Johny Mera Naam

Johnny Mera Naam (1970) : Brief Review -

The GREATEST commercial spy thriller ever made in Bollywood. Period. There are some films for which you say, "They don't make films like this anymore," and Johnny Mera Naam is one of those rare films. Sean Connery's James Bond series was ruling in American and international markets with its spicy and glamourous spy thrillers, and naturally, Bollywood, or for that matter, Indian cinema, was running way behind. We had to crack something like that, if not an exact James Bond film. We were also unfortunate with the limited commercial success of crime and spy thrillers. But Johnny Mera Naam broke that myth. There is no competition for it, as far as I can remember. Even iconic Don (1978) took 8 more years but couldn't match the amount of twists. Content-wise, we can say we have a classic thriller like "Baby" (2015), but I won't call it a proper masala blockbuster. The direct competition would be anything that falls into YRF's emerging spy-universe, but JMN is miles ahead. What a fantastic script, screenplay, and direction it has. Simply unmatchable and unbeatable! Twins formula, twins being opposite characters, a secret agent as a criminal gang member, lost and found formula, thrill, drama, chartbuster music, and mind blowing twists-Johnny Mera Naam got them all and plenty. The last 40 minutes just take it to a whole new level-even higher than your favorite spy, James Bond, who actually got predictable most of the time. What great songs this film has, and what perfect situations and lyrics. It just doesn't get better than this; at least I can confirm that it hasn't gotten better till 2024. Vijay Anand has a great filmography and several classics that can compete with Johnny Mera Naam for content, but the mass value and entertainment are incomparable. It deserved to be his BIGGEST HIT EVER and it did so. The GREATEST this genre can ever produce and I won't argue with anybody over it.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Mother of many masala pot boilers from the 1970s. And better than them all. Typical characters from the 1970s, but far better sketched. Vijay Anand is the best suited person to make movies for the Indian audience.

This is a simple, lost brothers who finally unite, formula movie, but what makes it watchable are some great movie moments. I don't think many people know who Padma Khanna is(poor man's Mumtaz) but her sexy dance will blow you away. Trust me it is unique and has never been done before or since. And then there is that beautiful song - "Babul Pyaree" - every daughter's memorable song. One of the most heart pulling song ever pictured. Another favorite song of mine is the bhakti song - "Govind Bolo Hari gopal bolo".

There are other memorable movie moments like when Dev Anand says that he has been following the daughter so that she would lead him to her father only to realize that the daughter was also trying desperately to reach her father.

If you like Dev Anand and Pran's incredible voice plus some good acting this movie is a must see. Trust me, you will rewind the tape to watch Padma Khanna. Little known fact: Dara Singh's brother has a small role in this movie.

Review By Kamal K

What a director vijay anand was..magnificent editing and direction and still looks super fast movie. He was genious. Superb acting from Dev Anand Saab and premnath and is johar. Unforntunetly dev Anand took direction in his hands for his latter movies and the golden partnership ends. But before that they gave masterpieces like guide jwel thief and Johnny mera naam.

JOHNY MERA NAAM is a superbly amusing action thriller that, right from its banger musical score to the production design right down to the story beats, evokes the vibrancy and nostalgia of 1970s Bollywood. Vijay Anand borrows some elements from his previous classic JEWEL THIEF to craft this equally captivating tale that's filled with smugglers, secret identities, long-lost family members, compelling romance, enticing Bollywood-style melodrama, harmless comedy and engrossing plot filled with thrills and phenomenal performances. The most impressive thing is that the film juggles everything with awesome panache, and even though there is a lot going on, the great direction and amazing pace makes sure that everything remains fairly simple to follow. I have already said it, but again, this film's album is terrific. The due of Kalyanji and Anandji made the album by fusing western style with Indian instruments, and in process created one of the most unique and timeless music in Bollywood history.

While not a groundbreaker in any sense, but a wonderful screenplay, gritty atmosphere, polished action choreography and giving a modern aesthetic to the action-thriller genre in the industry, this film more than earns its status as a classic of Bollywood.