Kati Patang

Kati Patang a movie from Shakti Samanta's stable was released when Super Star Rajesh Khanna was at his peak and was churning hits after hits and it appeared that there is going to be no end to his giving hits. This movie written by Gulshan Nanda had excellent music by R D Burman and had top of the charts songs sung by Kishore Kumar - ' Ye jo Mohabbat hai"," Yeh Shaam Mastani" etc. The holi song " Aaj na chodenge" has become a part of the culture of India. These songs are remembered even today. The movie revolved around Super Star Rajesh Khanna's character who is in love with a forced widow Asha Parekh, whom he was supposed to marry but she had run away due to the fact that she was misguided by the playboy and bad man Prem Chopra. The movie revolves around these character until the hero and heroine unite. It is a classic hit and is a must see for viewers as a movie as this movie is evergreen and easily available.

Although the romantic, suave and serene Rajesh Khanna has other big hits to his credits like AMAR PREM, ANAND, SAFAR and ARADHANA but in KATI PATANG, his inherent and innate acting prowess shot to that vintage point from where, the exact reflection of his acting skills that were imbued in mystic, elegant and romantic gestures emerged supreme.

Coupled with great hit songs and excellent direction of Shakti Samantha, KATI PATANG is a memorable landmark in the filmography of Rajesh Khanna. Being her last lead acting performance on the silver screen, Asha Parekh has also consummately portrayed the pensive image of a forced widow lover.

The real to life turbulent story of an innocent girl who was betrayed by her clever boyfriend, had to bear the brunt of a lifetime stigma. Shakti Samantha's direction, R.D. Burman's choreography of songs and majestically soothing cinematography by Gopi Krishna made "Kati Patang" a toast for the eyes and a sublime stimulant for the spirit of audience. The songs and the wording transcends the true beauty of pure love along with the flow of tumultuous events, thereby captivating the audience to stick to their seats till the end.

Folks ! they don't make it like Kati Patang, any more ........

A true classic for the hopelessly romantic. An ageless epic of romance and with sprinkles of suspense and agony of a woman scorned by one and yet passionate and protective of another who she had betrayed unknowingly. This is perhaps Asha Parekh's last starring role and she converges all of her emotions and essence into it portraying a woman living a lie. Rajesh Khanna plays true the man scorned by a love he has never seen and falls again for a maiden whom he isn't likely to get either. The songs alone channel the story through its pathway and the climax well - is not unlike so many other Hindi movies around. Prem Chopra a true Hindi villain and Bindu the budding vamp is just the right touch for any ole Hindi Classic.

In some ways a typical formula bollywood movie. Good story line, nice songs and of course good acting.

Kati Patang is one of the best unconventional romantic films to come out of Indian Cinema. It is one of those films which showcases women's subjugation in society, societal expectations and deep meaning of love and social relationships. The story follows a young woman Madhavi (Asha Parekh) whose life takes a 360 degree turn when she gets rejected by her lover Kailash (Prem Chopra) on her wedding night. How this incident changes her life is what the story is about. It is wonderfully written by Gulshan Nanda, the direction (by Shakti Samanta) is upto the mark and the screenplay is tight, it never loses its pace (especially the first half is amazing). The climax and the ending is made, keeping in mind the expectations of the audiences of its time. Asha Parekh gives a memorable performance as Madhavi. Rajesh Khanna as Kamal is absolutely rave, I don't understand how Kakaji used outperform the heroines in a women-centric film and grab the limelight. He is truly amazing. Prem Chopra and Bindu as villians :- what can be more dangerous and interesting than that. They are perfect in their roles and do justice to their characters. Supporting cast does commendable job. Now let's talk about the main part :- MUSIC- THE HEART AND SOUL OF KATI PATANG. One of the finest and greatest Hindi film soundtracks you may have probably heard of. Excellent work by Pancham Da , great lyrics by Anand Bakshi sahab and voices of Kishore Da, Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh ji are the base of this high pitched melodrama which provide life and joy to the story.

Two plus points I would like to highlight are :- the wonderful locations of Manali being excellently shot and another one is the costumes worn by the actors. It truly created a fashion movement back in those days when the film was released.

In conclusion, it's a soothing film and if you are a fan of classic, melodrama love stories, this one is surely for you but with a twist.