father's house. He goes over to Ajay's to apologise on his daughter's behalf, as she is too young to understand what she is doing by constantly putting her father first. Ajay is unwilling to forgive her until she has understood what it means to be a wife. Her father then proceeds to throw her out of the house, as married daughters are only guests and shouldn't outstay their welcome (I am not sure how this will teach her what it means to be a wife, or how it will help her to overcome her being overly close to her Dad). Priya, in her usual level-minded and moderate way, decides to break off all relations with her Dad.<br /><br />Life is hard, when<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00203.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00203.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />you are outcharmed by your middle-aged uncle:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00207.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00207.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />dramatic staircase standing:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00210.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00210.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Of course, Ajay's mother uses her golden chance and the whole family relocates to London. Kumar also sticks to his resolve to now be a strict father and doesn't say good-bye to Priya at the airport though he is there and mopes behind a column. What will happen next? Will Kumar cope well with his daughter's absence and maybe have a life?<br /><br />Hmmm:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00224.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00224.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Will his health cope? Will Priya have the first uncomplicated pregnancy in movie-land? And will somebody actually talk to her about father-daughter/husband-wife relations, rather than shout to her about it? What about the family curse? Will Krishna turn up again?<br /><br />And how come a married woman is wearing a short-sleeved dress?????<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00223.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hum%20to%20chale%20pardes/vlcsnap-00223.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />As I said at the start, I like this sort of thing and I enjoyed the particular portion of cheese. I should probably record that my fellow watcher, <a href="http://bollyviewer-oldisgold.blogspot.com/">Bollyviewer</a>, turned round at the end and asked me: "You watch this sort of thing for fun?" Yes, I do. The story moves along fairly swiftly, the songs aren't too unbearable, and people didn't live in impossible mansions. If you like cheese and/or Shashi even in his middle-aged form, it's well worth a watch, and Rajeev is less of a clown here than in Zabardast, for which I was sincerely grateful.antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-76386644906584392202010-03-09T21:58:00.000-08:002010-03-09T22:05:35.044-08:00Hulchul (1951)Hulchul (1951) is the third and last in the series of movies loosely based on Wuthering Heights (at least until I find another one). It starts not with a new and exciting way of losing your parents, but in Central Jail. A new prisoner is making his way to his cell, and by the way he is greeted, this is not his first time in prison. He is also obviously very popular; his cellmates are happy to see him and one of them expresses regret that he will be released tomorrow, so they won't get to spend more time together. There is, however, a new arrival who doesn't join in the joyful reunion and who proceeds to be not very forthcoming when questioned how and why he has ended up in prison.<br /><br />Overuse of inverted commas isn't a new phenomenon:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Somebody had fun with fonts:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Oh, hi, haven't seen you for a while:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00004.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00004.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Happy reunion, prison style:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00011.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00011.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The odd one out:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00012.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before the new prisoner can be quizzed any further the conversation is interrupted by the sound of wedding music and we learn that the jailer (Balraj Sahni) is getting married. Just as he is about to remove the bride's veil (after reciting some appropriate poetry) the prisoners try to escape and he is called duty. In the ensuing fight (much of which takes place in the sort of corridor which reminds me of older Dr. Who episodes), the new prisoner saves the the jailer's life. The jailer thanks him, but still puts him back into the same cell with the other prisoners who all wanted to escape. Luckily for him, the would-be killer is actually grateful to have been spared from becoming a murderer (he is a pickpocket when not in prison) but is also intrigued as to why the new prisoner, whose name, Kishore, we finally learn, rescued the jailer. He says that when he heard that the jailer was getting married he felt as if he was getting married and that if his new wife had become a widow he would have felt as if Asha had become a widow. The natural question - who is Asha - is asked, and the explanation requires a flashback.<br /><br />Mystery bride:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00020.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00020.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Are you sure you want to do that:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00026.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00026.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />What have I done?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00028.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00028.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And what is he going to do?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00033.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00033.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Actually, listen to him for the next 90 minutes or so:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00047.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00047.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Kishore doesn't remember his parents, but he grew up in a wealthy's Thakur's family, as his father had been a close friend of the Thakur's. Unfortunately, the Thakur's son isn't best pleased with his presence in the family, while the daughter, Asha, who is the same age as Kishore, is his constant companion. One day, Kishore and Asha get permission to go to the fair (they are still young, they don't know any better), while the brother has to stay at home because he didn't do his homework. When Kishore and Asha come back, the Thakur has fallen seriously ill (one obviously doesn't need to go to the fair personally for bad things to happen) and dies shortly afterwards. His son banishes Kishore to the stables; however, Asha continues to spend a lot of time with him. Years pass, the Thakur's son grows up to be K.N. Singh, Asha grows up to be Nargis, Kishore is still doing all the work and lives in the stable, and Asha still spends a lot of time with him. The two are obviously very much in love, but at the same time Kishore is very aware that this relationship doesn't have much of a future.<br /><br />Moderately happy times:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00052.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00052.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Decidedly less happy times:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00059.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00059.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Some relatives just aren't good news:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00063.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00064.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00064.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Aaaaaw:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00069.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00069.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />One night, the two lovebirds go out to the nearby village to watch a dance (and I am very grateful that they didn't make Nargis dance) which is also our first song. It's rather nice and it features a Cuckoo. They proceed to spend the night under a tree close to a stream, exchanging pleasantries and finally falling asleep at arms'-length from each other. Alas, they are spotted by Asha's brother and he beats up Kishore and locks up Asha in her room. After a period of exchanging longing glances, Kishore and Asha decide to elope. They are, however, spotted by her brother, who guilts Asha into staying behind (no girl from our family ever eloped, what will happen to our honour ...) but who also grudgingly agress to Kishore's request to give him some time to earn money and become a suitable husband for Asha. The time limit he sets is vague to say the least (as long as a decent family can keep a girl unmarried), but Kishore is satisfied and leaves.<br /><br />So much happiness, this early in the movie, it worries me:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00074.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00074.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Sitting pretty:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00094.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00094.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00090.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00090.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Unexpected brother:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00098.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00098.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Pining, advanced class:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00106.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00106.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Direct<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00112.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00112.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This isn't the face of sanity:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00122.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00122.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Kishore makes his way to the city, but he finds it very difficult to find work. This of course, doesn't stop him from singing a sad song he shares with Asha. Hungry, thirsty and close to despair, he finally is hit by a car, driven by the owner of a carnival, Neelam (Sitara), who takes him home to her very impressive mansion, and decides to keep him. This doesn't go down well at all with one of her employees, Paul (Jeevan), who is rather interested in her. He decides to refuse to work for her (his job is climbing a long ladder, setting himself on fire and jumping into a tub of water covered in burning oil) which would land her in trouble with the public, but Kishore decides to take the job (after all he is very motivated to earn a lot of money fast.<br /><br />We also learn that Neelam may not be a paragon of mental stability. If she likes something, she likes to keep it, regardless of whether it wants to be kept or not, so she has a living room full of stuffed animals (and fish). Paul, meanwhile, has thought solace in a musical performance (which gives us our next song) but is more than a little upset when he hears that he has been replaced in his professional capacity by Kishore.<br /><br />The whole becoming rich fast thing is proving to be difficult:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00141.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00141.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />People with this sort of house often turn out to be less than pleasant:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00153.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00153.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Are you doubting my sanity?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00156.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00156.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />How can you prefer Kishore to me:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00159.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00159.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I would try and avoid being added to that collection:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00176.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00176.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It's a shame she is only with us for one song:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00179.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00179.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Back at her house, Neelam tells Kishore that she is very happy tonight, and that being happy makes her want to dance. We are treated to a songless dance performance with an amazing number of lampposts. Kishore, who has been told that Neelam will be dancing only for him, seems to be enjoying himself, at least up until the point when Paul turns up and starts beating him. (I was very stressed the first time I saw this, as I feared that Kishore would start imagining Asha on the stage, but to my great relief he doesn't)<br /><br />I would hate to have to dust all those drapes:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00186.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00186.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The set is pretty neat:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00192.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00192.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He broods very well:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00197.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00197.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Paul, who doesn't win the fight in the theatre is not giving up this easily. Armed with a saw he makes sure that Kishore's ladder corresponds even less to health and safety requirements than it previously did. However, the evil intentions are foiled and Kishore makes it down safe and sound, much to Neelam's relief. Of course, this happy event requires another celebration with a song, and confirms her in her determination to make Kishore her own. Kishore points out to her that he is already taken and has no intentions of ever becoming romantically involved with her.<br /><br />Evil intentions, the arty way:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00208.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00208.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />One can hardly tell that they might be up to no good:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00212.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00212.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />His lack of romantic interest may not be immediately obvious:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00233.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00233.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It becomes clearer, though:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00240.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00240.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Neelam is not taking this news very well. In her rage she smashes one of the fish tanks and breaks the statue of a kissing couple. Paul comes to see her at just this moment and she asks him to kill Kishore; she wants to have him for ever and he will only be hers as a corpse (I do hope she has a large freezer, else there are going to be all sorts of unpleasant consequences). Paul is prepared to do this. After some stalking in artily arranged corridors he and Kishore have a fight; meanwhile Neelam is having second thoughts about killing the man she loves. It all ends with her being shot by Paul who was trying to kill Kishore, and Kishore (in the best movie tradition) picking up the gun. He ends up in jail having been convicted of Neelam's murder; and with this we are back in the present.<br /><br />The poor fish:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00253.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00253.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />One of them I don't need in my mirror:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00262.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00262.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Dramatic camera angles; not necessarily a sign of sanity:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00266.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00266.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Poor guy:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00278.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00278.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Back at the prison, the jailer finally finds the opportunity to unveil his bride, and, well, it's not really that much of surprise:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00281.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00281.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />What will happen next? Will Kishore find out what happened to Asha? Will the jailer find out what relation his wife is to Kishore? Will there be more pining songs? And will anything be done about the fact that Kishore didn't in fact commit the murder?<br /><br />I really like this movie. It is melodramatic and the end is unintentionally funny, and Neelam's overdecorated mansion reminded me of the Queen's palace in Uran Kathola, but none of these are bad things. And how could I not like a movie which has Dilip sporting blossoms in his hair? It also features a disappointed lover who doesn't drown his sorrows in alcohol. Instead, he uses the lesser known and less frequently found way of dealing with such disappoinments in Hindi cinema: chopping wood.<br /><br />Of the three movies reviewed it's the one based most loosely on Wuthering Heights, while Dil Diya Dard Liya is the one which is closest, especially in the first half, which also makes it the one with the most unsympathetic characters (and I say this as someone who likes watching the movie). The latter also manages to cope with the fact that not everybody is paired off neatly at the end, something which Oonche Loog doesn't do; though of course those two have fairly happy endings. Also there the figure of the brother is redeemable, which it isn't in Dil Diya Dard Liya, whilst in Hulchul he just disappears. All in all, these are very different movies, even though they have been inspired by the same story.<br /><br />Gratuitous lamp pictures (what?):<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00083.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00083.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00097.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00097.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00145.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00145.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00199.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00199.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00204.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00204.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00224.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00224.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00230.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00230.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00313.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00313.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And a Balraj picture:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00302.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00302.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Okay, you can have some Dilip pictures, too:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00116.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00116.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00195.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00195.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00222.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00222.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00236.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00236.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00245.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Hulchul/vlcsnap-00245.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-71987665412080125932010-03-02T10:16:00.000-08:002010-03-02T10:26:52.333-08:00Oonche Log (1985)Oonche log (1985) is another movie loosely based on Wuthering Heights. However, it starts on a somewhat less dramatic note than the previously reviewed Dil Diya Dard Liya, in that the young boy who grows up to be our hero doesn't lose his parents at sea, but loses his mother in a car accident caused by Thakur Vikram Singh's (Pradeep Kumar) driver. Vikram Singh is so horrified by this event that he adopts the boy Raju. While his daughter, Poonam, is rather pleased by this addition to the family, his son, Maan, is less than impressed and makes his dislike of Raju very, very obvious (refusing to shake his hand, refusing to sit at he same table with him, etc.). In the end, Vikram Singh is so exasperated by his son's behaviour that he sends him off to boarding school.<br /><br />This is the most cheerful the movie will ever be:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00004.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00004.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He probably would have preferred a puppy:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00009.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Vikram Singh also has a brother Pratrap Singh (Prem Chopra), who (to everybody's great sursprise given who plays him) is a somewhat shady character who spends too much money on wine and women. Vikram Singh is fed up with his behaviour and threatening to stop supporting him. Before he can follow through on his threat, Pratrap smothers him with a pillow, hoping to get away with it as Vikram was known to be a heart patient. Unfortunately (well, for him) he wasn't quite as unobserved as he believed himself to be.<br /><br />This is bad news for any prospects of familial harmony:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00014.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00014.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Is this from this year's "fratricide collection"?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00015.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Shouldn't he be in bed at this time of night?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00019.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00019.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Vikram Singh's sudden death means that things take a turn to the worse for Raju. Not only will he henceforth be treated like a servant (Pratrap Singh shares his nephew's dislike of Raju, even though he doesn't know that Raju saw him killing his brother), he also is branded with a sign of ownership, and is used as a stool when Maan goes out riding. His one friend is Khan (Raza Murad).<br /><br />Years pass, Maan Singh grows up to be Danny Denzongpa, Raju grows up to be Rajesh Khanna, and Poonam grows up to be Salma Agha, and everybody else now sports fetching streaks of grey. Otherwise, not much has changed: Maan Singh is mean to Raju, basically treating him like a dog; Khan is kind to Raju, Pratrap is overly fond of wine and women. Of course, the puzzle is why on earth Raju didn't run away years ago, but he says that his love for Poonam kept him there, and he won't leave as long as she loves him. His fond childhood reminiscences leads us to the first song.<br /><br />At least there is someone looking after Raju:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00029.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00029.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />You have changed a lot, Maan Singh:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00032.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00032.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />Oonche log (1985) is another movie loosely based on Wuthering Heights. However, it starts on a somewhat less dramatic note than the previously reviewed Dil Diya Dard Liya, in that the young boy who grows up to be our hero doesn't lose his parents at sea, but loses his mother in a car accident caused by Thakur Vikram Singh's (Pradeep Kumar) driver. Vikram Singh is so horrified by this event that he adopts the boy Raju. While his daughter, Poonam, is rather pleased by this addition to the family, his son, Maan, is less than impressed and makes his dislike of Raju very, very obvious (refusing to shake his hand, refusing to sit at he same table with him, etc.). In the end, Vikram Singh is so exasperated by his son's behaviour that he sends him off to boarding school.<br /><br />This is the most cheerful the movie will ever be:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00004.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00004.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He probably would have preferred a puppy:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00009.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Vikram Singh also has a brother Pratrap Singh (Prem Chopra), who (to everybody's great sursprise given who plays him) is a somewhat shady character who spends too much money on wine and women. Vikram Singh is fed up with his behaviour and threatening to stop supporting him. Before he can follow through on his threat, Pratrap smothers him with a pillow, hoping to get away with it as Vikram was known to be a heart patient. Unfortunately (well, for him) he wasn't quite as unobserved as he believed himself to be.<br /><br />This is bad news for any prospects of familial harmony:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00014.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00014.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Is this from this year's "fratricide collection"?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00015.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Shouldn't he be in bed at this time of night?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00019.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00019.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Vikram Singh's sudden death means that things take a turn to the worse for Raju. Not only will he henceforth be treated like a servant (Pratrap Singh shares his nephew's dislike of Raju, even though he doesn't know that Raju saw him killing his brother), he also is branded with a sign of ownership, and is used as a stool when Maan goes out riding. His one friend is Khan (Raza Murad).<br /><br />Years pass, Maan Singh grows up to be Danny Denzongpa, Raju grows up to be Rajesh Khanna, and Poonam grows up to be Salma Agha, and everybody else now sports fetching streaks of grey. Otherwise, not much has changed: Maan Singh is mean to Raju, basically treating him like a dog; Khan is kind to Raju, Pratrap is overly fond of wine and women. Of course, the puzzle is why on earth Raju didn't run away years ago, but he says that his love for Poonam kept him there, and he won't leave as long as she loves him. His fond childhood reminiscences leads us to the first song.<br /><br />At least there is someone looking after Raju:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00029.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00029.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />You have changed a lot, Maan Singh:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00032.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00032.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I am not sure that there is a way to prevent this ending in tears:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00036.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00036.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />One day, Poonam insists on riding a horse which hasn't yet been broken in properly, with predictable consequences. Luckily, Raju is there to rescue her. Unluckily, the two are observed by Maan Singh, who takes his anger out on Raju and gives him a thorough beating. We also learn that, when not beating up the servants, Maan Singh and his uncle enjoy betting on horses and dancing girls. One of the dancing girls is very interested in uncle Pratap (or, presumably, in his money) and would like to elope with him; but he stalls her by saying that he first needs to embezzle more of his nephew's money. Meanwhile, Poonam has taken some flowers to the injured Raju, who is even more smitten with her after this, and goes to thank her, even though that means meeting her in what is her (extremly large) bathroom. She receives him graciously which leads us to another song, this time involving a very wet but thankfully fully clothed Raju.<br /><br />An accident in the making:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00043.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00043.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />At least help is at hand:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00049.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00049.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Personally, I would have preferred some painkillers:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00059.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00059.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This bathtub is bigger than my flat:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00064.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00064.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />There is really some rather nice greenery in this picture:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00069.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00069.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Next we are introduced to Maan Singh's fiance, Sonia (Priti Sapru). Despite the fact that she dresses in western clothes she appears to be a nice and girl, and is concerned about Raju who has a high fever. Of course, this worries Poonam and she goes to look after Raju. Alas, things never go well when those two are involved, and Poonam is bitten by a snake. Raju sucks out the poison and carries her to the main house; where he is beaten (again) for daring to touch Poonam. Sonia actually stands up for him and points out that normal people would thank him for what he did, and she also takes some medication to him to counteract the poison he inadvertendly swallowed.<br /><br />She is kind of cute, if somewhat challenged in the fashion department:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00076.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00076.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />An uninvited guest:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00082.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00082.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, she doesn't convey much more animation when conscious:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00084.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00084.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I do sense a certain amount of tension here:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00092.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00092.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After Raju recovers, he goes to see how Poonam is doing (at night, in her bedroom) and the two finally declare to each other what has been painfully obvious to anybody else for a while: they are in love. This necessitates another song with much running around various bits of greenery. Towards the end of the song, they are spotted by Maan, who is just prevented by his uncle from shooting Raju there and then (apparently, killing people in broad daylight is no longer permissable for Thakurs, what has the world come to). However, beating people up in the stable is permissable, and this is what Maan proceeds to do. When Poonam finds the injured Raju, she dips her hand in his blood and confronts her brother. Of course, Raju isn't actually dead, and he even makes it through Maan things next attempt to kill him, which involved being thrown to the dogs. However, in one of the confrontations he does mention that he knows that Pratap Singh killed his brother.<br /><br />Doing this in plain view may not have been the brightest idea either of them ever had:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00099.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00099.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Son, you need to learn to be more discreet in your homicidal tendencies:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00105.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00105.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Have you been busy with the fingerpaint again:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00113.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00113.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He just won't stay dead:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00114.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00114.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Poonam realises that it is very likely that her brother will one day suceed in killing Raju, something she would rather avoid if at all possible. As Raju is staying because of their mutual love for each other, she decides that the way forward is to tell him that she doesn't love him. She does this in a very convincing manner and a heart-broken Raju leaves to the strains of a sad song. Alas, Pratap Singh doesn't want an eye-witness to his dastardly dead alive, so he tries to kill Raju in a somewhat convoluted manner. He leaves Raju for dead, but of course he isn't, and he is picked up by a somewhat ominous looking hunting party.<br /><br />How could I love someone who can't keep me in the staircases I am use to?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00130.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00130.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Oh, for crying out loud just shoot him:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00138.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00138.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We are the good guys, no, honest:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00141.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00141.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />When Raju wakes up he finds himself at the house of an older gentleman who very eagerly enquires about Raju's family. It turns out that Raju is actually this gentleman's grandson. He threw his son out of the house after he married a lady from a poor family but later regretted his actions and has been looking for them for years.<br /><br />How dare you marry someone from a stair-less family:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00149.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00149.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />She loves me because of my superb taste in shirts:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00150.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00150.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />So, now that it has turned out the Raju actually is from a wealthy family (and what a shock that was) it is time to plot revenge. The instrument of the is Mubarak Ali (Deven Verma), an employee of Raju's grandfather, who makes Maan Singh a profitable business offer, which he gladly accepts as he is feeling the pinch somewhat financially, what whith all the wine, women and horse-racing, as well as an embezzling uncle. Mubarak Ali says that he works for a very wealthy businessmen. When the aforementioned businessman finally deigns to meet Maan Singh and his family there is a gallery of shocked looks as he looks just like Raju. A suggestion that he looks similar to a servant, however, almost makes Rai Bahadur Rajev Singh, walk out in a huff. However, good relations are restored though Rajev never seems to warm completely to his host, who are still a bit suspicious about the fascinating similarity.<br /><br />Of course he is completely trustworthy, why do you ask?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00156.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00156.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Mind you, he may just have seen Sonia's dress:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00163.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00163.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Maybe she caught her reflection in the mirror:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00164.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00164.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It's infectious, she is shocked, too:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00165.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00165.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He, on the other hand has practised the disdainful look:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00166.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00166.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before the suspense can get too much, the secret is revealed to the one person who always cared about Raju and who Raju still cares for, Khan. Back with the rich people, Raju causes more confusion for Poonam by flirting with Sonia, sending her flowers and generally paying a lot of attention to her. Suspicions are further aroused and the tension heightened when Pratrap finds himself in an unfortunate incident with some horses and several metres of rope.<br /><br />I can recognise you, now that you have taken off the sunglasses.<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00180.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00180.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Flower wars?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00184.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00184.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This scene seems oddly familiar:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00186.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00186.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Maan Singh has been losing money on the share market, taking the advice of Mubarak Ali and Raju. Several tense encounters later, one in a billiard room and one at Raju's birthday, the tension culminates (at least for the time being) in a horse race between between Maan Singh and Raju.<br /><br />We got the colour cheap when the renovted the local pool:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00198.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00198.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Suspicion personified on a balcony:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00205.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00205.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Not even Sonia's clothes manage to lighten the atmosphere:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00210.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/oonche%20log/vlcsnap-00210.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />What will happen next? Who will win the race? Will Raju suceed in ruining Maan Singh? Will Sonia desert her fiance? Will Poonam get a chance to explain why she told Raju that she doesn't love him? Will Maan Singh survive? Will Sonia recover her fashion sense?<br /><br />This isn't really a great movie. It may well provide entertainment for a rainy Sunday afternoon if there is nothing better on offer but not much more. It may work better for people who are greater fans of Rajesh Khanna than I am.antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-26633783097242314702009-12-26T08:00:00.000-08:002010-01-20T21:48:09.731-08:00Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966)Dil diya dard liya is one of three movies I have seen so far which are (more or less) roughly based on motifs from Wuthering Heights. I am planning to write about all three of them; and if someone can point me in the direction of any others, I would be willing to have a look at those, too. It starts off in suitably stormy night with a small ship in grave danger on the sea. The passengers consist of a well-off couple and their infant son. Alas, the ship sinks and only the (surprisingly smiley) infant is rescued, complete with a golden locket which is quite likely to become important later on.<br /><br />Not looking good:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00300.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00300.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The palm trees remind me a lot of those in Aadmi:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00303.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00303.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before we can find out more about the fate of the infant, the voice-over takes us to a royal palace, where the king is dying. He was hoping to be reunited with his estranged son (who married against his father's wishes, and who might just possibly be one half of the couple lost at sea), but he dies before he even learns of his son's death. His loyal administrator knows about the accident, and the possibility that the heir may still be alive, so the throne will remain vacant and the property will be in trust until the fate of the heir has been ascertained.<br /><br />It's an impressive home to miss out on:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00306.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00306.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The deathbed:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00307.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00307.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Amazingly, this guy turns out not to be evil:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00309.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00309.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Back, at a somewhat less impressive, but still by no means small, house, several years has passed and the foundling is now called Shankar. He has been adopted by the owner of the somewhat less impressive mansion, and while he is very close to the daughter, Roopa, her brother, Ramesh, resents him as an interloper and frequently picks fights with him. Luckily, their father is aware of Ramesh's behaviour and protects Shankar. Less luckily, the father also suffers from an unspecified but possibly cardiac-related illness, which does not bode well.<br /><br />Not bad as a second choice:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00310.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00310.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I hope you like him, we will be seeing a lot of him:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00311.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00311.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Shankar:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00312.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00312.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and Roopa:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00313.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00313.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Is shawl wearing a a sign of impending doom, either for the wearer or his immediate family?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00316.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00316.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He is trouble:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00319.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00319.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Alas, the father's health problems lead to his premature demise and Shankar's life very swiftly becomes a lot less pleasant as he is now treated as a servant and can't continue his studies, though he was a good student (in contrast to Ramesh). Time passes and we get to watch many, many different kind of flowers bloom. Once we are finished with the flowers, Roopa has grown up into Waheeda Rehman and Shankar into Dilip Kumar. The two are very much in love with each other, although Shankar is employed in all sorts of manual labour and Roopa is mainly downtrodden by her brother and doing embroidery. The down-treading is done by Ramesh (Pran), who has grown up into a rather unpleasant adult (how unexpected).<br /><br />Shankar:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00329.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00329.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And I don't blame him at all for having fallen for her:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00327.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00327.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It's a cruel fate to have him as a brother:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00330.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00330.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I wonder what the motive is:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00337.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00337.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After a brief comic interlude which involves a gentleman named Murlidhar (Johny Walker), his wife (Tun Tun), their nine children and a moneylender who wants the money Murdilal owes him, we are back with our ill-fated lovers. Ramesh, who enjoys being mean to Shankar, tells him to fetch a gun which he left behind at a neighbour's house. The house is a considerable distance away and he needs they gun within the next hour. This gives us an opportunity to meet the neighbour in question, Satish (Rehman) and his sister Mala (Shyama). It turns out that the gun was never left at their place, Ramesh took it home with him earlier, but when he is told this he just shrugs off all the trouble he caused Shankar.<br /><br />They are not very colour-coordinated:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00349.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00349.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Sherlock?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00344.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00344.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Looking less than impressed:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00351.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00351.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Oh, that gun, silly me:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00350.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00350.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before things can get too depressing, we have our first song, which confirms that Roopa and Shankar are very much in love with each other. While they are chastely affirming their devotion to each other, Ramesh is up to no good, indulging in alcohol and loose women. One of the latter has taken his fancy in particular, namely Tarabai (Rani). She, however, is also part of a convoluted plan of Murlidhar to repay is creditor whith Ramesh's money. Shanker and Roopa, on the other hand, continue their romancing during daylight hours, which may not have been the wisest choice ever.<br /><br /><br />Lovebirds:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00356.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00356.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Now with more daylight:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00374.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00374.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Up to no good:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00367.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00367.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I suspect he has found his match:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00369.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00369.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />They have some very scenic ruins in their village:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00383.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00383.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After some more romancing and another song, trouble begins to brew. The people in the village have started to talk about Shankar and Roopa, and the family's loyal retainer is worried, partly because of the possible damage to the family's reputation, and partly because of what will happen to Shankar when Ramesh finds out that he has fallen in love with his sister. <br /><br />One day, Mala comes to see Roopa, and she has brought her brother, Satish, who would like to have a word in private with Roopa. They are less alone than he thinks they are, as Shankar, who had brought some flowers to Roopa's room is hiding behind a curtain. It is all incredibly awkward, especially since Satish does realise that there is another person in the room eventually. He leaves, leaving Roopa to ponder his proposal. (And he really isn't a bad second choice at all). Shankar, of course, is aware that his position doesn't really allow him to marry Roopa, in spite of his love for her, so everybody is left feeling low.<br /><br />Surprise visit:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00389.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00389.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />You are less alone than you think you are:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00393.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00393.