Silsila

For a number of reasons this films stands out among the myriad mass produced Hindi films which the industry turns out. This isn't your average Hindi film for the very simple reason that it deals with a controversial theme - an extra-marital relationship. The script, barring a few flaws, is exceptionally good. The same can be said of the acting. Amitabh is simply brilliant. You cannot see any other actor taking his place. In the beginning of the film he plays the clown. The transformation of his persona in the face of getting married to a woman he does not love, is something only an actor of Amitabh's calibre could have pulled off. His role is central to the film, and it is quite exceptionally played. Then he is once again at his clowning best when he sings Rang Barse in his own voice.

I would have given this film 10 out of 10, if it were not for the ending. You get the impression that the film makers were in a hurry to end the film.

"Silsila" is a Bollywood film directed by Yash Chopra and released in 1981. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha in lead roles, the movie explores themes of love, relationships, and societal expectations.

"Silsila" revolves around the complex love triangle between Amit (Amitabh Bachchan), his wife Shobha (Jaya Bachchan), and his former lover Chandni (Rekha). The story unfolds as Amit and Chandni meet again after a long separation and find their feelings for each other rekindling. However, they are bound by their commitments to their respective spouses, leading to a tumultuous emotional journey as they struggle with their desires and societal norms.

One of the most notable aspects of "Silsila" is its stellar cast. Amitabh Bachchan delivers a remarkable performance as a man torn between his loyalty to his wife and his passionate love for another woman. Jaya Bachchan brings depth and vulnerability to her portrayal of Shobha, showcasing the pain and turmoil she experiences as she tries to hold her crumbling marriage together. Rekha, on the other hand, shines as Chandni, depicting a strong-willed and independent woman who is unable to let go of her love for Amit.

The film is known for its soulful and melodious soundtrack composed by Shiv-Hari, with lyrics penned by Javed Akhtar. Songs like "Yeh Kahaan Aa Gaye Hum," "Dekha Ek Khwaab," and "Rang Barse" have become iconic and continue to be popular even today.

Yash Chopra's direction in "Silsila" is noteworthy, as he skillfully handles the delicate subject matter and captures the emotional nuances of the characters. The film's cinematography and picturesque locations add to its visual appeal.

However, "Silsila" received mixed reactions upon its release, as it delved into a controversial topic that was rumored to mirror the real-life love triangle between Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha. The film's unconventional ending also divided audiences, with some appreciating its boldness, while others found it unsatisfying.

Overall, "Silsila" is a poignant and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and societal expectations. It stands as a significant contribution to Indian cinema, showcasing the talents of its stellar cast and the directorial finesse of Yash Chopra. If you enjoy romantic dramas with emotional depth and captivating performances, "Silsila" is definitely worth a watch.

After the death of his elder brother, Amit finds out that his late brother's fiancée, Shobha, is pregnant. Taking pity on the devastated young woman, he decides to marry her, leaving behind the love of his life, Chandni. Chandni later marries a famous doctor. An accident during which Shobha loses her child and is taken care of by Chandni's husband, causes Amit and Chandni to meet again. There begins a new extramarital relationship between the two, through which the story deepens and grows.

This is Silsila, Yash Chopra's take on relationships and adultery in a modern 80s India. A romantic drama, it is quiet, serious and focused, and is shot beautifully like every other movie made by Chopra. What I particularly appreciated about this film was the matter-of-factness with which it was made and executed. There was not any overdone melodrama, no unnecessary subplots, and the writing did not go overboard. The story is simple to follow, the script and the characters are very well written, and the film is generally subtly made.

Chopra's portrayal of relationships is very well done. The dialogues are excellent. At times some proceedings were difficult to relate to or identify with, but who knows, maybe one should really be in a particular situation to understand its meaning and its effect on people at times of pressure. This is the reason I believed the story. Leaving the seriousness aside, as a film, Silsila is simply entertaining. It flows well, it is interesting, and is aided by several melodious and memorable songs composed by Shiv-Hari.

Rumour had it that Silsila was based on the true triangular story of Amitabh-Jaya-Rekha. Jaya Bhaduri is Bachchan's real-life wife and Rekha was rumoured to have been involved with him back then in an extramarital affair. This adds to the film's authenticity, but more than anything, the acting is natural to make it work the way it did. Bachchan is as great as always. Jaya Bhaduri is brilliant as his intelligent, sensible and smart wife Shobha, and displays her character's fear, strength and determination with great depth and conviction and as naturally as ever. Rekha gets less scope, yet she is wonderful in her restrained portrayal of Chandni. She is extremely beautiful and acts with grace.

Silsila has some other limited appearances by Shashi Kapoor and Sanjeev Kumar, the former being fine and the latter being exceptional. The main complaint with the film was its ending, but I quite liked it. The viewers must have been torn between two probable versions. The reason behind Amit's decision was a bit unjustifiable, but anyway, this is one of the better and more interesting works of Yash Chopra. It is well written, directed and acted. I recommend.

Silsila is based on the true story of Amitabh, Jaya, and Rekha. As with many great movies that don't follow the typical Bollywood format this was a big flop when it was released, and yet there is no one today who hasn't seen it. Like most Yash Chopra films this one looks great and so are the songs, especially the first two: "sar se sareke" and "ladki hai yaa sholaa" (I probably didn't spell that right). Unlike most of Amitabh's films this is more of an ensemble piece and the whole cast delivers. Amitabh gives a powerhouse performance as the poet whose life is suddenly shattered and he's forced to give up his happiness for Jaya. Jaya is also perfect and matches him all the way. Sanjeev Kumar steals every scene he's in especially the one at the airport with Rekha and the one when he's talking to Jaya at the hospital. Rekha is good although her performance is the weakest of the four. Shashi Kapoor does what he can in his small role. The subject matter was handled nicely by the writers (they never get too preachy) and there are many scenes, especially the ones between Amit and Jaya, and Rekha and Jaya where you wonder how that scene took place in real life. They also succeed with making you sympathize with all 4 individuals - (that might be why they were all willing to make the movie). I give this movie a 9 out of 10. The only thing that stops me from giving it a 10 is the ending. We aren't given a reason as to why Amitabh makes the decision that he makes. Also the big revelation from Jaya at the end of the movie doesn't really make sense. Apart from that the movie is flawless and a must see.

I've been dreaming of watching Silsila since 1981 and recently it has come true. I read an annotation in CineBlitz and Yash Chopra's interview in one of the Russian newspapers and thus expected to see something outstanding. Unfortunately I was disappointed at the plot. Shobha turned out to be a 100% selfish person. Amit was striving for his happiness and love but did not have enough strength and courage to win. Chandni was tearing apart yet she made her choice however Amit betrayed her again... Yash Chopra challenged moral principles speaking about adultery but even here those principles (or maybe stereotypes??) were not broken. How happy Amit and Chandni were when dancing at the festival! Do they not deserve to be together? I think they do. And remember the last words of Amit that he has burned his love and that Shobha is his wife and he is her husband. Looks like there is no parallel between love and marriage. And that is sad. However I got a pleasure from watching the movie. Nice actors and tears-provoking acting but not good to watch second time due to the above said.