Category Archives: My Reviews

Aadhar (1969)

My Reviews,

Aadhar meaning support is a Marathi film made by veteran director Raja Paranjape. It has been adopted from Shakuntala Gogate’s novel “Chandane Shimpit Jaa. ” It has an unusual storyline involving an older hero and a much younger heroine. This reminds us of another movie Jagachya Paathivar by the same director which has achieved classic status. Unfortunately, Aadhar leaves a lesser impact.

The Plot

The leading lady of Aadhar is Geeta (Anupama). She has married the man she loves Raju (Gajen Joshi) against their parents’ wishes. Raju hails from a rich family from Sangli. He is a college student and will be completing his graduation soon. Geeta works in an office. The house is run on her income, and she takes care of Raju’s education expenses. They stay in a small, rented house in Pune. The landlady is Geeta’s aunt and the only supportive relative after her marriage. In spite of their dire financial condition, Geeta supports Raju to the best extent, even gifting him some fabric on his birthday. They sing a romantic song in Saras Baug, Majhya re preeti phoola. Geeta loves him wholeheartedly and wishes he complete his studies and get a job.

But Raju is not as he seems. He is in contact with his parents unknown to Geeta. They send him a good allowance every month, which he spends on entertaining his friends, movies etc. They do not care about their daughter in law Geeta (who hails from a lower income family) but want their son to lead a comfortable life. One day, Geeta comes to know the reality when she sees a telegram from his father. She confronts him and they have an argument. Next day, on the pretext of visiting his parents, Raju leaves her forever. Through a letter, he admits everything. There had been other girls in his life before her. The only difference is Geeta made him marry her. He was never serious about their relationship. His parents have found a suitable match, and he is looking forward to settle down with the girl of their choice. There will be no obstacle in their divorce, and he is ready to pay alimony.

Geeta is devastated. Her aunt pacifies her. Geeta has some money from her father which she has not touched. She decides to utilize that, go to Mumbai and settle down there. She has many bitter memories in Pune and can’t stay there any longer. Accordingly, she manages to get a job in Mumbai and accommodation in a chawl.

Geeta is thought as snobbish by her office colleagues but thankfully that perception doesn’t stay for long. One of her colleagues and friend is Kishori (Lalita Desai).

Geeta leads a solitary life and doesn’t mingle with her neighbours in the chawl. There is a neighbour called Dinanath (Bal Kolhatkar), who is the chawl’s secretary. He attempts to befriend her but she rebutts him every time.

Dinanath conducts tuitions. One of the neighbour’s daughter Gooji (Neelam) is his student and flirts with him all the time. Her intention is to marry him. She even calls him “Naath” lovingly. Dinanath has no interest in her. There are some unnecessary “comedy” scenes between the teacher and his flirtatious student.

Dinanath longs to get close with Geeta. During the Ganesh festival celebrations, he invites Geeta to come and watch his performance (he sings a song Kaahi tari tu bol). But she deliberately avoids him and spends time with Kishori before returning late in the night. Dinanath feels insulted but Geeta doesn’t give a heed.

One day, Barrister Prabhakar (Raja Paranjape) visits Geeta’s office. As Kishori introduces Geeta, he is startled to see her. Later, Kishori informs Geeta that Prabhakar is a rich man. His wife has passed away 20 years ago. He loved her too much to think of settling down again. Geeta is impressed at hearing this given her own failed marriage and the character of her husband.

When Prabhakar returns home, we come to know the reason for his startled reaction. Geeta is a lookalike of his late wife Nirmala. It’s as if he saw Nirmala standing in front of him in the office.

Prabhakar and Geeta’s paths are going to cross soon. One day Geeta brings a stray pup to her house. She has rescued it from the clutches of the municipal authorities. The chawl residents oppose the entry of the new resident stating he will be a nuisance. The owner of the chawl hands over an official letter to this effect. Geeta and Kishori consult Barrister Prabhakar, who clearly states the law is not in favour of Geeta. Geeta accepts the reality and lets the dog go.

