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Reviews
Saath Saath (1982)
Fair effort at Intelligent cinema!
Saath-Saath, would be among the new-wave movies made in the early 80s. In a largely mediocre decade for Hindi cinema, Saath-Saath attempted a realistic view unlike larger-than-life Amitabhesque movies at that time. Fairly reminiscent of the style mastered by writers/ directors like Sai Paranjpe, Shyam Benegal, etc, the movie's two protagonists, Avinash (Farooque Shaikh) & Gita (Deepti Naval) belong to different social strata.
The bittersweet romance starts in college, with Gita understanding and admiring Avinash's philosophy on life. The economics student (also a writer) with stern principles and ideals is not affected by the materialistic nature of his generation. He is fiercely proud of his humble origins and paints a clear picture of the comparable differences to Gita's upper middle-class milieu. The college gang and one very sardonic English professor provide some light-hearted moments
Gita falls in love with the man and his outlook. Parental objections are not overcome and they get married, despite Avinash's reluctance. The story depicts Mumbai's lower-middle class life in a picture-prefect manner. The one-room setup, Gita's choice of taking a job over pursuing her education is echoed in thousands of homes.
As one could conventionally say, the 'twist-in-the-tale' comes with Avinash's transformation. His frustration at the lack of financial security is poignant. He takes a job with a classmate (Satish Shah) who runs a publishing house. Morals are cast aside, as Avinash thinks like a ruthless businessman. Publishing commercially viable books, such as inane novels, Avinash treads the very path he once loathed. But, wife Gita is not supportive of the easy withdrawal of principles. She questions him at various points in time, and is dismayed at his nonchalance. Then, at a point of no return, Avinash does not help his former professor who put aside all his savings to start a newspaper that he and Avinash had spoken of during his college days.
Meanwhile, they have a child, and some more unscrupulous activities later, Avinash joins Gita's dad (Iftekhar does a fair portrayal of the industrialist). And, Gita leaves Avinash.
The ending is your guess.
Recommended for those with an inclination for the capacity to relate to life! The decent script, with superior performances from the lead pair should be reason enough to venture here!
BONUS: (For us movie-music junkies in India!) Great soundtrack, with most being ghazal-oriented, performed by Jagjit & Chitra Singh Tumko Dekha
To Yeh Khayal Aaya, Yeh Tera Ghar..Yeh Mera Ghar, timeless melodies composed by Kuldip Singh (where is this genius?!) and Javed Akhtar's beautiful poetry.
Love (1991)
Decent attempt at unconventional characters in love!
One of Salman Khan's early post-Maine Pyar Kiya movies, Love is a decent flick. It also introduced the immensely talented Revathy Menon to Hindi cinema-goers.
Maggie (Revathy) is your vivacious collegian who bumps into the broody Salman Khan in some very interesting ways. Cut to Prithvi (Salman) and his morose expressions. He is a juvenile murderer, having killed his dad or step-dad (saw this when i was in school, so don't remember all of it!) who mistreated his mother.
He never really grows out of that till Maggie enters the scenario. After some interesting situations and one very melodious and memorable song, "Saathiya..Yeh Tune Kya Kiya"..Prithvi takes up guitar lessons under Amjad Khan and here's our budding musician!
Like most Hindi movie parents, Maggie's momma, Rita Bhaduri doesn't want a criminal for her future son-in-law..but jovial daddy Shafi Inamdar sees promise in the lad..some more yarn...
The movie could have been better save for the overt melodrama in the latter half...Maggie is ill or dying (again, my memory fails!)..blah blah..Our hero sings for her..and the usual yada yada!
It is interesting viewing for the two protagonists and their performances..In those days, Salman was clothed! ha ha..on a serious note watch it when you have time to spare!
Pyar Kiye Jaa (1966)
Mostly Hilarious Caper!
Pyar Kiye Jaa is essentially like Kishore Kumar. His madness, eccentricity is all captured very well! Adding to the mayhem, Shashi Kapoor, Mehmood and Om Prakash make this a very enjoyable movie.
The story synopsis: Shashi Kapoor gets a job in a firm owned by Om Prakash (Ramlal). For some inane reason, Shashi gets fired soon. His next Plan of Action - Protest! He camps outside Ramlal's bungalow..which makes way to introduce Ramlal's two daughters..Shashi likes one..over some hurled buckets of water!
Next POA! After some hate at first sight..wooing..etc..the couple in love need to have Shashi's parents come over to meet Ramlal..Kishore Kumar, Shashi's bum chum is summoned as a uncle/dad...Problem is Kishore likes Ramlal's other daughter..so the impersonation cannot be held long!
But the piece de resistance in this movie is Mehmood, the aspiring film director..In one situation, he is convincing dad Ramlal about a great murder mystery/plot..which is complete with his sound effects..door creaking..wind blowing...must be among the funniest scenes in Hindi cinema! There is also nubile Mumtaz, aspiring actress and her words of wisdom..ha ha..
Some decent music..and funny performances with fairly engaging plot make it an ideal Sunday watch! Laugh away!