Dushmun

Surjit Singh (Rajesh Khanna), a truck driver, accidentally kills a farmer named Ram Din in a truck accident. But instead of running from the accident place, he decides to face the consequences. In an attempt to set a novel and exemplary method, Judge gives him the punishment to serve and look after Ram Din's family for 2 years. There he tries to gain the trust of Ram's family and protect villagers from a covetous landlord who wants to capture the poor farmers' land.

During my vacation I got an opportunity to watch this Classic Bollywood film of the first superstar of Indian Cinema Rajesh Khanna a.k.a Kaka. He was marvelous in his role. In most of the films we've watched Kaka in romantic roles but in Dushman, he is in action Avatar. He looked totally reckless and arrogant. Mumtaz was so beautiful and energetic that you can't even blink your eyes when she's on-screen. Her on-screen chemistry with Khanna has always been a favorite topic for entertainment magazines.

Dushman, being a long film yet successfully keeps viewers invested and entertained. The actors looked credible and with a good storyline, Dushman gives you a great cinematic experience. Watching Bollywood film of the early days was such a heart whelming and refreshing experience. Every actor is remarkable. One of the assets of the film is its euphonious songs. Melodious Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar's voice gives you a mellifluent feel. "Maine Dekha Tune Dekha" is my personal favorite.

Overall you can watch Dushman with your whole family. It's an amazing and beautiful movie. If you are a Kaka fan then you can't miss this film at any cost.

DUSHMUN featuring once again the hit-lead Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz is simply excellent. Based on a village this movie has everything to offer for instance melodrama and emotions by Meena Kumari, romance between Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz, excellent soundtrack by Laxmikant Pyarelal, some powerful dialogues, comedy by Johnny Walker and fine cinematography.

Rajesh Khanna plays a truck driver who kills Meena Kumari's husband on an accident by his truck and the judge punishes him to serve Meena Kumari's family for few years. Then the story takes a beautiful turn. Will the family be able to live with a man who has killed their father? How will everything resolve? Will the driver be able to make them understand that it was just an accident not a murder? How does he help them? You must watch it to find out.

The chemistry between the lead pair is superb. They fight, they get romantic and sing some beautiful songs penned by Anand Bakshi after falling in love.

I would rate it as 9.8/10.

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.

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.