Apna Desh

Apna Desh (1972) : Brief Review -

Rajesh Khanna as the man against the corruption amongst industry, election, and system. Rajesh Khanna's peak era saw him in many family-driven and socially driven roles that attracted masses and poor people. He was the most loved superstar because he played such good and honest characters in the films, which were boosted by hit music. Apna Desh sees Kaka in the role of an honest man who helps poor people and treats rich ones on equality basis. Rules and laws are the same for both, be they poor people or rich people, he says. He insists on bringing equality but is defeated by corrupt people who have the power of money that can change and build systems. He also speaks against the "paid vote" system, which is very common even in today's time. You might remember similar speeches made by Akshay Kumar in Gabbar (2015) and Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan (2023). Well, Kaka did it decades ago. Mostly like his other films, Apna Desh also has family values and social message on a roooted level, which isn't too intense or hard-hitting, nor is it too dramatic. "Sun Champa Sun Tara" is a chartbuster even today, and "Duniya Mein Logo Ko" is a western clubhouse blockbuster forever. The entire album has that Pancham da touch, but these two songs top by miles. Rajesh Khanna looks damn good in this simple role, and he doesn't even try to make it massy or machoistic-the way people would imagine Dharmendra back in time. Khanna keeps it original, even though the conflicts of revenge are quite similar to many old movies. That fake rich man's idea was too dated even for the 70s. Mumtaz was a chameleon. From a village-type Nariyal Bechne Wali to a sexy foreigner diva, what a wonderful transformation it was for her character. Om Prakash makes a perfect sophisticated devil, and Jagdeep was apt in his supporting-the-hero's role. Jambu's direction is simple and seems very much influenced by other social-action dramas, as he makes a watchable flick.

RATING - 6.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Depends when you are watching this movie, if you watch it today you would find it childish and immature. This is not a genre that suited to Rajesh Khanna. He looked awkward in the action sequences and the dialogues were flat. Mumtaz looked out of place with the short skirts. Om Prakash looked way too old to play the amorous villain. Over all the villains were mere buffoons instead of the scheming kind. Nostalgia doesn't help you to like this movie. Songs are the only redeeming feature. Even if it's a re-run on TV I would give it a pass.