Mera Saaya

Mera Saaya" is a classic Bollywood film released in 1966, directed by Raj Khosla and starring Sunil Dutt and Sadhana in the lead roles. It falls under the genre of suspense thriller and has gained popularity over the years for its intriguing storyline and memorable songs.

The movie revolves around a lawyer named Rakesh (played by Sunil Dutt) who is happily married to Geeta (played by Sadhana). However, their lives take a dramatic turn when Geeta dies under mysterious circumstances. Rakesh is devastated by his wife's death but is shocked to discover that a woman who looks exactly like Geeta appears in his life who's name is Raina. He is not convinced that his wife is alive. Rakesh embarks on a quest to uncover the truth and unravel the mystery surrounding the woman claiming to be Geeta. But there is an element of mystery.

"Mera Saaya" is known for its suspenseful plot and effective storytelling. The film keeps the audience engaged throughout with its well-crafted mystery and unexpected twists. The performances by Sunil Dutt and Sadhana are commendable, with both actors delivering powerful and convincing portrayals of their respective characters. Sadhana, in particular, shines in a dual role, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Composed by the legendary Madan Mohan, the songs like "Nainon Mein Badra Chhaye" and "Jhumka Gira Re" have become iconic and continue to be loved by audiences even today. The soulful melodies add depth and emotion to the narrative, enhancing the overall impact of the film.

One aspect that sets "Mera Saaya" apart is its atmospheric cinematography and skillful use of lighting. The film creates a dark and mysterious ambiance, effectively capturing the tension and suspense of the story. The black-and-white visuals add to the film's aesthetic appeal and contribute to its timeless quality.

Overall, "Mera Saaya" is a classic Bollywood thriller that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish. With its engaging storyline, strong performances, memorable music, and atmospheric presentation, the film has rightfully earned its status as a cult classic. It is a must-watch for fans of suspenseful cinema and those interested in exploring the golden era of Hindi cinema.

According to today's standards,the direction and acting wss terrible in this movie, but I guess 53 years ago(when it was released)it might have been considered stupendous. It's the same with the quality of the film.At best I find it to be an average movie today,but at that time it was considered a masterpiece.

If anybody asks me the name of my most favourite bollywood actress of the bygone era, I will not take a fraction of a moment in replying - Saadhna. This gorgeous lady ruled bollywood in the sixties with memorable movies like Aarzoo and Mere Mehboob. Highly talented director, Raj Khosla made a trilogy of mystery movies taking Saadhna in the lead role - 1. Woh Kaun Thi (1964), 2. Mera Saaya (1966) and Anita (1967). Whereas in the first and the third, Manoj Kumar was cast opposite her in the male lead, Sunil Dutt was cast as her hero in Mera Saaya. Since I have been a fan of Sunil Dutt too, this movie is a very big treat for me. I have seen it umpteen number of times. Reason ? Not just the lead pair and their amazing on-screen chemistry but the other aspects of the movie too - spellbinding suspense, mesmerizing music, engrossing court-room drama, hilarious comedy, rain of romance, the works. This movie has something to offer to all kinds of movie buffs. It can undoubtedly be called a perfect entertainment spanning some 160 minutes.

The story of Mera Saaya (my spirit) is based in the City of Lakes in Rajasthan, i.e., Udaipur. The story starts with the death of the wife, Geeta (Saadhna) of a renowned criminal lawyer, Thakur Rakesh Singh (Sunil Dutt) who becomes melancholous after parting with his beloved wife. However the real story takes off when police catches some dacoits and a woman with them who is the ditto of Geeta by her face and more importantly, she claims to be so. To refute her claim, Thakur Rakesh Singh cross-questions her in the court. At the same time, she also cross-questions him in order to prove that she only is his wife (she refuses to arrange any defence lawyer for her and decides to present her defence herself only). The interesting court-room drama finally culminates in herself first losing her case and then her mental balance, to be sent to asylum consequentially. However the mystery gets resolved through the ringleader of the dacoit gang in the ending scene of the movie.

Mera Saaya has everything to recommend itself. There is not a single boring moment in the movie. This is inarguably the best directorial venture of Raj Khosla and the best ever acting performance of Saadhna. The narrative grips the viewer from the opening scene itself and does not loosen that grip till the very end of the movie. The court-room drama is one of the best court-room dramas portrayed in bollywood movies. Dhumal and Mukri have provided enough laughters and relief moments in between the heated-up drama and intense emotions. The character of the maid, Kumud Bole and her activities add up to the intricate mystery. Alongwith the director, the screenplay-writer and the dialogue-writer have also done their jobs pretty well.

