Naya Daur

Much acclaimed movie of Aamir Khan - Lagaan (2001) which missed winning the Academy Award in the foreign film category by just a whisker is a classic example of shameless plagiarizing by the "biggies". I have come to know that the movies based on original stories are only considered for any award at the Oscars. However our masterminds managed to carry this plagiarized movie to the last stage of Oscars without giving the minimum thanks to the original movie makers, i.e., the B.R. Films who had made the all time classic movie Naya Daur (1957). Lagaan is a scene to scene (if not frame to frame) copy of this movie. Only the backdrop and set-up have been changed. Not only the basic idea but even the treatment and the characterizations is ditto that of Naya Daur. Had Lagaan won the Oscar, it would have been a classic example of a plagiarized story winning this prestigious and coveted award.

Naya Daur is a originally a black and white movie whose coloured version was released a few years back. It deals with the issue of unemployment because of mechanization in the Indian villages which was very much relevant and burning in that time. Tonga (horse-carriage) driver Shankar opposes the introduction of bus in the village because of the prospective unemployment of the tonga-drivers. The owner of the bus - Kundan who is a wealthy businessman of the village enters into a bet with him that if he is able to defeat the bus by his tonga in a race, the bus will be withdrawn. How Shankar prepares for the race and finally defeats the bus by driving his tonga, forms the rest of the story which involves the factor of rivalry in getting the love of Rajni (Vyjayanthimala) leading to betrayal of Shankar's friend, Krishna (Ajit) also.

Naya Daur is thoroughly engrossing and very impressive. Legendary director B.R. Chopra has directed the story of Akhtar Mirza quite nicely and maintained the momentum of the narrative through the duration of the movie which is a little less than three hours. The sets, costume designing, editing etc. are all praiseworthy. Production value is high matching the great B.R. Films tradition.

Performances are great and leagues ahead of their counterparts in Lagaan. While giving full marks to Aamir Khan and co. in Lagaan, I can safely say that the performances of Aamir Khan, Gracy Singh and Yashpal Sharma are no match for the respective performances of Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala and Ajit in Naya Daur. Only Paul Blackthorne, the villain has surpassed the performance of Jeevan in Naya Daur by his in Lagaan.

The timeless music of Naya Daur composed by O.P. Nayyar (lyrics by Saahir Ludhiyanvi), boasting of immortal songs like Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri, Ye Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka, Reshmi Salwar Kurta Jaali Ka, Saathi Haath Badhaana, Maang Ke Saath Tumhaara Maine Maang Liya Sansar and Main Bambai Ka Babu Naam Mera Anjaana cannot be compared to the music of any other movie. leave aside Lagaan. Even today listening to the songs in the enchanting voices of Asha and Rafi is a great experience.

Except the character of Rachel Shelley (the Englishwomen who is the sister of the villain but helping the hero), Lagaan is a ditto of Naya Daur. However neither Aamir Khan nor the writer-director of Lagaan, Ashutosh Gowarikar gave any credit (or even thanks) to the makers of Naya Daur. They left no stone unturned in blowing their trumpet and calling their movie as based upon an original idea. The truth is, they have just changed the bus-tonga race in the village to the cricket match between the Indian villagers and the English team. Rest the complete story framework, characters, their mutual relationships, situations and climax, everything has been copied from Naya Daur.

Though Ravi Chopra (son of B.R. Chopra) said lightly at the time of release of the coloured version of Naya Daur that Lagaan was inspired from Naya Daur, no such accusation has ever been made by B.R. Films upon the Aamir Khan Productions perhaps because the makers of Naya Daur were also glad that Lagaan represented India at the Oscars and went very close of winning the Academy Award in the foreign films category. However it was the duty of Aamir Khan and Ashutosh Gowarikar to admit the inspiration (if not plagiarizing) and give thanks to the writer and the makers of Naya Daur which they have not done and shamelessly enjoyed the credit of making an 'original' movie. However truth cannot be hidden forever. Anybody reading this review can watch these two movies consecutively and he will reach the same conclusion that I reached when I had watched Lagaan for the first time.

While recommending this classic wholeheartedly to the movie buffs, I give just one message to Aamir plus Ashutosh - you can make some people fool all the time and all the people for some time but you cannot befool all the people all the time.

Good songs,Good direction, Good storyline, Good acting. Everything thing you want from a good movie.is here.

The songs also vary as per the gender.

Jony Walkers role could have been more.

Great acting by Dilip Kumar Good composition by O P Nayyar.

Naya Daur" is a classic Bollywood film directed by B. R. Chopra, released in 1957. Starring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala in lead roles, the movie revolves around the struggles faced by a group of villagers when their traditional way of life is threatened by the introduction of modern technology.

The film tackles the theme of progress versus tradition, highlighting the clash between the old and the new. It presents a powerful narrative that explores the consequences of industrialization on a small village and the lives of its inhabitants. Dilip Kumar delivers a remarkable performance as the noble and determined tongawala (horse-cart driver) Shankar, who stands up against the encroachment of a bus service that threatens the livelihood of his fellow villagers.

The movie's screenplay is engaging and well-paced, keeping the viewers invested in the story from start to finish. The direction by B. R. Chopra is skillful, capturing the essence of rural life and effectively conveying the emotions of the characters. The cinematography and music add depth to the storytelling, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

One of the film's strengths lies in its strong social message. "Naya Daur" raises important questions about the impact of progress on traditional communities and the value of preserving their way of life. It portrays the plight of the villagers who are torn between embracing modernity and holding onto their roots.

The performances by the cast, including Vyjayanthimala as the village belle, Madan Puri as the villainous businessman, and Ajit as the supportive friend, are commendable. The chemistry between Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala is palpable and adds an element of romance to the narrative.

"Naya Daur" remains a timeless classic for its compelling story, powerful performances, and social relevance. It continues to be remembered as a landmark film in Indian cinema. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural heritage and the need for a balanced approach to progress, making it a must-watch for film enthusiasts and fans of Bollywood classics.

Naya Daur is a classic B R Chopra movie with a great message in it. The movie is about race of tanga(horse cart) with a bus. I think this is one of the best performances of dilip kumar. The scene in which dilip kumar convinces the rival villagers to allow them to pass road throug their place is my favorite and amaazingly done by great dilip kumar.I rate this movie as one of the best movies of all time and i wonder why it was not nominated for foreign language oscar....

1. The story of the movie is very very inpiring & motivating 2.the songs of the movie are awesome & very meaningful & enjoyable 3.performance by every character is just extraordinarily perfect 4.dilip kumar saab's acting is outstanding 5.this movie have every element like Love,Betrayel,Misunderstandings,Honesty. Bravery,Life lessons,Friendship goals & lots of laugh and cry.

6. the chemistry between dilip kumar saab & vyajantimala is very beautiful & pure.

7. Aamir Khan's "Lagaan" is inspired by this film & they almost copied everything from this film.

Overall this is definitely a must must watch classic movie.

Watch it for the entertainment,life lessons, storyline & masterpiece performance from the actors.

(10/10)