Prem Nagar

Prem Nagar (1974) : Brief Review -

Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini's romantic soap. This film is a remake of the Telugu film Prema Nagar (1971) and tells the story of an alcoholic rich man. He is brought to the right path by his secretary, an honest girl from a poor family, and, expectedly, they fall in love. With his mother and brother attempting to break this love story, the following drama becomes too dramatic and soapy. I can remember a few films from old Hollywood on the similar lines where a rich alcoholic man falls in love with a poor girl and then she makes him a gentleman. However, he is drowned back in alcohol again, but this time for worse. Earlier, he couldn't live without alcohol, and now he must drink it to continue living on. The conflict of alcohol with love and its pain makes sense, but Prem Nagar is too soapy about it. The film looks totally dragged in the second half because there is no entertainment. Everything is drama, soap, and cliches. The film didn't have superhit numbers in the first two hours, but then we had two classic numbers in the last half an hour: "Yeh Laal Rang" and "Jaa Mujhe Na Ab Yaad Aa." Rajesh Khanna suits the character because he had that attitude, that royal image, and somehow those vibes of a devastated drunkard. Hema Malini is absolutely breathtaking in every single frame. It's time to say it again: "Hindi movie heroine looks best in sarees." Kamini Kaushal plays a very problematic character, which I failed to understand. She is an irresponsible mother, a little arrogant and brain dead too, but in some scenes, she suddenly turns into a good mother. Prem Chopra was a perfect choice for the villain's role; Bindu was his second half, and Aruna Irani looked damn sexy in her item song. Overall, a one-time watch by K. S. Prakash Rao, who also made the original flick. But I ask, was the remake really needed? And also, a devastating ending would have looked better than a happy one.

RATING - 6/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Prem Nagar is the remake of the tamil hit "Vasantha Maaligai" featuring Sivaji Ganesan as hero. It is directed by K.S Prakasa Rao, noted film maker.

Rajesh plays a rich guy who constantly drinks due to a personal tragedy, who gets reformed by hemamalini, who plays a middle class woman.

The film has a thin story line but the screenplay is taut which keeps the viewer interested. The chemistry between kaka & hema is next only to kaka & mumtaz & it shows. The love scenes are handled with finesse.

The sets are lavish & direction is neat. It does not get too melodramatic & has a pleasant end, when we think it would be a tragedy.

The songs by S.D Burman are however, average. Only the song "Yeh laal rang" is passable.

Kaka looks handsome & dashing & has performed his role with grace & style. Hema plays a perfect foil. Good support is provided by asrani, prem chopra & bindhu.

A film which went down well with the viewers & surely one of the favourite films of kaka fans.

Both RK and Hema are on top with their figures, looks , skills , intensity . No wonder they made many hit movies together . Hema looks cute as a button and shows off emotions subtly . RK is super as a play boyish innocent spoilt son oblivious to the outside world , then as a confused lover of He,a , then as a scared obedient younger brother to Prem chopra and then finally repenting for his mistakes . Bindu , Aruna Irani and Hema are equal in looks and beauty . Aruna Irani's sizzling slithery dance needs special mention. Many songs remain with us for a long time . Remake of Telugu Prem NAagar , RK is no match for NAgeshwar Rao but tries his hard to fit in . Its easy to imagine him with his complexiion and sweet face in this role.of debauchery . Hema wears nice chiffon sarees and looks like an angel in each scene. Kumud Chugani and Meena Talp[ade too leave their impact in their small roles. Over all , a fine movie with vibrant colours , emotions and storyline .