L'Honnête Vagabond

This was a nice film with drama, music, romance and a message made by and starring Raj Kapoor at his peak. He again demonstrated his love of the visual Charlie Chaplin, along with facial similarities his politics were probably not too far removed either.

Jaunty orphan Ranbir Raj makes his way to Bombay to make his fortune, after encountering much human trickery ends up poor in money but rich in love. Reflecting the ups and downs are many good Jaikishan songs, especially Mera Joota Hai Japani and the relentless bouncy Ichak Dana Bichak Dana both sung by Mukesh. Nargis seldom looked lovelier, either when singing in the rain, or in the key emotional scene watching her ghostly version singing her true feelings to Raj. He took to a tuxedo much better than Chaplin did too! The sets were all (RK) studio bound, but were atmospherically displayed in the gleaming black and white.

Overall nothing too heavy but not totally inconsequential either, a perfect example of early Bollywood.

Shree 420 is a romantic, comedy and entertaining film. The story is about a man who tries to earn money illegally for caring the future family but fails to impress his lover and himself at the end. Here, Nargis played dual role (though there is only one character) of Raj's love partner and a guide for Raj who advice him not to indulge in illegal things to get money. Shree 420 teaches us the following significant lessons for life:

1. We should not go behind money. We may have greed for money but once we enter into its cycle, it becomes uninteresting.

2. The wealth gives dreams but leads us to a pit of tensions.

3. The people who are involved in fraud play lose their happiness forever.

4. All kinds of friendship is not trustable especially in financial case.

5. The wrong method for earning more will push one away from peaceful life which forms the central theme of the movie.

They rarely make them like this anymore in Bollywood. Meaningful cinema with a message but presented in a highly entertaining and artistically solid way with great song numbers and characters you care for. The cast is first rate, the direction inventive and technically the film is well done. Just two examples: The use of a ghost image to express Vidya's dilemma of having to condemn Raj while still loving him and the use of rain/smoke in the love song. The rain/smoke patterns are subtle but wonderful. The songs are among the most popular in Hindi cinema and not one is weak or a filler. A timeless classic that will never become outdated. Unfortunately there is no good DVD around and the film needs restoration (as practically all older Bollywood films (and most newer ones too)).

Based on some Internet research on the best of Bollywood, and on a lifelong crush on Raj Kapoor's brother Shashi, this was the first Bollywood movie I sought out at an Indian video store, and it completely blew me away. If you want to start to get to know the greatness of this cultural tradition, this is a good place to start, and I recommend watching it thirty times. It is still my favorite after some months of searching out Bollywood classics.

This movie provides a sublime pathway to love of Bollywood; for one thing the music is completely enchanting, beginning with the first song, sung by Raj Kapoor in his role as a university- educated ("B.A. passed") young country fellow garbed as a hobo on his way to Bombay--he sings his song of the road about "My shoes are Japanese, my trousers are British, my red hat is Russian, but my heart is Indian" --Mera juta hai Japani, etc. I do not speak Hindi and I have had to memorize it. I think some westerners may believe that the music of Bollywood movies will be a stumbling-block, but see if you still think that after you see this one. The songs are compelling and varied, the lyrics elaborate story elements, with the additional pleasure of being Indian or non-Western or whatever in their sentiments. Raj Kapoor's brilliant physicality and body language alone make the movie a joy.

It also provides the pleasures of screen romance with powerful chemistry (between Raj Kapoor and the great star Nargis, his real life inspiration and beloved), and of movement into the nightclub world of the rich and glamorous, and the opportunity to see the spectacularly handsome Raj change from a foolish-acting tramp/clown to a worldly charmer in a dinner jacket (even though this spells temporary trouble for the forgotten and virtuous Nargis).

~Virginia

Story: Good The film centers on Raj Kapoor, a poor but educated orphan who comes to Bombay with dreams of success but fall in prey of unethical lifestyle.

The writer's narrative presents a scathing critique of societal norms through a socialist lens, portraying the wealthy as villainous and the poor as victims. The film tackles issues like elitism, the devaluation of education, and the destructive nature of gambling, delivering a powerful social commentary.

Screenplay: Gripping The screenplay will not let you bore. Every aspect of the screenplay was enjoyable.

Characters: Good Ranbir Raj / Rajkumar Saxena: He was poor who came to mumbai to earn living but soon realize that this city is not ethical and got influenced by rich lifestyle earned by unethical ways and gambling.

Vidya: She was the love intrest of raj. She was shown poor but very ethical & self respectful. She was the one who took raj to path of ethics.

Seth Sonachand Dharmanand: He was the popular rich businessman of the city. He was very selfish, unethical and evil. He earned his money by fooling other person. His character deserved more screen time.

Maya: She was mistress like lady of rich people. She herself was elitist & evil.

Rest characters had a small role.

Dialogues: Good

Performances: Phenomenal Raj kapoor: He had a inconsistent performance as he tried to copy Charlie Chaplin in some parts which seemed overacting otherwise had aced role. His dialogue delivery was superb.

Nargis: Next level performance by nargis. Her expressions enhanced every scenes. She was looking like a dream, very gorgeous.

Nadira: She did her part well as a evil lady.

Nemo: He did a good job.

Rest all actors had a small role.

Direction: Superb The director was clear about his narrative thus all the scenes were relevant.

Music and BGM: Iconic All songs were iconic & remembered till date. BGM was also best.

Production value: To the point

Editing: Good

Ideology: The writer's narrative embodies a socialist ideology, presenting a straightforward critique of societal ills. The wealthy are depicted as exploitative, utilizing unethical means to amass wealth, while the poor suffer as victims. The narrative also condemns vices like gambling and immoral profiteering. Furthermore, it critiques urban norms, including elitism, the devaluation of education, and the deplorable living conditions of the underprivileged.

Final verdict: The film had a perfect writing with impactful story, strong narrative, gripping screenplay, good character development & powerful dialogues married with phenomenal performances, superb direction and iconic songs. Overall a must watch blockbuster.

0.5- Story 1- Screenplay 1- Dialogues 0.5- Characters 1- Performances 1- Music and BGM 1- Direction 0.5- Production value 0.5- Editing.