Mausam

Gulzar is an artiste in the truest sense. I'm not saying this merely because he's credited as lyricist, writer and director but because of the way he combines poetry and visual art. 'Mausam' is like a beautiful poem and a fascinating painting. It is a part of Gulzar's Lost Love trilogy (the other two being the equally spellbinding 'Ijaazat' and 'Aandhi').

The film starts with Dr. Gill (Sanjeev Kumar) arriving at Darjeeling on holiday to get a break from work. Work seems to follow him. Yet, he tries his best to get away without being impolite to his fellow doctors. There is another motive for his coming to Darjeeling. Perhaps it is more on a subconscious level that have been uncovered upon his arrival. The town gives rise to lost memories, memories of a lost love (Sharmila Tagore). A love he had promised to return to but he failed to keep his word. As Dr. Gill is showered with memories, he embarks on a desperate search for his love but as he discovers the truth his regret exacerbates and his despair to find her heightens.

The cinematography is wonderful. I especially liked how the songs were visualized, the highlight song being 'Dil Dhoondta Hai' that juxtaposes a desperate aged Dr. Gill with his memory of his young self with Chanda. Two other songs are beautifully visualized depicting the relationship between Shankar and Kajri. Needless to say, each songs are eloquently written. The beauty of Darjeeling is well demonstrated. Gulzar's depiction of the prostitutes and brothel is very realistic, especially compared to most movies of its time.

There's no doubt that Sanjeev Kumar was one of the best actors (if not THE best) of his time and he delivers yet another terrific performance. Sharmila Tagore is remarkable in one of her most challenging roles. Even the minor characters are excellently acted by actors like Dina Pathak and Om Shivpuri.

'Mausam' is both a mesmerizing poem and a captivating oil on canvas. It is a timeless piece that I am sure to revisit.

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.

I managed to catch two gems recently. The first one was over 3 days while I worked out. Maybe the installment approach allowed me to ponder on this film and love it all over again. In Mausam, Sanjeev Kumar rocked as the young doctor-in-training, and then as the older man who comes back to Darjeeling to relive his memories. Gulzar kept many things shrouded in mystery and so many things completely understated - I was so glad he chose to not insult the viewers' intelligence with needless explanations along the way. We never found out if Sanjeev came back to Darjeeling for any other motive than R and R. We were never told if the young Sharmila actually "fell" for this older man or it was pure gratitude, since she knew who he was all along! The flashbacks were kept to a minimum and even the minor characters like Om Shivpuri, Dina Pathak and Agha were so perfect in their roles. Sanjeev was pitch perfect, playing men that were 20 years apart in age, just by subtle changes in body language and some gray hair! And in a surprising twist all the intensity, regrets and anger were portrayed by the older man. Sharmila was excellent in the mother daughter roles, although clearly outclassed by Sanjeev. And the divine music - Dil Dhoondhta Hai Phir Wohi Fursat Ke Raat Din. A perfect 10 from me for this perfect film.

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.

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.