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This may or may not be symbolic of something:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00392.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00392.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Satish is also rather less than impressed with the company Ramesh has been keeping, but Ramesh won't listen to his possible future brother in law. Nevertheless, he invites Ramesh and Roopa to Mala's birthday party. Roopa had been asking for some flowers, but the evening still sees Shankar and the bouquet in his room. When he finally brings them to the party, after Mala and Roopa have treated us to another song, there is really nobody left who doesn't realise that Shankar is more than a little fond of Roopa. This irritates Ramesh so much that the two come to blows.<br /><br />Maybe he would also like a different hair colour on Ramesh:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00396.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00396.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Look who is attending the party:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00400.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00400.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Bad ideas Shankar had today:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00408.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00408.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ramesh is fuming:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00409.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00409.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Back home, Ramesh takes his revenge for Shankar's behaviour and has him whipped, much to Roopa's distress. That night, she comes to meet him in the scenic ruins and after much railing against fate and the resident deity (which is never a good idea), the two come to the conclusion that maybe eloping is the way forward. Alas, the next morning still finds them in the scenic ruins and Ramesh, supported by a large number of men with sticks, comes to find them. After a (more or less) exciting fight, which does showcase the architecture of the ruins rather nicely, Shankar ends up being thrown into the sea and Roopa is dragged home.<br /><br />They may be about to make a decision:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00428.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00428.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Aaaw:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00436.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00436.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Don't mess with him:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00437.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00437.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Oh no:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00454.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00454.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Don't worry Roopa, we haven't been shown the body:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00455.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00455.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Satish reaffirms his willingness to marry Roopa but is also prepared to wait, given that she has had somewhat of a shock. He is still underwhelmed with Ramesh's lifestyle and persuades him to let Roopa stay at his place, rather than in a house which is frequented by dancing girls (and he will also have more opportunity to press his suit if she is his guest, but he doesn't say that) . Meanwhile, somewhere on the coast, Shankar is found by helpful fisherfolk. He is not dead, nor has he lost his memory or eyesight, or anything of the sort (I am really rather amazed at that). Instead, he decides to earn lots of money, so he can come back and be worthy of Roopa (the sort of plan that makes the assumption that she will wait, which is okay if you have actually discussed it, but likely to backfire if you haven't had a chance to tell her). Roopa, for her part, has become rather depressed, and the fact that her brother spends most of his time with doesn't help, though it means that amid all the doom and gloom we get treated to a rather nice song.<br /><br />His...:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00463.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00463.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />...and hers matching depression:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00462.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00462.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Thank you, for providing some relief:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00464.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00464.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Once the song is over, we are back to our suffering lovers. Satish is determined to get Roopa to marry him, but she is still grieving for Shankar, and while grateful to Satish for the shelter he offers her, not willing to marry him (yet). Shankar, on the other hand, has found work in a factory which just happens to have belonged to his grandfather (how convenient). One day, the administrator is visiting and Shankar is more than a little puzzled by seeing the same crest on the car, as the pattern on his locket. The administrator, however, has serious problems. His son is fed up with being a loyal retainer and hoping for the lost grandson to return and would quite like to use the king's riches for his own (probably debauched) purposes. When his father refuses to even contemplate the possibility he hits him over the head with a blunt instrument, and sets off to rob the royal resources (well, the vault really).<br /><br />I am still amazed that the administrator isn't evil (not that I am prejudiced or anything)<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00474.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00474.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ah, somebody's identity may be clarified in the near future:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00477.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00477.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Unsurprisingly, the administrator isn't actually dead. Instead he is found by Shankar, who not only helps him back to the palace but also defends him against his son, and is provided with enough exposition to realise that he is the long lost heir to the kingdom. He swiftly finds himself installed on the throne, but alas this is also the time when his already not too plentiful supply of marbles starts to dwindle even further.<br /><br />Helpfulness pays (at least in this case)<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00481.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00481.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Somehow one would expect him too look at least a bit happier:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00500.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />For some reason, Shankar's first thought does not seem to be to go and find Roopa, which is somewhat of a mistake. Roopa had been living in Satish's house for some time now, and people have started to talk. All the nasty rumours come to head during a New Year's Eve party after a confrontation with her brother and his inappropriate girlfriend. After a sleepless night and some more disapproval and emotional blackmail by the family's loyal servants and being confronted with her father's stern picture, Roopa decides to give in and gets engaged to Satish.<br /><br />The red light of public diapproval:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00514.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00514.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Thinks are getting rather too much for Roopa:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00513.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00513.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It always puzzles me that men are so keen on getting married to someone who quite clearly is more than a little distressed at the prospect:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00534.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00534.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is, of course, the perfect moment for Shankar to reappear. But first, Roopa pours out her misery in song. Then Shankar confronts Ramesh who is more than delighted to tell him that Roopa has abandoned her childhood love and is now happily engaged to Satish. Shankar is not prepared to belive this, saying that he is more willing to believe that she committed suicide than that she became somebody else's fiance, however, when he goes to Satish's house, he is confronted with a scene which leads him to believe that Roopa is now in love with Satish (of course, asking her point blank isn't an option, and neither does he seem to take into consideration that Roopa had very good reason to believe that he was dead; especially as nobody has as yet told her, that he is still alive). It also becomes very obvious that Ramesh is an alcoholic and possible not any longer quite in his right mind; and has lost most of his not insubstantial property to Tarabai.<br /><br />I am not sure which of the two is saner:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00558.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00558.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Misunderstanding about to happen:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00566.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00566.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Not looking at it won't make it go away:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00567.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00567.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before the general misery and heartbreak can get to us to much, we check in with the comic relief, whose wife has just given birth to multiple children.<br /><br />Shankar is now bent on revenge. He first starts to get interested in Tarabai in order to make Ramesh jealous. He arranges for the already irate Ramesh to walk in on them in a compromising situation (not that I can blame Tarabai for looking for a change of companion). He also confronts Roopa at a party held in his honour that night. The poor woman has only just realised that the prince everybody talks about is her believed to be dead beloved; and she swiftly learns that he feels betrayed. She finds herself stuck between a fiance she doesn't want but feels obliged to be loyal to, and the man she loves, who thinks she has been unfaithful to him. No wonder she is beginning to look rather stressed.<br /><br />Now this is a woman who knows what she wants:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00576.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00576.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I suspect that a plan may be hatched here:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00577.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00577.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Hmmm;<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00584.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00584.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Roopa is subjected to more than her annual share of disapproval:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00596.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00596.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />At least there are very impressive staircases for Shankar's marbles to bounce down:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00603.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00603.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before we can get too depressed we are treated to another dance by Tara; during which Shankar flirts rather openly with her, which does not end well for poor Tara when Ramesh looses the last remnants of his self control. <br /><br />Well, at least she isn't bleeding all over a priceless carpet:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00617.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00617.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />With Ramesh on the run from the police, Shankar installs himself in his house, which he bought from Tarabai, and proceeds to torture poor Roopa (and Satish) by flirting with Mala. Will it all end in tears? Will Mala recognise that Shankar isn't interested in him? Will Satish heroically renounce his claim on Roopa? Will Roopa ever be able to make up her mind as to whether she wants duty or love? Will Ramesh turn up to wreak further havoc? Will there be more dramatic zooms up and down giant sweeping staircases?<br /><br />Personally, I like this movie. I love every overly melodramatic minute and it doesn't feel too long to me. Other people have felt differently about it and put their thoughts in <a href="http://memsaabstory.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/dil-diya-dard-liya-1966/">writing</a>. I would say, if you have low melodrama resistance or have seen <a href="http://antarrasramblings.blogspot.com/2009/01/aadmi-1968.html">Aadmi</a> (or Deedar) and found that to melodramatic, it's best to avoid this one. There is also a lot of eye-candy and nice music.<br /><br /><br />Gratuitous Waheeda pictures:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00342.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00342.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00360.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00360.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00372.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00372.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00388.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00388.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00505.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00505.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00518.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00518.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00527.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00527.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00589.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00589.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00640.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Dil%20diya%20dard%20liya/vlcsnap-00640.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-7378229521613577832009-12-07T11:54:00.000-08:002009-12-07T12:00:10.311-08:00Clerk (1989)Clerk is a movie which follows the fate of a down-trodden and depressed Clerk (now there is a surprise) with a large number of dependants and a lost love in the ministry of defence. It is also one of my contenders for "worst movie sharing Shashi Kapoor"; but of course such things are always a deeply personal matter.<br /><br />After a multicoloured opening sequence, which, alas, is a sign of things to come, we meet Bharat (Manoj Kumar), on his way to work. Once he arrived at the office, we meet the peon (that's what subtitles tend to call these people), Sadhuram (Prem Chopra) and some time later his colleague, Pooja (Anita Raj), who is clearly very fond of Bharat (though it's never clear to me why) and who provides a breath of fresh air in the doom and gloom surrounding him. Of course, there is also a sleazy and corrupt boss, B. M. Sharma (Satish Shah), who insists that everybody should speak Hindi, while peppering his speech with plenty of English. Currently he is not in the office for anybody trying to contact him in connection with a tender put in by a certain Mr. Kapoor.<br /><br />I know, I should have just stopped here:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00015.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00016.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00016.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Bharat and his boss:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00012.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Surely, life can't be all bad, if she works in your office and likes you; less sure about him, though:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00009.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The movie then continues to illustrate why Bharat's life is so miserable. At home, we meet his older brother Ram, once a soldier, who lost a leg fighting for his country and also is disfigured. He was offered help to get an artificial leg but he declined it. Ram remembers how their father (Ashok Kumar) sold his land, so his sons could study in the hope that they would be able to buy it back at some point, but now all these dreams are just dreams (and so on). Before those two can sink even further into misery, the father suffers a heart attack and we also meet the two youngest siblings, Balram (Rajiv Goswami) and Tulsi (Sonika Gill), who are both still in college. They had gone out to get a doctor for their father, but the doctor refuses to come unless he is paid. Luckily, Bharat knows that what his father really needs to get better is a rousing patriotic song; and indeed, lots of swirling visuals later, Dad is back on his feet.<br /><br />I wonder how long it took them to get those holes just where they wanted them:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00017.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00017.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Familial concern:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00021.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00021.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The younger generations (and a use of mirrors that will recur (frequently))<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00022.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00022.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Is that what being drunk feels like?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00027.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00027.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Ram is married to Rukmini (Zeba Ali) and their marriage is not a happy one. He suspects her of doing something quite different on those days when she wears a nice, wedding-like sari and goes to meet her brother. Bharat defends his sister-in-law, but Ram remains unconvinced. The next day at work, Bharat receives a semi-mysterious phonecall. The caller reminds him of the time he spent with Sneh (Rekha) in college, and this leads us to the next song, which also clarifies for the viewer, that the caller is no other than Sneh, who, we learn shortly afterwards, is now married to Mr. Kapoor. They have the sort of relationship where they call each other by last name.<br /><br />The mirror of marital trouble:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00032.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00032.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />There is a saying that you can't disfigure a beautiful person. They were trying very hard:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00033.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00033.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The mirror of happy memories:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00036.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00036.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I am beginning to wonder whether this would be easier to bear if I was drunk?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00039.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00039.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Oh, Mr. Kapoor is Mr. Kapoor<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00045.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00045.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We learn that Mr. Kapoor is evil. He married Sneh because he could impress her with his wealth, knowing full well that she really loved Bharat and now one of his aims in life is to turn Bharat to dishonesty, partly becaue he enjoys this sort of thing, partly because there is this pending tender with the ministry of defense, and partly also from jealousy. He uses his wife to get to Bharat. First she visits him in his office, but meets with a very cold reception when she invites him to their college reunion, and triggers another trip down memory lane, this time to the day when she told Bharat that she was marrying Vijay Kapoor because her sister needed money to join her fiance in the States. She then talks to him on his way home; a conversation with much symbolism involving throwaway lights and holes in sandals, and at first he refuses to come to the reunion. However, after having by mistake downed the peon's alcoholic cold drink, he decides to come anyway. This gives him the opportunity to bemoan the fact that his academic achievement and honesty have left him and his family destitute, to refuse an offer of Mr. Kapoor to support his younger siblings financially (no doubt he refuses to have anything to do with ill-gotten gains) and to treat us another song.<br /><br />While Pooja wonders what the relation is between Bharat and Sneh, I wonder why the lever arch files never fit on the shelves in movie offices:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00051.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00051.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I raise you one lighter:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00057.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00057.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The shoe of lost hope and poverty:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00060.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00060.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He looks somewhat like a giant snowball:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00065.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00065.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I am rather developing an aversion to sparkly lights:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00078.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00078.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Hmm, not sure this is an improvement:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00080.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00080.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After the function, Rukmini makes some disparaging comment to Sneh, and Sneh lashes out at Rukmini. This, of course, feeds Ram's suspicions. Meanwhile, we meet Balram's girl-friend Sonu (Sonu Walia) (and her amazing trousers, or lack thereof) for the first time. She has a more direct approach to the family's financial problems; she suggests robbing a bank and Balram is ready to go along with her. The Kapoors, on the other hand, having made no discernable progress with Bharat, decide to bribe Mr. Sharma to make their tender successful. He proves a much easier target. He accepts a bribe, but when he is challenged by his boss, Rahim Khan (Rajendra Kumar) about Mr. Kapoor's visit, he implies that it is Bharat who takes the bribes without sharing with his superior, but that if a more senior person interfered, he might be made to share. To facilitate that, Bharat is invited to perform at the office's 15th of August celebrations, which (you may have guessed) leads to another, very sparkly song.<br /><br />I am not sure Maa would approve:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00088.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The mirror of ill-advice:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00089.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00089.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Preparations for the annual giant snowball convention are in full swing:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00100.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00100.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />That's a perfectly innocent suitcase:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00103.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00103.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Senior plotting:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00112.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00112.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Just in case you had missed where the movie takes place:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00118.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00118.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is also the day Balram and Sonu have picked for the bank-robbery, as everybody will be out celebrating and security isn't very tight. At first, all goes well, but unfortunately the vitally important motor-cycle won't start and Balram has to escape on foot. In order to appear less conspicous he drops the bag with the money and the blanket he is wearing which are picked up by Bharat (because there is of course nobody else waiting for a bus at this point) who is promptly arrested. Some emotional blackmail by his family later, Balram confesses and is put in jail instead of his big brother.<br /><br />A fateful meeting:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00134.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00134.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Don't worry Bharat, Balram won't be able to take your nobility much longer:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00138.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00138.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Tulsi, who has had far to peaceful a life for a member of Balram's family, is accosted on the street by a friend of Mr. Kapoor's with the promise of a job if she goes to a certain address. Unfortunately, what awaits her isn't a job but a man ready to molest her.<br /><br />He really doesn't appear very trustworthy:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00141.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00141.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Oh no, my world has turned upside down:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00142.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00142.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />In the meantime, Sneh continues her persistant attempts to turn Bharat towards the way of corruption and financial gain. This time, she persuades Mr. Sharma, to take Bharat to a function in the Kapoor mansion, mainly to have him humiliated and to give him a chance to be inspired by the artwork to sing a song about the fact that he is a clerk (not that that is news to any of the people present). Pooja, who is also present, attracts the attention of a rather sleazy older man, who is a business partner of Mr. Kapoor's. When he drops her home, her mother is very shocked, and it turns out that he is actually her father, who abandoned her mother after one of those secret temple marriages which are so common in the movies.<br /><br />Temptation at work:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00145.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00145.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />At least we are spared any more fake guitar playing:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00153.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00153.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I detect a spot of symbolism here:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00159.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00159.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Sometimes, not being pretty would be a distinct advantage:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00161.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00161.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The mirror of abandonment and disgrace:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00166.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00166.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Back at home, Ram has decided to finally find out what his wife is up to, on the days she goes at very well dressed, and returns with money. When he finds out his is very ashamed, as she wasn't at all doing what he thought she was doing (though why she needed to dress up to do what she was doing, is somewhat beyond me). Anyway, he asks her forgiveness, and offers to be beaten with her sandal. The rest of the family is also very touched by her sacrifice.<br /><br />I think he may be shocked:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00170.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00170.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />So, what's that then:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00174.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00174.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Aaaaw, at least one problem solved:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00176.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00176.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />To provide some light relief (and maybe to prevent the viewer from jumping out of the window in sympathetic dispair), we then get to watch Pooja doing some gymnastics, which of course is enough reason for another song. However, before we can get to cheerful, we are back with Tulsi who is now pregnant from the guy who raped her and wants him to marry her. He refuses and says that nobody can force him, as he is Vijay Kapoor's man, when Bharat challenges him. Sneh, who turns up for no apparent reason, points out that Bharat has a choice, of working for Mr. Kapoor, and stealing the project "Green Star" file for him, or watching his sister's ruin. After some tortured deliberation, involving watching a tree being felled (not that that is symbolic in any way shape or form, and not that Sneh was talking about trees which provide shelter earlier on), he decides to go ahead with the dastardly deed.<br /><br /><br />She looks very nice<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00183.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00183.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />but of course the sparkly lights aren't far off:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00185.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00185.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />This is not the most promising beginning for a marriage:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00191.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00191.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Behold, the key to dishonesty and financial gain:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00200.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00200.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The theft does not remain unobserved, but Sadhuram is easily persuaded to not betray Bharat. In order to explain his sudden wealth to his family, Bharat claims that he has won the lottery. To celebrate this happiness, they visit their ancestral fields and Bharat also forces the father of Tulsi's child to marry her. Of course, all this has feet of clay, as it is based on Bharat's involvement in illegal and traiterous dealings, of which his family is still unaware.<br /><br />Now partners in crime:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00213.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00213.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Hey, they are able to smile, how unexpected:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00216.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00216.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Family relations are somewhat strained:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00232.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00232.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Some days later, Pooja is again at Mr. Kapoor's house, and her father, who is still unaware of their relationship, offers her a lift home. On the way home, he tries to rape her, but she manages to defend herself with a conveniently placed trident. When she arrives in hospital with her mother, to prove to him that she is his daughter, he begs her forgiveness, and only dies after naming her his heir (in writing no less).<br /><br />Yikes:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00238.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00238.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Oh dear:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00245.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00245.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The mirror of patricide:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00248.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00248.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I am not sure I really needed to see this:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00253.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00253.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Now it is time for Tulsi's wedding but, alas, the (presumably) joyous occassion is disrupted by the police looking for Balram who escaped from prison. He is actually lurking on the other side of the road with his girlfriend bemoaning his cruel fate in not being able to attend his sister's wedding (well, what did he have to go and rob a bank for). Some time later, Mr. Kapoor visits Bharat at home, and congratulates him on his newly found dishonesty and arranges some other plans with him, involving more stolen files. Unfortunately, Bharat's father overhears the conversation and the shock kills him, though he has enough time to dress in his old uniform and reassert his patriotism. And he refuses to take his pills because they were paid for with ill-gotten money.<br /><br />Uninvited guests:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00259.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00259.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Self-pitying brothers:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00263.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00263.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Sigh:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00273.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/clerk/vlcsnap-00273.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Will his father's death show Bharat the error of his ways? How will his brothers react when they find out that Bharat worked for Mr. Kapoor? What is the new dastardly plan going by the name of Operation Red Rose? Which of the people in the ministry of defense is actually not corrupt. Will there be more sparkly lights and hard to spot symbolism? If you don't want to sit through this yourself, I am happy to tell you in the comments.<br /><br />I really don't like this movie (I am sure that's not that hard to tell). Part of the problem is that I have problems with all the mirroring, billowing smoke, people half hidden behind something or other which goes on in the songs and not just there. I am also not overly enamoured with all the mistreatment of women; and while I generally don't mind depressing movies, this was just too much. It would probably also help if I found Manoj Kumar appealing in this, but I don't.antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-48059567552150969772009-11-26T11:49:00.000-08:002009-11-26T12:08:31.161-08:00Zabardast (1985)Zabardast has much to offer to the viewer, a highly convoluted plot including the requisite separated brothers (though nobody is lost at a fair), a villain played by Amrish Puri, and lots and lots of sequins. After a colourful title sequence with fireworks in the background<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />we meet Ratan Kumar (Sanjeev Kumar) who is just being released from jail. We learn that he is well educated and even served in the army, and that he also never told the police who his accomplices were. The latter is explained when he is reunited with his wife (Gita Siddharth) and baby son, he was afraid that his family would be hurt if he told the police who his accomplices were. He vows never to committ a crime again, but before he can do much more he is called by a police officer to a burning building to rescue a box containing important papers.<br /><br />Palmistry, I will take up Palmistry<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00008.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I am somehow suspicious as to the authenticity of these policemen (those aren't regulation moustaches)<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00009.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />A lovingly handcrafted burning building:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00010.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00010.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Alas, it turns out that the policemen were fake, and working for Ratan's old boss, Balram Singh (Amrish Puri), and the box doesn't contain documents but diamonds (hey, at least the both start with D). Ratan is very upset about the deception and escapes from Balram Singh with the diamonds. After picking up his son from home, he escapes (cunningly disguised) on a train, where he learns from a newspaper someone left behind, that his wife is presumed to have died when there house was burned down (Why is it that when I am on a train without reading material all that is left lying around is the train company's promotional magazine or the sports section of at least three different newspapers?).<br /><br />That's an impressive smirk<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00013.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00013.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />A decidedly less impressive disguise:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00017.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00017.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ratan leaves the train and continues his flight across an arid wasteland, but before he collapses completely he hides the case with the diamonds in a grave in a conveniently placed graveyard (which conveniently already has a hole). He is picked up by a (conveniently) passing doctor with very good eyesight (Kulbhushan Kharbanda). He offers Ratan a job as an estate manager for the local Maharani, although he knows that the police are looking for Ratan; however, there is a condition. The Maharani (Tanuja) recently lost her husband and gave birth to a still-born child. She hasn't accepted that the child is really dead, so if the doctor could present Ratan's son as the Maharani's child it would do wonders for her mental health. After a small dose of emotional blackmail, Ratan agrees. He now calls himself Ramesh, and he is also told that he shouldn't come before the Maharani.<br /><br />Flight not going so well<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00022.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00022.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Only a small palace:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00032.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00032.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The doctor has a daughter - who may or may not become someone's love interest later on:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00035.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00035.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Years pass, and one fateful birthday, Ratan actually is seen by the Maharani, who promptly faints as he looks exactly like her deceased husband. For some reason, this likeness is also reason enough for her to marry Ratan (I asked a married friend whether she would marry someone who looked exactly like her husband and i got a very emphatic no). Her son is less impressed, telling his mother that she can make him her husband but he will never make him his father (he is lacking a vital piece of information there).<br /><br />Oho:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00040.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00040.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This may not have been the wisest decision ever:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00045.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00045.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Of course, now that Ratan has married again, it it time for his not quite so deceased as he assumed wife to make an appearance (in the movies, never trust the report of somebody's death unless you have seen the body yourself). The Maharani is understandably upset at this development and, less understandably, set on killing Ratan's wife. There is a tussle as he tries to stop her, and the Maharani manages to fall on her gun in a particularily unlucky manner and dies, but not before she has asked her son to avenge her whilst pointing towards her husband.<br /><br />Ghost! Ghost!<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00050.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00050.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I can see how this misunderstanding could arise:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00055.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00055.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ratan and his wife now look after their son, who still doesn't know that he is their son, as the doctor argued that news would be too much of a shock for him so shortly after his mother's death. They also have a second child, but somehow the older one never quite settles down and he is still planning to avenge his mother's death. In order to do this, he first kidnaps his little brother so he can throw him to the tigers. However, he is interrupted in this dastardly deed by the arrival of a car, and runs off, while the baby is picked up by the occupants of the car. Ratan and his wife, having successfully misplaced both their children, decide to leave. Before they can get very far, Ratan is arrested and convicted for the theft of the diamonds and his wife is left all alone (again).<br /><br />Nahiin:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00063.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Nahiiiin:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00072.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00072.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Years pass, and Sunder grows up to be a petty thief (with a heart of gold, of course), who goes by the name of Shyam (Sunny Deol) and spends much time with his friend Anwar (Tariq), who is something of an aspiring musician. We first meet them in a small pup and learn that they must be good guys as they defend the honour of the proprietor's daughter. Sunder is still determined to avenge his mother. He doesn't remember the killers face but he does remember a rather distinct scar on one of his hands.<br /><br />I like him:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00080.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00080.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Ratan, has been released from jail and acquired a bad wig which reminds me of a poodle, a pair of gloves (which rather puts a spanner in Sunder's great plans of revenge), and two loyal henchmen, who, like him, have been cheated by Balram Singh.<br /><br />This is a much better idea than you might think (though he should have taken an oath not to take them off until he has defeated Balram Singh)<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00088.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The loyal henchmen:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00090.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00090.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Balram Singh has acquired a much less poodle-esque wig, very well dressed and colour-coordinated henchmen and a son.<br /><br />I am sure he could afford more colourful telephones:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00092.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00092.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Next, we meet Ravi (Rajiv Kapoor), who is making his way as a singer under the name of Tony. He and his friend overhear Sunita (Rathi Agnihotri) planning with Monty (Rajendra Nath) to ruin Tony's carreer because he forced a friend of her's to commit suicide by leaving her pregnant and unsupported. Tony is rather puzzled as he has never heard of the girl, and (to his knowledge) never abandoned a pregnant girl-friend. In order to get to the bottom of this mystery he decided to appear in his stage show in a disguise and befriend Sunita under his real name Ravi. This leads into the first musical number, which, like all songs in this movie, suffers somewhat from a differently beautiful set design and too many sequins.<br /><br />Tony and some interesting wallpaper:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00094.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00094.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Eaves-dropping in progress (and two different kinds of wallpaper)<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00096.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00096.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />An exceedingly cunning disguise:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00098.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00098.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Sequins were on special offer:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00103.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00103.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The next morning, Sunita and Ravi (or rather she thinks she is talking to Tony), agree to meet at a hotel that afternoon. The plan is for Tony/Ravi to be beaten up by Monty (I see a fatal flaw here, but Sunita obviously can't) but before this can be put into action, Ravi, in another cunning disguise, eavesdrops (again) on the two, and therefore manages to foil the plan. Sunder and Anwar happen to be in the same place (obviously the place to be). At the same time (and stil in the same hotel), the doctor is trying to arrange the marriage of his daughter, Mala (Jaya Pradha), with Balram Singh's son. Mala has more sense than her father and isn't willing to agree to the match.<br /><br />Oh and look who is working in Sunita's house:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00113.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00113.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />More eaves-dropping in progress:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00117.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00117.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The requisite brothers-unkown-to-each-other meeting:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00120.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00120.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Don't mind me, I will just be angry on my side of the table:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00123.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00123.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00124.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00124.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The prospective groom is called away from the meeting to arrange the delivery of some smuggled gold biscuits (How many calories do those have?) with one of his father's henchmen. This is overheard by Anwar, but also by Ratan. Sunder and Anwar steal the gold biscuits from Balram Singh's men, but they give chase and the two are rescued by Ratan who buys the gold biscuits from them and they continue their flight. This is where things get somewhat convolutied.<br /><br />Multilateral eaves-dropping:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00126.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00126.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00127.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00127.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It's a cute car, but not what I would expect a master criminal to drive:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00133.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00133.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Mala, whose father insists on her marrying Balram Singh's son, decides that she should commit suicide. However, she doesn't finish the huge glass of soluble sleeping tablets and after watching the room spin for a bit, passes out on her bed. Sunder, still escaping from Balram Singh's men, enters her room, drinks the remaining medication, and also passes out on Mala's bed. Her father, checking on Mala, sees the two in the same bed, but by the time he has fetched his gun, Sunder is gone.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00139.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00139.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This might be a bit awkward to explain:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00145.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00145.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The next morning, Balram Singh is getting concerned about the gold biscuits and the general interference of a new person in town on his business. Sunita is planning to use Monty to burn Tony's house down. She discusses this plan with Ravi, who tries to dissuade her from the whole notion that Tony had anything to do with her friend's death. Alas, he is unsuccessful and we get treated to Monty in a sari trying to comit arson. Of course it doesn't work and Ravi and Sunita have to flee from the police (who are actually Ravi's friends) and this leads to the next song, where both leads are very wet.<br /><br />There are things I really didn't need to see:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00157.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00157.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />There are a lot of sparkly lights here, were they on special offer?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00166.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00166.