Teesri Kasam

Whenever I see this movie, I always have a bad taste towards the modernization of India and how we have been eroded cultural and moral front. This movie is a time stamp of how India was until the 50s and 60s.

As a producer Shailendra the great lyricist had a touch of Saint Kabir in his songs. It is obvious he was inspired by the novel. He picked a great story but not great for masses. Great only only those those who have a heart, romanticism, who have sensitive feelings. The biggest blunder in this work has been his honesty to the novel. Had he changed the ending, this movie would be a super duper hit. The proportion of its legendary stature would have been higher. Now after so many years, this movie has become like rare wine, only appreciated by those who have roots in rural India of the 50s and 60s.

Basu Bhattacharya is from the great Bimal Roy school of cinema-tics and story narration, it shows he was a great student despite this being is first film. The cinematic grammar as to how the characters are introduced, the scene transitions shows good training. However, the main genius is how the actors have absolutely lived their characters to the degree of rural ignorance required, the childish excitements, the rustic innocence and simple though process. I have seen such people when I was child and thus can relate to that mentality. Raj Kapoor was fabulous, he surpassed himself. Waheda too surpassed herself especially in expressing the feminine feelings.

To me this movie represents the fact that the ultimate charm in each of us is our innocence. Waheda Rehman, the dancer, has obviously experienced the ugly and ogling side of lust, commercial thought process can only be charmed by innocence. This is a universal truth.

When I look at the past I really feel sorry for Indian cinema. A sensitive and poetic film of this class sank at the box office, leading to the death of its producer Shailendra due to financial crisis. This film is today recognized as one of the best movie by all critics and actors. Film is based on a story of the Phanishwer Nath Renu, one of renowned Hindi writers.

This film portrays story of Hiraman, a bullock cart driver and a dancer Hirabai. Hirabai is attracted to Hiraman due to his simplicity. She is going to a fair by Hiraman's bullock cart to perform in drama. The bond between two grows stronger as the day passes at fair. But finally as the fair comes closer to end, the parting seems imminent due to external factors. Finally when fair is over, Hirabai has to go and two separates.

To quote Star and Style's review of the film, "The way the cart driver and nautanki dancer meet, talk and discover each other and themselves at the same time and the manner in which they part are like a poem on celluloid with a thread of pain running through it." Raj Kapoor and Vaheeda Rehamn has given the best performances of their career. Songs are worth listening for hours. A must watch.

This film was intelligent and thoughtful, tender and achingly sad with simply gorgeous songs and the stunning Waheedaji proving she is so very much more than just a divinely beautiful face. I will give it 9.5/10 only because I was secretly hoping that the ending would be a little different, in an equally non-formulaic way. The exploration of its themes and the strength of her character are both remarkable for the era. The beginning of the film is quite simply astonishing - to literally open with a song of the calibre of sajan re jhoot mat bolo - what a foretaste of the movie's overall quality. The phrase is worn out and hackneyed now, but if any film is a 'must see' teesri kasam is that film.

When Basu Bhattacharya directed this movie he was a new comer whereas Raj Kapoor was already a successful and well established director. Waheeda Rehman, in one of her interviews, narrated how Raj Kapoor would fret and confide in Waheeda "what is this guy doing, he should do this scene in this way" etc. and Waheeda would tell him to forget it and let the director do it as per his vision. I wonder how the movie would have shaped if Basu had heard all of Raj Kapoor's suggestions. No idea, but this is my favorite Basu Bhattacharya and Raj Kapoor movie. It moves at a leisurely pace establishing the ambiance and characters very firmly. Although color was available in those days but the movie was made in black and white for the right effect. Raj Kapoor as a innocent and simple minded bullock cart driver and Waheeda as a village nautanki dancer are amazing at best and their relationship which was doomed from the beginning is the stuff that classics are made of. The movie was crowned with the president's award that year and remains one of the great classics of our times.

"Teesri Kasam" is a classic Indian film directed by Basu Bhattacharya and released in 1966. It is based on a story by renowned Hindi writer Phanishwar Nath Renu. The film stars Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman in the lead roles and revolves around the themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of rural life.

Set in the backdrop of rural Bihar, "Teesri Kasam" tells the story of Heeraman, a bullock cart driver, and Hiraman, a nautanki dancer. Heeraman (Raj Kapoor) falls in love with Hiraman (Waheeda Rehman) during one of her performances and makes a promise to never let her perform on the streets again. Heeraman believes that Hiraman's talent should be appreciated on bigger platforms.

The film beautifully captures the rustic charm of rural India and explores the struggles and aspirations of its characters. Raj Kapoor delivers a heartfelt performance as Heeraman, portraying his innocence and undying love for Hiraman with utmost sincerity. Waheeda Rehman, on the other hand, shines in her role as the talented and spirited Hiraman, effortlessly capturing the audience's attention with her grace and emotive expressions.

One of the highlights of "Teesri Kasam" is its soulful music composed by Shankar-Jaikishan. The film features memorable songs like "Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo" and "Chalat Musafir Moh Liya Re," which have become timeless classics in the history of Hindi cinema. These songs not only enhance the narrative but also serve as a means of expressing the characters' emotions.

The film's narrative delves into the complexities of societal norms, the exploitation of artists, and the sacrifices made for love. It raises questions about the limitations of societal expectations and the price one pays for following their heart. The screenplay, adapted from Phanishwar Nath Renu's story, beautifully captures the essence of rural India, portraying the struggles and hopes of its characters with authenticity.

"Teesri Kasam" received critical acclaim upon its release and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. The film's performances, storytelling, and music were widely praised by both critics and audiences alike.

In conclusion, "Teesri Kasam" is a classic Indian film that combines powerful performances, soulful music, and an engaging narrative to explore themes of love, sacrifice, and societal expectations. It remains a significant contribution to Hindi cinema and continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal.