Roti Kapada Aur Makaan

Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan (1974) : Brief Review -

Big assembled cast, Chartbuster Music and Blockbuster Filmmaking on Current affairs of the Nation. When i look at top 5 biggest hits of the 70s decade, all the films are masala films (except for Bobby, a Romantic Drama) and while looking at top 10 biggest hits i see somewhat similar picture which means it was the decade masala films. Bollywood wasn't ready for experimental and artistic films so we didn't get much of offbeat films. But Indian Filmmakers were really thinking about it and therefore they brought all the social messages and poignant stories through mainstream masala/action flicks which can be understood by mass Audience. Manoj Kumar directorial Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan is one of those picture in which audience got to see everything they loved in that time such as Romance, Emotions, Family Drama, Action, Clapworthy dialogues, Super Hit Music and unexpectedly social message or should l say talk on current situation of the nation. One can imagine how amazing it would have been to see such a tremendous star cast on screen filled with heavyweights like Manoj Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman. And then there were overwhelming performances by Moushumi Chatterjee and Prem Nath. Those were the days when even supporting roles used to leave equal impact and now days supporting roles are not even written with that mindset. Laxmikant Pyarelal's Music is not just Superb but Timeless also. There are many super hit albums composed by this maestro pair and Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan is surely one of those. I must give a lot of credit to lyricist Santosh Anand for his brilliant and hard hitting words. Thoughtful lyrics and Melodious Compositions makes a terrific combo that is remembered even in Today's time. "Haye Haye ye Majboori", "Baki Kuch Bacha To Mehngai" and "Mein Na Bhulunga" are just fabulous songs. The dialogues are fantastic and also have a perfect balance of mass and class. I always wondered why Manoj Kumar's name is not taken like Manmohan Desai when people talk about Mainstream Masala Entertainers of 70s. He has given bigger hits than Manmohan Desai's biggest hits in consecutive decades 70s (RKAM) and 80s (Kranti) and he also dealt with social issues through his films. Even in this film he shines brightly as a director and actually more than an actor. There were no dull moments even if the plot seems predictable just like any other 70s masala film. The screenplay is engaging despite long runtime of about 150 minutes and i don't think it will reduce even in the repeat watch. Overall, Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan is Perfect Blockbuster Entertainer having everything in correct ratio whether it is acting, story, music, dialogues or direction.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest

U are a jobless youth with many mouths to feed. U brazenly flaunt your education degree but what's the point? U won't compromise on your ideologies; hence u fail to get a job. Your partner abandons you for an affluent guy. Your sister remains unmarried. Your father expires due to deficiency of medical attention. In short, your life is the pits. But since u are #ManojKumar, u will triumph against all odds and protect your country. Any kid born in the 60s and 70s will unquestionably grasp the essence of #RotiKapadaAurMakaan (1974). Lyrics and music are outstanding. Running time needs to be reduced by 20 minutes. Rating 3/5.

If compared with other Indian commercial films, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan does not have much flow.

I'm not sure about the status and the financial conditions of the Indian singers at the present time. But this film indicates that, during the 70's, even the best singers would get nowhere with their talents.

In this film, Manuj Kumar is a singer with a legendry voice (Mukesh), yet he has neither fame nor money.

If talented singers did make a good living out their arts in India during the 70's, then this is perhaps the film's big flaw.

But overall, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan is probably one of Bollywood's few films that actually makes sense.

The direction, acting and story line are superb. The songs are related to the story, and are always inspiring to listen to.

Most Bollywood's films are hardly watch able, but it will be a pleasure to watch this one more than twice.

Review By Kamal K

Very futuristic film. Film is a realistic approach towards life. And one can connect with it in real life.

I felt deep and applauded for great meaningful songs that depicts todays life and the life's situations. And the cost of things with our basic need of money, house, love, food & for that one needs to work & do a job. Legendary Manoj Kumar really felt a awesome mark on our hearts who loves such a Classic films. A must watch for who understand the truth of life & it's struggle.

Roti Kapada aur Makaan review:

Taking a cue from Indira Gandhi's election campaign of 1967, Manoj Kumar chose the three basic necessities which were plaguing the Indians of that time - Roti, Kapada and Makaan. Playing the main lead called Bharat, Manoj Kumar had a stellar cast backing him from Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor to Zeenat Aman and Moushumi Chatterjee.

Bharat is the educated yet unemployed youth who loses his father as well as lady love to the corruption rot in the system. Burning his degree on his pappa's pyre, he decides to work with the corrupt forces. "If you can't beat them, join them". But can the real hardcore desh bhakt ever go against his country??!!!

Though the film's focus was expectedly on Manoj Kumar, Zeenat Aman and Moushumi Chatterjee made their presence felt. Zeenat sizzled in her wet saree in the "Hai hai yeh majboori" number while Moushumi's gang rape scene filmed on a heap of wheatflour devastated the audience. Seems she was pregnant at that time and all the "atta" falling on her face made her extremely uncomfortable and puke many times. My fave Premnath had a small role of a valiant Sikh and the dude nailed it thoroughly!!

I wasn't born when Roti Kapada aur Makaan released and saw it only in its '80s re-run. Apparently, the original film posters had a small mug shot of Amitabh Bachchan playing Manoj Kumar's younger brother who joins the army and loses his hand in the 1971 war. But when I went for the re-run, Bachchan was the reigning superstar and dominated the posters while the real hero Manoj Kumar was hardly visible. Time time ki baat hai pyaare!!

There is something about Roti Kapada aur Makaan which will instantly connect with the '70s and '80s gen guys. It perfectly captures the social and political ethos of that era. Obviously, the millennials won't identify with it all. They have moved up the ladder to Butter Roti, Branded Kapada and Luxury Makaan!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.