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ravi takes Sunita home, and talks to her at her window, thanks to a conveniently placed ladder. On his way down, he is confronted by Sunita's mother's companion (his mother, only he doesn't know that) who after a brief cross-examination, approves of him.<br /><br />She is really amazingly calm about all this:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00171.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00171.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He appears somewhat less calm:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00172.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00172.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Mala's friend Salma has come up with one of the more crack-potty plans of marriage avoidance: She suggests that, given that an unkown male was spotted in Mala's room, she should claim to be pregnant by him and get engaged to him. The first hurdle, telling Dad, is taken, and now the girls have to find the man in question, especially as they told Mala's father that he is a doctor who went to a conference in Simla (guess where everybody is going to turn up soon). We also learn that Sunder has no idea as to what happened in that night, or how he came to be in Mala's bed.<br /><br />I read this in a romance novel, it must work<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00175.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00175.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He may be a good doctor, but his taste in chandeliers is as brilliant as his taste in sons-in-law:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00177.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00177.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Blissful ignorance:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00180.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00180.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Sunder is therefore not unwilling to believe that he is the father of Mala's baby, even though he isn't best pleased. Meanwhile, somewhere else in the plot, Ratan plans to blow up all of Balram Singh's godowns in a single night. During the resulting chase, Sunder helps Ratan and the bond between them strengthens. Balram is more than a little irritated by this development, but he isn't going to le this stop him from attending the opening of a new hotel in Simla. Ravi and Sunita are going to Simla, too, where she plans to poison Tony with a powder which turns people mute and paralyses them. Since Ravi doesn't seem the self-destruvtive type, I am no too worried. When Ravi mentions during their journey that Tony might be innocent, Sunita reacts badly, and it takes a song and a bus load of schoolchildren, as well as Sunder and Mala, who happen to be passing by, to calm her down.<br /><br /><br />Sunder is taking his new role very seriously:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00210.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00210.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00211.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00211.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />We are here to help with the next song<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00219.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00219.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />This is nothing to worry about<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00217.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00217.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />He looks happy not to dance<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00226.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00226.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Finally, our protagonists make it to the hotel. Mala and Sunder spend the evening discussing child-rearing issues and Sunita continues to plot her revenge. The sleeping arrangements for the night are reassuringly conservative (though one wonders what the point is in Mala and Sunder's case).<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00234.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00234.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />You, too?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00235.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00235.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />The next morning, Sunita continues with her revenge. She feeds the "poison" to Tony (a cunningly disguised Ravi) and he pretends to be poisoned. Sunita leaves satisfied but unfortunately she leaves behind her purse and returns while Tony is transforming into Ravi and explaining the whole plan again. She is livid, and not even the unexpected (and unexplained) appearance of Ravi's father persuades her that Ravi is really a good guy. We also learn that the fayther is a heart patient (whuch is never a good sign).<br /><br /><br />Poisoning in progress<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00238.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00238.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Not a good moment:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00243.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00243.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />All will be well, son:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00248.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00248.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Meanwhile, Sunder's meeting with Mala's father doesn't go well, either. He recognises Sunder as a young man who brought in an injured and pregnant young woman who later killed herself (no other than Sunita's friend), and is, of course, convinced that he must be the child's father. Sunder tries to explain to Mala that he was just helping a stranger, but she doesn't believe him (he has, after all, a habit of turning up in girl's bedrooms).<br /><br /><br />Wait, I can explain:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00255.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00255.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Balram Singh, who is at the same hotel, spots Sunder and asks him to work for him, and Mala and Sunita also meet up and exchange notes about their rubbish boyfriends. This convinces Sunita that Ravi/Tony is innocent and she tries to apologise to him, which involves our next song, thankfully free from flag-waving schoolchildren.<br /><br /><br />This is a somewhat dodgy choice of employer<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00263.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00263.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />At least one misunderstanding in the process of being sorted out:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00271.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00271.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />There is another family reunion in the pipeline as Ratan spots his wife leaving a temple. She is gone before he can approach her and a chat with the priest reveals that she isn't a regular, but he promises to ask her for her address the next time she comes. Mala has met up with Sunita and Ravi, and they have decided to stop jumping to conclusions, and to get to the bottom of the mystery of the abandoner of pregnant girl-friends by asking the friend's mother (finally). She doesn't know the name, but she suggests they have a look at her daughter's paintings, and lo and behold, the identity is revealed (not that it is that much of a surprise to the seasoned movie watcher).<br /><br /><br />Purveyor of useful information<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00277.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00277.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />The mystery solving team<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00280.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00280.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Sunder, meanwhile, is not only working for Balram Singh, but also still in contact with Ratan, though I suspect double-crossing Balram isn't a terribly wise choice. Mala, now convinced that Sunder is a decent guy, and also rather in love with him, tries to repair their relationship and what better way to do that than by pretending to get drunk and be molested by a group of dancers in his (and everybody else's) favourite bar; all of course done as another dance number.<br /><br /><br />To be honest, I got completely side-tracked by the decoration and wallpaper:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00289.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00289.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00292.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00292.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00294.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00294.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Alas, there is bad news for Ravi when he returns from his fact-finding mission: His father has died and he learns that he was adopted which estranged his father from his wife and son who have now returned to claim the property. He learns that he was found near a Tiger's den (you don't say, but apparently we are meant to be surprised) and that he probably belonged to a family which disappeared shortly afterwards. He travels to the area with Sunita, and they find a faithful retainer with a frayed photograph. Sunita recognises her aunt as Ravi's mother. As the priest has also provided Ratan with his wife's address all but one member of the family are soon reunited. Sunder has also learned about the circumstances of Ravi's adoption and worked out who Ravi must be, but he keeps quiet about his part in the story, having decided that he has really no enmity with Ravi but rather with Ravi's father.<br /><br /><br /><br />Oh dear<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00301.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00301.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />You see, it pays never to throw anything out:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00306.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00306.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Partial family reunion:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00314.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00314.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />In the more criminal part of the plot, Ratan and Balram have come to an understanding that Balram can have back his stolen diamonds, as Ratan wants to give up his life of crime and settle down with his family. Ratan's associates don't seem too impressed with this plan.<br /><br /><br />A good boss does the dirty work himself<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00316.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00316.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Plotting?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00317.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00317.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />He must be bad, look at all those bottles:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00318.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00318.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Is his ability to reform suggested by his use of a phonebooth?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00319.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00319.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />What will happen next? Will Ratan be double-crossed by his men? Will Sunder see Ratan's scar and if so, will he learn who Ratan is before he does anything rash? Will there be a big fight at the end? And were the fairy lights on special offer?<br /><br /><br />This is a movie I find extremely enjoyable; lots happens and while much of it is predictable it's never boring, and there are lots of details to enjoy or marvel at. Posiibly not suitable for someone with a severe 80s allergy but definetly one of the better offerings of the decade, late but stll enjoyable masala. And to me proof that the words cute and Sunny Deol can happily coexist in a sentence not involving the word "not".<br /><br />P.S. It's not actually a Hindi movie:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/zabardast/vlcsnap-00001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-4122423880936017232009-10-02T11:16:00.000-07:002009-10-02T11:24:12.437-07:00Bandhan kuchchey dhaagon ka (1983)First, apologies for the prolonged silence. I have been watching lots of movies but wasn't particularly inspired to write about any of them, apart from one, whose subtitled version promptly is stuck somewhere in the mail, and while I am still trying to find the courage to write up Clerk, I came across this 80s-movie starring Shashi Kapoor, and here I am again.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />At the beginning we meet the Kapoor-family, Prem (Shashi Kapoor) and his wife, Bhavna (Rakhee), and their two children. They are all extremely happy, Prem is a successful businessman who when confronted with a young lady willing to enhance her business proposal with some more personal attention make it very clear that he is not at all interested in this sort of thing.<br /><br /><br />The happy couple:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00007.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00007.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />And their cheerful house:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00009.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I am shocked, shocked, I tell you:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00012.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />One day, Prem receives a phonecall from his friend (and requisite comic relief person) Ratan (Deven Verma), who is going to court in an attempt to evict his tenant and her numerous noisy children. Prem quite obviously doesn't want to get involved, but Ratan is very insistent. The reason for this becomes clear when it turns out that Bhavan is the judge presiding over his case.<br /><br /><br />This movie clearly predates mobile phones:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00017.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00017.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />And very stern she appears:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00021.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00021.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Luckily for the tenant, Bhavan is not influenced by her husband's friendship with Ratan, and that evening Prem helps Ratan to drown his misery. The next day is Saturday, and we learn that Saturday is reserved as a special day for husband and wife:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00031.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00031.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />whereas Sunday provides fun and relaxation for the whole family (well, maybe less so for the children):<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00039.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00039.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />So much happiness this early in the movie can't bode well. And indeed, the weekend idyll is interrupted by the arrival of Prakash Dutt (Prem Chopra) who has a letter for Prem. Now, the way he emphasises that this letter is meant for Prem and Prem only, strongly suggests that there is something fishy about it. However, Prem doesn't receive visitors on Sundays, and neither does he deal with any kind of business, so he asks his wife to read the letter to him. It turns out to be a request from a friend of his called Sneh (Zeenat Aman), who urgently needs his help due to unforeseen circumstances. Bhavan is somewhat puzzled as to who this might be, but Prem tells her that they met some years ago in Bombay. Bhavan then encourages him to go and see what Sneh needs him to do (Bhavan might just be too good for this world.)<br /><br /><br />He may be here to spread tidings of gladness and joy; but then again:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00033.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00033.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Just business aquaintances, sure:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00042.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00042.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I told you, just a business aquaintance:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00048.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00048.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />We get a mini-flashback to Sneh and Prem's first meeting, which suggests that they were very friendly with each other and which has an incredibly frustrating (to me) scene.<br /><br /><br />This I do not approve of:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00050.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00050.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Much better:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00053.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00053.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Oh, and you might want a look at Sneh, too:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00057.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00057.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />After some stock footage of a plane, Prem arrives to meet Sneh. Alarm bells begin to ring, as running towards someone in slow motion at the airport is not normal movie behaviour for people who share just a friendly business relationship. After this outburst of enthusiam, the two settle down to a more sedate and rather quite drive home to Sneh's which gives them ample opportunity to remember all about the last time they met.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00072.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00072.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00071.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />This involved a picnic with friends which of course gives us the chance to enjoy our first song. The energetic dancing is interrupted by a sudden downpour which also results in emphasising some of Sneh's natural assets with not entirely unpredictable consequences. Prem had mentioned to Sneh that he is a married man in the conversation preceding the song; but this minor detail seems to have slipped both their minds. The next morning they awake to regrets, but Sneh assures Prem that she won't try to interfere with his marriage as long as he promises to remember her in his moments of loneliness.<br /><br /><br />The past is a country without glasses, but with bad hats:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00075.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00075.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />What are they cooking?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00083.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00083.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />That's a very scenic place you have choosen to be remorseful in:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00110.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00110.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />His and hers matching remorse:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00114.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00114.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00118.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00118.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />On this cheerful note we return to our car journey in the present. That evening, Sneh phones up Bhavna to let her know that her husband has arrived safe and sound, and the two take to each other. Bhavna is very understanding, but she clearly misses her husband, too. The fairly relaxed atmosphere is not going to last very long, as Sneh has some news for Prem, which stuns him but doesn't stun the experienced movie watcher: He has in fact three, and not (as he previously believed) two children. Sneh brought up their son on her own, but she now wants him to get to know his father. Prem is underwhelmed by this development, but she emphasises that she doesn't want him to publicly announce his fatherhood, or leave his wife, she just wants her son to know who his father his (she has a very good reason for this, but the movie takes some time to get there).<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00119.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00119.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />This conversation is surprisingly less awkward and tense than it could be:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00125.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00125.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Poor Bhavna, all in the dark:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00126.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00126.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />How did he not spot the giant picture in the back before?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00134.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00134.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />After some pleading on Sneh's part, Prem agrees to meet his son. For reasons which aren't clear to me (apart from providing some very nice visuals) the first meeting takes place in a church, and father and son instantly like each other. It follows a very nice family bonding song, only slightly spoilt by the niggling question what Bhavna and the children are going to make of it. In the end, all the running around on the beach proves to much for Sneh and she collapses.<br /><br /><br />Nobody can resist the combined power of my red coat and a spiritual environment:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00145.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00145.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Do I detect a hint of symbolism?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00150.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00150.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Hmm, this is all very sweet but it can't end well:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00170.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00170.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />It turns out that Sneh is suffering form stomach cancer, and needs to go to the States for treatment, although the chances of recovery are very slim. She tries to continue to hide the seriousness of her condition form Prem, but her Doctor (Bindu, and no, it really doesn't work) has already told him what is going on. He agrees to look after his son, Bittu, while Sneh is in the States. It is very obvious that she doesn't have much hope of coming back. There is also someone else, who is very interested in her not coming back alive, namely Prakash Dutt, and he bribes a nurse to give her something which will ensure that she dies on the operating table.<br /><br /><br />An unexpected casting choice:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00179.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00179.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />A painful conversation:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00195.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00195.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Oh, he is evil! I would never have guessed:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00203.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00203.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />After taking Sneh to the airport, Prem returns home, taking Bittu with him. On their way home, they meet some friends of Prem's, Mr. And Mrs. Shrivastav, and they remark on Bittu calling Prem Papa, so Bittu suggests that Uncle may be a better form of address for the time being. Bhavan welcomes Bittu with open arms, and the other two kids take to him as well. Bhavan remarks that it is sad that some fathers are just unwilling to take responsible for their children (if only she knew), and Prem begins to show sings of stress, but otherwise things settle down fairly quickly and we have another brief instance of the family bonding song (only with a slightly different set of people).<br /><br /><br />I begin to worry about everyone still being so happy around here:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00228.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00228.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Deceiving my wife is giving me a headache:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00233.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00233.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />And she looks so lovely, strange fashion notwithstanding:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00246.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00246.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Over in the States, a close inspection of a piece of foil reveals that Sneh's chances are not looking good but she takes the news fairly calmly. Prem, on the other hand, is feeling more and more uncomfortable with the situation, but his friend Ratan advises him that it is his duty not to tell his wife about his infidelity, given that at the moment only he is unhappy, if he tells her, they are both going to be unhappy.<br /><br /><br />Honestly, what's going on here:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00239.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00239.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Snuggles, but for how long?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00251.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00251.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I suppose he means well:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00258.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00258.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Before things can get too depressing, there is some good news: Ratan has gotten married, to now other than his tenant with all the noisy kids. As he is careful with money, he and Prem have a joined wedding/wedding anniversary celebration, which of course requires another song, during which Bittu imagines the scene with slightly different protagonists.<br /><br /><br />One happy couple:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00265.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00265.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Another happy couple:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00292.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00292.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />That's one happy couple too many:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00291.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00291.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Meanwhile, in the States, it turns out that Sneh's operation is possible after all, and after some rather gruesome pictures of her (or at leas somebody's) innards (honestly, don't watch this while eating); she is on the way to recovery. This joyful news inspires a bout of dangerous driving on Prem's part which sends some fluffy chickens flying. The only person not happy about this development is Prakash, who had designs on Sneh's wealth after her death. He now decides that blackmailing Prem may be the way forward.<br /><br /><br />Thoughtful:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00297.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00297.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I am sure this scene was entirely necessary:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00308.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00308.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />What evil plot can I come up with next?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00318.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00318.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />A spot of blackmail, perhaps?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00321.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00321.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I don't think so:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00322.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00322.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />However, this plan backfires quite badly. So, what will Prakash come up with next? Will Bhavna ever find out who Bittu is? What's going on here?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00368.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00368.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />And who has died?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00397.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00397.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />How very appropriate:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00396.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00396.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />To me, this was an okay movie. It has lots of things I like, especially in the non-teenage romance department, and in the non-judgemental manner in which the affair is handled, (and all the eyecandy it provided for me), however, the whole sub-plot concerning Prakash and its sudden violent turn somehow seemed unnecessary and out of place. I would have liked it a lot better, if it had just focused on the two (or is that 1 1/2 ?) couples dealing with the consequences of Prem's infedility. The songs are okay and there is a lot of peculiar fashion on show. All in all, an okay movie, definetely worth a watch for the devoted Shashi-fan, and nothing to be avoided by other people if they have a spare evening.<br /><br /><br /><br />Gratuitous Shashi-pictures (rather a lot of them, I am afraid):<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00016.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00016.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00041.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00041.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00056.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00056.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00065.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00065.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00080.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00080.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00078.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00078.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00112.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00112.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00115.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00115.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00117.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00117.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00120.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00120.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00132.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00132.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00135.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00135.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00136.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00136.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00143.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00143.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00148.jpg" target="_blank"><img 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src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00411.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00414.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00414.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00422.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/bandhan%20kuchchey%20dhaagon%20ka/vlcsnap-00422.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-12894315119635457242009-08-08T15:14:00.000-07:002009-08-08T15:19:55.210-07:00Raaz (1967)Raaz is a movie that sounds very good on paper; an appealing cast including Rajesh Khanna, Babita and a host of other people whose name I can't remember but whose faces seem familiar, a mysterious story of a young man haunted by extremely precise dreams of places he has never seen, and lots of nice music. Alas, it doesn't live up to its promise. Having said that, the start is quite promising. One stormy night, a masked man with piercing eyes kills a father in front of his baby daughter.<br /><br />Oh no!<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00008.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />The first "Nahin" and we aren't even five minutes into the movie:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00006.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00006.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />A woman, presumable the wife of the deceased, is then abducted and we continue with the luridly coloured title sequence, which has extra special sound effects when the names of the two leads are shown.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00010.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00010.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Before the suspense of what the opening sequence was all about can do bad things to our blood-pressure, we meet the lady and the murderer again, this time aged by about twenty years and in a dungeon. Apparently, he, Sakar Nath, killed his brothers and abducted his sister-in-law, Paro, to punish her for not marrying him, even though he loved her. He has since brought up her daughter as his own, and she is now singing in hopeless longing for her dead lover (there is a strong implication that the cause of death wasn't natural). Paro is shocked, and with that the scene changes to a young man's bedroom whose dreams are haunted by the same song.</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Aah, family, one can't live with them, one frequently gets murdered by them:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00013.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00013.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The mysterious dreamer:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00014.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00014.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The dream appears to take a turn for a worse and the sleeper wakes with a start. He gets up and goes to another room to look at some paintings. According to his best friend, the comic relief for the movie and purveyor of helpful exposition, Rocky, he paints what he sees in his dreams, including an extremely detailed picture of a railway station in India complete with the name on the sigen (how helpful), which is particularly strange, as they live in Africa and Kumar, for that is the young man's name has, to his friends knowledge, never been in India.</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I rather like the lampshade:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00016.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00016.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Don't worry, maybe your next dream will reveal the timetable:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00019.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00019.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00020.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00020.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In order to get to the bottom of these disturbing dreams, the two young men decide to travel to India. They arrive late at the railway station in question, which appears to be deserted. Rocky goes to luck for transport to the town, while Kumar goes to speak to the stationmaster who is reading a significant looking book:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00028.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00028.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">and who also addresses Kumar by name. Meanwhile, Rocky has found transport but when the driver sees Kumar, he is shocked and runs away. Again, the film-maker is very concerned about the negative results of unnecessary stress, so we are told straight away why he is so shocked: he actually witnessed Kumar (or somebody looking exactly like Kumar) being killed and buried. Of course, not knowing the identity of the murderer would be bad for the viewers health, too, so he is revealed as Sakar Nath (now, there is a surprise)</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Oh no!</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00032.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00032.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I am not sure this is the correct way of going about a mud bath:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00037.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00037.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Luckily, the next driver is not a murder witness, so they make their way to a local dak bungalow, where they hope to be able to stay for the night. However, the gate keeper refuses to let them in, as he is afraid of Sakar Nath. Assorted townspeople react shocked to Kumar's arrival, until an elderly gentleman of eccentric appearance takes them home and offers them a bed for the night. He, too, addresses Kumar by name and acts as if he knows him, but encourages him to follow the path of true love while Sakar Nath is away. Rocky is rather puzzled by it all and begins to doubt his friends assertion that he has never been here before. He points out that he was gone for four month hunting in Africa, but Kumar insists that this is his first visit to this part of the world.</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">No room at the Inn:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00042.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00042.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">More shock!</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00045.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00045.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Dedication to recycling should probably stop at using your couch covers to make suits:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00048.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00048.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Before long, the mysterious song is heard again and our host encourages Kumar to follow the voice, but Rocky has to stay behind. Following the voice involves walking a lot through prettily spread out fog. He spots a misty figure in the distance but returns home, before he establishes contact with her. In the same night, somebody comes through is window but is disturbed, and leaves, dropping a knife in the process. Surprisingly, this appearance is not immediately explained.</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Listening very hard:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00051.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00051.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">On the road of true love, is twirly fog one up from soft-focus?</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00054.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00054.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Oh, a mysterious woman in white:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00061.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Creepy, though I am not sure a white shirt was a wise choice for this undertaking</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00064.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00064.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The next day starts with some light comic relief, when two local girls come looking for Kumar babu and instead have to deal with Rocky. This ought of the way, we catch up with Kumar who for some reason is wandering around a mine. The overseer is (for a change) not shocked at seeing him, though everybody else is, but very irate and starts threatening Kumar and beats him up rather badly. Given that it is very early in the movie, and we already had one burial of the main character, I fail to be overly worried. He is rescued by one of the local girls, Indu, and she takes him home and patches him up, saying that he rescued her from some unwanted advances, and is therefore grateful to him. This leads to more puzzlement on Kumar's part.</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The (presumably evil) overseer:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00073.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00073.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Our confused hero:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00074.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00074.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00078.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00078.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Meanwhile, the overseer, Thakur Singh, has come home and tells his father about having beaten up Kumar. As he is rather drunk, his father assumes that he must have been imagining things, but he doesn't explain why he is so unwilling to believe that Kumar was at the mine that day. Kumar, on the other hand is drawn out of the house again by the mysterious singing, and this time he meets the singer, a very pretty young lady, who looks a bit like a refugee from a Victorian romance and is most distressed when she realises that he has no idea who she is. However, this does not stop her from launching into the first song of the movie.</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">More puzzlement is being caused:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00085.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00085.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This is my thoughtful pose:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00088.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">She is very happy to see him:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00091.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00091.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He is confused:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00092.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00092.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">When even the song fails to help him recognise her, she tells him how they met. Their first meeting wasn't entirely auspicious, as she was pretending to be in danger in the jungle, and when he told her off for fooling him, the eccentric gentleman told him off for bothering a young girl. However, the next day, she sees him (in a very unflattering hat) defending the workers rights in the mines and is very impressed. This leads us to another song, in which Babita looks really lovely.</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Apparently, grass was much greener in the past:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00103.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00103.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">How dare you wear a hat that is brighter than my shirt:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00108.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00108.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Woohee, I am so happy:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00112.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00112.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00113.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00113.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00116.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00116.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Their love story proceeds not hindered by the fact that Sakar Nath as Kumar's both is unhappy with his behaviour towards Thakur Singh nor by the sudden and unexpected appearance of snow, and is celebrated by another song. Alas, Thakur Singh spots them frolicing in the very green grass and reports back to Sakar Nath, who locks his daughter in her room causing much distress both to her and to Kumar.</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This doesn't bode will for a closer relationship in the future:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00119.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00119.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Snow, and so pretty:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00122.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00122.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Alas, they are less alone than they assume:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00125.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00125.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">A pink peeping Tom:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00132.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00132.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">His and her matching pining:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00138.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00138.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00139.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00139.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">So much emotional distress of course needs to be expressed in yet another song (even my tolerance of frequently occuring songs is tested by now) and the two lovers meet at the end, only to be surprised by her father, who whips Kumar (showing me more of Rajesh Khanna than I wanted to see). He is taken home by the cart-driver (who is soon to become the murder witness, or so one assumes) and nursed by Indu and her sister. However, his recovery is very slow, and he only regains consciousness when Sapna who has run away from home, comes to see him. Unfortunately, her father has followed her and it comes to another confrontation with Kumar at the end of which he appears to agree to them getting married.</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Calling out for his beloved:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00145.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00145.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">With success:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00147.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00147.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Oh dear:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00150.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00150.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The best medicine:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00162.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00162.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I wouldn't trust him:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00166.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00166.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">With this, we come back to the present day, where Kumar remains extremely puzzled, as he doesn't remember any of the events he has just been told about. He goes back home where we are treated to another comic relief interlude. Kumar goes out again, and after scaring the poor cart driver yet again, is almost shot by Rocky, who is gone hunting with their host and appears to have borrowed one of the latter's suits.</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">He is getting the hang of being puzzled:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00172.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00172.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00178.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00178.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Unfortunately, this isn't my reaction anywhere in the movie:</p><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00181.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00181.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Bad fashion sense seems to be infectious:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00185.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00185.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">That night Rocky, who is frustrated with his lack of success with the ladies, decides to dress up as Kumar to see whether this will lead to more success. At the same time, Indu learns that some goons plan to kill Kumar in an abandoned temple, where he is meant to have an assignation with Sapna. Rocky turns up in the same temple, and is attacked by a group of people disguised as statued, while he sings a male rip-off of Pyaar karna darna kya which is about as absurd as it sounds and can be easily found on youtube.</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This was unexpected:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00197.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00197.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00206.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00206.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The result of all this is that Indu is now smitten with Rocky; and that Rocky raises again the four month spend hunting, and when Kumar tries to show him his diary to proof that he was indeed in Africa, it turns out that the relevant pages are missing. Kumar meets with Sapna once more and they sing another song. There is also news, that Sakar Nath has finally returned home, and Kumar is encouraged to leave town. Before anything in that direction can happen, we are treated to another song featuring Indu and Rocky in their wedding night.</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The poor book:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00214.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00214.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00217.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00217.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The present really is quite foggy:</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00226.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00226.