Later, Prabhakar sees Geeta drenched in the rain at the bus stop and offers her to drop her home. He realizes she has high fever and calls for the doctor. But her condition worsens. He requests Dinanath to call Dr Gupte (Vivek), who is his family doctor. Dr Gupte also notices Geeta’s striking resemblance to Nirmala. He treats her and confirms the case is moving towards typhoid. Prabhakar is shaken. Nirmala had passed away in similar conditions with the same disease. He doesn’t want the same fate to fall upon Geeta.

One day in the hospital, Prabhakar is lost in the thoughts of Nirmala and inadvertently tries to get intimate with Geeta. Geeta suspects his intentions and informs the doctor of her decision to get discharged. She is much better now and would prefer to go home. Additionally, she cannot afford to stay in the hospital due to her financial condition. Prabhakar visits her at home, and she attempts to pay back her treatment costs. Prabhakar apologises for his behaviour but she is no mood to listen.

The misunderstanding continues for some time. Prabhakar falls sick and Dr Gupte requests Geeta to visit him. She reluctantly does so. Upon entering his room, she sees Nirmala’s portrait and her doubts are soon cleared. Prabhakar is surprised to see her and requests her to leave. She apologizes for her behaviour.

He advises her to get married soon. He knows what it is to live alone without your partner as a support. She is young and has a long life ahead of her. He promises to do anything for her to see her happy. Her response is unexpected. Geeta proposes they get married and he is taken aback. After much drama, he agrees, and they are husband and wife.

Dinanath is one of the people who is not happy. He accuses Geeta of falling for Prabhakar’s wealth and making a selfish and hasty decision. She is the same person who had decided to stay away from any relationship after her prior experience. How could she change overnight?

Unfortunately, other people have the same thoughts and taunt the couple. They talk about their age difference and Geeta’s true motive. Things reach a point where Prabhakar suspects Geeta of having an affair with Dinanath (who is making all the moves to poison Prabhakar’s mind). All this leading to tragical circumstances for the couple.

The Music

The golden trio of G D Madgulkar,  Sudhir Phadke and Raja Paranjape once again collaborate for some memorable music. Majhya re preeti phoola is one of the most enduring duets by Sudhir Phadke and Asha Bhosle. 2 Asha Bhosle solos, Wara sute sukhacha and a sad song Khel kalena tujha are other gems. The fourth song is Kaahi tari tu bol by Vasantrao Deshpande.

My Thoughts

The music and direction are engaging. But the film has a depressing tone and moves at a slow pace. The scenes are long drawn and get boring. Anupama is effective but Raja Paranjape does not seem comfortable in the role of the hero. He wears a wig and his dialogue delivery is not clear. The chemistry seems forced between the 2 leads. It is difficult to comprehend Geeta’s sudden decision to marry Prabhakar. Later, Prabhakar (a barrister) is shown gullible enough to get suspicious about his wife. Can’t he confront his wife and clear the matter? The way he distances himself from the reality and relies on his own assumptions makes the character weaker.

The doctor character played by Vivek is wasted (maybe he could have played the hero more convincingly!). Dinanath’s transformation into a negative character is also not convincing.

The songs come as a relief but are few in number considering its a Raja Paranjape film. Maybe more songs could have helped to balance the dull proceedings.

Itni Si Baat (1981)

My Reviews

Itni Si Baat means “such a small thing” or “a minor matter.” But a small thing can easily escalate into something big with a not so happy outcome. The same thought is portrayed in this movie where Sanjeev Kumar and Moushumi Chatterjee play a happily(?) married couple. It is said Sanjeev Kumar was the actual producer of the movie but does not feature in the credits. The director is Madhu M. So over to small things…

The Plot

Our hero Raja (Sanjeev Kumar) lives in Mumbai. He travels on the same bus with a girl named Asha (Moushumi) everyday. Raja has feelings for Asha but is unable to voice them. One day Raja boards the bus and gives the conductor a 100 rupee note (the bus ticket costs 50 paise). Unsurprisingly, the conductor gets angry. Listening to their heated exchange, Asha steps in and offers to buy Raja’s ticket. Asha and Raja get down and Raja thanks her. Raja requests her to have a cup of tea in a nearby restaurant so that the change for the 100 rupees can be arranged and he can return her money. She agrees. But things are not different at the restaurant. The manager is scolding a customer for handing a 10 rupee note and not having the exact change. Raja realizes the situation and Asha again obliges by paying on his behalf (bill = 50 paise!).

