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Reviews
Mutthi Bhar Chawal (1978)
Based on Khushwant Singh's novel
This movie is based upon Khushwant Singh's novel "Ek Chadar Maili Si". This is a prime example of good Pakistani movie making - a very very rare sight. The movie is well cast and well acted. A pre-partition, Sikh family in a small Punjabi village. Lead character is played wonderfully by Sangeeta (real name Parveen) and the tortures of being a woman in India. Shot mostly outdoor in the most serene and non-glamourous locations.
The Indian counterpart of the same movie named after the novel had hema Mailini playing a Punjabi woman with a Southern accent. It was nasty! Sangeeta also directed this movie and created another niche for herself. Must see for all South Asian movie lovers.
Satyam Shivam Sundaram: Love Sublime (1978)
Truth, Godliness and Beauty
Clearly, a movie much ahead of its time. It starts out with a cheesy commentary about the title (which has been translated into English as "Love Sublime") by the producer/director Raj Kapoor, but turns into a visual treat from then on till the last shot. Movies like these are no longer made in India, this shall remain as one of those movies in the eras gone by. The religious metaphors and sensuality was never before seen in a commercial movie.
Zeenat Aman plays the character of an abused and ugly duckling (a stretch for the former model, Miss Asia, Miss India winner....) quite well. The costumes are amazing in the song "Chanchal Sheetal...", never before had costumes or sets as elaborate or ornate been seen on the Indian movie screen. The temple and waterfall sets were constructed in Raj Kapoor's farm in Chembur and are perfect backdrops for many important scenes. The music and Lata's voice are a perfect enhancement to the rest of the movie.
The lead was initially offered to several major actresses in Bollywood (Shabana, Rekha and Reena Roy) but neither agreed. I just can't imagine anyone else as Rupa, but Zeenat Aman. This movie turned out to be a financial flop for Raj Kapoor and he in turn blamed it on Zeenat. She still walked away the winner because the publicity shots for the movie gave Zeenat Aman's popularity a huge boost. The stills of the movie were pasted throughout the city of Bombay (and I am assuming the rest of India) as well as on magazine covers for years to come. It was perfect PR for her and in the long run, she is remembered for her sensuality in this movie. This movie is much more appreciated among NRI and western circles and to this day holds its own.