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This falls firmly under the heading “Songs the world doesn't need”</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00238.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00238.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Kumar refuses to leave, and Sakar Nath is somewhat puzzled by the insistence of everybody around him, that Kumar has returned. He is fairly convinced that he buried him in the particularly inconspicuous place.</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00260.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00260.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">What will happen next? Will Kumar ever find out that people think he is dead? Is anybody buried under all those white flowers? Will true love triumph? Who is the mystery stalker? And who is burning down the palace?</p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00286.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Raaz/vlcsnap-00286.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Honestly, if you aren't on a quest to watch all movies of one of the people involved in this; don't watch it. It's very irritating because the story could have had potential, if the writer hadn't insisted on telling us almost everything two minutes after something mildly mysterious happened, and then to pad out the lack of plot with a felt 146 songs. I like songs, I don't mind lots of songs, but this was pushing even me over the edge. No more singing! That said, the songs which don't involve Rocky are very nice, and may be pleasant to watch on their own, when they don't slow down the hardly-existent plot even more. Especially the one with Babita freshly in love is so much fun, and it might even have a rare appearance of her own hair. In some ways, it does take real talent to use a plot with that much potential and turn it into something this boring, however, it does not make for a pleasant viewing experience.<br /></p>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-7370969212354487182009-08-01T01:18:00.000-07:002009-08-02T01:39:00.425-07:00Pyaar ki jeet (1987)Whereas Pighalta Aasman felt like a romance novel, Pyaar ki jeet is very much a condensed version of a soap opera. We begin the story at Dr. Kumar's hospital. He is a successful surgeon, and he is also very clearly of the opinion that medicine should pay and therefore unwilling to treat people who can't pay his full fees. He is good friends with a minister and his son, Anand, (Vinod Mehra) who just finished his medical studies. His father is planning to built a hospital for him, but while the building work is going on, he plans to send him to a small village where Dr. Rehman (Shashi Kapoor) is working, so he can buy a formula from him. Though Dr. Kumar and Dr. Rehman studied together (the creaking sound you hear is my disbelief suspender trying to cope with the strain), they went very different ways, and Dr. Rehman dedicated his live to serving the poor and now lives in a village, being himself not very well off, although he is highly qualified and has several degrees from abroad. Dr. Kumar thinks that Dr. Rehman could do with tightening a couple of screws.<br /><br />They are such good friends:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00003.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They even have the same coffee set:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00004.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00004.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Dr. Anand<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00005.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00005.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We first meet Dr. Rehman while he is attempting to repair his bicycle. His trusty servant/practice nurse/loyal retainer/general dogsbody is not only our comic relief for his movie but also provides useful exposition if necessary, so we learn that Dr. Rehman is looking for a sucessor, mainly because he is suffering from a heart condition, but he is finding it very difficult to find someone to come and work in this remote village. So, when Anand turns up and tells the locals that he is a doctor and looking for Dr. Rehman, it is only natural (well, sort of) that everybody assumes that he has come to be Dr. Rehman's successor. Everbody is terribly happy about his arrival and any attempts to clear up the misunderstanding are brushed away.<br /><br />Dr. Rehman (and his bicycle)<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00012.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The first meeting:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00014.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00014.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am sure he wasn't expecting that:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00019.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00019.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The next morning, while accompanying Dr. Rehman on his round through the village, Anand again tries to clarify the misunderstanding, but alas, he doesn't manage to get a work in edgeways. In the end, Anand resort to writing a very strongly worded letter, saying that he isn't an idiot like Dr. Rehman to spend his entire life in a village in the middle of nowhere, he is just here to buy the formula. However, when he goes over to the doctor's house to place the letter on the hall table, he finds Dr. Rehman collapsed on the floor, as he has suffered an attack of his heart condition and had (as heart patients have a tendency to do (at least in the movies)) placed his medication in a particularily inaccessible place.<br /><br />Determined letter writing:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00027.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00027.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,0,0" id="bug_55744_mome_home_toolbox_uk_90.swf" data="http://aka.weightwatchers.co.uk/images/2057/dynamic/GCMSImages/bug_55744_mome_home_toolbox_uk_90.swf?fpURL=http://aka.weightwatchers.co.uk/&fpURLValue=http://aka.weightwatchers.co.uk&CMSDataValue=/images/2057/dynamic/GCMSImages/&filename=bug_55744_mome_home_toolbox_uk_90.swf&signupdomain=https://www.weightwatchers.co.uk/" width="222" align="" height="186"> <param name="movie" value="http://aka.weightwatchers.co.uk/images/2057/dynamic/GCMSImages/bug_55744_mome_home_toolbox_uk_90.swf?fpURL=http://aka.weightwatchers.co.uk/&fpURLValue=http://aka.weightwatchers.co.uk&CMSDataValue=/images/2057/dynamic/GCMSImages/&filename=bug_55744_mome_home_toolbox_uk_90.swf&signupdomain=https://www.weightwatchers.co.uk/"> <param name="quality" value="high"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <embed src="http://aka.weightwatchers.co.uk/images/2057/dynamic/GCMSImages/bug_55744_mome_home_toolbox_uk_90.swf?fpURL=http://aka.weightwatchers.co.uk/&fpURLValue=http://aka.weightwatchers.co.uk&CMSDataValue=/images/2057/dynamic/GCMSImages/&filename=bug_55744_mome_home_toolbox_uk_90.swf&signupdomain=https://www.weightwatchers.co.uk/" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" swliveconnect="FALSE" name="bug_55744_mome_home_toolbox_uk_90.swf" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="222" align="" height="186"></embed> </object><br /><br />Early movie happiness doesn't bode well even for middle-aged doctors:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00028.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00028.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Anand to the rescue:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00032.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00032.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00041.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00041.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After Anand has sorted the medical side of things and helped Dr. Rehman back to his bed, the two have a conversation at the end of which Anand makes up his mind to stay and work in the village at least for the time being. Shortly afterwards, the tranquillity of village life is disrupted by the arrival of Sohni (Rekha).<br /><br />Half the men in the village are very happy to see her, while the women are distinctly underwhelmed (and the other half of the men is on the Committee for prevention of moral corruption). There is a strong implication that she is a woman of loose morals. Sohni announces her arrival by means of a song.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00052.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00052.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />However, her arrival ends with her having a stone thrown at her, but who should come t oher rescue by Dr. Anand. Sohni is immediately smitten, the doctor is less convinced.<br /><br />She appears to have taken a liking to you:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00057.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00057.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Subtelty isn't her strong suit:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00058.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00058.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Over the next days Dr. Anand has to fend of various advances by Sohni. He isn't terribly successful, especially since he does come to her aid when the village women are nasty to her at the well which only serves to convince her further that he is interested in her. Her plans include: dressing demurely (though that doesn't last very long, mainly because she is offended because Dr. Anand doesn't notice), pretending to have been bitten by a snake, and in the end she comes with a wedding procession to fetch him which leads to another song:<br /><br />Plan A:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00078.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00078.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Plan B:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00089.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00089.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dr. Rehman dispenses relationship advice:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00082.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00082.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now, this is what I would call determination:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00121.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00121.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I don't think he stands a chance:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00122.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00122.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In between we learn that the local Thakur is very interested in Sohni, but she isn't interested in him at all. Sohni also attempts to buy food for an elderly couple who have lost their son, but the wife doesn't want to take her money, so she gets Dr. Rehman to act as a go-between. We also learn that Dr. Rehman's payments very rarely involve money.<br /><br />I think there is a considerably probability that he is evil:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00085.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00085.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />That's not a bag of money (alas)<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00103.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00103.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Sohni's attempts to come closer to Dr. Anand have gotten her into trouble with the village council. It is pretty clear that the only person who is on her side is Dr. Rehman; everybody else doubts her morals and is unwilling to listen to her defence (and she is silent on one crucial point, namely how she earns her money in the city). Nevertheless, they can't force her to leave the village.<br /><br />The decision-makers:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00133.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00133.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Zooni is many things but not defenseless:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00138.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00138.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The next day, Sohni comes again to see Dr. Anand, and he brushes her off again. However, when he complains about her to Dr. Rehman, Dr. Rehman fills him in on Sohni's tragic background (you didn't think she would have no tragic background, did you). She was abducted on her wedding day! By Dacoits! Her father had testified against their leader's brother in court. He is killed during the abduction and when the dacoits are arrested and Sohni is returned to her in-laws the next day, they refuse to take her in as they assume that she must have been raped. She protests that no such thing happen, but the chief dacoit confirms that she was raped, although she wasn't, because he wants to ruin her life even further and has nothing to loose. Her future husband then tried to rape her (charming individual, isn't he) but when the matter is taken to the village council he claims that she was trying to take advantage of him. Again, Dr. Rehman is the only person who believes her, and when her claim is rejected, she turned into the wild girl she is now.<br /><br />The blushing bride:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00149.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00149.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Of course, I would trust him rather than my daughter-in-law:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00161.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00161.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />If you think I am wild; I will show you wild:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00174.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00174.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Shortly after Dr. Anand has been apprised of these facts, Sohniencounters the Thakur once more. He offers her a lot of money, if she spends the night with him, but she tells him that she doesn't need his money, and should she ever need it she will come to him on her own account. (Of course there is no way this could become important later). She also asks Dr. Rehman for relationship advise, and he says that maybe sorting out things with the village council might help her in her pursuit of Dr. Anand. However, before she can get very far, Dr. Anand's father turns up. He is worried by his son's long absence and concerned that he may have been enticed by Dr. Rehman's lofty (and economically non-viable) ideals. The two have a long discussion which culminated in an impassioned defense of his choices by Dr. Rehman, who thinks that for the pursuit of economic success a textile mill might be more appropriate than a Doctor's practice.<br /><br />Dispensing sage advice:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00186.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00186.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Not seeing eye to eye:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00197.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00197.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dr. Anand is taken back to the city by his father, who throws a party in honour of his return. Sohni has followed him, and when he isn't particularly welcoming (which really shouldn't come as a great surprise to her), she gate-crashes the party in the guise of a dancer and we get another song. Anand then tries to drive her back to the village, but on the way they encounter a couple who have been involved in an accident. Anand tries to rescue the husbands wife with an emergency operation carried out there and then but the patient dies. His widow regards Anand as her husband's murderer and the whole matter ends up in court.<br /><br />My poor eyes; so much sparkle:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00217.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00217.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He still isn't particularly impressed:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00220.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00220.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Bad ideas I had today:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00224.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00224.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While Dr. Kumar seems to be mainly concerned about what this whole court-case is costing him (well, he is nothing if not consistent), Dr. Reham manages to convince the court that Dr. Anand isn't a murdered by (yet another) impassioned speech. There is also a quick reminder that Dr. Rehman isn't a healthy man as all this excitement isn't good for his heart.<br /><br />A knight in tweed and bow-tie:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00239.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00239.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She may be causing a lot of trouble, but she is very pretty:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00250.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00250.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />These events also have convinced Dr. Anand that maybe his father's focus on making money isn't the best way forward and he decides to return to the village. His father is so unhappy with this decision that he breaks off all relations with his son; for him his son is dead (now, what are the odds that Dr. Anand will require a substantial amount of money urgently in the next twenty minutes or so). Sohni, on the other hand, is very happy about Dr. Anand's return, and he can only get her out of the house after he has assured her that it doesn't need cleaning, nor do his clothes, and all his buttons are present and accounted for. She isn't deterred and returns again and again, even spending a day standing in the rain when Anand tells her to wait outside, but he doesn't warm towards her.<br /><br />Oh, the drama:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00264.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00264.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Andand is really amazingly resistant to her charmes:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00271.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00271.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />More resistance:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00277.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00277.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After a brief (and rather screechy) comic interlude involving Sohni getting drunk, and Dr. Rehman finding out how Sohni earns her money and why she isn't telling anybody what she does, the Thakur, who has heard of Dr. Anand's interest, sends some of his ruffians to deal with the competition. The come across Sohni who beats them up single-handedly but is injured in the process. This, finally, makes Dr. Anand realise that he loves her, regardless of her bad reputation, and the two expresss their newfound happiness in a song involving large butterflies.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00328.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00328.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />However, can their way to a happy future really be that simple? What misfortune will befall them next? Will the Thakur let Sohni go this easily? Will Dr. Anand's father agree to their marriage? And most importantly, can Dr. Rehman's heart withstand any further excitement.<br /><br />This is one of these movies which has enough plot for three or a several month long TV-series. I found it fun to watch, especially since I found Dr. Rehman very adorable (and he has plenty of screen-time), and it is entertaining to try and predict what is going to happen next. Rekha was good as Sohni, and I liked the fact that she was never transformed into a demure heroine who lets the hero do all the fighting. Vinod Mehra didn't impress me, however, this was my first movie with him, so I am reserving judgement; and he was okay (ish) as a straight-laced doctor. All in all, it's solid entertainment of the cheesy variety. There is a message about medicine and money-making in there, too, but it isn't rammed down one's throat (too much) and garnished with so much other stuff that the movie doesn't feel too preachy. And because I liked Dr. Rehman, there are:<br /><br /><br />Gratuitous Shashi pictures:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00016.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00016.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00015.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00037.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00037.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00039.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00039.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00061.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00065.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00065.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00146.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00146.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00190.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00190.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00197.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00197.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00244.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00244.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00302.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00302.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00306.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00306.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00337.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/payr%20ki%20jeet/vlcsnap-00337.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-25733193874743611322009-07-15T00:22:00.000-07:002009-07-15T00:34:17.671-07:00Pighalta Aasman (1985)Pighalta Aasman (1985) has all the charm of a Harlequin romance (and that isn't a bad thing). We start with a lady (Rati Aghnihotri), obviously meant to be older as she wears huge glasses and has tastefully sprayed on grey hair, receiving a telegram that her book has been published. Before we even know her name she starts reminiscing about the story. An undetermined number of years ago, she worked as a secretary (then without glasses and grey hair) for a rich businesswoman (Rakhee). Anu tells us, that her employer is very proud and not too fond of men, as she is convinced that they are all faithless, while she herself spend her spare time writing about an as yet unfinished story. After the credit sequence, we learn that Aarti's unmarried state deeply disturbs her aunt, as, of course, a woman's life is unfulfilled until she is married.<br /><br />Meet the family:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00012.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Anu may be keeping a romantic secret:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00008.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />As the day of Aarti's company's annual function draws close, she is asked to participate in a song-contest. Before the contest, Anu probes Aarti some more on the topic of marriage, and it turns out that her father, who was very proud, always refused any proposals, as he considered all suitors beneath him and his daughter, and some of this attitude has rubbed off. In the song contest, Anu defends love, while Aarti proclaims that love can only lead to unhappiness as men are always unfaithful. Anu lets Aarti win, but Aarti knows full well what Anu has done. <br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00021.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00021.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00025.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00025.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Aarti has also business interests in Kashmir, and one day she learns that there are some problems with a field, which belongs to her but has been used by a person named Suraj for years, though her father may have given permission for it to be used. Aarti has no idea who Suraj is, but luckily, her aunt is fully informed: Suraj's father and Aarti's father were best friends. They married on the same day, and their wives' gave birth on the same day. Unfortunately, Aarti's mother died in childbirth, and her father, at loss what to do with the infant, left her with his best friend's family while he went of to Dehli to make money. Suraj's father is already dreaming of getting the kids married to each other (as you do).<br /><br />It's not going to last:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00031.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00031.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00042.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00042.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />Years passed, and one day Aarti's father returned, now very wealthy, to collect his daughter. Suraj's parents are naturally not very keen on letting her go, but Aarti's father insists and seems to have acquired more than his fair share of arrogance with his wealth, insulting his former best friend quite badly. We also learn that Aarti suffers from the same illness as her mother, and that upsets of any kind lead to a fever, but her father points out that he has the money to get her treated and takes her away. Suraj's mother asks the aunt (who actually is her aunt) to go with Aarti, so the poor thing won't be all on her own. Suraj's father died a couple of years later, heartbroken by how his friend had treated him.<br /><br />Oh dear:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00055.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00053.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />However, all the money in the world could not cure Aarti from her illness, of which she got an attack after being taken away from her family. We get treated to the very silly visuals used to indicate that she is having an attack of rheumatic fever:<br /><br />Because people just talking about it wouldn't have had enough impact?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00060.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00060.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We return to the present, and are introduced to Suraj, who looks just like his father, (which is all right with me), just without the beard and the glasses (which is kind of a shame because I liked the beard and the glasses). He has received a legal notice from Aarti's solicitor and isn't exactly happy about it, but his mother is really upset, murmuring things about like father, like daughter.<br /><br />Hello!<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00065.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00065.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Mother and son:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00068.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00068.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Aarti has arrived in Kashmir. As she is driving along she finds her road blocked by a motorcyclist (any guesses who said might be?), her car then sprays him with dirt, he forces her to stop the car and they proceed to have on of these fights which clearly indicate that the two participants are meant for each other. When Aarti arrives at her factory, one of the machines isn't working. She is clearly underwhelmed by this, and not much better pleased when it turns out that the person who fixed the machine much earlier than expected is no other than the offending motorcyclist. Suraj decides to hide his identity and tell her that he is called Badal, and is a good friend of Suraj. Suraj actually has a friend called Badal, who works with him in their electronic goods shop (though it later would seem that Suraj has an engineering firm of some description, and now, I am not really sure why he is repairing random machinery for Aarti's company either), and who is our requisite comic side kick. He is mildly comic (and only appears in very small doses, which helps).<br /><br />A match made in heaven:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00078.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00078.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Not love at second sight either:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00088.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ah, I suppose there was no way around you:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00094.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00094.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Personally, I would recommend some gloves:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00091.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00091.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Over the next days/weeks/month (I am not sure, the weather is extremely variable), Aarti and "Badal" keep bumping into each other (not literrally) and having disagreements about the merits of Suraj's character. It also becomes more and more obvious that Aarti is rather fascinated by her new acquaintance and that he likes her, too. Back at home, his mother is complaining that Aarti hasn't been to visit them yet.<br /><br />Sometimes on horseback:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00103.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00103.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Sometimes in restaurants:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00106.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00106.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This looks good:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00110.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00110.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Aarti, on the other hand, would quite like to meet Suraj in person to sort out the court case, so she goes to his house. Nobody is home, apart from Badal (not "Badal"), who claims to be Suraj. However, Aarti isn't a successful businesswoman for nothing (and there are also large pictures of Suraj and his father dotted around the living room), so she works out what has been going on. She leaves without meeting the other members of the family. The next time she meets "Badal" she provokes him into admitting that he is actually Suraj by being very uncooperative about the court case. Once the identity-issue has been cleared up, Aarti expresses her feelings for Suraj in a song which involves running in slow motion, soft focus, and superimposed images of the beloved.<br /><br />If you look really hard, you may spot some subtle clues:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00123.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00123.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Alas, a sign of things to come:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00136.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00136.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It must be true love then:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00140.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00140.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and the snow is back:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00144.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00144.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />well, temporarily:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00147.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00147.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This jumper-thing, does it run in the family then?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00141.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00141.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, the romance is cut short by a phone-call from Anu (remember her?), who reminds Aarti that there is work waiting for her back home. Aarti isn't to happy about the separation, but Suraj assures her that he is going to come to see her as soon as his work allows him to do so. It seems that Aarti's resistance to love and men has been summarily overcome. <br /><br />Hi!<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00152.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00152.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Sooo cute<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00157.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00157.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Back at home, Aarti tells Anu all about the recent developments and also asks her to tell her about Anu's own love story. We are then treated to a flashback, as Anu remembers her first meeting with her lover. He charmed her by driving his motorcycle all over the sari she had spread out do dry on the lawn, as he came to visit her father, a retired teacher, because he had just passed his engineering degree. Several meetings later, Anu is proud owner of a red rose and thoroughly charmed. However, he has to leave for a while, which gives Anu the and when he returns, Anu has lost her father<br /><br />Oops<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00164.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00164.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I suspect this doesn't mean what you think it means:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00173.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00173.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />One brave woman:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00173.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00180.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Suraj feels responsible for Anu and takes her home. His mother isn't very impressed by this. She wants him to marry a rich girl who will bring lots of dowry so he has a financial safety net, if times should get difficult. Suraj doesn't want to get married yet, and he makes it very clear that he feels only compassion for Anu and has no intention to get married to her. Anu, who has overheard the conversaion, decides to leave the house and goes to Dehli. <br /><br />This is my “ I don't want to get married” face:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00191.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00191.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is my “He doesn't want to marry me” face:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00193.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00193.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />While Aarti expresses surprise, that their men share the same name, neither of the two realises (yet) that there is actually only one Suraj. This does seem a bit odd, given that Anu presumably knows where in Kashmir Aarti went. Before long, Suraj announces that he is going to come and visit Aarti. Unfortunately, the great joy of this news brings on another bout of Aarti's fever and she decides to spend some days in a nursing home, rather than having Suraj see her in her illness. She asks Anu to look after Suraj till she is well again.<br /><br />Suraj is more than a little surprised to find Anu at Aarti's house. He is als relieved, as he was quite worried about her sudden disappearance, and clearly completely clueless as to her reasons for leaving. The two settle quickly into an easy and friendly relationship. However, Aarti, who makes frequent check-up phonecalls, isn't too happy that Suraj spends so much time with Anu and in the end tells Anu to tell him that she is in a nursing home. Anu also asks Suraj not to tell Aarti that they have known each other earlier.<br /><br />Any initial awkwardness<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00208.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00208.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />is quickly overcome:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00215.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00215.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Poor Aarti seems to spend most of her time on the phone:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00219.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00219.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />A habit which is also adopted by Anu:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00221.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00221.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and Suraj:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00222.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00222.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br /><br />A rather worried Suraj comes to see her the next day, but is soon convinced that there is nothing seriously wrong with her, and the two celebrate their love in another song. However, their happiness is only short-lived, as Aarti becomes very jealous one evening when a dinner guest is being overly friendly with Suraj. They have a fight which involves both parties smashing some rather pretty plates. Suraj, however, manages to convince her that she is overly suspicious. Unfortunately, realising Aarti's suspicious nature, doesn't make him break off his friendly relations with Anu who he clearly regards as a little sister.<br /><br />Angry stares contest:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00244.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00244.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00245.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00245.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Aaah:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00248.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00248.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />What will happen when Aarti finds out, that Anu and Suraj actually knew each other beforehand? Will she be able to trust the man she loves, or will her natural suspicion take over? How will Anu react when Aarti confronts her with the truth? And will Suraj get any say in the matter of who of the two he is meant to marry?<br /><br />And will the protagonists overcome their tragic phone adiction?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00306.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00306.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I do not have a problem with phones:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00325.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00325.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is a very straightfoward movie, concentrating on the three main protagonists and their conflict. As I said at the beginning, it feels very much like a Harlequine romance and I wonder whether it is actually based on a novel of some sort. It's very nice to have people falling in love, who aren't teenagers and refreshingly, there are no random fight scenes. All in all a very pleasant movie.<br /><br />Gratuitous Shashi pictures:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00047.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00047.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00053.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00053.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00173.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00185.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00199.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00199.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00227.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00227.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00330.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00330.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00334.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00334.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00336.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00336.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00337.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00337.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00237.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00237.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00239.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00239.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />And one very tasteful ashtray:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00321.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pighalta%20aasman/vlcsnap-00321.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-70044639503414707632009-06-27T05:43:00.000-07:002009-06-27T05:47:07.562-07:00Uran Khatola (1955)Apologies for the even longer than usual gap between posts. It's mainly due to holidays; mine (which were excellent) and other people's (which mean that I have to spend more time at work and less time watching movies).<br /><br />Uran Khatola starts in a very promising fashion with a disclaimer:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Though I would rather fancy a country where this is a common mode of transport:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After a lovingly hand-crafted title sequence we are dropped right in the middle of what turns out not to be the plot, but the framing narrative. There is a stormy night and a ship in distress, and when the next day dawns, there is a sole survivor (who rather looks like he has escaped from a silent movie) stranded in a remote place with a wild forest inhabited by all sorts of unpleasant creatures. He is therefore relieved when he notices a house on the horizon, even though it doesn't look like the most inviting of places. As he approaches the house, he hears some ethereal music. Unfortunately, the subtitles are less than poetic.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00015.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The print of my Dvd wasn't great, so the pictures are somewhat on the obscure side.<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00012.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Well, I suppose it beats spending the night with the snakes in the forest:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00014.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00014.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Inside he finds an elderly man (Dilip Kumar), who, while not talkative, gives him persmission to stay the night (which seems to have fallen rather quickly). The room gets to stay in is somewhat less than inviting, but our intrepid traveller nevertheless tries to settle down to sleep. However, before long, the ethereal singing starts again, and when he gets up to investigate he is confronted with a heavenly vision.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00023.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00023.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I think she is stunning and beautiful:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00025.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00025.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He seems to find her rather scary:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00022.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00022.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />When the apparition notices the traveller, she hastily leaves, much to the distress of the elderly owner of the house. The traveller, not unreasonable asks for an explanation; and his host, abandoning his silent ways (and a good thing he does, too, otherwise we would have a distinct lack of plot), recounts a tale which takes most of the remainder of the movie.<br /><br />Once he starts talking, he isn't easily stopped:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00030.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00030.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Several decades earlier, he was traveling in a plane across a remote country when his plane met with an accident:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00035.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00035.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before this dramatic occurrence the arrival of the plane was greeted by a group of young women on horseback led by Soni (Nimmi) riding in a chariot with a very bouncy and cheerful song. Of course, Soni is one of the first to arrive at the crashed plane and its injured and unconscious pilot is taken to her house to be looked after by her and her brother Hira (Agha).<br /><br />This is obviously not where the special effects budget went:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00033.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00033.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, things are going to get worse for all involved:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00037.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00037.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />When he regains consciousness he gets a glimps of Soni who then hides from him. He is somewhat puzzled by this behaviour but Hira explains that she is shy and that according to local custom girls don't talk to men other than relatives and the one they have choosen to marry. In fact, if a girl talks to you it means she wants to marry you and there is very little you can do about it. Furthermore, the law of the land doesn't allow strangers to stay for more than eight days, and Kashi's (for that is the pilot's name) time has already passed. He may get permission to stay longer, as all the roads are blocked and sending him away at the moment would be sending him to his certain death. Soni, who has reappeared, is very much in favour of the stranger staying longer, and her brother points out that the chances are good, as the chief priest of the land is actually their father. Before much more conversation can happen, the stranger is summoned to present himself to the priest.<br /><br />Not a bad sight to wake up to:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00041.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00041.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Confused and worried:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00043.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00043.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />On the way to the city, Kashi learns a bit more about the country he so unexpectedly finds himself stranded in. The local god is presented by a smoke-breathing statue, if the sins of the people increase too much he will start to breath fire and a storm will descend destroying the entire settlement. Also, the laws are very harsh and include one which forces women accused of promiscuity to walk across fire (I wonder whether either of these pieces of information will be in any way, shape, or form relevant to the plot later on?).<br /><br />Worried and puzzled:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00047.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00047.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The local deity appears to be a chain-smoker:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00048.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00048.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And look who has spoken to Hira, who is not too happy about this:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00049.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00049.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The meeting with the priests goes well, but he points out that the final decision whether the strange can stay lies with the queen, who rules the area in worldly affairs. Also present is a court official, probably called Shango (Jeevan), who is obviously interested in Soni, who is obviously not interested in him but in the stranger. (Jeevan, for once, is not trying to take over the kingdom, but he causes enough harm by his determination to get married). The meeting with the queen (Surya Kumari) is at first not very promising, mainly because Shango got there first and reported that the stranger seems dangerous, but also because the queen is deeply suspicious of any strangers, and especially men. We first meet her throwing knives at the torso of a male statue. She has, however, a sudden change of heart when she turns round and sees the stranger for the first time. Therefore, his is granted permission to stay but he is warned not to get too close to any of the local young women. Alas, it's a bit late in the day for that.<br /><br />Father and daughter:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00051.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00051.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />In my book, Soni choose wisely:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00054.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00054.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />She is impressed, but not overly friendly:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00065.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00065.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I am impressed, too:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00063.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The queen's palace is highly decorated with lots of statues, swishing curtains and a musical bridge. I don't usually hanker for colour in a black and white movie, but this one makes me curious what the sets would have looked like in colour.<br /><br />This, for example:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00058.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00058.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />or this:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00080.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00080.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />and another impressive set:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00073.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00073.