Junoon

This movie is a beautiful love story and portrays the feudal life style of the landed aristocracy in North India, particularly in the Awadh region (around Lucknow), a major centre of the 1857 war of independence. Also, IMHO, Javed Khan (Shashi Kapoor)has already seen Ruth, even before the Church massacre (remember the first scene- Ruth notices someone standing outside the house).

Interesting trivia from the movie:

Ruth's grandma is played by Ismat Chughtai, one of the foremost progressive Urdu writers of the last century.

Ruth was played by Nafisa Ali, who had been crowned Miss India in 1977 or 1978 (?). This was her last movie till she appeared in the 2000 movie 'Major Saab' with Amitabh Bacchan (Amitabh's wife).

I've seen this movie twice, and liked it even better the second time. Right from the title scene of the crazy-looking "pir", the atmosphere created is gripping and unforgettable.

The events of 1857 were shocking in their violence, and neither the British nor the rebels showed themselves to be very honorable. The word "junoon" (obsession) connotes a tinge of madness, and that kind of madness is a very appropriate way to view the period. The "love story" is also suffused with the same out-of-control emotion. (Also, only a crazy man would want to leave Shabana Azmi for another woman, even one as gorgeous as the young Nafisa Ali!) Shyam Benegal has made a masterpiece that captures that feeling visually.

Now, if only they would convert this film to DVD, I would buy it in a second.

"That Pathan, he's looking at me."

Terrific. The best part which i like about Shyam Benegal movies that they are not melodramatic & all emotions are shown in moderate doses mostly though scenes which appear like pictures.Everyone is free to interpret them.Another striking quality is even while making historical or period movie he shies from creating grand scenes but rather takes viewer through background to event & aftermaths of event.Sometimes viewer may find it disappointing but it has its own merits. Coming back to movie it sticks to original narration faithfully & develops some character like the aunt in a better way than story. Scene in the mango garden of swinging and women from both cultures expressing happiness in their own way is superb.Also nightmare of Ruth that shashi kapoor is going to rape her captures her mental trauma very well & in fact builds up viewer for the eventuality when she falls in love with him.

Adapted from Ruskin Bond's novel, Flight of the Pigeons, is a story about a Pathan,Javed Khan (played by Shashi Kapoor),who is an imposing, proud man rendered feeble by his obsession. The movie is set in the 1857 mutiny where amidst all the bloodshed and atrocities, the only thing Javed Khan can think of is Ruth Labadoor, played by Nafisa Ali(although he is married to Firdaus,played by Shabana Azmi). It shows the tussle between Javed's obsession and pride. On one hand he wants Ruth but on another his nobility doesn't allows him to use force. Ruth's mother Miriam is unrelenting, eventually; the two strike a peculiar, yet greatly symbolic bargain "Dilli apki toh Ruth bhi aapki". Director Shyam Benegal, assisted by ace co-writers (dialogue by Satyadev Dubey and Ismat Chugtai), created overwhelmingly powerful film.Junoon is a beautiful, sad and compelling film.

Javed Khan is a reckless feudal chieftain who falls in love with a British girl named Ruth amidst the Indian Rebellion of 1857, a period marked by the massacre of British people. Javed offers shelter to Ruth's family and asks for her hand in marriage. However, her mother sets a condition: she will only consent if the locals completely defeat the British, as she does not wish for him to marry her daughter. The movie primarily revolves around Javed's reckless desire to marry Ruth and defeat the British armies.

The film's key strengths include the collaborative performance of its cast, a thrilling first half, sharp editing, appealing cinematography, excellent production design, authentic costume design, well-executed action sequences, and evocative music.

Shashi Kapoor, as Javed, was committed to his character and delivered a decent performance. Nafisa Ali, the star of the film, looks incredibly appealing and acts competently in her British character, effectively conveying both appearance and body language. Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah also performed well in their roles, though their performances were generally subtle and lacked their usual acting prowess. Another key player is Jennifer Kendal, famously known as Shashi Kapoor's wife, but few realize what a brilliant actress she was. Her calm and well-managed acting was a treat to watch, especially when she was paired opposite her real-life husband. Additionally, impressive performances by Sushma Seth, Deepti Naval, and Ismat Chughtai significantly elevated the storyline.

The film's pacing is inconsistent, at times appropriate and at others quite slow. Shyam Benegal skillfully builds tension and handles the action sequences effectively. The plot is engaging, logical, and explores a different theme compared to other films made in the same era. While the dialogues were natural, they sometimes lacked significant impact on the narrative. Ruth's character development is captivating, though her sudden change in behavior can be confusing. The climax is unpredictable and sad, yet it feels abrupt and lacked the profound tragic impact it intended. Perhaps this is due to Ruth and Javed's relationship resembling an extramarital affair, or possibly Shyam Benegal's unconventional presentation of the climax.

The cinematography of 'Junoon' (1978) consistently employs natural lighting to create a realistic and often atmospheric visual experience, utilizing wide shots for grand landscapes and close-ups for emotional intimacy; this is arguably the film's strongest attribute. The production design meticulously recreates historical Indian settings, from sprawling outdoor estates and natural terrains to traditional courtyard homes and fortified structures, significantly enhancing the film's period authenticity. Costumes are historically accurate, featuring traditional Indian attire and military uniforms that distinctly reflect the film's setting and character roles. Makeup generally appears naturalistic and subtle, supporting the period realism and allowing for genuine emotional expression. A smash cut with a strong contrast edit further elevates the film's editing. The action sequences, particularly the cavalry and cannon sequences, are electrifying. Together, these elements collaborate to create a cohesive and immersive visual narrative, effectively transporting the audience to the historical world of 'Junoon'.

The music by Vanraj Bhatia is easily recognizable for his characteristic Hindustani classical touch. However, the songs themselves had minimal impact on the film, except for one played in the background during the climax. The remaining songs felt somewhat out of place and lacked his signature flair. On the other hand, the background score effectively maintained the film's intensity. The sound design is acceptable but could have been improved. Overall, the music played a relatively minor role in the film's impact.

While primarily a historical genre film, 'Junoon' deeply explores the theme of an individual's obsession with unattainable desires, which ultimately leads to widespread destruction.

In conclusion, 'Junoon' is an intense historical drama film, representing a commendable effort by Shyam Benegal, and it can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.