Nikaah

I have watch many nikaah movies. But this one given me a good hart feeling.

Salma was very good in her rol en she steals the show. She sings at her best in this movie I like the song 'Dil Ke Armaan Aansuo Me Bah Gaye'.

A must watch movie and dont missed.

This movie can be watched over all.

Nilofar marries her long-time partner, Wasim Ahmed, a work-obsessed businessman. However, their marriage deteriorates as his focus on work overshadows their relationship, ultimately leading to him divorcing her via talaaq. Subsequently, she falls in love with and marries her college friend, Afaque Haider, who had harbored unrequited love for her. Complications arise when Wasim returns, seeking Nilofar's forgiveness and a reconciliation. The central conflict then becomes whether Nilofar will choose Wasim over her current husband, Haider.

The film's notable features include newcomer Salma Agha's versatile acting and singing, elegant costume design, meticulous makeup, and a timeless soundtrack.

Salma Agha, as Nilofar, delivered a pleasant debut in both acting and singing. Her brilliant singing, despite an unconventional voice, was particularly striking. Her acting was generic in the first half but showed more depth and seriousness in the second, though it wasn't a charismatic performance to be widely remembered. She shared synergistic chemistry with both male leads, Raj Babbar and Deepak Parashar. Raj Babbar, as Afaque Haider, gave a satisfactory performance, especially notable in his dialogue delivery while chewing betel leaves. Deepak Parashar, as Wasim Ahmed, provided a versatile performance, commendably switching between anger and calm. Additionally, Iftekhar and Asrani delivered decent performances.

The film's pacing is initially somewhat exaggerated but gradually finds its rhythm. B. R. Chopra effectively built emotions, though his overall vision or message remains unclear. The first half explores Nilofar's loneliness and the talaaq process, while the second shifts to themes of misunderstanding or unforgettable first love. This thematic divergence made it difficult to grasp the overarching message. While dramatic moments were well-handled, they occasionally felt excessive. The plot in the first half was rather tedious due to repetitive actions in most scenes; only towards the end did it truly capture interest. Salma Agha's screen presence was the primary draw for the plot. Nilofar's character arc is unsatisfying; after escaping a toxic relationship and marrying a gentleman, she remains emotionally tied to Wasim's memories. The Filmfare Award-winning dialogues were natural but surprisingly had minimal impact. The climax, though predictable, had least impact on me.

The cinematography of 'Nikaah' (1982) predominantly utilizes natural daylight, capturing authentic outdoor locations and intimate interior scenes with a functional yet often contemplative style. Creative use of light filters effectively conveyed Nilofar's initial loneliness, transitioning to darker filters as her despair deepened. Visual effects are primarily practical, employing in-camera techniques like reflections and light manipulation to create atmospheric moments. The production design effectively establishes its setting through real-world landscapes and traditional architecture, complemented by culturally appropriate interior sets and period-accurate props. The costumes are authentic to early 1980s Indian fashion, featuring a mix of traditional attire and contemporary styles that reflect character and context. Salma Agha's costumes, beautifully designed by Academy Award-winning costume designer Bhanu Athaiya, significantly enhanced her beauty. Makeup is generally natural for everyday scenes, with more defined features for close-ups and special occasions, aligning with the beauty standards of its release era. The editing was proficient. The choreography of the songs, however, lacked significant impact.

Ravi's music is the film's strongest asset. Initial songs were less captivating, leading to an assumption that the album would be uninteresting. However, the subsequent wave of soothing ghazals was truly enchanting. Even two days after watching the film, these ghazals are on repeat. Leading actress Salma Agha, also a brilliant singer, plays a pivotal role in the album, particularly with my favorite songs "Faza Bhi Hai Jawaan Jawaan" and "Dil Ke Armaan Aansuon Me Bah Gaye." Her voice, while unconventional-rough and husky-carries a nostalgic wave of emotion. Additionally, the reused ghazal "Chupke Chupke Raat Din" by Ghulam Ali transports the listener to a sublime state. The sentimental and moving lyrics by Hasan Kamal and Hasrat Mohani profoundly enrich the compositions. While the background score was good, it was largely overshadowed by the dominant soundtrack.

