Silsila

This movie was billed as a true story when it came out. Even though it is still a masala Bollywood movie, it has some striking resemblences to the life story of the leading ladies and the hero, Amitabh Bachan. In real life Amitabh had an affair with Rekha while married to Jaya Bhaduri. The movie version follows the same script, except adds many secondary characters, such as Sanjeev Kumar as Rekha's husband. Jaya Bhaduri gives a passable performance, while rekha and Amitabh both overact. There are a lot of unnecessary fantasy sequences shot in the Tulip farms in Holland which have no relevance to the rest of the movie. Camera work leaves a lot to be desired. In spite of all this, this movie remains interesting because it dared to treat the theme of extramarital romance when such topics were taboo in Bollywood.

After the death of his elder brother, Amit finds out that his late brother's fiancée, Shobha, is pregnant. Taking pity on the devastated young woman, he decides to marry her, leaving behind the love of his life, Chandni. Chandni later marries a famous doctor. An accident during which Shobha loses her child and is taken care of by Chandni's husband, causes Amit and Chandni to meet again. There begins a new extramarital relationship between the two, through which the story deepens and grows.

This is Silsila, Yash Chopra's take on relationships and adultery in a modern 80s India. A romantic drama, it is quiet, serious and focused, and is shot beautifully like every other movie made by Chopra. What I particularly appreciated about this film was the matter-of-factness with which it was made and executed. There was not any overdone melodrama, no unnecessary subplots, and the writing did not go overboard. The story is simple to follow, the script and the characters are very well written, and the film is generally subtly made.

Chopra's portrayal of relationships is very well done. The dialogues are excellent. At times some proceedings were difficult to relate to or identify with, but who knows, maybe one should really be in a particular situation to understand its meaning and its effect on people at times of pressure. This is the reason I believed the story. Leaving the seriousness aside, as a film, Silsila is simply entertaining. It flows well, it is interesting, and is aided by several melodious and memorable songs composed by Shiv-Hari.

Rumour had it that Silsila was based on the true triangular story of Amitabh-Jaya-Rekha. Jaya Bhaduri is Bachchan's real-life wife and Rekha was rumoured to have been involved with him back then in an extramarital affair. This adds to the film's authenticity, but more than anything, the acting is natural to make it work the way it did. Bachchan is as great as always. Jaya Bhaduri is brilliant as his intelligent, sensible and smart wife Shobha, and displays her character's fear, strength and determination with great depth and conviction and as naturally as ever. Rekha gets less scope, yet she is wonderful in her restrained portrayal of Chandni. She is extremely beautiful and acts with grace.

Silsila has some other limited appearances by Shashi Kapoor and Sanjeev Kumar, the former being fine and the latter being exceptional. The main complaint with the film was its ending, but I quite liked it. The viewers must have been torn between two probable versions. The reason behind Amit's decision was a bit unjustifiable, but anyway, this is one of the better and more interesting works of Yash Chopra. It is well written, directed and acted. I recommend.

Silsila is a sensitively-made & family-oriented film based on a bold theme of extra-marital relationship - but with twists and surprises (which I've no interest in revealing)!

Even though it did not do well at the Box-office in 1981 we must thank Yash Chopra for a thoughtfully presented film on a sensitive matter. He is a master in making visually-appealing romantic films with lovely locations like the colourful, awe-inspiring Tulip garden in Netherlands for the song Dekha Ek Khwab. Wow! How can we forget that?

We must also thank the Music Directors, Hariprasad Chaurasia and Shivkumar Sharma, & Lyricts, Javed Akhtar, Rajendra Krishnan & Harivansh Rai Bachchan for such soulful, memorable music and songs - which still gives goosebumps while listening. And how can we forget Raang Barsae - the Holi anthem so popular all over Bharat!

NOTE: There was a special appearance by the Music Directors for a few seconds, in an Airport Terminal, nearly 21 minutes into the film. They were in the background talking to each other wearing their traditional dress with Amit ji and Jaya ji in the foreground. Wonder how many have noticed that. I must say I've very, very sharp Eyes since I've not seen their photos anywhere for years! LOL!

But I've a few complaints:

1 - The film is unnecessarily long! 3 hours is too much! It should have been complete in 2 hrs 30 minutes or so. Indian film-makers have the habit of making such unnecessarily lengthy films.

2 - The relationship between Amit-Chandi is not properly portrayed. It's shown in a superficial, "bits and pieces" manner.

Finally, many people are criticising the Climax! They think it's too dramatic and makes things very easy for the Characters! That's true.

But I've a different perception: Sometimes unforeseen "shocks" in life changes our minds for the better. We become more thoughtful, practical and understanding. It liberates us from the slavery of our deep-rooted emotions, fixations & expectations (which are the causes of many miseries/tension in relationships)!

Yes, sometimes we Humans do need some "shocks" in our lives to force us to see things from a better perspective and for the good of others as well.

Please do watch Silsila for its sensitivity, artistry, melodious music and the Climax (which I am sure you will appreciate after reading what I said above).

Silsila is based on the true story of Amitabh, Jaya, and Rekha. As with many great movies that don't follow the typical Bollywood format this was a big flop when it was released, and yet there is no one today who hasn't seen it. Like most Yash Chopra films this one looks great and so are the songs, especially the first two: "sar se sareke" and "ladki hai yaa sholaa" (I probably didn't spell that right). Unlike most of Amitabh's films this is more of an ensemble piece and the whole cast delivers. Amitabh gives a powerhouse performance as the poet whose life is suddenly shattered and he's forced to give up his happiness for Jaya. Jaya is also perfect and matches him all the way. Sanjeev Kumar steals every scene he's in especially the one at the airport with Rekha and the one when he's talking to Jaya at the hospital. Rekha is good although her performance is the weakest of the four. Shashi Kapoor does what he can in his small role. The subject matter was handled nicely by the writers (they never get too preachy) and there are many scenes, especially the ones between Amit and Jaya, and Rekha and Jaya where you wonder how that scene took place in real life. They also succeed with making you sympathize with all 4 individuals - (that might be why they were all willing to make the movie). I give this movie a 9 out of 10. The only thing that stops me from giving it a 10 is the ending. We aren't given a reason as to why Amitabh makes the decision that he makes. Also the big revelation from Jaya at the end of the movie doesn't really make sense. Apart from that the movie is flawless and a must see.

I always wanted to watch this movie as i am a huge fan on Amit ji and Rekha ji. Finally watched the movie and here is what I felt.

Amazing movie, great dialogs and amazing poetry, every actor is fantastic. Hate for the character of 'SHOBHA from bottom of my heart!!!

The ENDING makes no sense in present time but yah respect for the boldness of director and writer for creating such an unique story back then.

Honestly I don't like the ending. Its so sad to see such stories where at the end social stereotypes win over human emotions and feelings..

I hate Shobha!!!!!!! She truly is the problem.