Roti Kapada Aur Makaan

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 review:

Taking a cue from Indira Gandhi's election campaign of 1967, Manoj Kumar chose the three basic necessities which were plaguing the Indians of that time - Roti, Kapada and Makaan. Playing the main lead called Bharat, Manoj Kumar had a stellar cast backing him from Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor to Zeenat Aman and Moushumi Chatterjee.

Bharat is the educated yet unemployed youth who loses his father as well as lady love to the corruption rot in the system. Burning his degree on his pappa's pyre, he decides to work with the corrupt forces. "If you can't beat them, join them". But can the real hardcore desh bhakt ever go against his country??!!!

Though the film's focus was expectedly on Manoj Kumar, Zeenat Aman and Moushumi Chatterjee made their presence felt. Zeenat sizzled in her wet saree in the "Hai hai yeh majboori" number while Moushumi's gang rape scene filmed on a heap of wheatflour devastated the audience. Seems she was pregnant at that time and all the "atta" falling on her face made her extremely uncomfortable and puke many times. My fave Premnath had a small role of a valiant Sikh and the dude nailed it thoroughly!!

I wasn't born when Roti Kapada aur Makaan released and saw it only in its '80s re-run. Apparently, the original film posters had a small mug shot of Amitabh Bachchan playing Manoj Kumar's younger brother who joins the army and loses his hand in the 1971 war. But when I went for the re-run, Bachchan was the reigning superstar and dominated the posters while the real hero Manoj Kumar was hardly visible. Time time ki baat hai pyaare!!

There is something about Roti Kapada aur Makaan which will instantly connect with the '70s and '80s gen guys. It perfectly captures the social and political ethos of that era. Obviously, the millennials won't identify with it all. They have moved up the ladder to Butter Roti, Branded Kapada and Luxury Makaan!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.

U are a jobless youth with many mouths to feed. U brazenly flaunt your education degree but what's the point? U won't compromise on your ideologies; hence u fail to get a job. Your partner abandons you for an affluent guy. Your sister remains unmarried. Your father expires due to deficiency of medical attention. In short, your life is the pits. But since u are #ManojKumar, u will triumph against all odds and protect your country. Any kid born in the 60s and 70s will unquestionably grasp the essence of #RotiKapadaAurMakaan (1974). Lyrics and music are outstanding. Running time needs to be reduced by 20 minutes. Rating 3/5.

In 70's this movie had a song on picturised on premnath who had a major role "baki jo bachha tha mehngai mar gayi.... " and there was not political issue on it. In fact this song fits for today's time in 2022. Imagine the politics if such songs if made today. Well this movie is one of the best from Manoj kumar factory better than purab pashchim and upkaar. RKAM is entertainment typical entertaining bollywood movie with a bit of political, social message. Songs are terrific " Main na bhoolonga... " Is still a chart buster, very well picturised. Zeenat, moushmi as leading ladies had good role with slight negative shade in zeenat's character, they did good job. Manoj kumar, sashi kapoor are good, surprisingly premnath in character of sardar was liked a lot by audience. Amitabh in small role as this was beginning of his career does a good job. Aruna Irani 's song "panditji mere marne... " Is too good but not many know about nor it's played today but it can be said it's a very good song with good lyrics, music, choreography and Aruna did fantastic job. Watch it if you are looking for entertainment.

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.