Dushmun

Dushmun (1972) : Brief Review -

A criminal's reformation process that challenges law and order. Dulal Guha's Dushmun is very much inspired by the old Hollywood Westerns and crime noirs. It won't be justified if I name one or two Hollywood movies and compare their plots with Dushmun because the motive behind this film was different and the law and order or the system is far different in our country. The basic idea is copied, though. Just like in those westerns or crime dramas, a man accidentally kills an innocent man and makes his family miserable and helpless. The guilt of killing an innocent man starts killing him, and then he decides to support the family and do everything the dead man could have done for that family. However, Dushmun has a kick here. Instead of guilt and self-realization, the man is sent to the house of the dead man as a part sentence. Instead of jail, he is sent to the house to take care of the family for that particular period. He is despised and loathed by the family members, but as the time passes, he grows close to them. They start adoring him and his efforts until the villain strikes. Will he again go down the criminal path and forget all the good work he has done so far? Dushmun makes a strong statement on that criminal mind and the justice system that allows them to think otherwise. Rajesh Khanna has done a good job here, and Mumtaz has a beautiful role. It was a bit shocking to see tragedy queen Meena Kumari playing such an old role, but that was natural since she has been a gorgeous heroine since the 50s and this was early 70s. Vaada Tera Vaada and Dushman Jo Dost Se Pyaara Hai songs feel so fresh even today. The screenplay could have been better and less dramatic, I feel. Otherwise, it's a fine social drama against crime and justice. Overall, a good attempt by Dulal Guha and a deserving box office hit for its time.

RATING - 6/10*

By - #samthebestest.

I can't believe this movie has low ratings as compared to high quality content. Some of the worst movies I have ever seen have ratings more than 7.

What a socially relevant movie with good songs, emotions, a different kind of a story and tearjerker at times.

If I look back at Rajesh Khanna movies, it was tow prominent points - 1. Heroine oriented and yet he shines. 2. Content is mostly family driven, even romantic movies could be watched along your family. Of course there were exceptions like Red Rose.

The songs are really beautiful and the whole movie will involve you in a sense as if it is not happening on screen but around you.

Kudos to makers and cast for such a socially relevant yet entertaining movie. Long live Superstar. !

Amazing movie with a theme of redemption.This is Rajesh Khanna's best and best performances of Indian cinema. In the song "wada tera wada" Rajesh has danced beautifully.Rajesh and Mumtaz act well and are the Indian Barbie and Ken. So beautiful to watch.Rajesh doesn't dance well...yet he is so adorable.He does everything in his style....and that's why he is the real SUPERSTAR.Must watch for all Rajesh Khanna fans!

No, it's not Aradhana, not even Roti or Daag or Sachcha Juttha! It's Dushman, which tells you why Rajesh Khanna was super star of his time. Superb acting by RK, paired with very beautiful Mumtaz and enchanting lovely music engrossed in beautiful meaningful words! Wow! This combo makes a super duper must watch movie, Dushman.

Meena Kumari plays role much elder to her age and that too without much dialogues. What always speaks is her eyes.

Dulal Guha as a director did splendid work, a benchmark work! Laxmikant Pyarelal gives their best, what a lovely music.

Hats off to entire team for giving us such mesmerizing film!

Dushmun is an excellent family film with an unusual story line. A truck driver who kills a person (the sole bread winner of the family) accidentally is sentenced by the Judge to serve the members of the family, instead of going to jail. Initially reluctant & loathed by the family, he gradually wins their hearts & solves their problems leading to a pleasant climax.

The film has got everything going for it - unusual story, deft screenplay, lilting music by LP & excellent direction by Dulal Guha.

The performances by the cast are superb. Meena Kumari is her usual self while Mumtaj is sprightly & Johny walker's comedy is hilarious.

But the film belongs to the Superstar Rajesh Khanna who is in his elements right through. There is a perception that Amitabh brought the concept of the angry young man to Hindi films, but looking at Kaka's performance here, we realise that it is not true. It is a pity that he did not get the Filmfare award for best actor.

The film was a super hit & rightfully so. This film will find a place in the top 10 films of Rajesh Khanna.

An all time favourite of Kaka fans.