Madan Mohan has given the music of a lifetime in this movie with all the songs as immortal classics. Raja Mehndi Ali Khan has penned the beautiful lyrics for the songs. The movie has Lata's timeless songs like Tu Jahaan Jahaan Chalega Mera Saaya Saath Hoga and Naino Mein Badra Chhaye, Asha's great item number - Jhumka Gira Re Bareilly Ke Bazar Mein and Rafi's intense sad song - Aapke Pehlu Mein Aakar Ro Diye. One more song of Lata is there which is my favourite because of intermittent romantic dialogues and Shero-Shaayari of the lead pair - Nainon Wali Ne Haay Mera Dil Loota. The choreography of the songs is also excellent.

Saadhna had her best on-screen chemistry with Sunil Dutt and this pair has lit up the screen with their marvellous interactions in the story, may they be in the court-room or in their household or in the beautiful locales of Udaipur. The romance is lovely and the emotions are intense. The love of the husband (Sunil Dutt) and the wife (Saadhna) looks damn real and the viewers may wish that their real life love be like that only. The gestures of Sunil Dutt and Saadhna in the song Nainon Wali Ne Haay Mera Dil tickle the romantic hearts so much that it's an experience to watch this song. The pain of losing the partner portrayed by both these artists is able to make the viewer empathize with them. Saadhna's dancing performance on Asha's song - Jhumka Gira Re Bareilly Ke Bazar Mein has made this dance number an unforgettable one. The supporting cast has rendered excellent support to this amazing pair which is all-pervasive in the movie.

Mera Saaya is watchable for the scenic beauty of Udaipur also. Since I am a Rajasthani and I have resided too for more than one year in Udaipur, I can say that this world famous City of Lakes has never been shown more beautifully in any other movie. It's a huge pleasure to see a lovely pair romancing in a romantically beautiful location.

Normally a mystery movie does not bear repeat value because of the nullification of the suspense factor after the first watch. But Mera Saaya is a great exception. Despite the suspense being revealed upon you after the first watch, you can watch it umpteen number of times. And every watch will give you the same soothing, nice feeling in your heart. It can unbiasedly be termed as 'the perfect entertainment'.

A masterpiece indeed.

Mera Saaya (1966) : Brief Review -

Another gripping thriller that has all the Raj Khosla and Sadhna duo's trademarks. Raja Paranjape made a Marathi thriller called "Pathalaag" with the legendary Kashinath Ghanekar and Bhavna that left Marathi audiences stunned. Raj Khosla and Sadhana's duo delivered the super hit thriller "Woh Kaun Thi?" (inspired by old Hollywood flicks/novels) in the same year as Pathlaag and then chose to remake Pathlaag as Mera Saaya as a new addition to their mystery thriller independent trilogy. In both films, Sadhana plays a double role, and that part is what unfolds the main suspense in the end. Both films have great music and gripping narratives. To add more, films have a terrific shock value for Hindi cinema audiences (from the 1960s). These are the reasons why I called Mera Saaya Raj Khosla and Sadhana's trademark thriller. Khosla mastered the genre and the art of copying with great sense. Woh Kaun Thi added some extra elements that weren't there in those old Hollywood flicks, and there is "death" involved in both films. Mera Saaya takes things to court and even confuses the judge and the lawyers. Interestingly, the lawyer is himself an eyewitness, and he is sure about his opinion. Will it be changed? How can one prove it when the actual criminal activity happened without anyone's knowledge? Mera Saaya finds an easy getaway from these difficult loops (actually the original Marathi film) and cooks an instant hit thriller. To add commercial value, we have two super hit songs : Jhumka Gira Re and Mera Saaya Saath Hoga. The emotional entanglement of the husband and wife adds more to the drama that attracts viewers sentimentally. As a whole, Khosla made another winner, be it critical acclaim, box office, or popularity over the years. It has to be one of the best of the decade.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

This movie is one of the best movies of its time starring Sunil Dutt and Sadhna.It has thrill,it has mystery,it has good songs,good dances and strong performances.Sadhna gives a strong performance as a woman caught up by police and accused of being a bandit,whereas according to her she is wife of a big Thakur.Sunil Dutt gives a bravo performance in the role of a well read lawyer and a Thakur who loves his wife more than anyone but is depressed because of her death and because a young girl who resembles is wife is claiming to be his wife.The songs like "Mera Saaya",Nainon main Kajra" and all others have a strong appeal and Sadhna's dance in the songs "Nainon Wale ne" and "Jhumka Girra re" has been critically praised.On the whole I would say that the movie is a gr88 one and deserves to be seen.