Jaal

JAAL is a musical melodrama with some underlying tones of crime noir. The most notable thing here is the role of Dev Anand, who is cast as a conniving and manipulative person with villainous shades, a completely against-the-type role for a leading hero of that era. He plays the role of a scheming and shrewd smuggler, who traps women in his net of love for his nefarious motives, to perfection. Geeta Bali as his love interest is superb and plays the role of an independent and love-struck girl with fierce and exquisite energy. The film's depiction of longing and the innate human need for a connection is very passionately done. It portrays those emotions with various imagery and subtle subtexts. The eloquent dialogues further bring out the feeling of love and desire in the story. Also, the music album is just chef's kiss.

Some of the things haven't aged well like some dialogues about women's sexuality or some incredibly weird interpretation of crime and punishment, but generally, it's a well-made tale of love, betrayal, faith and redemption.

Jaal (1952) : Brief Review -

Bollywood's foray into Anti-hero crime noir is boosted by Guru Dutt's dark vision and Dev Anand's second most powerful role in the 50s. Do you remember those crime noirs Hollywood made in the 30s? That typical James Cagney style crime drama with a shades of film noir at the end? If yes, then Jaal is the perfect Indian version to relive those iconic films that Indian cinema has never been able to make. I have often noticed how inspired Guru Dutt was by the Hollywood noirs. Baazi was made out of "Gilda" (1946), which I believe is a highly overrated flick. Even 30s Hollywood crime noirs were far smarter than Gilda, but the Indian version came out as a sensation. Dev Anand got a big breakthrough with Baazi, and then came Jaal to boost and carry forward his emerging talent and fame. Set in the Catholic ghetto, the film is about a smuggler who falls in love with a Catholic girl, but has more on his wishlist than just her love. The supporting roles play very important parts here in building a decent narrative that ends with a noir touch of simple human and social theories. Dev Anand's Tony is quite sensational if we look at the early 50s heroes. Indian audiences had no idea that we could have an anti-hero to lead the film and make it a perfect commercial entertainer. Drama, romance and social values; everything fits well here, despite the regular plot, because everything was kind of new for our audiences in 1952. "Baksh do agar kare Khata koi," this dialogue has so much meaning and ultimately it defines the entire film. Dev's Tony is romantic, vibrant, yet dark and cruel. What a combination it was. His lover, Geeta Bali, is a very kind person who follows the path of forgiveness as taught by the almighty. Her kindness and wholehearted nature make her character so innocent and relatable. I mean, many girls were actually cheated by con men, and Geeta's character reflects their situation with a little bit of a soft corner. Overall, a good crispy entertainer by Dutt sahab.

RATING - 6.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Jaal (1952) - 40%

A Disappointing Fare From Guru Dutt... "Jaal" When Released In 1952 Was A Major Hit, But Sadly, The Movie Hasn't Aged Well... It Opens On An Interesting Note, But Fizzles Out After 20 Minutes & Ends Abruptly With An Unsatisfactory Finale... Some Positive Points Are The Performances Of Dev Anand, Geeta Bali, Purnima & K. N. Singh, Cinematography, Dark Atmosphere & The Soulful Romantic Track - Yeh Raat Yeh Chandni Phir Kahan, Sung By Hemant Kumar... As An Ardent Admirer Of Anand & Dutt & A Person Who Absolutely Loves Baazi, Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool & Chaudhvin Ka Chand, I Won't Recommend This Film To Anyone... GIVE IT A MISS!

This was Guru Dutt's second movie, after Dev Anand's production "Baazi". Guru Dutt was sort of finding his bearings through commercially successful movies. And after "Baazi", this was the second film in which Dev Anand also came through as a confident star/actor, with a style uniquely his own. Geeta Bali, the most gifted actress of the Indian screen ever, gave a scintillating performance. But what stood out most was the musical score of the film. Till date, the sweetness of the melodious "Yeh raat yeh chandni phir kahan, sun ja dil ki dastaan", sung by the heavenly voices Hemant Kumar has not been equalled by any song of this type, composed by any music composure. Most other songs were based on the Goan folk music, probably first time used by a music director.

Yesterday I get to see this Gurudutt movie. After watching it only one name was lingering onto my mind and that was Maria. Wow what a performance by Geeta Bali. I always liked her but now I love her. She is gem in this movie. If there is anything worth watching in this out of date Moving picture it is her beauty and talent.

She is god gracious beautiful. Her innocence permeates through heart.. I bought it for Dev Anand but even he looks a bore before Geeta Bali.

Love you Geeta Bali love you.

I am looking forward to watch her again in movies like Pocketmar, Albela, a movie with Raj Kapoor I forgot its name nevertheless I would find it on internet

She was such a divine talent that now she is on top of the list of my favorites

Again lots of love to you Geeta

yours truly