Mausam

The resounding and penetrating direction and story by Gulzar makes this film a toast to watch. Although, the story is not very extra ordinary, but the resonating acting of Sanjeev Kumar and Sharmila bring poignant waves of past events laden with turbulent sequence in the movie.

Simply put, they don't make it like this anymore ........... Gone are the days, when lesson oriented, soul stirring and reflective films were made. These films which carried their imprint on the audience memories for a long time,not like the hullalalabulo absurdity of present day movies. The classic era of cinema, may it be from Hollywood, Bollywood or Lollywood was a subject of intellectual thoughts and yearnings. The crazy, temporal and mediocre standard of present day movies hold nothing for the mature and serious viewer. There is nothing worthwhile to watch, which could penetrate beyond the cinema screen.

The movie is overshadowed by its music. When you listen to Gulzar's songs, it creates an image, which is unique from every other. For this movie he has aptly chosen a Galzal of Galib "Dil dhundhta hai phir ohi phursath ke raat din". This single song steels the show. It creates an atmosphere where a lonely person is looking for his lost soul in the valley of himalay. The films main character could have been justified by none other than Sanjeev Kumar. And a brilliant music by Madan mohan, all add to the charm.

Only people who can understand the subtilities of Hindi lyrics can truly enjoy this movie.

Caught this movie totally by chance and could not turn away from it.

The story at its fundamental explores a father and daughter relationship, missed opportunities and the act of repentance.

Firstly, let congratulate Gulzar for making such a thoughtful and emotional movie. Lets not forget that this movie was made in 1975 in India, the sub-continent is very reserved and back in 1975 it was even more so. This movie tackles a subject that even today Indian movies wont go near so just imagine how ahead of its time this movie was. The movie has been handled with the utmost delicate manner.

The two main actors in the movie were amazing. Sanjeev Kumar is amazing, he was one of those actors that did not have to say much as his expressions lied within his eyes. In this movie Sanjeev Kumar plays a man with so much guilt in him, you can actually feel it and his wanting to repent. Sharmila Tagore was amazing, you would have to be a brave woman and actress to take a movie like this back in 1975 and boy does she nail it.

Conclusion, a great movie, a great story and great acting.

Mausam (1975) : Brief Review -

Gulzar's Poetic mind gives birth to one of Vulgarly sensitive film and path-breaking Classic of Bollywood. I deliberately used the word path-breaking because Mausam has leading actress playing a role of a Prostitute, and the second thing is it has Love Beyond Generation Gap flavour which didn't happen mostly in Bollywood by 1975. It cannot be called a love story because the only real love story in the film lasts for 15 minutes and then there are several other love stories in incomplete mode but are not that real or two sided. Mausam is a story of a Doctor Amarnath who falls in love with a village girl Chanda, he promises to come back soon and leaves for his exams. When he returns after 25 years he finds Chanda dead and her Daughter at brothel. In atonement he tries to recover her life by taking her with him but sensitive scenario takes solid turn when she falls in love with him. Mausam tries to discover many issues of society such as Mindset of a Prostutite, cruelty of evil minded people who force a girl to live at Brothel, redemption of a Man and his respect towards a prostitute. Sharmila Tagore is brutally beautiful and delivers a hard-hitting performance. Sanjeev Kumar doesn't disappoint at all even while playing an oldy. Music is decent and dialogues are Excellent. Gulzar deserves an applaud for making such a brutal film so sensitively and soberly and that too in 70s. Woman's mindset is expressed in tough manners by him which was needed but was too early for a time. One can easily notice his trademark writing when he clearly points towards cruel society for the Woman's misery and at the same time he showcases a gentleman who tries to change things. Overall, Mausam is adversely crafted film with path-breaking thoughts and also breaks the love beyond generation gap formula for Bollywood. Apparently, it isn't love, it is Respect of a Man towards a Woman and a Woman's Respect towards a Man and you just need to understand it.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest

Sanjeev Kumar has been my favorite actor. His Characters in Andhi and Sholay were impressive or, in other words, he made them unique. But, in my opinion, Mousam is his best movie in respect of characterization. Mousam is a story of a medical student who comes across his memories after spending much part of his life. These memories contain pain and pang of lost love and emotion of repentance. When Gill realizes that he has committed a mistake by not caring for a girl who builds a sweet home of love in her dreams, he tries to compensate for her by finding her daughter but a lot of water has gone under the bridge now. The film has simple plot but the real charm is the sad environment of the movie and also its music. It is the film which bases on emotions and passions. If you are not a man with sensitivity of emotion, it is not for you. Such emotional environment can be felt in Masoom also. Masoom is also a fine movie worthy of watching and remembering.