Roti Kapada Aur Makaan

If compared with other Indian commercial films, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan does not have much flow.

I'm not sure about the status and the financial conditions of the Indian singers at the present time. But this film indicates that, during the 70's, even the best singers would get nowhere with their talents.

In this film, Manuj Kumar is a singer with a legendry voice (Mukesh), yet he has neither fame nor money.

If talented singers did make a good living out their arts in India during the 70's, then this is perhaps the film's big flaw.

But overall, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan is probably one of Bollywood's few films that actually makes sense.

The direction, acting and story line are superb. The songs are related to the story, and are always inspiring to listen to.

Most Bollywood's films are hardly watch able, but it will be a pleasure to watch this one more than twice.

This film has the lot: romance, action and hit songs. Manoj Kumar undoubtedly holds the lead role, but as far as show-stealing goes, Premnath's 'Sardar Harnam Singh' has to down as one of the greatest character portrayals, ever.

Not only did he recite some of Sikhism's holiest 'prayers' fluently but was also allowed to swear (rather frequently) in Punjabi. Which, both added that extra class to his performance.

His role was so widely acclaimed amongst Punjabis, that whenever Premnath was to visit Punjab, any services or goods he may require were given free of charge!

Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan (1974) : Brief Review -

Big assembled cast, Chartbuster Music and Blockbuster Filmmaking on Current affairs of the Nation. When i look at top 5 biggest hits of the 70s decade, all the films are masala films (except for Bobby, a Romantic Drama) and while looking at top 10 biggest hits i see somewhat similar picture which means it was the decade masala films. Bollywood wasn't ready for experimental and artistic films so we didn't get much of offbeat films. But Indian Filmmakers were really thinking about it and therefore they brought all the social messages and poignant stories through mainstream masala/action flicks which can be understood by mass Audience. Manoj Kumar directorial Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan is one of those picture in which audience got to see everything they loved in that time such as Romance, Emotions, Family Drama, Action, Clapworthy dialogues, Super Hit Music and unexpectedly social message or should l say talk on current situation of the nation. One can imagine how amazing it would have been to see such a tremendous star cast on screen filled with heavyweights like Manoj Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman. And then there were overwhelming performances by Moushumi Chatterjee and Prem Nath. Those were the days when even supporting roles used to leave equal impact and now days supporting roles are not even written with that mindset. Laxmikant Pyarelal's Music is not just Superb but Timeless also. There are many super hit albums composed by this maestro pair and Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan is surely one of those. I must give a lot of credit to lyricist Santosh Anand for his brilliant and hard hitting words. Thoughtful lyrics and Melodious Compositions makes a terrific combo that is remembered even in Today's time. "Haye Haye ye Majboori", "Baki Kuch Bacha To Mehngai" and "Mein Na Bhulunga" are just fabulous songs. The dialogues are fantastic and also have a perfect balance of mass and class. I always wondered why Manoj Kumar's name is not taken like Manmohan Desai when people talk about Mainstream Masala Entertainers of 70s. He has given bigger hits than Manmohan Desai's biggest hits in consecutive decades 70s (RKAM) and 80s (Kranti) and he also dealt with social issues through his films. Even in this film he shines brightly as a director and actually more than an actor. There were no dull moments even if the plot seems predictable just like any other 70s masala film. The screenplay is engaging despite long runtime of about 150 minutes and i don't think it will reduce even in the repeat watch. Overall, Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan is Perfect Blockbuster Entertainer having everything in correct ratio whether it is acting, story, music, dialogues or direction.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest

Review By Kamal K

Very futuristic film. Film is a realistic approach towards life. And one can connect with it in real life.

I felt deep and applauded for great meaningful songs that depicts todays life and the life's situations. And the cost of things with our basic need of money, house, love, food & for that one needs to work & do a job. Legendary Manoj Kumar really felt a awesome mark on our hearts who loves such a Classic films. A must watch for who understand the truth of life & it's struggle.

Of course, In Tamil nadu in 1974 very few schools taught Hindi. Fortunately I studied in the ISC stream, and so could understand the movie to a large extent. This movie, though released in 1974, we could see it only in 1975 summer,as we were in rural tamil nadu.

1974 was very troublesome for youngsters of the country.There was no clear direction for us. TV was unknown then.at least in Tamil Nadu.We had very few role models. Traditional heroes of tamil films for not talking of honesty and trustworthiness. There was this Railways strike In the news we were constantly bombarded with cases streaking " running without dress"; including Indian cities. This movie helped us to have role models. There were several of them. Of course sardarji was one. The jawan who dies suppressing his cough. zeenath having the gun wound yet expressing love. Moushmi chatterji fighting injustice in the end. people views on the same scene differ. Amitabh driving with a single hand was sorry...is thrilling even to think of it. Amitabh as a college student getting slap for trying to join with wrong forces in the beginning of the movie, all very vivid in the memory,for I had to see the movie in theaters. I enjoyed every bit. I saw two times. I don't mind if the movie was too cinematic. We need such stories to stimulate our younger generation. Now I am a community based paediatrician with 25 years experience. I will certainly recommend to my children