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />That night, Soni celebrates the stranger's arrival and continued stay with a song and dance. He has adapted to local customs and doesn't talk to her until she gives him permission and there romance is well under way. However, things are not going to go smoothly, as soon afterwards Kashi is summoned to the palace. Soni is deeply troubled by this development and decides to follow him, dressed as a man. The queen has asked Kashi to sing for her. She is very, very interested in him, but he tries to let her down gently by singing a song about how one has to be careful in love. She is very impressed with his singing, and doesn't seem to pay any attention to the words. The meeting ends abruptly when Soni shoots an arrow into the room. She is captured but manages to make an excuse. She also impresses the queen's maid, Shamiya.<br /><br />He seems to be enjoying himself:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00072.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00072.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />So does she:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00074.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00074.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I am not sure I would have worked out the was meant to be a man if the movie hadn't told me:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00086.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00086.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The first of many arkward meetings:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00088.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We appear to have been subject of an assassination attempt and we are awfully calm about it:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00092.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00092.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before things can get too serious, which are re-united with Hira, his fiance and a guy in a bear suit for some comic relief:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00101.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00101.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />However, this gaiety can't last for long. Soni and Kashi have agreed to meet at night on a hill overlooking the sea. When Kashi sees a woman swimming in the sea, he assumes that she is Soni, and sings to her. Unfortunately, she is actually the queen who decided to go for a swim and who is convinced that Kashi sang for her. He tries to disabuse her of this notion without implicating Soni, but doesn't make much of an impact. Sonis is angry, too, but at least that misunderstanding is cleared up comparatively swiftly. However, when they embrace to celebrate this, they are seen by Soni's brother who is all set to kill the stranger, until Soni convinces him that the stranger his her choice and she wants to marry him. Hira is reassured and even promises to help getting permission from the marriage from her father.<br /><br />I detect a hint of symbolism:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00104.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00104.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The bed!<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00107.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00107.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Hints are not going to help:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00120.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00120.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />All in all, not the best night of either of their lives:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00130.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00130.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Back at the palace, the queen is having visions of Kashi, and is more than ever determined to make him her own. Both she and Soni prepare to spend an evening with him. It is also very obvious who he would rather spend an evening with but that is not to be, as he is summoned to attend the queen. Soni follows them, and watches as the queen flirts with the stranger. She is almost noticed, but when the queen throws a knife into a moving curtain (thereby proofing beyond any doubt that she is truly evil) she manages to kill one of her servants (which doesn't seem to bother anybody). Soni tries to escape but is spotted and pressed into playing the harp for the only 50 % happy couple. Harp-playing seems to be a common skill in this country and we get another song. Kashi realises fairly soon who is singing and is becoming rather concerned.<br /><br />This is not a good sign:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00133.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00133.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Their happiness worries me:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00136.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00136.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />She may be evil but she definitely makes an impression:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00153.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00153.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Soni demonstrates her musical ability:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00160.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00160.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before Soni can giver herself away, the queen decides that she wants to show the stranger her picture gallery. Soni follows them and is noticed by Shango, who tries to convince her, that the stranger has given in to the advances of the queen. She isn't convinced until she sees a ring on his finger, which the queen has given him. It never seems to cross her mind that, given that he has only been in the country for a week or so, he may not know what the rings signifies.<br /><br />The ring of doom:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00172.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00172.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Soni is allergic to ostentatious jewellery:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00171.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00171.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />That night, Soni takes the ring from Kashi while he sleeps, and returns it to the queen in her disguise as a young hunter, using Shamyia's infatuation with him/her to reach the queen. The queen is angered by this rebuff of her advances and orders Kashi to leave the kingdom, which still means certain death as the roads aren't clear yet. He tries to plead with her but to no avail. In the end it is Soni, in her male guise, who manages to persuade the queen to let her friend stay, and who also gets permission to stay in the palace. This leads to another comic interlude with her brother, who visits her in the palace. The only person who recognises her, apart from Kashi, is Shango (does that mean he can't really be in love, as love would make him blind). That evening the queen orders her young guest to play the harp for her and the stranger in yet another attempt to win the strangers heart. The attempt is not successful but we get another rather nice song (no, of course nobody notices that "he" has the same voice as the maid who sang the other evening, but thanks for asking).<br /><br />Stunning, shame about the homicidal tendencies:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00180.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00180.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00192.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00192.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I don't think he is interested in either you or your grapes:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00211.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00211.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We briefly check in with Hira and his finace, who obviously is a friend of more hands-on (or rather rope-on) solutions. We continue with him pretending to be his sister and making fun of Shango (whose eyesight appears to have drastically deteriorated), getting him to play horse for him, and making him sit on the cage of a rather aggressive chicken.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00220.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00220.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It is probably better if you don't ask:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00225.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00225.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, back at the palace, Kashi and Soni are trying to find a way, how they could end up together, without antagonizing the queen. Before they can come to any conclusion, the queen appears, and Soni has to hide. She manages to escape and find refuge in Shamyia's room, who doesn't mind his/her presence at all, though she displays some unexpected attitudes:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00239.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00239.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00237.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00237.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The two find themselves near the sea, and come across the queen and Kashi who are about to take a romantic boat trip on the moonlit sea. Soni manages to come along to row them, which gives us opportunity for another song complete with naval chorus, but in the end she can't bear the advances of the queen on Kashi any longer and capsizes the boat. Of course, an attempt on the queens live can't go unpunished, and Soni is threatened with execution. When Kashi's pleading proofs futile (he isn't a very successful pleader, is he), he starts whipping her, which satisfies the queen's thirst for revenge. However, Soni is also thrown out of the palace.<br /><br />Personally, I would find my boat trip more romantic without them:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00248.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00248.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The tastefully appointed torture chamber:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00256.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00256.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before she leaves she is threatened by Shango, but also makes Kashi promise her to meet her that night. Shango, who is in charge of palace security, tries his best to make it impossible for Kashi to come, which gives Soni the opportuninty to express her longing in song, but in the end he manages to reach her by jumping out of a window into the sea. Shango uses the opportunity to blacken Kashi's and Soni's reputation with the local moral purity preservation committee and the next morning the two find themselves confronted by an angry mob wielding stones. Before anything too untoward can happen the priest (who has been curiously absent all this time) intervenes.<br /><br />More longing, this time without a harp:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00279.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00279.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ah, symbolism:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00280.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00280.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00294.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00294.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He actually comes with his own halo:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00301.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00301.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He manags to calm the mob, but nevertheless the matter has to be brought before the queen, who insists that Soni undergo a trial by fire. What will happen next? Will Soni's innocence be prooven? Has Shango any other dastardly ploys up his sleeve to get Soni? Why has Kashi spend the last several decades in a tumbledown hut in the middle of nowhere? How many more songs are there going to be?<br /><br />What is in the giant cup?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00314.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00314.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And why is he so angry?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00360.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00360.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I really enjoyed this movie. The story is somewhat on the predictable side, but the music is excellent and draws one into the movie. Of course, if one doesn't like 50s film music, this is best avoided as it manages to have 11 song in just under 180 minutes. It is also refreshing to see nobody behaving like a complete idiot (well, apart from the comic relief), but rather have people attempting to make the best of what is basically an impossible situation, even though the premiss of the story requires some suspension of disbelief. There were a couple of instance where I wondered whether the scene had been shot, and then the story changed slightly, so that is made less sense now, but these are really minor quibbles. Dilip Kumar is great as the slightly confused traveler trying to fend of the unwanted advances of someone who holds his life in her hands. Nimmi hams a lot less than in some other movies I have seen her in, and she looks very beautiful, when she isn't doing the flared nostrils and bug-eye face which seems to indicate distress of and form or shape. Surya Kumari is absolutly stunningly beautiful and does a very good job, managing to keep the queen human despite all her actions. Does anybody know of any other movies with her?<br /><br />All in all, a movie well worth even giving up a sunny afternoon for.<br /><br />Random pictures:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00067.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00067.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00069.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00069.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00089.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00089.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00112.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00112.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00140.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00140.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00161.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00161.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00250.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00250.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00358.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00358.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00307.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00307.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00316.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00316.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00253.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00253.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00194.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Uran%20Khatola/vlcsnap-00194.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-85618041594259033692009-05-20T12:19:00.000-07:002009-05-20T12:24:23.105-07:00Chakkar pe chakkar (1977)Chakkar pe chakkar provides one with an odd viewing experience. In contrast to some of the other movies I have reviewed, this doesn't look like something which was made on an extremely tight budget. It looks like something which had a moderate budget but managed to misplace a chunk of the script during filming (or never had one in the first place). It doesn't help that there are obviously scenes missing from my copy. However, once one abandons attempt to make terribly much sense of the plot it does provide a fun couple of hours as wacky disguises abound, people look etremely attractive and most of the music is fun.<br /><br /><br />The movie starts with an exciting chase seen involving a holy man carrying a briefcase and assorted armed people. After we have been told the important things:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00007.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00007.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00008.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />and<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00017.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00017.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />we learn that it is in fact a scene from a movie in the process of being shot. The main protagonist is played by Ravi Kumar (Shashi Kapoor) a famous film star who does the movie as a favour to the director who is a childhood friend.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00019.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00019.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />We then go and see the holy man who is (presumably) the model for the one in the movie. He is holding a meeting with a substantial number of devotees, but after the praying public has left, he uses a switch to activate his revolving platform. On the other side is a group of young women in white singing devotional hymns but on his signal, that is, when he turns round a record to play disco music, they drop their white sarees to reveal party cloth, and the whole temple turns into a disco with a bar. It also includes an old man forging money hidden behind a statue, but in a stunning twist he does not turn out to be anybody's long lost father.<br /><br /><br />Looking all very devout:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00023.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00023.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00027.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00027.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />The all important signal:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00029.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00029.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Even the columns change:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00031.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00031.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />One of the Holy man's henchmen is somewhat worried about the movie being made, but the Holy man assures him that the movie will not be made, he has means and ways of dealing with the director. The director is on his way home, where he is confronted by his wife, who also thinks that making the movie isn't the best idea her husband has ever had; and by a threatening letter. However, he is determined not to stopped either by spousal or postal dissaproval.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00043.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00043.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Usually people get that concerned about letters from their bank:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00044.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00044.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Next we are introduced to our comic relief guy:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00047.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00047.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Ravi also has returned home, and we learn that he lives with his widowed mother (Lalita Pawar), who is rather determined to see him married, a plan he isn't too keen on.<br /><br /><br />I have no idea why:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00055.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00055.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />The comic relief guy (Asrani) comes to Ravi's house, to tell him that a journalist urgently wants to interview him, but Ravi refuses, he doesn't want to be disturbed when he is with his mother. Ravi then finds a young lady on his bed, presumably the journalist, though the movie doesn't tell us and this seems to trigger a memory of another interview, which seems to have led to more romantic feelings and our first song.<br /><br /><br /><br />He has much the similar reaction to the guy as I do:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00057.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00057.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I can see that he might have been distracted:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00064.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00064.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Mind you, the same goes for her:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00067.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00067.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00070.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00070.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Ravi tells Shila (Rekha) that he has to leave town for some outdoor shooting. We also discover that Shila has a missing brother, and he indeed will become important later. During the outdoor shooting Ravi learns that his character, while being central to the story is actually the villain of the piece (wouldn't one generally establish something like this before filming starts), a fact about which he is very unhappy. The director manages to calm him down by promising him to narrate the script to him that night (again, this seems an odd oversight, but there is evidence later that Ravi may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer).<br /><br /><br />You want me to play what?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00077.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00077.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Later the same night, in a remote farmhouse, Ravi and the director settle down for the narration. The director says that on a night very much like this, in a farmhouse very much like the one they are in at the moment, his father was confronting the evil holy man about his evilness (the holy man's not the father's) when all of a sudden a knife-wielding man appeared at the window, very much like the one who now appears at the window and proceeds to kill the director. Ravi, proving once and for all that he may be good looking but is not necessarily well endowed in the thinking on your feet department, grabs the murder weapon and is found in the incriminating position by the director's wife. He does, however, manage to escape, before the police arrive.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00082.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00082.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I can't even say I wasn't expecting him:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00086.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00086.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Oh, Ravi:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00091.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00091.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />His flight through the night, is stopped suddenly by the appearance of horsemen who block the road. They turn out to be Dacoit Sher Singh's (Pran) men, and they take Ravi hostage because refuses to sign a cheque for a substantial amount of money. Luckily for Ravi, Sher Singh turns out to be his greatest fan and is more than willing to help him.<br /><br /><br />Fake pretend night, the best there is:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00095.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00095.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />He is quite a sight to behold:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00098.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00098.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />If this is what being a devoted movie-fan leads to, I may need to find another hobby:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00108.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00108.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />We are then taken to the house of a local (presumably) dancer (Bindu), for who Sher Singh has a great affection. The police want to use this to catch him and have set up a trap at a wedding where the dancer performs, which mainly seems to involve draping wooly blankets around policemen. Sher Singh arrives, also in disguise, carrying flowers and what appears to be a cauliflower. Despite the police's best efforts he manages to abduct the dancer during her performance.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00112.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00112.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I can not guess at all who of these guys may be hiding a uniform:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00113.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00113.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Actually, it is an improvement on the earlier outfit, cauliflower and all:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00118.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00118.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Of course, the was all part of the police's cunning plan, and the dancer leads the police to Sher Singh's hideout by dropping her jewellery along the way. While the police is still following the lead of dropped jewellery (a good thing she didn't go for the minimalist approach in accessorising), Sher Singh and his men are having dinner. However, Sher Singh notices that Ravi isn't eating, and when aksed why, Ravi pours out his heart telling the tale of the evil holy man, who is an enemy of the country and has ruined his life with the false murder charge. Sher Singh, who may rob rich people, but still is a patriot at heart, promises Ravi to help him in his quest to bring the evil holy man to justice and to clear his name (given Ravi's performance so far, he needs all the help he can get).<br /><br /><br />No Dacoit's lair is complete without a stuffed tiger:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00128.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00128.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />He is taking this whole "my favourite actor is accused of murder"-thing quite calmly:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00130.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00130.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Sher Singh aslo comes up with a cunning ploy to fake Ravi's death (pushing his car of a cliff). Unfortunately, nobody had had the time to inform Maa of this cunning plan and she isn't taking the news of her son's death very camly, which really is no surprise. Comic relief guy also is upset, but I have less sympathy for him, especially as he seems to be mainly concerned about the fact that he owes some rather unpleasant people some money, which he had invested in Ravi's movie, and they would quite like it back (presumably, the movie isn't terribly explicit, and I don't know why it feels that we need a third lot of bad people, besides Sher Singh and the fake holy man).<br /><br /><br />The car actually catches fire before it hits the ground; it's amazing:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00133.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00133.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Maa is complaining to a higher authority:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00138.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00138.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />They are trouble:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00143.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00143.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Meanwhile, the holy man is given the reels of the unauthorised biopic by his henchmen:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00144.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00144.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Sher Singh and Ravi make their way to the city quietly and unobtrusivly with the help of a song and some fake beards. I haven't seen this approach to keeping a low profile since Dhongee.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00146.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00146.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00151.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00151.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00154.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00154.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />After a thankfully brief interlude chronicling the adventure of the comic relief guy trying to escape the money retrieval comittee, we meet Ravi revealing the fact that he isn't quite as dead as the newspapers' reported to his girlfriend (ts, ts, shouldn't he have gone to Maa first?). She is somewhat perturbed to by the company he is keeping, but Sher Singh solves the problem by making her his sister.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now only literraly in the dark:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00164.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00164.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />You know, sometimes a movie doesn't need a plot to provide you with moment of pure bliss:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00161.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00161.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Instant family:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00172.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00172.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />After they discover the comic relief person in the fridge (don't ask), we are thrown right into a car chase, which involves Sher Singh in a different wig, and leads the police to the fake holy man's ashram. The chase takes as along a beach and there is lots of spraying water and I am not sure why comic relief man is there, too.<br /><br /><br />This makes comparatively more sense:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00175.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00175.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />than this:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00177.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00177.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Moving swiftly on, we know see the police asking for permission to search the ashram as some robbers were seen to make their way over its walls. Unfortunately (for the police) there was enought time for the holy man to transform his disco/club back into a temple, a process which is signalled by another turning of the record. The police see no reason to doubt his holiness and sincerity (though it seems as bit odd that all the devotees are young and female).<br /><br /><br />From this:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00186.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00186.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />to this (I do wish I had their rapid saree draping skills):<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00190.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00190.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Ravi and Sher Singh then come up with a cunning plan to con their way into the Ashram. Sher Singh is going to impersonate what appears to be a minor royal complete with (extremely irritating) stutter, and Ravi his secretary. They move into the hotel one of the holy man's henchmen uses as a front for his illegal activities. They manage to attract his attention by talking freely in their bugged room about valuable diamonds which need safekeeping and are then taken to the gang's hideout.<br /><br /><br />They are certainly making a grand entrance:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00199.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00199.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />More disguises, just what the movie needed:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00204.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00204.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />After depositing the diamond's in the high security chamber in which also the reels of the movie (remember the movie? the one whose director was killed?) are kept, the gang try to kill Sher Singh with the help of a poisoned drink, and when things don't work out, they invite him to a party, with a view to getting rid of the superfluous owner of the valuable diamonds.<br /><br /><br />It looks a bit like an oversized bird-cage:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00218.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00218.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />More plotting:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00229.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00229.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />During the party we are treated to another song with Bindu dancing (it's all about daggers) and it becomes obvious that Sher Singh has been recognised. In the end, his is arrested by the police, which on closer inspections are actually members of his gang. While all this is going on, Ravi is liberating the movie reels.<br /><br /><br />This is probably not the best moment to trash out your relationship problems:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00244.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00244.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />The evil people then learn from a movie poster that Sher Singh and Ravi are planning to finish the movie about the fake holy man. They have roped in Shila, to play one of his devotees, but before they can get very far, the holy man's henchmen appear, and there is a fight.<br /><br /><br />Movie-making seems to lead to odd choices in head-gear:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00249.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00249.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Maybe it would have been an idea to first finish the movie and then advertise for it:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00246.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00246.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Presumably the good guys one, but the movie is reticent on this. We continue with a song which involves Shila trying to seduce hotel henchman (which means that he isn't her as yet unidentified brother), while Ravi tries to sneak into the Ashram.<br /><br /><br />I am rather used to seeing her with more clothes:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00268.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00268.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I think this may be Shila's brother (not that there is much of a family similarity)<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00263.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00263.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Unfortunately, the not so holy man recognises that his henchman's voice has changed. He is, however, completely shocked to discover that the intruder is Ravi, as he assumed him to be dead. Ravi proceeds to demonstrate that a turban makes a very handy weapon but it is all to no avail as Shila has ended up as the holy man's prisoner.<br /><br /><br />One cunning plan not working out so well:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00277.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00277.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Now working out even less well:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00279.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00279.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />However, the ashram is surprising well supplied for the ensuing fight with fire and water squirting fittings and a provison for poison gass.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00284.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00284.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />What will happen next? Will our heroes escape? Will there be more disguises? How many of the substantial number of loose ends will be tied up? Will Maa ever learn that Ravi is still alive?<br /><br /><br />What is going on here:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00295.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00295.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />And don't miss out on the climax envolving a death trap:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00342.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00342.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />and a white horse:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00336.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00336.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><br />There is also more cauliflower:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00318.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00318.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />For me, there are two reasons to watch this movie: the sets, which are elaborate and quite bizzarre, and Shashi, who is extremely good looking. If neither of these are attractions enough to make you go and watch an entire movie, you are better of spending you time doing something else. Otherwise: enjoy!<br /><br /><br />Gratuitous Shashi pictures:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00068.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00068.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00071.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00084.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00084.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00085.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00085.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00100.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00100.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00171.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00171.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00238.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00238.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00274.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00274.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00276.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Chakkar%20pe%20chakkar/vlcsnap-00276.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I realise my blog has become somewhat of a Shashi-only zone recently. This is about to change, but I just couldn't let the opportunity pass by to share the cinematographic gem with my readers.antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-2613964032196707822009-04-25T12:23:00.000-07:002009-04-25T12:28:42.303-07:00Pakhandee (1984)Pakhandee is a very silly movie which nevertheless manages to be highly entertaining. We start of in court where Ashok Ahuja (Sanjeev Kumar) is charged with having promised marriage to a lady and then made of with her jewellery on the day of the engagement. It turns out that ir isn't the first time he has done this, and he is sentenced to three month in prison and a fine.<br /><br />Suave and handsome confidence trickster?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Well, it appears she got her jewellery back:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00011.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00011.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Once in prison, he has bad luck in picking a sleeping spot, as that spot belongs to Shetty Dada, and he literally thrown on top of another prisoner, Kishore (Shashi Kapoor). The two join hands (and feet) and proceed to beat up Shetty and his henchmen. Once they have managed to knock him out, Kishore says that he will have been released from prison when Shetty comes round, but what about Ashok. Ashok decides to fake illness and is taken to the prison hospital.<br /><br />This is were I sleep:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00015.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />You came from where?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00018.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00018.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is only a temporary solution:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00025.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00025.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Kishore is impressed with Ashok's quick thinking. When one of the other prisoners asks why he helped a stranger as if he was his brother, he says, he doesn't really know why but once he finds his brother (ah, isn't it nice when a movie doesn't let you down), his life will be made. We get a short flashback, of him and his brother as children getting a tattoo split between their two forearms because it was too big to fit on one of them.<br /><br />The extremely significant tatttoo:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00030.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00030.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and it's origins:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00031.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00031.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile in the prison hospital Ashok is interrupted in the enjoyment of a cigarette by the arrival of a nurse bringing ice-cream. He also remembers his childhood, and how he lost his little brother when the lorry in which he had hid him from their evil aunt and uncle choose an inconvenient moment to depart. The flashback makes it clear that he is indeed the other half of the tattooed brothers, rather than a completely unrelated person who just also happens to have been separated from their family in childhood (now, that would be a novel twist).<br /><br />Ice-cream is really no substitute for a nice cigarette:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00034.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00034.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />More childhood memories:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00037.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00037.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Kishore has been released from prison, well temporarily, the guard asks him when he is going to come back, so he seems to be an old customer. We learn that he regards 13 as his lucky number, and he uses taxis with a 13 in their number plate, and cons people who live in houses no. 13 (Hmm, shucks, I don't live at no. 13). His first stop is at the house of a doctor for homoeopathy whose living room wall seems oddly familiar.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00053.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00053.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />He pretends to be the adopted son of their neighbour back in the village they came from, and when the questions of the more suspicious wife become to awkward, he starts shaking all over and collapses “unconscious” (this is his standard way of getting out of being asked too many question). The doctor force-feeds him some of his pills and they leave him to recover on the couch, with the wife grumbling about all the trouble they will have if he dies during the night. She doesn't seem to have overly much confidence in her husbands medical expertise.<br /><br />It's really a very simple and straightforward relationship:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00057.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00057.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Aw:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00065.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00065.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The next morning, Kishore has recovered, and he leaves, after accepting a present of 20 rupees from his “uncle”. We learn that he never takes more than 20 rupees of anybody and we move on into a song which shows us Kishore conning a variety of people out of 20 rupees each. <br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00073.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00073.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00077.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00077.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ashok also is released from prison, and finds a welcoming committee in the shape of members of a gang who are impressed with is work and would like to hire him. He isn't entirely convinced that this is a good idea:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00080.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00080.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Kishore is now returning home. He lives with an elderly laundryman (who presumably took him in after he was separated from his brother, but we are never told this explicitly) and a lady, Asha, (Asha Parekh) he rescued from a suicide attempt, and her little son, who isn't his.<br />This is actually not quite what it seems:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00084.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00084.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />While his not-quite relatives are happy to see him, the are also angry about his long absence, and challenge him as to where he has been. Kishore manages to evade their questions (without resorting to a fainting fit) and then turns round and asks Asha, why she was trying to kill herself that day. She tells him that she was abandoned by her husband on her wedding night. He took all her jewellery and left her. As she was pregnant and therefore couldn't go back home, she tried to kill herself. To the viewers complete surprise, her absconding husband turns out to be:<br /><br />Well, who didn't see that coming?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00095.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00095.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Kishore realises that the husband is probably one of his colleagues and is going to try and find out who that might be. The next scene takes us to Ashok crying his eyes out about how the first woman he conned stole his heart. I have to admit I have only limited sympathy for him. While he is still wallowing in his grief for his lost love, some members of the (quite persistent) gang turn up and ask him again to join them. After he beats up some of them, he meets the bosse's son (Ranjeet, in a very ugly hat) and agrees to have a look what this business is all about.<br /><br />Lovesick:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00101.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00101.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Oh dear:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00105.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00105.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Basically, the idea is to court Preeti (Zeenat Aman), the only daughter of an extremely rich father and relieve her of her money before abandoning her after the wedding (Ashok's plan)/killing her of after the wedding (everybody else's plan). I sense a conflict in their future. <br /><br />Preeti isn't easy prey, as she has a black belt and isn't really interested in finding a life-partner. Ashok, however, is confident that he will be able to deal with her. Before we see him go about his business, we check back in with Kishore, who his followed by a crowd of people, dissatisfied with being conned out of their money. He hides in a car, which belongs to no other than Preeti who proceeds to race her friends to their picnic destination. Kishore is most dissatisfied with her driving style and tells her so in no uncertain terms when they arrive.<br /><br />And off we go:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00114.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00114.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Unexpected lugage:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00118.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00118.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I am not sure you have any reason to complain about other people's driving:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00120.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00120.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Where is our picnic?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00121.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00121.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Kishore and Preeti suffer a severe case of dislike at first sight; and she is most adamant that she is not going to give him a lift back to the city. She is however going to give a lift to a random elderly gentleman who has had his money stolen. She also offers him some money for a taxi when they arrive in the city, but he only accepts a one rupee coin.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00138.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00138.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This coin leads us neatly into the next song, which has Kishore imagining running around trees with Preeti, amongst other more peculiar things:<br /><br />It sort of makes sense in context:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00144.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00144.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ashok also sets out to woo Preeti. First he refuses to fight with her in her Karate class, on the grounds that she is a woman. Then he buys a statue at an auction which she wants to buy and presents it to her at a party. She sends the statue back, but is impressed with all the flowers he has send and there are signs of her softening towards him. At the same time, Ashok also sets about to impress Preeti's father with is charitable work.<br /><br />I am impressed by this dress:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00157.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00157.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Father and daughter both suitably impressed, they agree that they want Ashok as Preeti's future husband. Ashok now plays difficult to get by refusing to come and visit Preeti's father and insisting they come to his house to see his (fake) mother. The members of the gang are quite worried by this, but Preeti's father continues to be impressed and is even more keen to have Ashok as a son-in-law. Preeti's father is also good friend with the lawyer from the beginning of the movie (Kader Khan), but he has conveniently lost his memory following an accident. While they are still talking, who should turn up but Kishore (Ashok lives at no. 13) pretending to be Ashok's younger brother (ping goes the irony-meter). Of course, Ashok knows Kishore from prison, but he goes along with deception.