Mausam

Sanjeev Kumar has been my favorite actor. His Characters in Andhi and Sholay were impressive or, in other words, he made them unique. But, in my opinion, Mousam is his best movie in respect of characterization. Mousam is a story of a medical student who comes across his memories after spending much part of his life. These memories contain pain and pang of lost love and emotion of repentance. When Gill realizes that he has committed a mistake by not caring for a girl who builds a sweet home of love in her dreams, he tries to compensate for her by finding her daughter but a lot of water has gone under the bridge now. The film has simple plot but the real charm is the sad environment of the movie and also its music. It is the film which bases on emotions and passions. If you are not a man with sensitivity of emotion, it is not for you. Such emotional environment can be felt in Masoom also. Masoom is also a fine movie worthy of watching and remembering.

Enough said. A successful surgeon visiting his past and never realizing the havoc that was caused in the multiple lives (that he genuinely cared for) due to something that he neglected to do. There was a reason of course, but a superficial one which he recognizes too late. The plot revolves around the life and heartbreaking fate of Chanda and her daughter Kajali due to his self-absorption. In the first half Sanjeev presents a master-class of immense acting...you cry when he cries ( he cries only once) but you also cry when he is hit with a proverbial emotional brick. He totally reveals the complex emotional whiplash that he suffers as the details on Chanda and later Kajali' lives are revealed. The last quarter belongs to Sharmeela in the daugher's role. What she does when she finds out the real identity of Sanjeev ....is extremely impactful and masterfully emoted. That scene makes the movie come together in ways that otherwise would not be possible.

There are some minor flaws that do not impact the plot....not much is revealed about Sanjeev's current life. Also the peripheral characters in Sanjeev's life are given only a weak presentation although the women in Sharmeela's life are given the needed depth. But they do not distract from the powerful emotionality of the movie....

This movie was made more than 40 years ago. It is interesting to think if Bollywood is capable of making this movie again?? possible but perhaps unlikely--and it is not because talents like Sanjeev Kumar may not be available (which may indeed be true)-but primarily that Bollywood "mores" on handling the love stories have changed...watch the movie closely ---and watch what Kajali's only love Kundan does when he loses her. It is a powerful scene in its own right. Would you blame Kundan? How will Gulzar rewrite Chanda's character if he were to write this story today??? same or different?

See it and be amazed.

The resounding and penetrating direction and story by Gulzar makes this film a toast to watch. Although, the story is not very extra ordinary, but the resonating acting of Sanjeev Kumar and Sharmila bring poignant waves of past events laden with turbulent sequence in the movie.

Simply put, they don't make it like this anymore ........... Gone are the days, when lesson oriented, soul stirring and reflective films were made. These films which carried their imprint on the audience memories for a long time,not like the hullalalabulo absurdity of present day movies. The classic era of cinema, may it be from Hollywood, Bollywood or Lollywood was a subject of intellectual thoughts and yearnings. The crazy, temporal and mediocre standard of present day movies hold nothing for the mature and serious viewer. There is nothing worthwhile to watch, which could penetrate beyond the cinema screen.

The movie is overshadowed by its music. When you listen to Gulzar's songs, it creates an image, which is unique from every other. For this movie he has aptly chosen a Galzal of Galib "Dil dhundhta hai phir ohi phursath ke raat din". This single song steels the show. It creates an atmosphere where a lonely person is looking for his lost soul in the valley of himalay. The films main character could have been justified by none other than Sanjeev Kumar. And a brilliant music by Madan mohan, all add to the charm.

Only people who can understand the subtilities of Hindi lyrics can truly enjoy this movie.

I managed to catch two gems recently. The first one was over 3 days while I worked out. Maybe the installment approach allowed me to ponder on this film and love it all over again. In Mausam, Sanjeev Kumar rocked as the young doctor-in-training, and then as the older man who comes back to Darjeeling to relive his memories. Gulzar kept many things shrouded in mystery and so many things completely understated - I was so glad he chose to not insult the viewers' intelligence with needless explanations along the way. We never found out if Sanjeev came back to Darjeeling for any other motive than R and R. We were never told if the young Sharmila actually "fell" for this older man or it was pure gratitude, since she knew who he was all along! The flashbacks were kept to a minimum and even the minor characters like Om Shivpuri, Dina Pathak and Agha were so perfect in their roles. Sanjeev was pitch perfect, playing men that were 20 years apart in age, just by subtle changes in body language and some gray hair! And in a surprising twist all the intensity, regrets and anger were portrayed by the older man. Sharmila was excellent in the mother daughter roles, although clearly outclassed by Sanjeev. And the divine music - Dil Dhoondhta Hai Phir Wohi Fursat Ke Raat Din. A perfect 10 from me for this perfect film.