'Kohinoor' is nothing short of a typical 60's Bollywood fairytale. There's a prince, a princess, an evil minister, an evil king, a dancer, horses and soldiers and what not? It's perhaps a fun watch with the family. I enjoyed the comedic moments. Meena Kumari seems to have a knack for comedy but she really does go over the top in the dramatic scenes (oh the screaming!). Too bad she wasn't offered much comedy films. She does fit the princess role. Dilip Kumar is adequate. KumKum springs a surprise as here she plays second lead to Meena, instead of the usual comedic role or heroine's sidekick. She does a fine job and she's quite a dancer. The songs are quite melodious, my favorite being 'Jaadugar ka Dil' sung by the legendary Asha Bhosle and filmed on Kum Kum. On the technical side, the film is okay for its time. The underwater shots are quite good. The set designs, at times look fake but I doubt anyone cares as it's a black and white film. Anyway, to put it in a nutshell, 'Kohinoor' is a decent flick that's perhaps more enjoyable to watch with the family (who know about Hindi films) than solo.
2 Reviews
A Hilarious Take on the Swashbuckler Genre
kamal-2320618 April 2024
"Kohinoor" (1960) throws a playful jab at the traditional swashbuckler film with hilarious results. Dilip Kumar and Meena Kumari take center stage, sending up the genre's tropes with gusto.
A Sharpened Wit: Wajahat Mirza's dialogues are the heart of the film's humor. They're peppered with witty puns, clever wordplay, and sly references to classic Bollywood tropes. The script never takes itself seriously, constantly poking fun at the expected conventions of the genre.
Charmingly Over-the-Top: The performances perfectly capture the film's comedic tone. Kumar's portrayal of the prince is delightfully exaggerated, complete with dramatic poses and exaggerated expressions. Kumari matches his energy with her own brand of comedic timing and playful delivery.
Action with a Wink: Even the action sequences are infused with humor. Sword fights are purposefully clumsy, with exaggerated sound effects and slapstick elements. The overall effect is a delightful mix of excitement and silliness.
A Treasure Trove of Laughs: "Kohinoor" is a treasure trove of laughs for those who appreciate a good-natured spoof. It doesn't shy away from poking fun at itself and the genre it inhabits.
A Fun Ride for Fans: While the film might not resonate with everyone, fans of classic Bollywood comedies and those who appreciate playful homages will find much to enjoy in "Kohinoor." It's a film that celebrates the joy of cinema through laughter and a touch of self-mockery.
So, buckle up and prepare for a hilarious ride - "Kohinoor" is pure, unadulterated entertainment!
A Sharpened Wit: Wajahat Mirza's dialogues are the heart of the film's humor. They're peppered with witty puns, clever wordplay, and sly references to classic Bollywood tropes. The script never takes itself seriously, constantly poking fun at the expected conventions of the genre.
Charmingly Over-the-Top: The performances perfectly capture the film's comedic tone. Kumar's portrayal of the prince is delightfully exaggerated, complete with dramatic poses and exaggerated expressions. Kumari matches his energy with her own brand of comedic timing and playful delivery.
Action with a Wink: Even the action sequences are infused with humor. Sword fights are purposefully clumsy, with exaggerated sound effects and slapstick elements. The overall effect is a delightful mix of excitement and silliness.
A Treasure Trove of Laughs: "Kohinoor" is a treasure trove of laughs for those who appreciate a good-natured spoof. It doesn't shy away from poking fun at itself and the genre it inhabits.
A Fun Ride for Fans: While the film might not resonate with everyone, fans of classic Bollywood comedies and those who appreciate playful homages will find much to enjoy in "Kohinoor." It's a film that celebrates the joy of cinema through laughter and a touch of self-mockery.
So, buckle up and prepare for a hilarious ride - "Kohinoor" is pure, unadulterated entertainment!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