<br /><br />Hi, I am your fake-pretend brother:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00180.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00180.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is a loud meeting in more than one way:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00186.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00186.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Preeti's father's probing questions soon have Kishore collapsed on the floor. Ashok takes him to a bedroom, where the whole gang the presents to have a meeting trashing out all the details of their plan, in the presence of a random stranger whom they believe to be unconscious. I wonder how they managed to stay out of prison as long as they have.<br /><br />Keeping your eyes firmly shut seems the way forward here:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00193.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00193.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Aw:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00196.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00196.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />When Kishore gets up (probably to look for some food), he sees a picture of Preeti on the bar, so he realises that Ashok's target is the girl he likes. He is spotted by the gang but manages to escape. Next he invades a dance competition in which Preeti takes part. It's a rather fun song:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00208.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00208.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00211.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00211.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He then winds up at Preeti's house, which after the interior decoration madness previously enjoyed/endured (delete as appropriate) is decidedly dull:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00219.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00219.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />No somewhat less dull:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00222.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00222.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Be that as it may, Preeti only knows Kishore as the irritating guy who first turned up in her car and then in her dance competition, but of course her father thinks that he is his future son-in-law's younger brother, so after some difficulty he is invited to stay the night, in a lavishly appointed room, complete with early morning wake-up service and fresh egg dispenser:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00229.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00229.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He soon relocates, but Preeti doesn't seem to be happy about this either:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00235.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00235.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The next day, Preeti insists on driving her car to go to Ashok's place, rather than joining her father who is taking the plane. Of course, the car isn't Kishore-free, which turns out to be a good thing, when Preeti joins some dancing hippies who turn out to be (at least partly) a gang of wandering rapists. Not that she needs terribly much rescuing, what with the black belt, but it is the thought that counts and she realises that she is really rather fond of Kishore.<br /><br />Kishore never leds an opportunity to eat pass him by:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00239.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00239.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00240.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00240.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />True love means: letting him drive:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00254.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00254.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00255.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00255.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Will her father agree to a switch in fiancee? What will happen with Asha and her son? How long will it take for either of the brothers to bare their arms? Will the lawyer regain his memory? Will there be a dance number including Helen and/or a climax involving a helicopter?<br /><br />It's a fun movie; extremely silly in bits, quite predictable in other's and I personally have problems believing that Sanjeev Kumar managed all these women to get engaged to him, but definitely worth a watch. My main complaint is that Asha Parekh is woefully underused. I would have liked at least a song with her and Sanjeev, maybe in exchange for one of the fight-scenes. There are some plot holes, especially the question why Ashok actually went through with the marriage to Asha, but I suppose that was necessary given the presence of the child, but they are easy to overlook. <br /><br />Gratuitous Shashi pictures:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00058.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00058.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00059.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00059.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00064.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00064.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00099.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00099.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00139.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00139.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00141.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00141.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00195.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00195.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00210.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00210.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00267.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00267.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00289.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00289.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00303.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Pakhandee/vlcsnap-00303.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-51856594416132705192009-04-12T02:41:00.000-07:002009-04-12T02:42:56.910-07:00Some SillinessI felt an urgent need to share this picture:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00002-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/vlcsnap-00002-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-64753523221758778312009-04-12T02:29:00.000-07:002009-04-12T02:40:56.523-07:00Yahudi (1958)After two movie with Dilip Kumar and Meena Kumari which were rather fluffy and ended happily, I thought it about time for one were this is not the case. Also, due to a delay in getting this written up, it now seems rather seasonal (well, somewhat). Yahudi is a tale of doomed love, but before we get to that part of the story, we are treated to a lavish title sequence of lovely drawings including a war elephant.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00009.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and we are informed that we are in:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00011.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00011.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The concept may seem a bit odd at first and I have certainly never seen Rome quite so flower-patterned:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00135.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00135.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I suspect this of having been really, really brightly coloured:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00253.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00253.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />However, Hindi-speaking Romans are really not stranger than English-speaking Romans, and I had managed to persuade my inner ancient Historian not to be overly critical or drive me mad by trying to figure out when this was meant to have taken place, it was a very enjoyable movie.<br /><br />We are transported to the Jewish quarter of Rome long ago, where we meed Elijah (Master Romi). He is a bit of the unruly side, and is trying to escape Emmanuel (Ramayan Tiwari), his father's servant and a bit of an unlikely nanny:<br /><br />Cunning disguise:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00014.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00014.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />not working so well:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00015.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After a stern lecture by his father, Ezra, (Sohrab Modi) on how he is a big boy now and needs to act more responsibly, he goes out on the balcony to watch the governor of Rome, Brutus (Nasir Hussain), pass by. Unfortunately, one of the stones works loose, and Elijah is arrested on the charge of having tried to kill Brutus (now, where have I come across that story before?).<br /><br />He is evil:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00018.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00018.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ooops:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00020.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00020.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Elijah is arrested and taken to be thrown to the lions. His father pleads before Brutus and his daughter Lydia, but after numerous insults, he is taken down to the prison and has to watch his son's execution even though Lydia has tried to intercede for Elijah. <br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00028.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00028.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Oh dear:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00030.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00030.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />These events leave Ezra in a very bad shape. Emmanuel feels guilty, and tries to avenge Elijah's death by abducting Brutus's daughter Lydia. While he encourages Ezra to kill her, Ezra's paternal instincts are roused. When the Roman soldiers come in search of Lydia, he escapes with her while Emmanuel gives his life to protect them. <br /><br />The plans for revenge are somewhat derailed:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00038.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00038.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Nobody expects the Roman inquisition:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00039.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00039.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Things then go downhill for the Jewish population of Rome as they are expelled from the city and we have our first song. As the song ends, the beard of the singer has turned white, as has Ezra's and we learn from their conversation that it is now Rome long ago: 15 years later<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00046.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00046.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Lydia is now called Hannah (Meena Kumari) and has grown up into a stunning beauty who is very fond of her father and doesn't seem to remember that she is adopted:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00048.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00048.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />A big announcement is made that there are going to be celebrations for Pincess Octavia's (Nigar Sultana) birthday. She is the niece of the emperor of Rome and meant to marry his son, Prince Marcus (Dilip Kumar). All shops are to be closed for three days in honour of her, a edict which doesn't endear her to the shopkeepers. Back at the palace, the celebrations are about to start but Prince Marcus is still absent. He may be aware of the chair that awaits him:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00053.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00053.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Octavia, however, doesn't seem to mind:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00052.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00052.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />As a matter of fact, the prince has been out hunting and has met with a (not too serious) accident. He is briefly taken care of by Hannah, who leaves when other Romans arrive as she fears that she might get into trouble with them. These brief moments, however, have been enough to kindle a passionate love in Marcus's heart (this must be one of the swiftest love at first sight meetings ever).<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00060.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00060.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It is kind of hard to blame him:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00062.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00062.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He is so smitten, he starts seeing little inserts of her:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00068.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00068.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Octavia notices that Marcus is rather distant and comes to his room to try and entice him to become a bit more affectionate, with no success. She then enlists Marcus's friend Antonio (Anwar Hussain) to try and find out what is going on with Marcus.<br /><br />Yes, this is clearly foreshadowing a happy married life:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00070.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00070.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />She is having no effect whatsoever:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00071.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Antonio is also perturbed by Marcus's distinct lack of interest in Octavia's charms, and tries to convince him in his own manner that women really aren't all that bad by presenting him with a bevy of beautiful dancers. I am not entirely sure that this is what Octavia had in mind, however, Marcus is not going to be distracted from his brooding.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00077.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00077.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After Antonio has left Marcus decides to do something about the source of his distraction. He dresses up as a Jew (I know this because a change of clothes renders him unrecognisable to even his most loyal servant Leo who wonders how this Jew ended up in the palace) and sets out to the Jewish quarter to look for Hannah.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00080.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00080.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before he finds her, he stops to take in a rather nice song-and-dance performance. Hannah, meanwhile, is choosing some flowers, but has attracted the unwanted attention of two Roman soldiers. Of course, Marcus comes to the rescue, and she is very impressed with him, and obviously doesn't recognise him as the mud-covered Roman from earlier on.<br /><br />That's not a good idea:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00088.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Our hero (it's not easy to look menacing in what looks very much like a stripy bathrobe):<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00090.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00090.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Hannah takes her rescuer home to her father were he is received with open arms. Marcus calls himself Moshija and claims to be from Alexandria and looking for an apprenticeship. Before very long, he finds himself employed by Ezra. Hannah is rather pleased by this development.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00099.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00099.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />So much happiness, this early in the movie ....<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00103.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00103.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before long, Hannah and Marcus are very much in love and tease each other in her father's garden chaperoned by her rather fierce parrot and occasionally separated by greenery. Hannah is soon driven to express her joy in song.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00109.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00109.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00116.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00116.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00121.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00121.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Marcus's frequent absence from the palace doesn't go unnoticed, though he does his best to escape Octavia's attentions. She finally sends Antonio to spy on Marcus, which he does with the time-honoured ploy of flirting with the maid. <br /><br />Never has an undercover mission been quite so floral:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00143.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00143.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Hannah delights us with another song expressing her happiness, but there is trouble on the horizon. The emperor (Murad) has come back to Rome (we never get to know where he was all this time, maybe on one of these endless business trips the movies tend to be so fond of). Octavia immediately informs him of Marcus's absenteeism and his solution is to get the two married as soon as possible; because nothing cures disinterest in another person as quickly as marriage.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00149.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00149.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />One day, Octavia's chariot breaks down outside Hannah's house (and I thought the Romans were famous for their roads) and she is welcomed by Ezra and Hannah. Of course, this presents a problem for Marcus, who solves it mainly by acting somewhat crazy and hiding is face. Hannah notices and is puzzled by his behaviour, but he claims that Octavia's maid was trying to flirt with him and that he got embarrassed. <br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00159.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00159.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Back at the palace, Marcus is given a stern talking to by his father, the emperor, reminding him of his duty towards the empire which does include marrying Octavia.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00162-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00162-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Back at Ezra's house it is time for a religious ceremony. Hannah notices that Marcus doesn't participate properly, though nobody else does, She follows him out into the garden and challenges him, asking him whether he really is a Jew. However, talking with her father close at hand is obviously rather awkward, so he asks her to come to some ruins nearby that night.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00166-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00166-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00171.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00171.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />While Marcus is waiting he sings a plaintive song about his love, which is really very nice and gentle. Hannah manages to sneak out and meet him. After a bit of evasion, he finally admits to being a Roman, though he still doesn't tell who he is precisely. However, being a Roman is bad enough, especially for Ezra, who noticed his daughter leaving and has overheard the entire conversation. He tells Marcus that he can have Hannah, but only if he converts, something which Marcus isn't prepared to do.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00176.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00176.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Temporary re-union<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00186.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00186.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00194.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00194.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Hannah returns home to her fathers, and Marcus deals with his grief as men do in the movies, he drowns his sorrows. However, before he can get very far, Ocatvia comes to see him to remind him of his duty towards the empire, and he then finds himself accosted by the voices of his ancestors, hammering home the point that he needs to be a dutiful prince and marry Octavia.<br /><br />Probably not the person he wants to see right then:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00200.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00200.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />My goodness! Hearing your ancestor's voices appears to be rather traumatic.<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00209.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00209.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Hannah isn't particularly happy either, and expresses her sorrow in song, at night (they must have very tolerant neighbours)<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00215.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00215.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />A date for Marcus's and Octovia's wedding has been set, and it is going to be a public affair, to which all Roman citizens are invited. Ezra persuades Hannah to got and attend the wedding. What will happen when she finds out just who Marcus really is? Will the fact that she isn't Ezra's real daughter ever become important? Do any more people end up as a snack for the lions? Why is this object so important?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00271.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00271.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And could somebody please take Brutus's curling irons away from him.<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00280.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00280.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />As somebody, who enjoys a good melodrama, this movie and I were made for each other. The acting is good, the story moves a long at a fair pace, especially in the first half to two thirds. Towards the end, it gets somewhat bogged down in people given long speeches about Roman law and justice, and Marcus and Hannah take more of a back-seat, while Ezra, Brutus and the Emperor trash out their differences. This isn't uninteresting, but re-watching it I was really surprised to see how much especially Marcus, who is very much the central figure up until the wedding, is sidelined towards the end. There is a good reason for this within the story, but it was still noticable. The other thing that struck me as odd (though I may have been watching too many Hindi-movies) is the absence of any mothers. There isn't even an elderly aunt<br /><br />I watched <a href="http://bethlovesbollywood.blogspot.com/2009/04/shut-up-shauket-benazir.html">Benazir</a> shortly after I had seen this, and enjoyed Meena's performance more here, but I think that is because here her character is actually happy for a while. Her love can't end well, but she doesn't know that yet, so we get to see her being very in love and sweet. <br /><br />Of course, if you hate melodrama this isn't a movie I would recommend, and the setting demands a certain amount of suspension of disbelief, but it is well made, often looks extremely beautiful and has an engaging story,<br /><br />One more picture of the two star-crossed lovers:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00297.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Yahudi/vlcsnap-00297.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-16088473971621678392009-03-30T11:26:00.000-07:002009-03-30T23:29:23.596-07:00Kala Pani (1980)Kala Pani is a cheap and cheerful masala movie, which at just over two hours is also somewhat on the short side.<br /><br /><br />After a luridly coloured title sequence with see-through dancers:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />we meet a couple offering a golden crown to the gods as they have been blessed with a son. The father (Ajit) is rather distracted by the sight of all the gold in the temple. That night he plans to rob the temple, but unfortunately his expert lock opener has recently been reformed and is unwilling to rob a temple. After a fight in the rain which takes place to the sound of the temple bells, Banarasi manages to call the police anonymously and L.K., as the father is known, is arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment, not just for the robbery but also for teaching children from his orphanage to steal.<br /><br /><br />The happy family:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />No, I won't let you steal here:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00011.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00011.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Reaping the rewards of his actions (or of not choosing his colleagues more wisely)<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00016.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00016.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />After L. K. has been taken to prison, Shanti is hounded by the public as a thief's wife, so she decides to leave the city. By coincidence she ends up on the same train as Banarasi, who is very friendly and takes an instant liking to her little boy though the two don't know each other.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00024.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />However, more tragedy is about to strike, and in the movie's first offering of cheap special effects there is a tragic train accident.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00026.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00026.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Shanti is separated from her son, but is also entrusted with the care of a little girl by her dying mother, while Banarasi ends up with the little boy and brings him up, probably assuming that Shanit has died in the train crash. Years pass, and then L.K. is released from prison and bent on avenging himself on Banarasi and his son (not knowing, of course, that that boy is his son). He is also concerned that his wife and son seem tohave disappeared.<br /><br /><br />Hmm ...<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00030.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00030.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Happy days:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00032.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00032.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />L.K. frames Banarasi for a murder and theft, and he is taken to prison. He tries to teach the son to steal, but he manages to run away. Of course, he is now branded (again) as a thief's son, but he still manages to become a police inspector and we finally learn that he is called Dharamveer (Shashi Kapoor):<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00052.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00052.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />As a dutiful son he is still close to his father, who is in prison:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00048.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00048.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />and he is good friends with Abdul, who is a extremely useful source of information (honestly, he always has the right information at the right time):<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00053.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00053.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Dharamveer is new in the area and he is determined to clean up all the illegal activities. As a first step, he arrest a man named Shetty who deals in adulterated alcohol. He also tries to bribe Dharamveer, so he gets a bribenig-charge as well:<br /><br /><br />An unexpected visitor:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00055.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00055.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />L.K. is now sporting white hair, but has not mended his ways at all. He is now selling statues to foreigners (shock! horror!). As a front, he pretends to be an honest car salesman (well, maybe not the most convincing front). Dharamveer comes to see him to ask him to look out for stolen cars and they share a cigarette together.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00059.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00059.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00062.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00062.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Of course, L.K. knows only too well where the stolen cars are, as they are stolen by his associate and son-substitute Shera (Amjad Khan). Shera seems not to be the most accomplished thief ever, being easily stumped by various forms of car security devices:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00066.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00066.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I am not surprised the car owner left the door unlocked:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00067.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00067.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Shera is also interested in Geeta (Neetu Singh). Geeta is a very no-nonsense young lady, who stands up for the downtrodden in her neighbourhood, and who has not time for Shera at all; or for drunken husbands who insist that their wives live with them. She is friends with Abdul and she runs a refreshment stall. In her spare time she also manages to be a dutiful daughter.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00070.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00070.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />You, mister, need to sort yourself out:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00074.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00074.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Is there anybody Abdul doesn't know?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00075.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00075.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Oh, look who Maa is! (I can't say it's entirely unexpected)<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00079.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00079.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />We then are taken to the beach, where we meet a corrupt Constable, who takes money and snacks from all the stall owners and is generally unpleasant. However, on stall owner is new and doesn't know the routine yet, so when he (not unreasonably) demands payment for a drink, he gets taken to the police station. Inspector Dharamveer, however, does not approve of the Constables behaviour and has him temporarily suspended.<br /><br /><br />Great Sign:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00081.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00081.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Uh, I think he is angry:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00085.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00085.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00088.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Maa, on her way back from shopping, has her mangelsutra stolen, but of course, Inspector Dharamveer happens to be passing by and returns it to her. She briefly mentions a lost son, presumably for the benefit of viewers with short-term memory problems, but we swiftly move on to our first song, in which Geeta praises the advantages of having a cold drink in hot weather.<br /><br /><br />Required not yet re-united family meeting:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00094.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00094.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I am positive this isn't free from artificial colours:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00096.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00096.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />While singing, Geeta notices a policeman who works as a pick-pocket. After the song finishes, she takes him to the police station, where we learn that she has already met Inspector Dharamveer, and that the two are terribly in love with each other, and have not yet managed to convey this to the other. There follows a lot of staring and interior dialogue, before the Inspector is called away on duty.<br /><br /><br />I am really rather distracted by that sign; Garlic therapy; do I even want to know?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00102.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00102.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00107.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00107.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />not finding the words:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00112.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00112.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Abdul the extremely informative has found out that a consignment of drugs is going to be smuggled in a hospital van and after a car chase which swiftly takes us into the middle of nowhere, the driver of the van is arrested. He is then subjected to rather rough interviewing techniques but refuses to divulge his boss's name. However, enlisting the help of the not-so-corrupt anymore Constable, Inspector Dharamveer manages to let the suspect escape and follows him to his boss's lair (well actually more a shed) and of course he is Shera. It follows a fight which goes on ever so slightly longer than necessary (at least for my taste) though it does involve round glass pellets (now why would a group of drug-smuggling car thieves have sacks of the stuff in their lair?)<br /><br />The two actually make a very cute couple:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00114.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00114.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Don't trust him:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00129.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00129.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is rather fun:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00137.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00137.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Shera is arrested but not for long, and Inspector Dharamveer is getting a bit depressed about the distinct lack of progress. To take his mind of things and because L.K. requested his presence, he goes to the grand opening of a new hotel in town. which leads as to a dance number featuring Bindu and a very literal interpretation of that moth and flame theme so frequently found in song lyrics. Also, L.K. has come up with a cunning plan to get rid of the inspector by slipping him a lighter armed with a mini-bomb:<br /><br />Pretty in pink:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00155.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00155.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />People, seriously, what's with the wings:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00163.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00163.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />More tobacco-related bonding:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00161.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00161.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Back at Geeta's place, Maa as fallen ill and is in need of expensive medication. However, there isn't much money around, and when Geeta asks the smarmy shop-owner for a loan he tries to rape her. Luckily she manages to fight him off (without any male assistance) and when not being able to pay for the medicine necessitates hiding somewhere, she ends up in Dharamveer's jeep. He is quite pleased to see her and offers her a lift home. Luckily (for him, less so for L.K.) Geeta disapproves of his smoking and he is so smitten by her that he is willing to give it up for her.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00177.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00177.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He then spends the night at her place, looking after Maa, who he recognizes from the mangelsutra incident. He leaves in the morning but not after Shera has planted a bomb in his jeep. Of course, Shera is seen doing this by Abdul the always present, who tries to warn the Inspector and manages to drag him out of the car just in time. The two bond and Abdul declares that he is willing to lay down his life for his friend (oh, that's generally not a good thing to say in the movies).<br /><br />I am glad it is so clearly marked:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00185.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00185.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00194.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00194.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Back at Geeta's, Maa has recovered and is about to offer prayers when she notices that she is out of matches. Dharamveer has left behind is lighter, but luckily Maa isn't familiar with this piece of modern technology, and while she is still puzzling it out, Dharamveer appears, with matches. After the prayers, Maa goes to make some tea, and Dharamveer and Geeta use the opportunity to confess their love for each other, which of course is promptly celebrated with a song (and a very nice song it is):<br /><br />Thank goodness:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00199.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00199.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Finally:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00210.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00210.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and off we go:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00214.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00214.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, L.K. and Shera have not been idle. They are planning to rob the house of a rich merchant, whose servant are almost all out to attend a wedding. This requires high tech equipment. While they are at work, Inspector Dharamveer passes by and becomes suspicious. Unfortunately, L.K. manages to fob him off with a tale about his car regularly breaking down, and all the fish in the fishtank thrown over by the one servant who was still in the house, have sacrificed the lives in vain. Again, this goes on a bit longer than is strictly speaking necessary, unless you are a particular fan of watching people ring door-bells.<br /><br />The owner also seems to rent out his house as film-set:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00223.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00223.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Hmmm:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00230.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00230.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />High-tech equipment indeed:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00225.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00225.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />All in vain:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00245.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00245.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Shera has not forgotten Geeta and in fact brings a proposal to her mother, who is horrified at the prospect and throws him out. Unfortunately, Shera is unused to rejection and tries to abduct Geeta. This in turn leads to a shoot-out with Inspector Dharamveer. Shera manages to escape but not before the Inspector recognises L.K.'s car. L.K. manages to get out of the situation, but not without Inspector Dharamveer's suspicions having been roused.<br /><br />L.K. sporting a questionable fashion choice:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00261.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00261.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Suspicion:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00262.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00262.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />What will happen next? What will L.K. come up with to get rid of the irritating Inspector? Will Abdul be there to help (and will he make it through the movie)? What happens when Banarasi is released from prison? Will the lost family be ever re-united and how? Whose blood is being splashed so liberally across the windscree?<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00289.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00289.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And will there be even more awesome special effects than this:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00328.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00328.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Cheap and cheerful really describes this best. The story generally moves along at a decent pace (with one or two exceptions), and while not breaking any new ground presents the usual plot elements in a pleasing and fairly coherent fashion. Geeta is great, she is independent and strong, and doesn't loose all her fighting ability by putting on traditional clothes. Inspector Dharamveer is probably a tougher character than on is used to Shashi playing but he liked him in this more action-oriented part. He also has great chemistry with Neetu. The other's are fine, though we get to see surprisingly little of Maa, which is a shame as she is played by one of my favourite actresses. She is very cute when she is around, and seems surprisingly non-weepy given her lost family. Maybe having Geeta around counteracts all weepy tendencies.<br /><br />And this post wouldn't be complete without:<br /><br />Gratuitous Shashi pictures:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00108.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00108.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00109.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00109.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00124.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00124.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00127.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00127.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00128.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00128.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00158.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00158.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00159.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00159.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00167.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00167.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00203.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00203.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00238.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00238.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00263.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00263.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00264.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00264.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00265.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00265.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00284.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00284.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00321.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Kala%20Pani/vlcsnap-00321.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-63419820425728279562009-03-22T16:55:00.000-07:002009-03-22T16:56:47.168-07:00Farz ki Jung (1989)As promised (or threatened): Farz ki Jung. It starts as of with a suitably garish title-sequence<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />before introducing us to an extremely happy and devout family, consisting of Jaikishen (Amrish Puri), his Lakshmi (Gita Siddarth) and their son Vishal (Govinda). Jaikishen is known as a generous man who lives to serve others and both his wife and his son are devoted to him. <br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00004.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00004.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Now, early familiar happiness is always dangerous in the movies, and the viewer's worries are further enhanced by the fact that Amrish Puri is either cast completely against character or his wife and son are in for a few surprises. <br /><br />You aren't exactly alleviating my suspicions here:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00006.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00006.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We are then taken to a college and introduced to a new student, Kavita (Neelam). All the girls tell her about Vishal and how great he is and how she will fall in love with him when she meets him. However, before that happens she attracts the attention of some unsavoury types. Unexpectedly, Vishal does not come to the rescue but she is well able to defend herself.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00008.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />She has every reason to look smug:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00014.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00014.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Vishal seems to be friends with some of the unsavoury types (but somehow not much is ever made of this in the movie) who in turn now sing Kavita's praises. When the two finally meet we are treated to our first song.<br /><br />The two on either side used up the movie's fluffy hair allowance, so nothing was left for the third:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00015.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00019.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00019.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00020.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00020.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />A bit laters, Kavita meets Vishal in the library to treat him to some sweets, as her (considerably older) brother, Inspector Vikram (Shashi Kapoor) has been creating panic in the underworld><br /><br />I like the fact that this looks like a real library; on the other hand, surely they shouldn't have food in there:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00024.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00024.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00025.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00025.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We then see one of the underworld king pin's henchmen (MacMohan) talk to a lawyer about the difficulties of trying to get rid of Inspector Vikram. Apparently, the gangster's at his last post held a huge celebration when he was finally transferred, well, at least those who weren't in prison. This is followed by a chase scene in which Inspector Vikram chases a truck transporting smuggled goods. He manages to stop it but the truck driver is shot before he can interrogate him. At least he managed to confiscate the drugs and we get a small lecture on the evils of drug abuse:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00034.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00034.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />While he is asking himself who could be behind this large scale drug trafficking, the viewer is given this information. And to our complete surprise the head of the drug smuggling gang (who is in league with foreign powers to rob the Indian youth of its manhood and vigour) is none other than Jaikishen, who goes by JK when he does illegal business.<br /><br />I am so surprised by this development:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00038.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00038.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He has a colour-coordinated private army, too:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00036.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00036.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We then meet Inspector Vikram's family, including his wife (Anjana Mumtaz) and his mother as well as his younger sister. They are a very happy family, which does not bode well for them at all:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00044.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00044.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00041.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00041.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We follow Inspector Vikram to work where he deals roughly with some people who have come to bribe him, and then sets of to provide security at a political rally held by Jaikishen. The meeting is disturbed by an elderly gentleman who accuses Jaikishen of being an evil person. He is taken away but Inspector Vikram has become curious and goes to meet him later that day.<br /><br />Oh dear, so he is a corrupt politician, too:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00050.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00050.