Madhumati

Perhaps if not "the best" certainly one of the best from Bimalda's kitty. Way back in 1958 Bimalda managed to weave a intriguing and nail- biting suspense movie which is nothing short of creative genius. The black-and-white format actually works to the advantage of the storyline to give it an eerie feel.

♦ Dilip Kumar:: Honestly after watching "Madhumati" I could really appreciate Dilip Kumar's authority over the fine nuances of performance. The subtlety he effectively brings up on the screen deserves special mention. As Deven/ Anand he delivers a spot-on performance.

♦ Vyjayanthimala:: The actual protagonist of the movie. As Madhu she gets into the skin of the character without going overboard. The rest two characters Madhavi & Radha can be categorised as special appearances.

♦ Pran:: Now no wonder Dilip Kumar refused to work with Pran after Madhumati. If not stealing the thunder right under the nose, he gave a tough fight. As Ugra Narayan he ensures you hate him to no limits.

Rest of the star-cast was adequate. Music was integral to Madhumati. Had it not been Shailendra lyrics churned into haunting melodies by Salil Chowdhary, the movie would not have reached the cult status. Lata Mangeskar I am sure catapulted to dizzying heights after the success of the her numbers. Songs by Mukesh & Rafi are equally soulful.

Due credit is deserved for the story by Ritwik Ghatak who later on became a yard-stick in his own right. And of course Rajinder Singh Bedi who pens the dialogues.

No wonder Bimal Da held maximum number of Filmfare awards and held undisputed record for many decades.

Here's a brooding and heated melodrama, that seems to me (as an non- Indian, English person) to have taken some great lines from myth and legend and put them all into a romantic drama that transcends time.

Having bought director Bimal Roy's 'Devdas' and played that, I found that I'd recorded Mudhumati from Film 4 years ago, but had never got round to playing it - what better time than now to do so?

I loved the multilayers of humour, the darker, sinister sides, the romance, the beauty and the love shown for the landscape and even the singing and dancing, which I have to admit, had always put me off 'Bollywood' films, before. Though long, over 3 hours with ad breaks, it was always compelling and ticked so many boxes that make for a really good film.

The on-screen quality, though, was a different matter, though, so bad were the white blemishes, it looked like it was sleeting on occasion! Sound was poor, too. One does get used to this, at least a bit, though and would probably lose some of its mysticism if it were a perfect digitally restored version, though I might actually buy such a disc, if one was released here and at a keen price.

A love story spanning previous lives and that too amidst hilly areas. Its spooky. Here a young man remembers his past life as an honest job holder who loves the village girl. And who was envied by his employer. That triggers the various events of jealousy, misunderstanding and mysteries. Love which was separated at previous lives finally gets united in the present. That is the point of optimism. The songs are memorable and stands as classic standard still today. Dilip Kumar is an outstanding performer. He is perfect as the matured and gripping guy with positivity at heart.

There are flaws also like (1) sudden appearance of similar faced village girl without any prior reference. (2)The 2nd half of script seems heavy with subplots than 1st. (3) The narrative flow changes.

By 1950s standard it deserves an 8. An interesting movie with spooky thrilling theme but is optimistic. And also rewatchable. A full 76/100.

Most reviewers forget that they are watching a movie made in India in 1958 and that too in black and white. To see it with FX-laden tinted glasses would be do do a disservice to the makers and the actors. regardless of the overall delivery of the film. Though even today ( and i must have seen this movie 10 times already ) you shudder at the thought of Pran in the empty large house, you creep at the surreal lighting, you rejoice at the music and its uplifting raw tribal rhythm, and how you wish you had the panache of Dilip Kumar or the grace of a Madhubala. The plot keeps you in your grip while the music and the acting are a feast for your senses. So should you see it ? - if you appreciate good cinema, this is a treat. But remember it belongs to a time, when films, like people used to take their time to unfold and once open would invite you into their arms and never let you go. As a tribute to the masters and a tongue in cheek to Bollywoods plagiarist accusations - the recent Blockbuster of 2007, OM Shanti OM, has lifted its Climax totally from this film. Go Check.

Although the main theme of this film was a by-word in Indian cinema,superior direction by Roy and acting by Kumar and Vyjantimala plus the haunting music and lyrics contrived to make this the ultimate movie of its kind. It has its flaws.The comedy apart from Walker is unasked for.As the tragic lovers Dilip KUmar and Vyjantimala never acted better together.An enduring masterpiece which never ceases to amaze.I have seen it countless times but still marvel at it.Pran and Jayant are also in good form and the photography is excellent.Alesson for the modern times,making maximum use of natural scenes to show feelings,moods and the fallacy of man.Few directors could have surpassed Bimal Roy.