Anamika

I remember seeing the movie as a child and was overwhelmed. An ingenious plot with twists and turns and a great background score and superb songs that are enjoyable even today. The climax was simply hair raising and was surprisingly passed by the censors with a U certificate. Terrific performances by Sanjeev as a heartbroken & misogynist writer Devendra who mends his heart after a mystery woman "Anamika" played by Jaya enters his life in weird circumstances, and disappears to shatter him again. The title song suits the mood of the film. The actor Rajesh Behl who plays villain Naresh deserved much more work but sadly was seen only in Jal Mahal (1980) in an identical plot.

After watching this Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri starrer from the early 70s, I was really surprised why this movie is not talked about more often. It is a light-hearted suspense drama, with some crackling romantic moments between the lead pair and some wonderful songs. Now this may sound like one of those movies that attempt a mishmash of all genres in the garb of producing an entertaining product, but this one has a core strong story too that holds everything together. And if I may add, it is one of the most entertaining movies I have seen from the 1970s.

Devendra (Sanjeev Kumar in a role far off from what he was more renowned for) plays a famous writer, who incidentally is a misogynist, and an unabashed one at that. He lives with his uncle (AK Hangal), his niece, and a secretary Hanuman (Asrani in a typical comic role). One night, while they all are returning from a press conference, they spot a woman (Jaya Bhaduri) being thrown off from a car on a deserted road near their home. They rush forward to help, and discover that the woman had gone unconscious. On the insistence of his Uncle, Devendra takes her to their place. The next morning, when the woman gains consciousness, she starts behaving oddly and to everyone's utter surprise, claims to be Devendra's wife. The family doctor is called for and he tells them that the woman has sustained some internal injuries and needs to be taken care of for fast recovery. Against his will, and again on his Uncle's insistence, Devendra agrees to let her stay at their home, on the condition that he would not play-act to be her husband. But things begin to change when he starts falling in love with the simplicity, charm, and devotedness of this woman (who they start referring to as Anamika). What happens next and how Devendra gets embroiled in a potentially dangerous turn of events that threaten to play with life and his composure, is what the movie is all about.

The movie has many elements that are associated with most commercial movies of that time. It has a clichéd comic track featuring Asrani, but the guy makes it work by his sheer capacity to embrace buffoonery. It has a seduction number (which is far from seduction and is actually a very cute romantic song), a Helen dance number (a signatory RD Burman offering), an evil villain lusting after the lead heroine, and a quintessential AK Hangal performance. The movie even gives Sanjeev Kumar the opportunity to do some action and beat up some goons (the only time the man looks awkward on screen). But despite all this, it is a highly entertaining enterprise that is lent solidarity by the sincerity and calm presence of its lead actors. They are aided in their endeavor by some fine dialogues and some crisp writing, not to mention the tight pace maintained by the director (Raghunath Jalani) over the sequence of events. The one thing he could have changed (or rather done away completely with), are the last five minutes of the film. But despite that 'Anamika' has a runtime of just over 120 minutes.

This movie is an example of how two fine actors can take a good story to a different level altogether. The brilliance of Sanjeev Kumar gets reflected in many scenes, which he handles with the dexterity and command that very few actors of time could have managed without appearing theatrical. The sequences when he falls in love with Anamika are a sheer delight to watch. Jaya Bhaduri gets a meaty role and does full justice to it. Again very few actresses from that time could have done what she has done in this movie convincingly (in fact no one in my opinion). The movie is embellished with some beautiful music by RD Burman, which is given full justice by making the songs a seamless part of the narrative and not mere add-ons (except the Helen number, and understandably so). The songs "Bahon mein Chale aao' and 'Meri Bheegi Bheegi si' deserve special mention.

Parting Note: The movie is a highly enjoyable watch, and I guess can be categorized as 'intelligent-popcorn cinema' (if people don't find it an 'Oxymoron'ish phrasing).

Anamika means a female without a name. The movie I am reviewing was released in 1973 and I saw it for the first time after a few years only upon its telecast on the Doordarshan. I watched it again when I grew up and since then I am never tired of watching it any number of times. It is a mystery movie with the suspense revolving around the female lead only, appropriately called Anamika. However it has not been made like the regular suspense-thrillers. The director has taken proper care to present it like a social drama or a Rom-Com in the lingo used now-a-days (not used in that period of the seventies). Hence this movie is an excellent timepass not just for the mystery fans but also for the young audience fond of romance, comedy and social drama.

The story starts with a popular novelist Sanjeev Kumar who hates women because of the infidelity of a girl whom he loved. When he is returning home from the ceremony held for the release of his new novel, he finds an injured girl lying unconscious in the middle of the road. He brings her home where he lives with his uncle, A.K. Hangal and his secretary Asrani. The girl, Jaya Bhaduri, comes to her senses and from her talks, it appears that she is under an illusion to consider herself as Sanjeev Kumar's wife. Sanjeev gets irritated by her wifely behaviour and romantic advances towards him. However with the passage of time, he starts loving her. However the way she had suddenly entered his life, the same way, she suddenly disappears too, leaving him sad and lonely again. But he keeps on searching her, only to gain startling and shocking informations about her identity and her character. Finally he meets her again, comes to know her real identity and the mystery behind her behaviour and relevant events that have taken place. The lovers get re-united after a spine-chilling climax involving the villain.