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Please, somebody help me get rid of this awful beard:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00051.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00051.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Hmm, I suspect something:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00052.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00052.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Inspector Vikram learns that Jaikishen was a government officer in a smaller town, and was very corrupt, but when the elderly gentleman wanted to testify against him, he got himself transferred and had the elderly gentleman's family killed. After some persuasion, he is again willing to testify against Jaikishen and is going to meet the inspector in the evening, but when he arrives at the appointed place (a dimly lit warehouse with giant cobwebs, what else) he has been hanged.<br /><br />Really, the beard wasn't that bad:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00061.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This seems rather strange, but things become somewhat clearer, when Subinspector Gill goes to meet Jaikishen in his evil guise and turns out to be in his pocket:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00066.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00066.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He is also married with an upright wife and a son, whom the mother suspects of taking drugs, but who the father still provides with money (I wonder where this could possibly lead)<br /><br />Mum isn't happy:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00071.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before things can get to serious, we get our next song for which the camera-man seems to have made good use of his wife's cookie cutters:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00075.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00075.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00076.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00076.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />However, we are soon back with the evil people plotting how to get rid of the overly efficient Inspector Vikram. They decide that the best way forward would be to frame him for the possession of drugs and they promptly proceed to do so. Inspector Vikram is arrested and taken to prison, a course of events which leads to his mother expiring from a heart attack. Vikram's younger brother, Amar, is transferred so he can look after the family. He is also a police officer (and yes, we have never heard of him before):<br /><br />Oh dear:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00097.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00097.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Not the reunion they would have wanted, one suspects:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00101.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00101.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Vikram tells Amar that he suspects that Jaikishen framed him, and Amar goes to talk to his superior , Mr. Walia, (Iftekhar, he really is in every movie), where he meets Jaikishen briefly. After a brief comic relief interlude and some moment of commiseration between Vishal and Kavita, we are taken back to the evil people and a dance number involving a lady in pink ruffles and not much else as well as Mr. Paker (Bob Christo), the foreign agent who apart form poisoning India's youth is also after some defence files:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00106.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00106.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />My poor eyes:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00115.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00115.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It turns out, that some of the drugs supplied where more poisonous than planned and the hospitals are overrun with dying young people, leaving behind young widows and helpless mothers. Inspector Amar tries to find the main supplier and manages to arrest one of Jaikishen's henchmen as well as finding the defence paper, in a rather unlikely place:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00127.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00127.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Vikram has been released from Jail and is reunited with his family. However, his arrest and time in jail have taken their toll, and he seems to be unhealthily focused on revenge even day dreaming of killing Jaikishen and embarking on a career of hooliganism late in life by beating up vegetable vendors. He even goes to Jaikishen's house to threaten him, and when Vishal asks his father who their visitor was, he answers him that it was Inspector Vikram who has rather lost his mind in jail, and I can't entirely disagree with him:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00136.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00136.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00141.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00141.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I am not sure this is such a good idea:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00151.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00151.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Puzzled:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00153.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00153.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Despite their private problems, Vishal and Kavita perform at their school, a number named “We are a new generation”. When Jaikishen is trying to give Kavita an award she refuses it on the grounds that he is an evil and corrupt person. This, naturally, leads to a rift between Vishal and Kavita, but when Vishal learns the truth about his father, indicated by this handy symbol:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00166.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00166.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />he leaves his parent's house. His mother, however, refuses to believe ill of her husband and stays. This is in contrast to Inspector Gill's wife, who returns her mangelsutra to her husband when she learns that he has been taking bribes, leaving him confused and angry.<br /><br />Meanwhile, a cunningly disguised Vikram overhears a conversation that an exchange of the secret documents is meant to take place between two agents named Cobra and Fishermen. <br /><br />Behold, Vikram, Master of Disguises:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00184.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00184.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Also, the artwork on the suitcases is really something else:<br /><br />Cobra:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00185.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00185.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and Fisherman:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00187.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00187.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Vikram manages to intercept the papers and leaves them in a secret place marked with a big white X . After beating up an innocent phone-booth user he tells his brother where the paper's are hidden, only to be abducted by Jaikishen's men. Amar finds the papers, even though there seem to be two rocks marked with an X<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00204.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00204.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00205.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00205.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and then searches Jaikishen's home where he finds a picture of his younger sister which leads to a very awkward conversation at home. Unsurprisingly, Kavita's family isn't best pleased with her choice of boyfriend, but they do mellow somewhat at the end of the conversation. <br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00218.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00218.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Vikram, now sporting a cap, seems to have joined hands with Mr. Paker:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00221.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00221.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />What is going on there? Will the defence papers remain safe? Will Subinspector Gill ever see the error of his ways? And will we ever see more than one facial expression from Inspector Amar? What happens if someone disregards the sign?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00240.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Farz%20ki%20Jung/vlcsnap-00240.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is fairly standard and enjoyable 80s fare, with plenty of dishoom, familial convolutions, and strange fashion choices. There is really only one major problem, which is the guy playing Inspector Amar (Dalwinder Sohal). When I first watched it I wondered who he was related to, but in fact, he is the producer of the movie. His acting, or lack thereof, is really quite painful to watch. Fans of Govinda might find that there is to little of him, as he really is mainly there to provide some romance and to dance, but the plot revolves around his father and Inspector Vikram.antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-41840118771111865942009-03-18T12:37:00.000-07:002009-03-18T12:45:32.763-07:00Obscure Songs for Shashi's birthdayWell, to mark Shashi's birthday I decided to share three of my favourite songs:<br /><br />This is my favourite feel-good song from Amar Shakti:<br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/90_lPvVpmuU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/90_lPvVpmuU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br />The next two are a bit more subdued, one from Gehri Chot (or Door Desh, it goes by both names), and one from Duniya mer jeb mein (this one is rather a spoiler, so if you don't want to be spoiled don't watch it)<br /><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pdbqkJHOpiY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pdbqkJHOpiY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ULIL7kiYHTE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ULIL7kiYHTE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-68160967766358761922009-03-16T15:57:00.000-07:002009-03-16T16:12:45.956-07:00Azaad (1955)I know it is Shashi-week <a href="http://bethlovesbollywood.blogspot.com/">elsewhere</a> and also <a href="http://babasko.blogspot.com/">elsewhere else</a> and it isn't as if there hasn't been a lot of Shashi around here, however, I am going to carry on with the next post I had planned which just happens not to involve Shashi. The next one up, however, will be the delightful Farz ki Jung, another product of that under-appreciated decade, the 1980s.<br /><br />Azaad is another movie staring Dillip Kumar and Meena Kumari which is surprisingly free from tears and melodrama, although there are abducted maidens, misplaced sons and threatened fathers.<br /><br />The movie starts rather promisingly with a pretty cool Dvd menu:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />The title sequence itself is less impressive but still rather nice:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We are straight away introduced to Shoba (Meena Kumari) who is returning from an invigorating morning ride. The conversation between her and her mother (Achala Sachdev) swiftly moves towards the topic of marriage, and when her father (Badri Prasad) joins in they both lament that they lost their son Kumar in childhood as she was meant to get married to him, and now they have to find a new groom for her; how very inconvenient. This sounds all rather odd but it soon transpires, that the older couple are not in fact Shoba's parents but brought her up after her father died, who had been an old friend of the other father. There is a man, Sunder, who wants to marry Shoba, but she dislikes him (and for good reasons), and in a manner most untypical of filmi parents, her parents don't want her to marry him either.<br /><br />Mother and daughter<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00008.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The parents remembering Kumar:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00010.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00010.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We are then introduced to Sunder (Pran), who apart from having designs on Shoba, also is the mastermind behind the activities of the dacoit Chander (S. Nazir), as well as to the new police inspector (Raj Mehra) and constable Motilal (Om Prakash), who is our comic relief for this movie. He has two wives, three sons and six daughters, which leads to much mirth (or not). From the conversation between the police officers we learn that there are two dacoits active in the area, Chander and Azaad, though they aren't even sure whether this could not be one person using two names. The authorities higer up are rather unhappy about the lack of success in solving these cases, so there is a lot of pressure on the police inspector.<br /> <br />There appears to be Queen Victoria on the wall in the background:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00017.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00017.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Meanwhile, a young girl form Shoba's mother's village, Janki (Shammi) has arrived at the house, who is very upset because Sunder has inticed her to come to him with promises of love but now he doesn't acknowledge her and she can't go home because her family has thrown her out of the house. Shoba's mother promises to help her.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00020.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00020.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The police inspector has gone to visit Khan Saheb (Dilip Kumar) a wealthy man who is known for helping people in the community and is also a good friend of Shoba's father and then we get our first song, Shoba dancing to entertain her mother.<br /><br />What, you were expecting him to be Shoba's love interest? Don't worry, it's complicated.<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00023.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00023.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />That night Shoba is abducted by Chander's men but before anything untoward can happen they are beaten up and Shoba is now abducted by a different group of men, who take her to their elderly leader. Shoba, sensible girl that she is, had pretended to be unconscious and demands to be taken home when it seems safe to give up the pretense. However, her rescuer points out that Chander's men are blocking the way home, and takes her to a cave where they spend the night. The next morning it still isn't safe for Shoba to go home, so she is taken further along into the mountains.<br /><br />It looks quite comfy:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00031.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00031.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The elderly leader:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00039.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00039.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />They walk, a lot:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00045.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00045.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile the police has found Chander's men, and also some of Shoba's jewellery which had been taken from her by them. Shoba is still walking along with her companion when they get attacked by stock footage of a great cat which then proceeds to have a fight with a wild boar (which is quite impressive, but somehow has nothing to do whatsoever with the plot). After the animals retreat, Shoba and her rescuer continue walking but before long they have to cross a deep valley in a contraption which doesn't look at all safe to me. They make it across though, and after shortly after arrive at a cunningly disguised entrance (it seems almost as cunning as these fake stones you can buy from mailorder catalogues to keep your spare key under).<br /><br />Oh, hi, sorry, no, I don't know why you are in the movie either:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00053.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00053.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />High security:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00061.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Inside they are greated by a lady the rescuer refers to as aunt, and two girls. Shoba is takend away to freshen up a bit, and then she meets a younger men who turns out to be her rescuer sans grey hair and old man make-up and who introduces himself as Azaad (Dilip Kumar). He flirts with her, but she is at first not particularily impressed.<br /><br />Meet the family:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00063.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />You can practically hear her go "Hmpf"<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00068.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00068.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Her father is rather distressed by his daughter's disappearance and somewhat underwhelmed by the police's lack of progress.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00071.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Azaad and his familly, the aunt, the two girls, and his father, are all discussing the possibility of Azaad getting married to Shoba. She listens in and is actually quite taken with the idea, even though she still thinks that Azaad is a dacoit.<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00074.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00074.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Shoba goes out to watch some wrestlers, and afterwards, the two sisters dance for the whole group. The next morning sees more flirting between Azaad and Shoba, which is interrupted by some comic relief involving the police constable and some more evil plotting between Chander and a generously moustachioed accomplice.<br /><br />Actually, they are both pretty well-endowed in the facial hair department:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00083.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00083.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />When we get back to Shoba we are treated to another song, and yet more flirting. Also, Shoba would really like to go home, but Azaad insists that it is still too dangerous.<br /><br />A rare occurence, Dilip's right profile:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00088.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00088.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />While Shoba is still outside she is startled by stock footage of a bear, who is swiftly followed by a tiger, and we are treated to another animal fight. I am not sure whether this is meant to be symbolic of anything, it just doesn't quite feel that way. After nightfall Shoba is rescued from the tree where she had taken refuge by Azaad. After a short interlude at the police station we are back with Azaad's family who ask Shoba to dance for them. She obliges them and it becomes even more obvious that Azaad is very smitten with her.<br /><br />Mind you, it is such a pretty tree:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00093.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00093.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The police have finally managed to find something resembling a lead, namely that Khan Saheb has taken is rather nice carriage towards the hills where the dacoits live for no good reason. They decide to keep a watch on this vehicle, while Shoba is finally taken home by Azaad. Obviously, they while away their boring long walk with another song.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00106.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00106.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />However, as we know, the police is waiting for the vehicle which is to convey Shoba home. But not only the police, Chander and his men are there, too, to finish the job of abducting Shoba in which they were interrupted by Azaad. Some confusion and much moustache-swirling later, the carriage is in Sunder's courtyard, as is the police. Sunder pretends that he found the carriage or rather the horse with the carriage wandering along the road, and when the door is opened, there is no Shoba, though the carriage isn't empty either.<br /><br />Not who they were expecting:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00117.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00117.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Shoba has actually made it home, and is welcomed by her parents. When the police arrive the next morning to tell her parents that they have traced Shoba and that she is now being held in Sunder's house; they are very surprised to find Shoba already at her parent's. She says that she was staying with Azaad, but doesn't know where because she was blindfolded most of the time.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00123.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00123.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After a short detour involving Khan Saheb listening to a song about love (which makes a lot more sense if one has realised that he actually is Azaad, although the movie is going to take quite some time before it finally reveals this stunning surprise) and more comedy featuring the constable dressed up as a Sadhu, we return to the main plot with the police inspector interrogating Khan Saheb. He is still perfectly polite but obviously suspicious. Khan Saheb on the other hand is quick to defend Azaad claiming that he isn't actually a thief, let alone a murderer, and vowing to proof his friend innocence.<br /><br />This is rather pretty:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00126.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00126.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />What's more silly - the fake beard or the tinsel?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00133.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00133.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before too much can happen, Azaad is called away because his father has fallen ill and requires his presence. He is worried about Shoba, so he sends his aunt and the girls into town where they contact Shoba by doing a dance number under her window and explain why Azaad can't come. Sunder has also not given up on his plans to get Shoba and he plots with Janki to trick her into coming to his house. They suceed and in the rather heated conversation it turns out that he is actually married to Janki though this obstacle in his path to a union with Shoba is fairly swiftly removed. Before things can get too much out of hand, Azaad comes to the rescue.<br /><br />Hi, I don't know how I know that I am needed here, but here I am:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00151.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00151.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00156.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00156.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Azaad is on his way to his mountain lair (well, it is rather a medium sized palace) but Sunder and his men follow him and take over the machine room of the valley-crossing contraption, and succeed in smashing it on the mountain. Azaad nevertheless manages to make it home in time to attend his father's deathbed. His father has not one but two last wishes (is this allowed? Or is he using up somebody else's last wish?), Azaad should marry Shoba, and he should give up their illegal ways and return all the things they stole from Chander and his men, they are (I have no idea why) rich enough not to need the stuff. Azaad proceeds to return the stolen goods, still in his disguise as Khan Saheb. This exonerates him from being a thief, but, as the police inspector points out, there is still the minor detail of some murder charges.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00164.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00164.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00168.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00168.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Sunder has still not given up on Shoba. As abducting her was a non-starter, he now decides to abduct her father and blackmail Shoba into marrying him. Well, he is nothing if not persistent. Azaad, however, gets wind of this plan and alerts the police (as Khan Saheb) and then beats up Sunder and his accomplices (as Azaad). The father is rescued, the villains are arrested, and the next morning, the alleged murder victims report at the police station very much alive. The police inspector can now report to Khan Saheb that Azaad has been cleared of all charges, and won't he come along if they both to got have lunch at Shoba's parents the next day.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00183.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Azaad/vlcsnap-00183.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />What will happen next? Will Shoba's parents accept an ex-thief as their son-in-law; or Khan Saheb, for that matter, should Azaad decide not to drop that disguise? What about Kumar, the long lost real son? How many more songs will their be? Will there be more stock footage of a tiger?<br /><br />It is a fun ride, but if one wants to watch the two leads in non-tragic, tear-free, non-melodramatic mood, I would recommend starting with Kohinoor, which does also have its fair share of wacky disguises and animals, but has a somewhat more coherent plot. There was just to much walking along lovingly hand-painted sets, comic relief, weird animal fights and convolution for convolutions sake in this one to make it more than something to watch on a rainy Saturday afternoon. The songs were nice, and the dancing was very good, but it all felt a bit choppy.antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-73503877523047708272009-02-26T03:16:00.000-08:002009-02-26T10:41:34.985-08:00Ilzaam (1986)Ilzaam is another movie starring Shashi as older police-officer (Inspector General, to be precise) and a very young Govinda. It also has a not completely predictable plot, which does make a nice change.<br /><br />After a title-sequence which is ever so slightly on the garish side, we meet a motorcycle gang who helpfully discuss there plans for the evening in great detail. A guy named Ajay (Govinda) is going to dance in the street, and the rest of the gang is going to rob the flats while their owners are outside getting irritated by the nocturnal dance performance. It sounds rather convoluted to me, but it does lead neatly to our first song, the imaginatively entitled “I am a street dancer”<br /><br />You might want to invest in some sunglasses before watching this:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00004.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00004.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We soon learn that Ajay can't be all bad as he refuses to go along with killing an older man and his daughter in order to rob the money meant for her dowry. This leads to him falling out with the gang and making his way to Bombay, followed by a police inspector Yadav (Ramesh Deo), who has seen his face. On the way he encounters a very good looking young woman, who obviously knows him.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00008.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00009.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The young woman turns out to be Aarti (Neelam) the daughter of Danraj (Prem Chopra) and she is overjoyed to have found Ajay again, who appears to have been her boyfriend at some point. Her father points out that he finds her joy rather misplaced as Ajay should her up on the night of their engagement. As her father is played by Prem Chopra I can't help the feeling that he may have more to do with Ajay's non-appearance than he lets on.<br /><br />Father-daughter bonding:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00010.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00010.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, another family reunion takes place in the house of the Inspector Genera, Ranjit Singh (Shashi Kapoor) whose son Satish (Raj Kiran) has returned home after a year in London. Ranjit is obviously very fond of his son, but we get a bad feeling about him very soon.<br /><br />Father-son bonding:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00015.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Hmm, I am not sure about you:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00014.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00014.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Gratuitous Shashi-picture<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00016.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00016.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The bad feeling about Satish turns out to be fully justified in the next scene. Not only does he drink and drive he also offers a life to an innocent and somewhat naïve girl, and promptly tries to rape her. Luckily, Lakshmi (Shradda Verma) is rescued in time by no other than Ajay. She takes him home to meet her mother, who promptly welcomes him into the family and offers him a bed for the night. During the night Ajay is tortured by his conscience, wondering who a thief like him can stay with these nice people. He decides to leave but is stopped by Lakshmi's older brother Suraj Prasad (Shatrughan Sinha), a police officer who mistakes Ajay for a thief.<br /><br />Instant Maa-approval:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00023.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00023.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He really is rather cute:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00025.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00025.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />You know, this bears all the hallmarks of major awkwardness to come:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00033.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00033.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />When Suraj learns why Ajay is staying with his family he quickly accepts him as his younger brother. Shortly afterwards, he follows a rather reckless motorcyclist, but when he stops the driver it turns out to be a woman, Kamal (Anita Raj) who urgently needs to get medication to her father. Suraj is rather impressed with her filial devotion and makes sure the medication reaches her father safely.<br /><br />I spot a love story developing;<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00041.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00041.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It also turns out that Suraj knows Inspector Yadav, so he takes him home to meet the family when he arrives in Bombay following the thief. Ajay manages to avoid being recognised by a cunning disguise involving the applications of rather a lot of soap.<br /><br />Hmm, maybe the Inspector needs glasses:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00046.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00046.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ajay sees a job advertised in a dancing school, and he goes with Lakshmi to apply for the position. It just so happens that Aarti is also at the school talking to the director about a donation. When she confronts Ajay he claims not to know her and tells Lakshmi that Aarti probably lost somebody who looked like him and has become slightly unhinged in her grief. Lakshmi is only moderatly convinced by this.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00053.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00053.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before the suspense of what exactly happened between Ajay and Aarti claims any victims we are treated to an expository flashback, triggered by this peace of interior decoration which does seem oddly familiar:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00054.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00054.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />First, it is confirmed that Ajay and Aarti where in love. They do spend some time running around trees and singing. Unfortunately, Aarti's father would have preferred a more affluent son-in-law, so he at first does not agree to the match unless Ajay comes up with a substantial amount of money. After a passionate speech given by Ajay he seems to relent and agrees to the engagement but on the night of the engagement Ajay doesn't turn up.<br /><br />I don't trust you:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00063.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Not the position you want to be in at the end of your engagement party:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00064.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00064.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Aarti is convinced that what stopped Ajay from getting engaged to her was his lack of money. So she wants to organise a dance competition with a substantial prize, in order to make him confess his true identity. She asks her father for money; and shortly afterwards we learn that Dhanraj isn't an upright business man, but a smuggler (not that that is that much of surprise, in fact I would be much more surprised if he wasn't a smuggler).<br /><br />Inspector Suraj manages to stop one of Dhanraj's trucks but before he can interrogate the driver he is shot by Dhanraj's men. <br /><br />This guy usually has less hair:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00069.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00069.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Dhanraj tries to bribe the Inspector General over a game of snooker (well something with long sticks anyway), who is to honest to accept the bribe and advises Inspector Suraj that Dhanraj isn't all that honest.<br /><br />I am fascinated by the flower patterned curtains:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00070.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00070.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Do I look like I would accept a bribe to you?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00071.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00071.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, Satish has no qualms about joining Dhanraj in his illegal activities. He is overly fond of money and always needs more to finance his extravagant life-style. At Dhanraj's hotel he is introduced to Kamal, who he takes an instant liking to. Kamal is a dancer and we get our next dance number, which involves a lot of water and not many clothes.<br /><br />Oh, hmmm, this doesn't bode too well:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00077.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00077.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It is a miracle she doesn't catch a cold:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00078.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00078.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Things get even more complicated, when Inspector Suraj turns up at the hotel, where he has been send to investigate. He manages to save Kamal from being raped by Satish, but lets him go because he doesn't want to embarrass his father. Suraj drops Kamal home and it is very obvious that he is more than fond of her, and doesn't even mind her working as a dancer.<br /><br />Not the brightest idea ever:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00091.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00091.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Smitten:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00095.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00095.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Satish then enacts a complicated ploy to get the truck back which the police confiscated, using the fact that his father is so well-respected to his own advantage. Inspector Suraj becomes more and more suspicious but there is little he can do at the moment. He tries to share his suspicions with Inspector General Ranjit but he isn't willing to listen to anything negative about his son. The conversation puts quite a lot of strain on the relation between Suraj and Ranjit, and Suraj vows to make Ranjit see his son's true nature.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00101.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00101.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00109.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00109.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Satish has met Aarti at her father's house and has decided that he would rather like to marry her. Aarti is less than impressed with this development. She decides to take matters into her own hand and confronts Ajay who is still staying with Suraj's family. Their conversation is overheard by Lakshmi who is know convinced that there is more to the whole Ajay-Aarti business than Ajay is willing to admit.<br /><br />Guys, you aren't as alone as you think you are:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00118.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00118.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Before Lakshmi can quiz Ajay in greater detail, the whole family sets off to meet Lakshmi's future in-laws to sort out the arrangement for her marriage. Unfortunately her sleazy future father-in-law demands a lot of dowry. Lakshmi is heartbroken; Ajay remembers the dancing competition and joins in to earn the money for his adopted sister:<br /><br />Why would you want to marry into this family?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00123.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00123.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Don't worry!<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00126.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00126.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Of course a dance competition means another, extremely bright song (you are still wearing your sunglasses, aren't you?) performed in the presence of a somewhat bemused Inspector General:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00133.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00133.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00131.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00131.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Of course, Ajay wins, but does not endear himself to Aarti by saying that he won the money for his sister's wedding and not to marry her. On the way out he is waylaid by the motorcycle-gang who have finally caught up with him. He manages to fight them off backstage though.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00144.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00144.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Aarti comes home to find Satish trying to flirt with her, which she doesn't appreciate at all (really, can you blame her?). Inspector Suraj, meanwhile is trying to find the driver who helped Satish to get the truck with the smuggled goods back. He manages to find him and arrest him but he is shot in prison. Luckily, he manages to make a written statement before his death, and miraculously avoid smearing blood all over it when he clutches it to his bullet riddled chest.<br /><br />Doing the right thing proves fatal in this case:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00161.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00161.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Satish obviously wants to prevent that statement from ever reaching his father, so he instructs Kamal to retrieve it form Suraj's flat. He can do that because she is deeply in debt to Dhanraj and has a very sick father. Before she can do so, she meets his family who take an instant liking to her, especially after she has changed into a sari.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00172.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00172.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Kamal takes the file, and on the way out meets Ajay, whom she obviously recognises, which causes her some distress. When Suraj notices that the file is missing he is most distressed, especially since he very shortly is going to have a meeting with the Inspector General.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00179.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00179.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />As can be expected, the meeting doesn't go to well. Ratish accuses Suraj of going after his son to protect Ajay, as he has now learned that Ajay actually is a thief. Surja is shocked and immediately jumps to the conclusion that Ajay must have stolen the file in order to pay for Lakshmi's wedding. He proceeds to throw Ajay out of the house. Before he can do any greater damage to Ajay, he is stopped by Inspector Yadav, of all people, and Ajay ends up in prison.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00180.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00180.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00193.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00193.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Oh dear:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00195.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00195.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />However, not all is lost: When Aarti hears what has happened to Ajay, she goes to Suraj and tells him that Ajay won the money in a dance competition and convinces that he must be a decent person.<br />Suraj and Ajay are reconciled, and Aarti starts to resemble Princess Leia:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00201.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00201.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00202.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00202.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />So, how will this work out? What did actually happen on the night of the engagement that stopped Ajay from coming and pushed him into a life of crime? What part did Kamal play? Will the Inspector General ever learn of what his son is up to? And what consequences will that have? Are there going to be any more songs?<br /><br />This is a very enjoyable movie. The plot moves along at a decent pace and there is just enough mystery going on to keep one guessing without leaving one completely confused and some twists couldn't be spotted a mile of. The music is pleasant and it helps having a lead who can actually dance when your story requires his character to win dancing competitions and be an accomplished dancer. Otherwise the result can be highly entertaining, but not terribly convincing. The different elements of the story are well balanced and everybody is doing a good job. This is actually a movie I would recommend wholeheartedly for anybody interested in any of the actors or cinema form this period. Just don't forget your sunglasses.<br /><br />And to end this, you are not going to escape more gratuitous Shashi pictures:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00043.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00043.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00076.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00076.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00107.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00107.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00184.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00184.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00186.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00186.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00250.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00250.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00255.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00255.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00262.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00262.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Oh dear:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00267.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Ilzaam/vlcsnap-00267.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-55590145844789534992009-02-15T02:24:00.000-08:002009-02-15T02:27:27.951-08:00Dil ne pukara (1967)Dil ne pukara is another of these rather sweet movies which are nice to watch on a Saturday afternoon without being a cinematographic masterpiece. It is the story of Asha (Rajshree) and Rajan (Sanjay Khan) who meet while they are both on holiday in Kashmir. He is instantly smitten with her; she is instantly irritated by him.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />At the same time we meet Bansi (Mehmood) and Jyoti (Helen) who have a similarly complex courtship. Bansi and Rajan are good friends, and Bansi's courtship of Jyoti will continue throughout the entire movie<br /><br />She may just object to his choice of clothes:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00006.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00006.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Rajan woes Asha by sneaking into her room, dressing up as a boatman, singing a long song, and finally playing the mouthorgan under her window in the middle of the night. Amazingly, she doesn't have him evicted from the hotel but instead agrees to one last meeting where he tells her that one day she will love him they way he loves her. <br /><br />You are not winning:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00020.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00020.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Further signs that this isn't going too well:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00013.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00013.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Oh, stop it already:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00025.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00025.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is all rather irritating, verging on the creepy, but I suppose it is meant to be romantic. The day after the mouthorgan business, Asha receives a telegram that her father is ill and she is needed at home. Back home she finds her father, Dharamdas Khanna (Manmohan Krishna) in bed, but generally in good spirits.<br /><br />I feel he is missing a moustache:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00030.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00030.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We also meet the family cat:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00031.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00031.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />and, to fulfil the cuteness quota of the movie, Prakash (Shashi Kapoor), the orphaned son of an old friend of Dharamdas, who is a (very young) medical doctor. It is pretty obvious to everybody apart from Asha, that Prakash is in love with her.<br /><br />All that is missing is the cat:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00035.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00035.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Alas, Rajan has been prophetic, and Asha now spends her nights tossing and turning while longing for him. Why, I am not sure. She seems to be missing midnight mouthorgan serenading. Well, each to their own. We also learn that Asha is a medical student.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00038.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00038.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Some days later Prakash is celebrating is birthday. Asha gives him a stethoscope, which leaves him decidedly underwhelmed. Also at the party is Rajan, who is actually a good friend of Prakash. Prakash leaves the two in each others company while he is busy dealing with his other guests.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00041.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00041.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00043.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00043.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Given that they didn't part on the friendliest terms, the two are a bit awkward around each other. Before we can get overwhelmed by their awkwardness we get a song which involves Helen in a white swimsuit.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00046.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00046.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Over the next days, Asha and Rajan manage to work out that they now actually are both in love, and with each other, while Bansi and Jyoti continue to have communication issues. Well, mainly Bansi gets the wrong end of the stick and then has placate Jyoti. <br /><br />Rajan is now prepared to make that all-important step, introducing Asha to his mother (Achala Sachdev), which works very well.<br /><br />She is now Ma-approved:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00052.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00052.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Around the same time, Asha's father is having words with Prakash. He is a heart patient who may not live for very long, so obviously he wants to see his daughter settled, and who better to get her married to than his old friend's son, etc. pp. ... Needless to say, Prakash is delighted with this development, and when Asha comes back, he goes all shy and embarrassed. It is all rather sweet<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00056.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00056.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />She asks him to stay for dinner, and after a conversation which really is a masterclass in talking at cross-purposes they part, both extremely happy.