First on the list is Jodhaa Akbar directed by Ahutosh Gowariker(also directed for Lagaan). I had been waiting such a long time to see this film, that my excitement almost eclipsed any other type of perception I had, lol! There was alot of buzz around this movie, especially, the disagreements as to whether or not Jodhaabai had actually really existed and had been Akbar's wife. I love history and the more accurate the better, but sometimes you just have to let go and say "So what!". And that's exactly what I did. The direction, the settings and the costuming were absolutely breathtaking. The bit parts were done excellently, especially the part of Chughtai Khan, played by Rajesh Vivek(who very notably appeared in Lagaan and Swades). But perhaps, because I really feel him to be an actor who has alot of yet unseen potential, I could be a bit biased, haha. However, when it comes down to the question of who carried the film, Jodhaa( played by now, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) or Akbar, Akbar has to be the answer. I felt as though Hrithik Roshan showed a new side to himself in this film. He wasn't dancing like he normally does in most films and the seriousness and devotion to this character really shone through. I was, quite simply put, impressed. The music, composed by the talented A. R. Rehman, was beautiful and didn't detract from the film but, rather, added to the poignant moments. Definitley a must see!
Next, a film which has been on my mind, even through watching other films. The ostentatious, dramatic, and moving period piece, K. Asif's Mughal-E-Azam. This is the first film that I saw Madhubala perform in and ever since, I have been craving for more. Her bittersweet performance as Anarkali showcased her astounding beauty and grace and completely captivated me. But on screen, her presence could only be rivaled by that of Prithviraj Kapoor, the patriarch of the Kapoor family, acting as Emperor Akbar. These two carried the movie's storyline and whose dialogs were particularly moving. Dilip Kumar did a decent job of Prince Saleem, but in any of his other films, I have no affinity for him whatsoever. The music for this film was fantastic and I just have to show my top 5 favorite songs.
5. Mohe Pangat Pe
4.Teri Mehfil Mein Qismat Aazmakar
3. Mohabbat Zindabad
2.Ye Dil Ki Lagi Kum Kya Hogi
1.Pyar Kiya Tho
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Enjoy!
Globalchic signing off!
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3 comments:
How much do you like watching Hindi comedies? Have you ever seen Padosan? It was released in 1968 and carries some great numbers by Kishore Kumar apart from a fine blend of civilized humor. It's about a young man falling in love, yet failing to win his girl's heart. He has several mates from theater, which of course is a great team of past bollywood comedians. Kishore Kumar, with a great voice (as per the movie and true life both), plays the team leader.
He attempts at training the hero as a singer, to make him appear talented in front of the girl, but fails miserably. He then attempts at sings from the background, and asks the hero to dub it standing in front of heroin's window. This solution works like gem and the two souls fall in love. His bête noire, a classical dance teacher and played by Mahemood, one of the greatest comedians of all time (in my opinion), smells something fishy but can not discover what goes behind the curtains, thus leading to great fun. The truth finally comes out in the open, leading to all hell breaking lose. The hero gets to wed the heroin though, as usual in Hindi movies.
Great humor, great numbers, some great actors to watch from the bygone era (only the heroin survives today :) ).
You can also watch several of recent comedies (from late 90s to early 2000s) that normally include Govinda, Kader Khan, Johny Lever, Paresh Rawal etc. They are always a great team to laugh at. At times Akshay Kumar and Munnabhai fame Sanjay Datt do also get added into this funny list.
Apart from comedies, there are some other good movies, if you haven't watched them. Dil Chahta Hai from recent years. Movies like Abhiman, Mili, Namak Haram, Chupke Chupke from early 70s, all made by Lt. Hrishikesh Mukherjee. There is another good movie by the same director Khubsoorat (1980), in which one of the leading female actresses from past, Rekha plays the lead role. Its a great entertainment to withstand.
In fact, all Hrishida movies are great to watch. Guddi (1971), Bawarchi (1972), Satyakam (1969/ its a very serious movie), Anand (1970), Gol Maal (1979), Sadma (1983), Jhoothi (1985) and many more.
Watch Pather Panchali (1955/ Bengali) by Lt Satyajit Ray. It's a non-commercial B&W movie. Regarded as one of the greatest works ever. You would love watching it despite of the resource crunch it had. Ray used to borrow from friends and travel standing precariously at bus doorsteps in Kolkata buses, while trying to complete this work.
Watch Mala Sinha and Dharmendra in Ankhein (1968). Mala steals the show. Some great Lata Mangeshkar numbers to have a treat of.
There is one more comic relief: Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958). Stars the three brothers: Ashok Kumar, Kishore Kumar and Anup Kumar, apart from Madhubala.
Anything reading Guru Dutt is worth watching. He was a great entertainer and a very sensitive movie maker from 50s to mid 60s. Asloa acted in many of his movies.
Anything reading Dev Anand would also never prove out dull.
In some of these movies, you might also come across Johny Walker, another great (and a very fine) comedians from B&W the bygone era.
More later....
You could also try out enjoying some "parallel cinema" movies from the 80s (though it could be difficult to procure them). These include a movie named Jane Bhi Do Yaron (1983). A non-stop, nonsense take at the Indian corruption.
Also....Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai (1980)
Sparsh(1980)
Chasme Buddoor (1981)
Shatranj Ke Khiladi (1977)
Garam Hawa (1973)
Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro (1989)
I'd like to add a few more here...
Saaransh (1984) by Mahesh Bhatt.
Mani Ratnam's Roja (1992) was a decent one too. Bombay (1995) by the same director also became a huge success, though, I don't remember much about it. So many similar movies nowadays!
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