Then Raja requests Asha to take an auto-rickshaw ride with him. He attempts to get change from the rickshaw driver but one look from the man at the 100 rupee note is enough for Raja. Asha pays the Rs 1.50 fare. Later, Raja sights an ice-cream shop. He asks if he can get change and the owner is more than happy to oblige. Unfortunately, Raja drops the 100 rupee note on the road and Asha once again ends up paying for him (bill = Rs. 2). Thus Raja ends up owing Rs 4.50 to Asha.

Next day, they meet again in the bus. Change is not an issue that day but the bus breaks down. Coincidentally, they get in the same auto as the previous day (Raja calls it “scooter”) to reach their destinations. Apparently, both have been traveling in the same bus for last 6 months and are interested in each other. They finally admit their mutual feelings and start singing a romantic song; the credits start rolling. During the course of the song, they get married and have 2 kids -Munni (Baby Geeta) and Bablu (Master Gautam).

Thus Raja and Asha have settled down happily with kids. But are they really happy? They live in a rented house without any luxuries. Even the wall clock is waiting to be fixed (it always points to 6.15). Raja earns a low salary and it is difficult to manage the monthly budget. Luxury is something only in their dreams. If only he could earn more.

Its morning time. Asha prepares tea for Raja but there is no sugar. He asks her how did it get over so soon. Is she incapable of managing such a simple thing? She responds that he brings his friends home without informing and she has to serve them tea and sweets. She asks him to earn more money if he wants her to manage these expectations. This is her daily struggle. She labours at home while he goes to office and enjoys under the ceiling fan.

A frustrated Raja reaches office late (he has to change 2 buses which is another problem). Waiting to welcome him is his irritable boss (Asit Sen), who is an old man with a very young wife (it’s wife no. 3). As expected, the boss lectures him for coming late. Also working in the office is the boss’s brother in law (Roopesh Kumar), a good for nothing fellow. His only job is to flirt with women in and out of the office and is always on the lookout for a fresh target. Poor Raja voices his home and office frustration to his colleague Anil. Anil tells him to purchase a 2 wheeler so he can reach office on time and avoid the dependency on public transport. Raja thinks it over.

Asha is equally frustrated at home. There is no gas connection in their house. Cooking in the traditional way using the chulha leads to unavoidable delays. She will request Raja to arrange a gas connection, so the cooking problem can be solved.

We are introduced to Asha’s parents. She comes from a rich family. Mukundilal (Om Prakash) is a halwai (confectioner or sweet maker) by profession. He used to work for Nathuram halwai and ended up marrying his daughter (played by Ashoo). Apart from Asha, they have a son Anand (Arun Govil).

Anand’s girlfriend is Radha (Tamanna), who works in Raja’s office. Her father is a classical singer Darbarilal (Madan Puri). There is a so called comedy side plot where Darbarilal needs to get convinced before he gives the green signal for Radha’s marriage with Anand. Anand doesn’t want Darbarilal to know that his father is a halwai as it does’t match Darbarilal’s stature and expectation.

Back to Raja and Asha. Due to the morning fight, Raja had left for office without taking his lunch. Due to delay, Asha is unable to prepare the full lunch and packs the hastily made khichri. She requests their helper cum servant Bansi (Dinesh Hingoo) to deliver the tiffin to Raja. Raja is desperately waiting for his lunch to arrive and notices his peon has many delicacies in his tiffin. His peon gives credit to his wife for managing to do this in spite of his meager salary. Raja is further frustrated when he hears this and compares with his own situation. The arrival of Bansi with the khichri tiffin rubs salt into his wounds!

But the truth is Raja and Asha still love and respect each other. They reconcile at night. But matters are going to get worse.

Raja tells Asha about his plan to purchase a scooter and she tells about her gas connection requirement. Finally, Raja brings home a second hand scooter. The gas connection will be arranged in a few months once he receives his bonus. Asha is not very happy but agrees to the arrangement. The root cause of their problems is money and she is waiting for the day when Raja will earn more and they can lead a better life. They have a new neighbour Meena (Kanan Kaushal), who seems to be a leading a comfortable life with her husband. Asha hopes for a similar day in her life as well.