<br /><br />Alas, their happiness is mutually exclusive:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00058.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00058.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />After a short interlude with Bansi and Jyoti, we are back with the happy couple expressing their joy in a rather nice song.<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00063.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Shortly afterwards, Rajan goes to see Prakash to tell him about his new-found love. Prakash at first isn't at all convinced of the seriousness of the situation, as Rajan apparently had several girlfriends in the past, but he is finally convinced that she is the one. Prakash mentions that he is in love to but doesn't mention her name, which is a good thing when he is introduced to Asha shortly afterwards. He doesn't do the best job at hiding his feelings, but the two lovebirds are rather preoccupied with each other so they remain oblivious.<br /><br />Don't mind me, that's just my heart breaking:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00067.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00067.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Oh my:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00070.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00070.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Prakash next goes to Asha's father to ask him not to insist on his marriage to Asha but to let her marry the person she has chosen. Her happiness is his happiness, he says.<br /><br />Now officially too good for this world:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00072.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00072.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He also has to tell Rajan that he was unlucky in his love, when Rajan comes up with plans for a double-wedding, but he doesn't tell him, who he loves. Before it all gets horribly melancholy, we get back to Bansi, who has a less than promising first meeting with his future father-in-law.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00078.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00078.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Asha and Rajan are intrigued by who might have spurned Prakash, and also worried, as he is really quite depressed, so they decide to try and rectify the situation somehow. First, Asha tries to get him to talk about what went wrong with his love, but he is naturally reluctant and evasive.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00086.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00086.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />At Asha's birthday party, Rajan and Asha ask Prakash to sing. He follows the time-honoured tradition of singing about one's own sufferings and broken heart at somebody else's party, with the help of a piano, naturally. The song is so depressing and he looks so unhappy, that both get even more worried, and Rajan begins to suspect that Asha might be the object of Prakash's affection.<br /><br />Depressed piano playing:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00092.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00092.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Look, you asked him to sing; did you really think he would be cheerful:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00093.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00093.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00098.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00098.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00099.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00099.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Prakash leaves the party pretty abruptly, clearly realising that he may have given away too much. Rajan shares is suspicion with Asha, who isn't convinced but nonetheless goes and asks Prakash point blank whether he is in love with her. Asha definitely has guts. Prakash, by now well trained in giving evasive answers, manages to convince her that she isn't his lost love without actually lying to her.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00105.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00105.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Time passes, Bansi is looking for a job in attempt to provide comic relief, and Prakash finds new ways to torture himself:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00109.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00109.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />To be fair, he can't really not spend time with them if he doesn't want them to know that he loves Asha, as they are both good friends of his and Rajan is suspicious anyway, but it still seems a rather awkward way to spend an afternoon.<br /><br />It turns out that Rajan plans to go abroad for a year to finish his studies (in Oxford, where else) as per his deceased father's wishes. Asha isn't keen on the idea, but he insists, and decided to go by steamer at Prakash's suggestion. Asha is not taking the separation very well, and it falls to Prakash to cheer her up. His methods are somewhat unorthodox but effective:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00118.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00118.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, Rajan has charged Asha with finding a good wife for Prakash in his absence. As he puts it “I don't want to see him alone when I return”. After all, a good wife is the solution for all life's problems. Prakash, however, isn't willing to be paired of with somebody, he is still hurting to much from his severe case of unrequited love. <br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00120.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00120.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />As it turns out, a much bigger disaster than Prakash remaining unmarried is about to strike:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00124.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00124.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Asha's father promptly expires at the breakfast table:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00123.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00123.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It falls to Prakash to ascertain that there are really no survivors, try to comfort Rajan's mother, and make sure that Asha doesn't end up killing herself in her grief.<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00128.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00128.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00135.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00135.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He persuades Asha to put her wealth and her education to good use by opening a hospital and she reluctantly agrees. Before the viewer gets to disheartened by all the tragedy, we get another song with Bansi and Jyoti.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00140.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00140.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Years pass, and Rajan's mother (of all people) starts to worry about Asha staying unmarried. She has words with Prakash and suggests that he should marry Asha. He is initially rather reluctant, but in the end agrees, provided that Asha agrees.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00142.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00142.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Asha isn't exactly keen, but after some gentle pressure from Ma, and a long conversation in which Prakash assures her he really only wants to do this, if she wants it, too, she agrees, and the two get engaged. At the night of the engagement, he finally tells her that she is the girl he has loved all along. <br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00153.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00153.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00151.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00151.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Everything seems to sort itself out with some degree of satisfaction for everybody, when shortly afterwards a patient is admitted to the hospital after a car accident.<br /><br />Rajan?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00154.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00154.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />So, did Rajan survive the ship-wreck? And did whoever this is really loose his memory? What will Prakash do? What will Asha do? And will we ever see this rather splendid cat again?<br /><br />For me, this movie has one problem, and that is Sanjay Khan. I just find him completely free of any charm and rather soporific. Which is a bit of a problem, if I am meant to feel Asha's pain at loosing him. In the context of the plot, her not falling for the guy she has known for years makes perfect sense, and I like the plot for having the guy who doesn't get her be genuinely nice, it just would have helped if Rajan had been a bit more attractive. Apart from that, I have no real complaints. There may be a tad too much comic relief, and the songs are pretty pedestrian. Personally, I would have liked more screentime for the cat, and things go a bit bizarre in the last half hour, but overly much. Do watch it as fluffy entertainment or if you are a big fan of any of the stars (and my apologies if you are a fan of Sanjay Khan). Shashi does a very fine line in kicked puppy looks here.<br /><br /> <br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00094.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/dil%20ne%20pukara/vlcsnap-00094.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-42546931019135211302009-02-08T11:41:00.000-08:002009-02-08T11:47:40.083-08:00Anokha Pyar (1948)Anokha Pyar is a movie about a triangular love story. It is a very quiet movie, moving along like a placid river on sunny afternoon, with just the odd turbulence (and many, many songs) as our protagonists deal with live, the universe and Geeta's interfering maiden aunts.<br /><br />The story starts on the banks of a river, where we meet Bindiya (Nalini Jaywant), a girl who sells flowers, singing happily about flowers and youth. <br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00004.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00004.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Having finished her song, she comes across a handsome stranger, Ashok (Dilip Kumar). She tries to sell him some flowers, but has some difficulty as he doesn't have any money, being a not particularly successful writer. In the end, he gives her his last two Annas for some flowers. <br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00006.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00006.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Just after she leaves, she is accosted by Birju who tries to get her to give him her money. Ashok tries to come to her help but is knocked out and Birju runs away never to be seen again in this movie.<br /><br />Thank you for your brief but crucial appearance in this movie. <br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00008.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /> After he regains consciousness, it turns out that he isn't able to see. Bindiya takes him to a local doctor, who cares for the poor people of the area. After a dramatic pause, caused by the doctor's need to take some medication for his serious heart condition, he can reassure Ashok that he will be able to see again, but he needs three or four days of rest and wearing a bandage. After he finds out that Ashok doesn't have any money and nowhere to stay, the doctor suggests that Ashok should stay at his house until he recovers.<br /><br />The doctor is rather cute:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00019.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00019.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Perhaps not the most sensible investement:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00018.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00018.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />We also meet Patel, a barber, and our comic relief, who is interested in Bindiya who isn't at all interested in him.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00014.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00014.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Back at the doctor's house, his daughter Geeta (Nargis) has come home. I don't really know how here first meeting with Ashok happens, as my Dvd decided to skip right to the end of the scene, but she seems comparatively unperturbed by finding a random stranger on the living room couch. On the other hand, given her father's kindly nature this might be a not infrequent occurrence. She proceeds to play a rather lovely song on the piano.<br /><br />Ashok, I think she figured that one out:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00021.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00021.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00022.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00022.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00023.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00023.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ashok is facinated by her voice and gets up but promptly walks into some furniture. After a little bit of banter, Geeta, who can't quite decide whether she finds him amusing or exasperating deposits him back on the couch.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00026.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00026.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />While Ashok is staying with the Doctor, he isn't exactly a model patient, insisting on getting up and endangering the furniture, but nevertheless he and Geeta come closer, and the Doctor also seems to be rather fond of the young man.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00032.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00032.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Bindiya, on the other hand, who is also smitten with Ashok, spends her days pining for him:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00038.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00038.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ashok recovers from his injuries, and is very impressed with Geeta. I am afraid, this leave little hope for poor Bindiya.<br /><br />Yep, he is in love:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00043.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00043.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And I can't really blame him:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00042.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00042.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Unaware of this fact, Bindiya sings another song this time about her love. Ashok leaves the Doctor's house, The Doctory has provided him with some money until he manages to sell his novel. He has just finished exchanging longing glances with Geeta, when Bindiya accosts him with a boquet but he more or less brushes her off.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00053.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00053.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00056.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00056.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />He then settles down in the ruins where we first met him, and sings the song Geeta sang at their first meeting, which in turn is taken up by Bindiya (yes, they do sing a lot). After they finish their song, Ashok and Bindiya have a discussion about a ghost which lives in the nearby river and is apparently rather dangerous.<br /><br />It is inadvisable to model your subtitles on lolcat-captions:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00062.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00062.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, the Doctor's health has taken a turn for the worse and he has called two unmarried female relatives to look after Geeta (which translates mainly into trying to get her married to a well-off decent man as soon as possible). In contrast to the unfavourable first impression one gets, the two aren't actually actively evil or even unkind, they just interfere in unfortunate moments.<br /><br />They also always wear matching sarees:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00067.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00067.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Geeta expresses her longing for Ashok in another song while he goes to see a publisher. Unfortunately, the publisher has chosen this moment to kill himself with a bullet in the brain. Even more unfortunately, Ashok temporarily takes leave of any common sense he may have had an picks up the gun.<br /><br />Nahiiiiiiiiiiiiin<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00075.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00075.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />So, Ashok winds up in prison on a murder charge, which Bindiya overhears. Back at the Doctor's a letter arrives which contains the publishers suicide note. He suffered from an incurable illness and had decided to end it all. The Doctor sends Geeta to see what has happened. She goes reluctantly as she doesn't want to leave her father alone. At the publishing house she hears that somebody has been arrested for the publisher's murder, and she presents the letter. Some bureaucratic hoops later, the police is convinced that the murder wasn't a murder but a suicide, and Geeta is taken to meet Ashok before he is released. She doesn't talk to him, however, as he has just fallen asleep after a sleepless night (which is very considerate, but perhaps not what he would really have wanted). When he wakes up he finds Bindiya singing outside his cell. <br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00085.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00085.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00086.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00086.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />There is bad news for Geeta when she comes back home: Her father has expired. Ashok continues to write his novel, which is heavily based on what happened during his stay in the Doctor's house and Bindiya continoues to sing. Ashok somehow never realises who she is singing about.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00092.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00092.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Geeta's two aunts are determined to get her married. They first have their eye on the publisher's nephew who has taken over his uncle's publishing house. On their way back from investigating this possibility they meet Ashok. Again, my Dvd skips a bit, and I am not sure what transpires but they leave convinced that he is very well off. He also manages to drop a picture of himself, so they take it home to show to Geeta, who naturally isn't adverse to her aunts choice.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00097.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00097.jpg" hborder="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Asho, meanwhile, has a meeting with his new publisher, which goes well, and he even gets an advance. He then goes to meet Geeta, but she has moved house since her father's death, and nobody knows her new address. Somewhat dejected he goes back to the scenic ruins where he has been staying. On the way he is spotted by Geeta's aunts who are upset to learn that he has no money. They also run into Bindiya and jump to the conclusion that she must be his wife. <br /><br />Stalking, the other way round:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00107.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00107.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />When her aunts break the news to Geeta, that Ashok is married, she uses the opportunity to express her heartbreak in a song. The aunts meanwhile, have settled on the publisher's nephew as a suitable husband for Geeta and the two get engaged fairly swiftly.<br /><br />I can see why the guy doesn't have any objections:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00111.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00111.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Ashok's novel has been published and has been very successful which makes his publisher very happy, which makes him quite unique among the main protagonists so far.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00113.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00113.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ashok has rented the Doctor's old house to be better able to pine for his lost love, engaging in depressed piano playing and neglecting poor Bindiya who has fallen ill with all the pining she has been doing. When he finds out that she is unwell he does make sure she gets the what she needs, but that cues more soulful pining in the shape of another song:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00115.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00115.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Pining I<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00120.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00120.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Pining II<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00121.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00121.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />As Ashok's book is so successful, his publisher decides that a celebration is in order, and he insists that his fiance should come, too. When Ashok gets up to give a speech he finds himself confronted with her accusatory look (of course, the poor dear doesn't know that he was chosen as a groom and rejected because of his alleged marriage) and he is so shocked to see her that he faints. For some reason, maybe because she is a doctor's daughter, Geeta is send in with a glass of water, and they have a painful conversation in which they at least manage to work out that he isn't married. Only of course now she is engaged.<br /><br />She is quite scary here:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00126.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00126.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00128.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00128.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Of course, what better way to deal with ones feelings in this situation, than to sing:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00129.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00129.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Geeta's fiance, who bought her father's house, which Ashok now rents, has been asked by hear aunts to make sure that she will be able to live in her old house after the marriage. However, His tenant refuses to leave the house, as this was where he fell in love. Geeta's fiance realises that the woman Ashok loves is no other than Geeta, so he sends her aunts a letter breaking off the engagement, but omitting any explanation as to why:<br /><br />You really also need to be more explicit:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00131.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00131.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00132.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00132.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ashok goes off to the scenic ruins to do some more pining. This time, however, he is joined in his song by the newly not any longer engaged Geeta. Their happy reunion is somewhat marred by the fact that Ashok, who is at times a bit clumsy, ends up in the river.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00135.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00135.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00136.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00136.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Ooops<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00139.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00139.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The next day, he is too ill to meet Geeta again, and as he is from time to time more than a little clueless, he decides to send Bindiya to convey his apologies.<br /><br />Oh, Ashok, really, this isn't a good idea:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00142.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00142.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />It takes Geeta all of about five minutes to work out what the matter with Bindiya is, and then she decides that she should give up Ashok for Bindiya:<br /><br />The fateful meeting:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/?action=view¤t=vlcsnap-00146.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Anokha%20Pyar/vlcsnap-00146.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />What will happen next? Will Ashok meekly marry the woman he doesn't love because Geeta wants him to? What will her aunts do? Will this further complication lead to more songs?<br /><br />I would wholeheartedly recommend the movie for a rainy afternoon if it came in a better quality print. The Dvd I had didn't only skip, it was on occasion so dark, that it started to resemble an audio play, which is a shame with a movie that provides this much eye candy. When I could see the three leads, they all looked really good. The plot does meander rather, but it meanders pleasantly, never really becoming overly melodramatic. The comic relief is bearable, though there is rather more of it than I have managed, mostly to do with people failing to pay the poor guy. Ashok at times seems to be his own worst enemy in a scatter-brained fashion, but he actually manages to become successful after he lost the love of his live rather than growing stubble and succumbing to the lure of alcohol, which made a refreshing change. And while some of the misunderstandings could have been resolved with a bit more communication, the lack thereof wasn't too outrageous.antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090676701125864139.post-81842268247575049752009-01-31T10:33:00.000-08:002009-01-31T13:12:32.675-08:00Aadmi (1968)Melodrama is one of my favourite genres. While I like my masala-movies, from time to time I feel the urge to watch good-looking people in beautiful surroundings making each other's lives miserable. Aadmi is wonderful for this.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />The title sequence presents us with ominous music and a shot of a place which just might become important later in the movie.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00001.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We are then taken to a palatial mansion and a helpful voice-over tells us that this belongs to Rajesh (Dilip Kumar), a rich industrialist, who has everything but can't find peaceful sleep at<br />night.<br /><br />He may just be very sensitive to overdecorated bed-rooms:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00003.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Rajesh is generally regarded as a very nice person indeed. He is devout, cares for his workers, and has a devoted servant who gives him a flower every morning. Being a good person he has to date failed to fire his creepy accountant, Mayadas (Pran), who constantly tries to create rifts between Rajesh and the other employees, including Girdharilal (Shivraj) who supervises the forests.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00008.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00008.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mayadas, however, is not the only fly in the ointment. There is also a disgruntled gentleman with an as yet unkown grievance, who his restraint by the other workers.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00009.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00009.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Before things get so serious (don't worry, there is plenty of serious awaiting us later) we are introduced to Shekar (Manoj Kumar). He is a medical student, about to sit his final exams, and son of an old (now deceased) servant of Rajesh's family who lives with his mother (Sulochana Latkar). He also is going to compete with Rajesh and various other people in a car race. Given the fact that Rajesh has paid for his education and that the family served Rajesh's family for generations, his mother guilts him into letting Rajesh win the race.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00011.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00011.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />During the race, we meet two more members of Mayadas's family, his son and our requisit comic relief, Premdas (Aghga) and his daughter Aarti (Simi Garewal). Both like Shekar a lot and want him to win, and it becomes obvious that Aarti is very much in love with Shekar. This doesn't go down well with her father who wants her to marry Rajesh, as he is rich.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00012.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00012.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Rajesh wins the race, but confronts Shekar afterwards, asking him why he lost on purpose. When Shekar says he did it, because he didn't want to hurt Rajesh's feelings, Rajesh is very impressed with his generous attitude. Their conversation makes it quite clear the Rajesh is rather lonely and not particularily happy inspite of his comfortable circumstances. He invites Shekar to stay with him, which he acceptts. He also suggests that rather than a friend, Rajesh should try the patented filmi solution to all mental troubles:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00019.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00019.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />That night Rajesh can't get to sleep and is haunted by a voice (presumably we hear part of his interior dialogue) which tells him how much better Shekar is, and what a bad person Rajesh is. It also mentions his childhood friend Babu. As a result, he goes to a room with a very impressive cupboard from which he retrieves a doll and a photo album.<br /><br />I am starting to be more than a little worried about Rajesh's mental health<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00025.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00025.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />By this point you might wonder whether there aren't any other women apart from Aarti in the movie. Don't worry, there are:<br /><br />And it was well worth the wait:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00026.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00026.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The first song introduces us to Meena (Waheeda), though we don't get to know her name till later. She is in love with Shekar whom she meets daily, but she likes to be mysterious and hasn't told him who she is or what she is called. She also has a good sense of humour and appears to be generally fun to be around.<br /><br />They are so much in love, the spontaneously colour-coordinate:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00029.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00029.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One day, when coming back from running around trees with Shekar, Meena overhears a conversation, which indicates that her sister Parvati (Padma Chavan) is secretly married to Mayadas's son. He suggests they elope, but she doesn't want to elope, she wants to become a proper daughter-in-law (why she wants to live in the creepy accountant's house is anybodies guess), however, her family doesn't have the kind of money Mayadas would demand in dowry.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00031.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00031.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, Shekar has become a fully qualified doctor and Rajesh has employed him at the hospital he funds, together with Aarti. I do love Meena's reaction to him telling her that he found a job: it is basically "Oh my, the poor patients."<br /><br />Serious business is being conducted:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00033.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00033.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She is very lovely:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00036.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00036.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Shekar propses to Meena, whose name he still doesn't know (this is a rather crucial fact), but she asks him to wait for a bit, as there are problems at home at the moment. He agrees, but everybody's habit of never mentioning any names when talking about future daughter-in-laws results in Shekar's mother assuming that he wants to marry Aarti, a choice whith which she is very happy.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00039.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00039.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mayadas is not happpy about Arti's wish to marry Shekar, and he is about to show just how far he is going to go to make sure that marriage never happens. When he sees Shekar in repairing his car at the road side, he decides to get rid of this obstacle to his plan's of Aarti's marriage with Rajesh once and for all, and runs him over.<br /><br />Oops!<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00043.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00043.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Don't worry, he does survive:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00045.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00045.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Shekar his, however, seriously injured and urgently needs a blood transfusion. Of course, the hospital has run out of his blood group, and equally of course, it matches Rajesh's.<br /><br />Filmi blood! Accept no substitutes<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00048.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00048.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />That night, while Rajesh is still feeling a bit wooly headed from the whole blood transfusion thing, he finds the dissatisefied worker from the beginning in his bedroom brandishing a knife.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00051.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00051.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He accuses Rajesh of being responsible for his daughter's death but leaves without attacking him after Rajesh's manages to calm him down somewhat. Rajesh is clearly rattled by this incident; who wouldn't be, and he goes again to the enigmatic cupboard. While he looks at the doll a voice can be heard, telling him that he killed the little girl (which he didn't) and accuses him of being a bad friend and that Shekar will betray him one day. Rajesh's is clearly distressed about this, and we still don't know what his childhood fried, who is mentioned again, has to do with any of this.<br /><br />He has me worried:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00057.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00057.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The whole conversation ends with Rajesh firing a shot into the ceiling, and the flower bearing servant from earlier on in the movie arrives on the scene. However, he does't mention the shot (maybe this is a more frequent occurence) but has come to report that Shekar's mother is unwell. As Shekar is still resting Rajesh goes to look after her, and the two bond.<br /><br />Aaaaaaaaah<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00059.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00059.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Before the movie throws any more puzzling and/or guilt-inducing incidents our way, we are treated to another song. It is quite similar to the first one that in featueres Meena happily running around trees, but she is so lovely, I really don't mind at all watching her.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00061.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Rajesh shares my sentiments:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00063.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Meena is not very impressed when she finds out that he watched her. She doesn't know who he is, and she is very rude about the estate owner, who is none other than Rajesh. He seems to be puzzled but largely amused by her spunky attitude.<br /><br />Things unlikely to impress young ladies you meet for the first time:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00067.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00067.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Back at Meena's home things have taken a turn for the worse, as her father has found out that her older sister is secretly married. He tries to go and sort things out with Mayadas, but he won't have any daughter in law who doesn't bring a substantial amount of money to the family coffers. Ghadarilal isn't taking this news very well at all.<br /><br />Charming, just charming:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00077.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00077.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Really just as bad:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00079.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00079.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Rajesh finds out about the situation, and offers to sort things out with Mayadas, an offer Ghadarilal accepts gladly. Meena is most embarrased when she realises who she was insulting just a little earlier, and tries to apologise, but he tells her that he actually liked her talking back to him.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00084.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00084.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />That evening, Rajesh (who obviously skipped the chapter "Musical instruments -- appropriate use of" in the guide to filmi cliches) is happily playing the piona, and when Shekar, who is still staying with im, remakrs on his unusual good mood, he reveals that he has fallen in love.<br /><br />It is going to be a surprise all right. I am not so sure aobut the sweet.<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00086.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00086.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Shekar is very glad for his friends and decides to take it about himself to arrange the marriage. He talks to Meena's father, when he comes to the house the collect the money for his older daughter's wedding, and it isn't till he goes over to her house with presents on Rajesh's behalf, that he realises just what he had done.<br /><br />You know, you really should have insisted on knowing her name:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00098.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00098.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Meena isn't happy either, when she hears of the prospective match, but being a good daughter, and given her families obligations towards Rajesh, she goes along with the plans.<br /><br />Hmm, you aren't convincing me:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00095.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00095.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Shekar then sees himself confronted with his inner voice on the way back, and in the struggle between his love for Meena and his friendship with Rajesh (plus Rajesh having paid for his education and saved his life), the latter wins. He also decides not to tell Rajesh about his feelings for Meena, as that would hurt him.<br /><br />This promptly leads to a very akward situation in which Rajesh, who knows that Shekar is in love, suggests a double wedding, so Shekar tells him that his girl has accepted another proposal, without revealing who this person is.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00100.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00100.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We then get a nice song to honour Rajesh's and Meena's engagement, with more happy piano playing, even if neither Meena nor Shekar look particularily thrilled. It is also agreed that Meena should stay at Rajesh's house, in order to learn the running of a big househol. That night, the two meet by chance as Shekar is about to leave for his own home. Meena wants to tell Rajesh about them. She is willing to be his wife, but she feels uncomfortable about not telling him about this previous relationship. Shekar insists that she shouldn't do it, as Rajesh isn't entirely stable and might not recover from a blow like this.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00112.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00112.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then Rajesh turns up, and he insists that Shekar stick around till after the wedding.<br /><br />This is going to be really, really akward:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00115.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00115.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Some time later, Meena is visiting her sister in her new house. Parvati isn't treated particularily well by her father in law (not that that is a surprise) but at least Aarti defends her. Mayadas still isn't reconciled to the fact that Aarti isn't marrying Rajesh, so he tampers with Meena's car.<br /><br />I am sure these are really, really crucial:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00119.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00119.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately, well, for him, not for Meena, she stops and picks up Rajesh on her way back home and when they continue their journey Rajesh is driving. The little scene at the lake also seems to indicate that Meena is slowly warming towards Rajesh.<br /><br />Not exactly sweet nothings, but getting there:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00122.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00122.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Oh well, yes, apparently Rajesh was still too happy for this movie:<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00125.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00125.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Don't worry, after the interval we learn that Rajesh did survive the accident.<br /><br />Alas<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00131.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00131.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Shekar, who is after all a medical doctor, is feeling very guilty about not having been able to more for his friend. Rajesh (who has read that chapter "Behaviour towards fiances -- in case of crippling accident" of the guideto filmi cliches) wants to break of his engagement to Meena. He first talks to Meena's father about it, who isn't at all happy about the idea. Meena, who overhears their conversation is equally horrified by the thought (I am not entirely sure why, as I thoughtit would give her an honourable way out of her engagement, but she doesn't seem to think so), and she does aks the one question people never seem to consider in a situation like this:<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00137.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00137.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She proceeds to show him that she doesn't accept his decision not to marry her by looking after him while he recovers from his injuries.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00143.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00143.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00145.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00145.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00146.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00146.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Given the fact that Rajesh loves her, it is not surprising that there is no more talk of breaking of the engagement. Instead, once Rajesh has recovered as far as possible he sings her an extremely melancholy and rather emo song.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00153.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00153.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After all this seriousness, it is time for some comic relief. Premdas tries to get to his father's money by impersonating a bear. No, it doesn't make much sense, but it is a break from the relentless noble renunciation and suffering going on between Shekar, Meena and Rajesh.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00156.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00156.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It also brings us back to Mayadas, who still hasn't given up on getting his daughter married to Rajesh. He is nothing if not persistent. When he sees Meena and Shekar together, he decides to tell Rajesh about how close those two have become. Rajesh tells him that he trusts them, and in fact asked them to attend a wedding together, as he doesn't like to go out in his current state but he didn't want to deprive Meena of the entertainment. However, he becomes suspicious when Meena and Shekar return very late and very wet, due to their car having broken down on the way back.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00164.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00164.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00168.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00168.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The next day, Rajesh gives Meena his mother's wedding finery as a present and asks her to wear it. As she goes to be changed, Shekar arrives with the good news, that there is a treatment available for Rajesh's legs.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00171.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00171.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Shekar is shocked when he sees Meena in her wedding finery, and Rajesh notices that something is amiss. He nevertheless goes ahead and makes a will which divides his property between Meena and Shekar. He also decides to reveal his deep, dark secret to Meena, and that evening takes her to the enigmatic cupboard.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00184.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00184.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While Meena is upset by what he tells her (which shall remain mysterious here), she reaffirms her willingness to stay at his side.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00187.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00187.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />However, it is now Meena's turn to get confronted by the voice of conscience. Given the fact that Rajesh was so honest with her, she wants to reciprocate and tell him the truth about her and Shekar. Shekar still refuses to do this, and when she leaves his room, she is spotted by Aarti who accuses her of having an affair with Shekar. Their conversation in turn is overheard by Rajesh.<br /><br />Symbolism?<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00190.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00190.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is akward<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00192.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00192.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The akwardness level just increased by 125%<br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00194.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00194.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Rajesh seems to have taken advanced classes in getting the wrong end of the stick and is convinced that Aarti is being mean to Meena because she wants to marry Shekar. Not much later, Rajesh overhears Meena's father accusing her of having an affair with Shekar, as Aarti had words with Parvati. Poor Rajesh is shaken by the news and finds himself confronted by a giant size version of himself as he tries to sort out what to do.<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00200.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00200.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Nevertheless, the three set out on a picnic the next day which culminates in a fight between Shekar and Rajesh during which the true nature of the relationship between Shekar and Meena is revealed; and Rajesh throwing himself of a cliff.<br /><br />Is there any hope for Shekar and Meena's relationship? What is the deep and dark secret? Will Mayadas ever be punished for all the havoc he caused? And, most importantly, is Rajesh really dead?<br /><br />This is really quite heavy on the melodrama. After the interval, everybody is unhappy. It is brilliant! Well, if you like this sort of thing. If you are intolerant to noble renuniciation (mostly by females) and fervent devotion to duty, this isn't the movie for you. It is very well acted and I liked the music a lot. The motivation of the characters made sense to me, even if I don't always agree with their actions.<br /><br />Oh, and look who is frequently covering his face with his hands here<br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00197.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00197.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00144.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00144.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/?action=view&current=vlcsnap-00175.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j248/gebruss/Aadmi/vlcsnap-00175.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a></div>antarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17426370822672116904noreply@blogger.com6