Kanoon

Kanoon (1960) : Brief Review -

BR Chopra's pathbreaking courtroom drama might never be matched by anyone in Indian cinema. It is a proud thing for me to say that a year before Stanley Kramer made a pathbreaking courtroom drama like "Judgement at Nuremberg," Indian cinema made Kanoon. Interestingly, both films are about the same topics-the sanity and morality of "justice." However, Kanoon races ahead because it adds a sentimental touch to human relations. How many courtroom dramas have the judge as a culprit? This is perhaps the most unique conflict ever seen in courtroom drama. Witness for Prosecution was so unique with the witness being the main culprit. Now just imagine how unique Kanoon is when you know that the judge who is going to declare the verdict and send someone to death is himself the culprit. Talking about human emotions, it's his own future son-in-law who is giving testimony against him. His own educated and sensible daughter is giving fake testimony on the witness stand to save her future husband. The alleged killer himself admits being the real killer and betrays an honest lawyer who is fighting against his loved ones to prove this unknown man's innocence. When you think that this investigation has found a killer and everything's going to end on a sad note with a lecture on "justice," you have a big twist that destroys the entire narrative built so far. The film raises questions about judges, lawyers, witnesses, testimonies, juries, and the sentences passed by the court. I don't really think any film has been so damaging to the courtroom proceedings so far. Chopra's visionary classic is powered by the strong performances of Rajendra Kumar, Ashok Kumar, and Nanda. Kanoon has no songs (the only second Bollywood film by that time to have no songs). Storyline, screenplay, acting, direction, and impact-Kanoon hits all of them on a different level.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.

B.R. Chopra's Kanoon is a damn good movie of its time. It is a murder mystery cum courtroom drama and is generally full of suspense which makes for a very effective and interesting watch. The concept is very well brought out on screen. Kanoon questions the righteousness of India's judicial system and shows the two faces of justice and law. There's a saying which says, "It is easier to commit murder than to justify it". This film only strengthens it. It is well scripted and narrated, and Chopra's direction is excellent. He pays attention to details and makes the viewer a silent and curious witness of the often-confusing proceedings. The film is often cited as the first Hindi film which has absolutely no songs. That was quite a refreshing change. It moves at a steady pace and is consistently tense and intriguing. The courtroom scenes are fascinating. That said, Kanoon is not flawless and it certainly could have been better. As I expected from Chopra, the ending is a bit sugarcoated, and the long speech in court did not make much sense to me. The cast, however, is roundly good. Ashok Kumar, who is according to me one of the finest actors to have ever appeared in Hindi cinema, is unsurprisingly excellent. He is at par with the best actors from Hollywood's golden era: classy, controlled, likable and restrained, always delivering nuanced, impressive and convincing performances. Rajendra Kumar is also very good though he is a bit over-the-top at times. Mehmood introduces another comic character which does not really go well with the proceedings, and this is another flaw. Nanda and Manmohan Krishna are both effective. But, the one who completely steals the show, and I think many would agree with me, is Nana Palsikar, in a performance that is heartfelt and moving. His character was the one I felt for the most, and due credit for this goes to the actor himself. He brilliantly captures his character's essence, which proves once again that poverty is the mother of all crimes. All said and done, Kanoon is a Hindi classic which is worth watching.

The only negative thing about Kanoon is its climax and it doesn't mean it is short of a suspense twist. It is just too feeble for a strong plot.

Ashok Kumar is calm & fine with his portrayal, and I am impressed by Rajendra Kumar. His seriousness throughout the movie keeps you hooked & pulls you inside. Supporting cast is little overactive, but that's fine.

Story of how the judicial system can convict any person if advocates throw witnesses & evidences to it. It talks about how a court doesn't go and search for clues or proofs, it only decides upon the things thrown to it. Wonderful plot describes relationships inside a family, murder & honesty between advocates.

Although released in 1960, its technical attributes are way thinner than its counterparts, especially the score & setup. Editing is very good. It gives its audience what they deserve & comes straight to the point, telling a gripping tale. It entertains incredibly & hence a 6.7/10 for the topic & performances.

BOTTOM LINE: One of the few films on courtroom drama that is gripping & psychological. Recommended!

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

Profanity/Nudity/Vulgarity: No | Violence/Gore: Mediocre | Smoking: Strong | Alcohol/Drugs: No | Sex: No

This movie is by far superior than normal bollywood movies. Very tight script, Good pace and top class acting by Ashok Kumar.

It is hard to believe in 1960s when songs were mandatory part of movies this was made without any song.

Like a good European movie this movie doesn't divert from the main plot.

Very good, excellent movie.

This is easily BR Chopra's best movie and Rajendra Kumar himself never ever gave a better performance to beat his sheer brilliance in this film Everything was top notch. I normally hate watching movies in black and white,but this was an exception. One of my all time favourite films.