The film explores interesting themes such as loneliness, desire, Muslim talaaq, and misunderstanding. However, the specific message B. R. Chopra intended to convey through these themes remains ambiguous.

In conclusion, 'Nikaah' is a brilliant musical film featuring a versatile performance by singer-actress Salma Agha, highly recommended for ghazal lovers.

DISCLAIMER Even though the movie is based on a work or literature (Dr. Achla Nagar - daughter or famous hindi novelist and story-writer Amrit Lal Nagar) the story is an old fashioned love triangle. The backdrop is different but for the story is rehash of many old classics. The urdu poet in this movie is also rehash of many reknowned Urdu poets who for obvious reasons are not credited.

PLOT

Haider (Raj Babbar) and Nilofar (Salma Agha) are students in same college. Haider is a poet, who falls in love with Nilofar. (Lifts a couplet of Jan-Nisar Akhtar - father of Writer Javed Akhtar "Ab ke hum bichhre to shayad kabhi khwabon main mile, Jis tarah sukhe hue phool kitabon main mile"). This part reminded me of college scenes from "Mere Mehboob" (1962 - Rajendra Kumar - Sadhana).

Nilofar is engaged to Wasim (Deepak Prashar), who is a businessman and is married to him soon. Wasim is more into his work and when Nilofar wants his attention - she instead gets Triple Talaq - divorce.

Nilofar is now looking for a job and gets it in press of News paper run by Haider, who is still looking for her. They get married. But, when Haider reads that "first love can not be easily forgotten". He also finds that Wasim is still in love with Nilofar he offers to sacrifice. (The scene that follows reminds me the famous scene from Sangam when Vaijayanti Mala tells Raj Kapoor and Rajendra Kumar - the man they think about themselves, had any of the thought about her?")

DIRECTION AND ACTING The direction is good. BR Chopra weaves the songs too well into the story that they become integral part of the story. The language is very polished (thanks to Dr. Achla Nagar). Everyone stands out in this story!

MUSIC It could not have been any better. Every song is a treat by itself. Salma Agha ("Fiza bhi hai Jawan Jawan...", "Dil ke Arman Aansuon mai bah gaye...", "Dil Ki yeh Arzoo thi koi dilruba mile...") is at her best and Mahendra Kapoor is meets his vintage glory ("Dil Ki yeh Arzoo thi koi dilruba mile...", "Beete Huye lamhon ki kasak yaad to hogi...")! Mehadi Hasan's Gazal "Chupke Chupke Raat Din Ansu Bahana Yaad hai..." is controversially in this movie. Wisely Mr. Chopra did not make Deepak Parashar to sing on the Gazal and the impact is great. Not to forget mandatory qawali ("Chehra Chhupa liya hai kisi ne hizab main..") picturised on Asrani and Hina Kausar (I guess so).

TRIVIA Mehadi Hasan's Gazal "Chupke Chupke Raat Din Ansu Bahana Yaad hai..." was lifted without his permission.

OVERALL Despite oft-repeated story 8.5/10, thanks to music, direction, screen-play and acting.

Review By Kamal K

This was such a meaningful movie that opened up the issue of triple talaq decades ago. The powerful dialogues, mesmerizing songs and beautiful costumes are unforgettable.

Neelofur (Salma Agha) is a student who studies at osmania university Haider (Raj Babbar) is also a student and a young poet who loves neelofur but neelofur does not, she gets engaged to Wasim (Deepak parashar) who neelofur loves, they get married but he doesn't spend time with her, he doesn't even spend time with her on there honeymoon because he got a buisness contract, he also fights with her on stupid things and he fails to show up at there wedding anniversary, neelofur doesn't face the guests and the guests leave, Wasim out of anger says triple talaq, neelofur meets Haider now a accomplished poet and a editor, she tells him her story and they fall in love again and marry, however Wasim wants to remarry her.

The acting and songs were great, the story was good it shows the problems women faced and why triple talaq is wrong the message was nice I'd recommend you to watch it definitely it also is entertaining even though something's the heroine does is questionable.