Dosti

I watched this film a few weeks ago and really the first thought that crossed my mind was concerning the levels to which Indian cinema has come down in today's scenario. We can keep boasting about the strides that Bollywood has made in terms of professionalism and technology but where are films like Dosti and others gone? I guess it's all lost in the frenzy of commercialization and marketing.

Well, maybe I should not dwell too much on Bollywood's present state but say something about the golden era that is lost and that had films like Dosti, Guide, Tere Ghar Ke Samne and others. So, What a brilliant film this is - the emotions that it portrays and the feeling of comradeship which it brings out are simply a work of pure class.It's a story about friendship and in many ways dignity and self-respect. The performances are really good even though they have the stamp of the 60s melodrama, still it keeps the viewers involved and touches their heart. The music is exceptional with Mohd. Rafi Sahab at his very best with as many as 5 great solos to his credit. Laxmikant Pyarelal, the music directors, also take a lot of credit for the brilliant music.

All in all, this a classic and if you are interested in watching the best of Hindi cinema this one is a must for you.

With the songs, EACH ONE OF THEM, more famous than than the most famous flavour of chocolate ice cream ( i was actually surprised to hear one or two songs (chahunga main tujhe saanjh savere) in the movie, i never knew they were in this context ) and with the leads' acting so profusely emitting a beatific note of innocence and simplicity; i finally discover why this, almost half a century old movie, is considered by the most intellectual and even the most imbecile persons related to the language; a saga and an unachievable and literally untouchable benchmark of the Indian cinema.

i am not an expert over the finances available and their utilization in the perfect way at that time, or even the BOMBAY of that time; but the detailed but simple sets and the overtly excited extras are a perfect personification of what those "golden times of cinema", and undoubtedly so, India, must have been.

the seemingly 'just another of those full of tragedies story with everything happy go lucky in the end' is rather a remarkable portrayal of one of the purest and strongest of human relations.

the simple and meaningful lyrics of the songs act like a majestically glowing beacon on top of a ship which arrives with perfectly refurbishing dialogues which are delivered with such proficiency that even the select few lines which might make (only an uninterested)viewer think of them as the 'boring emotional drama'; are wholly capable of taking responsibility for emptying tissue boxes in the house.

it doesn't really make you feel relaxed after a long day at work, it would not give you a lesson for your life, it can not lead you on a path for rediscovery, its not meant to go deep into your souls and shake some bones over there, and its never going to match your own inventory of dreams; BUT STILL, it somehow ends up making you smile, in a way which they refer to as 'straight to the heart'; with those tears still trying to trickle down your eye lids; and we all perfectly know where that emotion is placed on our list of special desired moments of life.so my recommendation, go on and make it a moment of your life. it surely will be one of the best two and a half hour memory of yours....

I first watched this movie when I was a teenager, and I have never forgotten the intense emotions that I felt. Dosti is my all-time favourite film; I have not seen another that has left me with a deeper impression. The story-line, at times, was quite unbelievable, but then this was Indian film-making. What is best about Dosti is the music --- just mesmerizing --- thirty years after I first heard it, it still resound in my ears, even though I have not heard it again till recently. And after years of searching, I finally managed to purchase a DVD of the film; unfortunately the quality isn't very good, and a great part of the English subtitles (I don't understand Hindhi) was missing. If anyone out there knows of where I can get a good quality DVD of the film with English subtitles, I would appreciate hearing from you.

I stumbled across this great movie in a somewhat unusual way. I was an American student in Cairo, on a fellowship to study Arabic, way back in 1971. I'm not sure exactly why I bought a ticket and went to see this movie, but I came out feeling as though everything in my life had changed, a little bit anyway.

I went back to America and then the search began. I found an old recording of the soundtrack -- made in Dum Dum, India as I recall. The songs were one of the best parts of the movie, and so in this way I came to know the soaring voice of M. Rafi, a man with a voice to rival Luciano.

But I could never find a videotape, or a DVD, or anything, until FINALLY this week I was able to order a DVD from Music House in the UK. I have my fingers crossed! :-) This review is mostly to let others know that there is a DVD out there.

First of all, I cannot believe no one has commented on this classic movie yet! I had the fortune of watching it for the first time last year and I was blown away! The honesty that the 2 almost unknown boys bring to the screen is unmatched. The movie tells the story of 2 lost - one blind and the other crippled - boys who God has given the gift of music. While they both realize they are the only ones left in the world to take care of each other, the true bonds of friendship surfaces. While the blind boy is looking for his sister, he also is making his friendship with the crippled boy stronger each day.

With some mind blowing music that brought out quite possibly Mohd. Rafi sa'ab's memorable classics like - "Chahoonga Mein Tujhe..." , "Jaane Waalon Zara..." etc, this movie is a beautiful treat to the ardent Bollywood fan. Acting wise both Sushil and Sudhir Kumar portray their roles with élan. Its a shame these 2 talents did not go beyond this mega block buster movie.

A 10 without a doubt.