Ijaazat

ijaazat is gulzar at its best. the film takes off from the moist surreal world of dripping branches with panchamda's out of this world music right into the heart of the characters. this kind of love we have left behind in the last century, when the world was slower, the skies more blue and there was still some magic left in the affairs of the heart. thoroughly enjoyble, be prepared to give in to feelings you never knew to exist within you. nasiruddin, rekha are in the performances of their lives and anuradha, you can't help falling in love with her. the music deserves special mention, panchamda finally created something to allow aashaji to come out of the legendary shadows of her sister.

Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah star as Sudha and Mahinder, a separated couple who meet unexpectedly at a deserted railway station after years spent apart. The film follows their long conversation into the night and moves from present developments into flashbacks from the past as they recall together their days as a married couple and try to figure what went wrong with their relationship other than the impetuous Maya, Mahinder's past love whose reappearance was making Sudha highly insecure. This brings forth a whole world of new understnadings as they realise everything could have been different and what they had missed out on.

Ijaazat is a true slice of life - the story is affecting, and the emotional impact is haunting. Yes, the basics are somewhat similar to another classic by Gulzar, namely Aandhi, and Ijaazat is equally effective. This is just another superb piece of storytelling - a film that is subtle, realistic, poetic, and which manages to tug at the heartstrings in every turn as we always care about the characters, connect to them, and relate to their story. The conversational and serene narrative style might not appeal to everybody, but I found it highly engaging and was constantly captivated by the film's depth and development.

The film's stark realism is matched by extraordinarily realistic acting. The story is clearly written in Sudha's perspective, and Rekha, in one of her most nuanced and natural performances, does a highly convincing job of portraying her many shades. Hers is a true portrait of strength and maturity. Naseeruddin Shah can hardly go wrong and he is excellent in this compassionate performance. Without taking anything away from the effective work of the two leads, it is Anuradha Patel, in the role of the mysterious and spirited Maya, who gives the film its dramatic urgency and a great part of its poetic tone. Her amazing visage, including the melancholic glimmer of expectation in her expressive eyes, is a sight to behold. She is fascinating.

R. D. Burman's soundtrack for Ijaazat is one of my all-time favourite, and it gives life to the classic that this film already is. The songs are exceptionally composed and written, and their tunes and lyrics resonate in mind. Asha Bhosle, the only singer assigned to the score, is the voice of the film, and who could be a better choice if not her? Every number is performed to perfection, with Bhosle's sharp, soulful and divine voice making them much more impactive than they would have been had someone else sung them. The biggest achievement is their situational relevance within the story which enhances the narrative. "Katra Katra" and "Mera Kuchh Saaman", some of the greatest songs of Hindi music in my opinion, come at the right moments and give so much more meaning to the proceedings. Not to mention the closing gem "Chhoti Si Kahani Se" - oh what a maestro Burman was, and what a perfect and winning combination he formed with Gulzar and Bhosle - out of this world. Just like this film is.

I suggest this movie for all those people who are or were in love at some point in time in their lives.

This is Gulzar at his best.

Naseeruddin, Rekha and Anuradha Patel have done a splendid job with Panchamda's music providing the icing on the cake.

Great plot. Great acting. Lots of symbolism. Really well filmed for its time. Some of my favorite songs. This isn't your usual Hindi movie. It doesn't have an elaborate set. No dance scenes, much less elaborate ones. It doesn't have a huge cast. If you like this try the others by this director.

'Ijaazat' was like a remarkable anthology full of beautiful poetry. There are some wonderful poetry recited by the actors but the film itself is a colourful poem: the characters, the music, the story...all poetry. Directed by a poet himself, Gulzar, takes us into a journey of complex emotions of complex people.

Gulzar starts his movie with a view of beautiful landscapes and a passionate song sung by the legendary Asha Bhosle. After that, we see Nasseeruddin stepping out of the train while we hear torrential rain in the background. Here he meets Rekha and then, as flashbacks, we see their story.

Mahinder (Naseeruddin Shah), a young photographer, is madly in love with the wild and impulsive Maya (Anuradha Patel). However, his marriage has been arranged (by his grandfather) with his childhood friend Sudha (Rekha). He confides in Sudha and tells her the truth. Sudha advises him to speak to his grandfather and arrange for Maya to meet him. All of a sudden Maya leaves. Things don't work out as expected and Mahinder decides to marry Sudha. The couple seem to be happy in their marriage yet they're both trying to deal with Maya. Sudha, trying to deal with the fact that Mahinder still has strong feelings for her and Mahinder, dealing with his feelings and with the fact that Maya is the past. Maya appears every contacts every now and then. Sudha tries to accept things the way they are but the more time she spends with Mahinder, the more difficult it gets.

All the songs are beautifully song by Asha Bhosle, giving life to the poem this movie is and then Maya's poems which add to the intriguing mystery of the character and her relationship with Mahinder. Anuradha Patel as the mysterious Maya is brilliant. Her facial expressions (especially with her eyes) are amazing. As Maya herself is heartbroken that because of her own impulsiveness she lost Mahinder, she tries to prevent herself from reaching out to Mahinder but can't help herself from contacting him.

Rekha is amazing as the strong but also vulnerable Sudha. She plays her part subtly and manages to convey a lot by her presence alone. This is a fine example of how subtle acting stands out. Sudha gradually sees hope that she'll have a happy marriage until she soon comes to terms with the fact that Maya will always stand between them.

Only an actor like Nasseeruddin Shah can do justice to a character like Mahinder. He's excellent as the helpless man torn between two women. His scenes with both Anuradha and Rekha are examples of how fine acting and a display of a quiet but powerful chemistry.

'Ijaazat' is Gulzar's poem which he beautifully recites. It's a poem about three lives. It's a poem that reflects life...