Junoon

"Junoon" means obsession and this is exactly what was portrayed in this movie. Based on the book, "The Flight of The Pigeons," which is based during the "Great Indian Mutiny" of 1857 and the aftermath, this shows of what really had happened in terms of the setting of the background - the mutiny and the aftermath. The mutiny now has been considered to be the first Indian war of independence, Javed Khan, a Pathan, comes into the town that he lives and sees a man making a prophecy of what is to come but en route to his house he sees an English girl, Ruth and becomes obsessed with her to such an extend that he keeps on staring at her whenever he sees her. This naturally frightens her and she informs her father about this. He tells her to ignore. But in the meantime, Ruth's grandmother, who is an Indian, is informed by their servant that he thinks that no one should go to church the next day as he has heard there will be a raid by the mutineers. But this is ignored and Ruth and her father go to church the next day and get involved in a blood bath that follows.

Adopted and Directed by Shyam Benegal, written and based on the book by Ruskin Bond and produced by Shashi Kapoor, this is a well researched based story, which shows the brutality of the soldiers of the British East India Company and of those who fought against them. The movie consists of a superb cast: Shashi Kapoor, Jennifer Kendal, Shabana Azmi, Tom Alter, Benjamin Gilani, Kunal Kapoor, Karan Kapoor, Pearl Padamsee, Geoffrey Kendal, Sanjana Kapoor, Khulbhushan Kharbanda and Naseerudin Shah. The movie is in Urdu, which is similar to Hindi, and in English.

"Junoon" brings out the real meaning of the word "obsession" which is mixed in with violence and historical background. This is a movie that is worthwhile watching. The song that is most enchanting is the one at the beginning.

Adapted from Ruskin Bond's novel, Flight of the Pigeons, is a story about a Pathan,Javed Khan (played by Shashi Kapoor),who is an imposing, proud man rendered feeble by his obsession. The movie is set in the 1857 mutiny where amidst all the bloodshed and atrocities, the only thing Javed Khan can think of is Ruth Labadoor, played by Nafisa Ali(although he is married to Firdaus,played by Shabana Azmi). It shows the tussle between Javed's obsession and pride. On one hand he wants Ruth but on another his nobility doesn't allows him to use force. Ruth's mother Miriam is unrelenting, eventually; the two strike a peculiar, yet greatly symbolic bargain "Dilli apki toh Ruth bhi aapki". Director Shyam Benegal, assisted by ace co-writers (dialogue by Satyadev Dubey and Ismat Chugtai), created overwhelmingly powerful film.Junoon is a beautiful, sad and compelling film.

This movie is a beautiful love story and portrays the feudal life style of the landed aristocracy in North India, particularly in the Awadh region (around Lucknow), a major centre of the 1857 war of independence. Also, IMHO, Javed Khan (Shashi Kapoor)has already seen Ruth, even before the Church massacre (remember the first scene- Ruth notices someone standing outside the house).

Interesting trivia from the movie:

Ruth's grandma is played by Ismat Chughtai, one of the foremost progressive Urdu writers of the last century.

Ruth was played by Nafisa Ali, who had been crowned Miss India in 1977 or 1978 (?). This was her last movie till she appeared in the 2000 movie 'Major Saab' with Amitabh Bacchan (Amitabh's wife).

I've seen this movie twice, and liked it even better the second time. Right from the title scene of the crazy-looking "pir", the atmosphere created is gripping and unforgettable.

The events of 1857 were shocking in their violence, and neither the British nor the rebels showed themselves to be very honorable. The word "junoon" (obsession) connotes a tinge of madness, and that kind of madness is a very appropriate way to view the period. The "love story" is also suffused with the same out-of-control emotion. (Also, only a crazy man would want to leave Shabana Azmi for another woman, even one as gorgeous as the young Nafisa Ali!) Shyam Benegal has made a masterpiece that captures that feeling visually.

Now, if only they would convert this film to DVD, I would buy it in a second.

"That Pathan, he's looking at me."

Review By Kamal K

Junoon, produced by Shashi Kapoor and directed by Shyam Benegal, is based on Ruskin Bond's "A Flight of Pigeons"

The story is set during the first War of Independence - 1857. During the tumultous and bloody rebellion the British are attacked everywhere. An English mother and daughter, who are on the run, are secretly sheltered by an Indian Nawab whose relatives are fighting against the British. The much married Nawab is besotted by the young girl, but the untrusting mother is against the relationship.

Shashi Kapoor as the obsessive Nawab, Naseeruddin Shah as the fanatic and emotional brother-in-law, Shabhana Azmi as the silently suffering wife, Jeniffer Kendall as the wary mother and Nafisa Ali as the young girl leave a lasting impact.

There is an underlying tension that is maintained throughout this movie which keeps you on the edge. There needs to be a special mention of Govind Nihalani's captivating cinematography which adds to the entire atmosphere.