In my review of Uljhan, I had discussed director Raghunath Jhalani's skill of presenting a mystery in the form of an engrossing social drama. In Anamika, he has done the same job. The movie is a mystery but its presentation is that of a family drama or say a Rom-Com. The interactions between Jaya Bhaduri and Sanjeev Kumar are rib-tickling as well as touching the romantic chord in the audience's hearts. This makes the movie a thoroughly enjoyable one even for those who don't like suspense or mystery. But the curiosity regarding the real identity of Jaya Bhaduri gives it the flair of a mystery too. However it is not a regular suspense-thriller. It is a good mix of family drama, mystery, romance and comedy. Despite the romance and the comedy, the narrative moves swiftly and the movie heads towards its desired ending without unnecessary digressions.

Jaya Bhaduri in the title role is the heart and soul of this movie. She has delivered a hilarious performance and entertains the viewers with her (seemingly) innocent mannerisms and advances towards Sanjeev deeming him as her husband. Though her role has been given a profound look when the movie reaches near the climax, it is her naughty romantic version that makes the narrative lively and engrossing. Sanjeev Kumar is natural as he always is. Asrani's comedy provides additional laughters. A.K. Hangal, Iftekhar (as the doctor) and Baby Pinky provide good support to the family drama taking place inside the house of Sanjeev Kumar. I am not able to identify the villain (as to who that actor is) but he has done well.

The climax of the movie is scary. The final ten minutes are certainly spine-chilling. However after it is over and the movie ends with the unison of the lovers, the viewer gets a feeling of satisfaction. The narrative is crisp. No undue dragging. The complete length of the movie is hardly two hours.

Music is another highlight of Anamika. Pancham Da (R.D. Burman) has composed ear-soothing songs (penned by Majrooh) for the movie. It contains Kishore Da's memorable song - Meri Bheegi-Bheegi Si Palkon Pe Reh Gaye Jaise Mere Sapne Bikhar Ke on one hand and Lata's heart-warming romantic song - Baahon Mein Chale Aao on the other. Asha Bhonsle's songs - Logon Na Maaro Isse and Aaj Ki Raat Koi Aane Ko Hai are also very good.

On the flip side, the story-teller does not answer all the questions perfectly in the end. Some loose ends have been left untied. The characters of A.K. Hangal and Iftekhar have been developed by taking bollywood style cinematic liberties. However the interesting flow of the movie compels the viewers to ignore such things.

Technically and production value wise also, the movie is all right. Appropriate costumes have been selected for the characters suiting the different situations created in the story.

Anamika is a very good watch. I recommend it to all. Whether you are fond of comedy or of romance or of family drama or of mystery, this movie is just for you. Despite being a suspense movie, it has repeat value. Watch it once and you would like to watch it again.

Devendra (Sanjeev Kumar) is a writer who's women characters are moral-less, character-less, untruthful, betraying, etc, reflecting his opinion about women (after he being betrayed by a woman in real life). Incidentally, he comes across a nameless woman (Anamika played by Jaya Bahaduri) who has lost her memory and believes that Devendra is her husband. The entrance of Anamika into Devendra's life slowly changes his hatred for woman and gets attracted towards Anamika. Just when Devendra falls in love again, he discovers different things about Anamika's past; Anamika being a prostitute Kanchan, being wife Archana of another person, being daughter of a social worker.

Superb acting of Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bahaduri makes the movie watchable multiple times. The chemistry between them really works. Just watch the part when Devendra confronts Anamika for the first time in his bedroom. Their acting compliments each other as Devendra and Anamika go through different phases of emotion. A. K. Hangal, Helen, Asrani, Iftekhar, and Rajesh Behel have provided good support. Asrani's character Hanuman Singh is merely there to provide humor nothing else.

R. D. Burman has composed nice music for songs. "Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si" well sung by Kishore; "Bahaon Mein Chale Aa" by Lata;"Logon Na Maro Ise" and "Aaj Ki Raat" both sung by Asha Bhonsle are evergreen songs. The background music is not very impressive; at times RD shows his brilliance such as when Devendra discovers for the first time that Anamika is married to another person.

Ragunath Jhallani's good direction makes sure that there is no usual Bollywood clichés. He has handled the plot well, does not rushes through scenes and gives sufficient time for each character to develop. Interesting to see that the hero is not villain bashing, he is as human as the villain and overcomes the villain through his wit. The story at no point diverges from the main plot. Thus, the run time length of the movie is 2hr2mins (well below average length of Bollywood movies).

Now, is Anamika like the women characters of Devendra's novels? Will Devendra get betrayed again by a woman? What is the true identity and past of Anamika? To find answers to all these questions watch the wonderful movie Anamika.