And Raja is presented with a golden opportunity. The office is going to open a new branch. If Raja can impress his boss, he can become the manager of the new branch. Raja invites the boss and his wife for lunch at his house. Asha is supportive, she slogs and prepares a delicious meal. But tragedy strikes. Bansi informs her that he saw Bablu gambling when he should be in school. She rushes to take stock of the situation leaving the door open (there is no one else at home). Unfortunately, a cat and a dog make a mess of the food. Asha returns and is shocked to find the state of the kitchen and the food. The boss will be arriving any time. She explains the situation to Raja, who is extremely angry at her behaviour. She counters him stating their son’s future is important for her. But Raja is no mood to listen and blames her for screwing up his future. He even uses some unflattering terms for his boss. Unfortunately the boss arrives and hears everything. He leaves in a huff and asks Raja to forget his promotion and be ready for a demotion.

The matter is about to settle down but that does not happen. Raja compares Asha with his friend Anil’s wife who has manages their finances effectively, and has set up their home so beautifully with all comforts. Later, Asha insults Raja in front of their neighbour Meena. Meena works in a private firm and manages to earn Rs 2000 per month. She is a woman and is earning much more than Raja. So, the grass looks greener on the other side.

Raja decides to teach Asha a lesson and make her realise that earning money is not easy as she thinks. He will show her he can mange the house more efficiently. Thus he proposes a reversal of roles. Asha will be the working “woman” whereas he will stay home and manage the house. He is serious and Asha reluctantly agrees to all this. In a fit of anger, she challenges him she will be successful and will be earning more than him.

So, who will succeed? As expected there are some hilarious consequences of the role reversal. But is the grass really greener or there is a reality check ahead for both of them?

The Music

The lyrics are by Anjaan and music by Kalyanji Anandji. There are 5 songs but none have much recall value.

My Thoughts

The film plot is predictable but the performances keep the viewer interested. The highlight of Itni Si Baat is Sanjeev Kumar’s portrayal of Raja. Playing the initial romantic to the later helpless and frustrated character, he again proves what a marvellous actor he is! He is too good in the lighter scenes. And the sudden transformation in his angry reactions is worth watching. He is complemented by Moushumi Chatterjee and they share a wonderful chemistry. Dinesh Hingoo and Asit Sen are effective in their small roles. The comedy side plot involving Asha’s family is really unnecessary.

Putra Whava Aisa (1961)

My Reviews

Films focusing on the mother-child relationship are fairly common. There is a self sacrificing hard working mother who wants to have her child (normally, a son) grow up, become rich and famous, and make her happy. She has no other wish. Whether, and how the son fulfils her expectation makes up for rest of the story. Putra Whava Aisa (loosely: the ideal son) is based on the same plot. Directed by Raja Thakur, the film manages to leave its impact without following a preachy approach on its subject.

The Plot

The opening scene shows a school function depicting its 12th anniversary celebrations. Dadasaheb (Dada Salvi), a well known businessman from Mumbai is the chief guest. A student Avinash Kulkarni (Ashok Senjit) is called to recite a poem of B B Borkar. He sings Tethe kar majhe julati. Dadasaheb is moved by the performance and gifts him a gold medal.

An overjoyed Avinash rushes home to share his achievement with his parents. His mother (played by Ratnamala) is impressed and blesses him to continue his hard work. She has only one dream to see him grow up and become a successful man. She has endured a life of hardships and seeks a better future for her son.

His father, unfortunately is not a worthy man and doesn’t share his mother’s thoughts. He sells the hard earned medal and returns home drunk. Avinash’s mother is angry and lectures him. He starts beating her. Avinash reacts and hits him with a water pot. Sadly, his father collapses and dies. Avinash and his mother are shocked by the event. But his mother calms down and warns him to never speak about this matter to anyone. She asks him to go and stay with his uncle (mama) till further notice.

Avinash rushes to his uncle’s house. He explains his father has passed away and mother is alone. His uncle decides to visit his mother and look into the matter. Meanwhile, his mother confesses the crime and is taken into police custody.

His uncle has a daughter named Shaku who gets on very well with Avinash. She is excited to have Avinash staying with them. Few days later his uncle asks him to get ready. He takes him to the court where his mother will be brought for sentencing. He asks Avinash to wait outside and not call or talk to his mother unless he is called for. That is the moment of truth for Avinash. He comes to know his mother has confessed the crime she did not commit. She has been sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment. Uncontrolled by emotion, he rushes to meet her before she is taken to prison. His mother realizes he might blurt out the truth in his hyper state. She slaps him and warns him to remain quiet. His aim should be to become successful in life. She will await that golden day when she can point towards him proudly and tell people that he is her son. But for now, separation is inevitable.

So, Avinash returns to his uncle’s house but his aunt has other plans. Being a practical woman she makes it clear they have an additional mouth to feed. They are unable to afford his education expenses. He will be expected to drop out from school and do household chores if he wants to continue staying with them. Shaku offers to drop out from school and let Avinash continue his studies, but her mother shuts her up.

Avinash knows he has to continue his studies to live up to his mother’s expectation. He decides to leave or rather run away from his uncle’s house. He boards the steamer and reaches Mumbai. There he enters a bungalow and is attacked by the pet Alsation. A girl called Nalini rushes to save him. She takes him inside the house and asks her aunty to treat him immediately. Her father arrives who is none other than Dadasaheb. Dadasaheb recognizes Avinash as the deserving school student who had been gifted the gold medal. Avinash informs he is now an orphan and he is ready to do any work to continue his education in Mumbai.

Dadasaheb is impressed and offers him a helping hand. He makes all arrangements to take care of Avinash. He is accommodated in the bungalow’s outhouse. Dadasaheb tells him that he deserves to be successful. He only worships two things in life – virtues or merits and truthfulness. He cannot stand people who lie to him.

Thus Avinash settles down. He develops a close bond with Dadasaheb and Nalini. As expected he performs brilliantly in academics and becomes an engineer. The grown up Avinash is played by Vivek. Nalini has grown up into a charming woman (played by Jeevankala). Dadasaheb invites him to join his construction firm and hands him charge of the office. It is all smooth sailing.

Avinash settles down in his new role. He loves his work. Another important character is introduced at this point. There is a young typist (played by Ratna) working in the office. She is a widow who lives with her mother. In their first meeting, Avinash scolds her for coming late. She explains later that her mother is not keeping well and he mellows down.

Amidst his progress, Avinash has not forgotten his mother. He goes to meet her and inform about his achievements. He explains how he came to Mumbai and Dadasaheb helped him to become the person he is today. She is gratified after hearing all this. He has fulfilled her expectations as an ideal son would do. She will be released soon and they look forward to reunite and lead a happy life.

Dadasaheb proposes that Nalini and Avinash should get married. Avinash is happy but worried. He has lied to Dadasaheb of being an orphan. Dadasaheb, being a man of principles will never accept this. Avinash is in a dilemma. On one hand is all his success, Dadasaheb and Nalini outweighed by his mother on the other side. What path will he choose?

The Music

Vasant Prabhu delivers melodious tunes to the lyrics of B B Borkar, P Savlaram and Dr Avasare. B B Borkar’s poem Tethe kar majhe julati is voiced by Asha Bhosle.

P Savlaram has written 4 songs. Aai kuna mhanu mee is a soulful rendition by Asha Bhosle. There are 2 Suman Kalyanpur solos – the beautiful Yaman composition Jithe sagara dharani milte and Baghata hasuni tu mala. And surprise, the fourth song Yash he amrut zaale is sung by none other than Talat Mahmood. This was the first time he was singing in Marathi and won the Maharashtra State Award for best playback singer.

The last song Swapne Manatali by Dr Avasare (Shanta Shelke used this pen name due to some compulsions) is a sad duet by Talat Mahmood and Suman Kalyanpur.

My Thoughts

The film avoids going in the melodramatic mode which is commonly seen in these mother-son relationship movies. This is a simple story and there is no villain or vamp in the plot. The hero’s dilemma is handled effectively leading to a satisfactory ending. The actors perform to their abilities. The music is memorable going with the times.