Purab Aur Pachhim

Review By Kamal K

Another masterpiece from Manoj Kumar sahab. Outstanding performance delivered by all actors. It is hard to pick a favourite here. Very rarely is a near perfect film made. P&P fits the bill. For the longest time, I was convinced about Saira ji being a real life NRI. The message is clear. The two worlds exist and each must appreciate the best of other. Kamini Kaushal ji and Nirupa Roy ji as the mothers, Dada Moni as the compassionate patriarch, Pran sahab as an atoning son, Madan Puri sahab as a pining soul, Prem Chopra sahab as desperate and lustful grandson, Bharathi ji and Vinod Khanna sahab as silent lovers have delivered convincing performances. Mahendra Kapoor sahab's and Mukesh sahab's songs are unforgettable. If one must know what acting is all about, watch Purab aur Paschim.

Purab Aur Pashchim" is a classic Bollywood film directed by Manoj Kumar, which was released in 1970. The movie explores the cultural clash between Eastern and Western ideologies through the eyes of its protagonist. It is considered one of the most significant patriotic films in Indian cinema and addresses several social and political issues prevalent during that time.

The story revolves around Bharat (played by Manoj Kumar), a young man born and raised in rural India, who travels to London for higher studies. In London, he encounters Western culture, lifestyles, and values that starkly contrast with his traditional Indian upbringing. Bharat becomes disillusioned with the Western way of life and finds solace in his Indian roots and the values of his homeland.

The film effectively portrays the clash of ideologies between the East and the West, emphasizing the importance of Indian culture, family values, and patriotism. It highlights the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and encourages the younger generation to embrace and preserve their Indian identity. The movie's narrative is presented through a mix of drama, romance, and patriotic fervor.

Manoj Kumar delivers a powerful performance as Bharat, effectively conveying the character's transformation and growth throughout the film. The supporting cast, including Saira Banu, Ashok Kumar, Pran, and others, also deliver commendable performances.

"Purab Aur Pashchim" is known for its memorable songs, which have become iconic over the years. The music, composed by Kalyanji-Anandji, features patriotic tracks like "Koi Jab Tumhara Hriday Tod De" and "Dulhan Chali." These songs not only entertain but also contribute to the film's overarching theme.

The movie's direction by Manoj Kumar himself is noteworthy, as he successfully balances the storytelling, emotional depth, and social commentary. He effectively captures the contrasting settings of rural India and urban London, highlighting the cultural differences between the two.

Overall, "Purab Aur Pashchim" is a classic Bollywood film that combines entertainment with social and patriotic messaging. It remains relevant even today due to its exploration of cultural identity and the significance of embracing one's roots. If you enjoy meaningful cinema with a patriotic touch, this movie is definitely worth watching.

Purab and Pashim (1970) : Brief Review -

37 years before Namastey London.. Over-the-top execution falters, but salute to Manoj Kumar's vision of showing "incredible India." Manoj Kumar's patriotic films started with Shaheed (1964) and then came Upkar (1967) as one of its own kind of phenomenon on national movements. The expectations from Purab and Pashim were similar since both films are based on one realizing the national duty or its value. Purab and Pashim started off with one of the greatest opening scenes of all time, as it opens in black-and-white format. That was a masterstroke. A few Hollywood films had done the same in the 1950s, and recently we called Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer creative for the same reason. Here, Mr. Kumar did it in 1970 and that too for the reference to pre-independence and post-independence. Anyway, the film has a solid basic storyline as we see an Indian on a journey to London, where he falls in love with an NRI girl who has become completely British. He wants to return to India, but the girl does not agree. He then convinces her to visit India for a few days, believing that she will change her mind after that. Manoj Kumar's over the top execution sees an extreme level of sexual exposure, western culture, and close-up shots of semi-nudism, alcoholism, and extramarital affairs. The conflicts don't really go well, as per me. You can't leave your country, job, or relatives for a foreign girl who you don't believe would make a good wife. The way she, or every foreigner, triggers Indian traditions and beliefs was way over the top. Omkar kills his grandpa, comes back, and traps Bharat for that. How was it possible when the dying person had openly told who killed him? Harman couldn't understand his mistake for years, but suddenly one visit, one sigh off at the beach, and he is back as a "good man." The entire film runs on similar chabges that take place within no time, leaving them without any validation. Nevertheless, the motive was too noble and patriotic.

RATING - 6/10*

By - #samthebestest.

This is a Hindi language film written, directed by and starring Manoj Kumar.

Along with Upkar (1967), another creation of Manoj Kumar, this film is very important considering the phase Bhaarath was in.

Fresh out of independance, the country had 2 sitting Prime ministers passing away and had fought two wars within the past decade. There was obviously a sense of anxiety leading to brain drain. The intelligent ones invested upon and trained by our institutions were leaving and lending their talents elsewhere. It is in this context that this film plays an important role of infusing pride and self-esteem among the countrymen.

Even though almost 3 hours long, the film is well written, directed and edited to keep the audience engrossed. Key scenes in the last 45 minutes of the film are memorable and would be etched in the minds of the viewers.

The message of the film applies even today. It is a message to those youth who still seek to leave the country.. It's a call upon them to think: what are you running after? If external comforts, almost all of it is available even in Bhaarath, your own motherland.

And at what price: you end up losing the very possibilities and spiritual purpose of being born a human. Material comforts will not give you inner peace. That inner happiness, fulfillment and contentment is only filled in this atmosphere. A civilisation centuries old and made pure by the austerities of our forefathers.

Purab Aur Paschim review :

Before Akshay Kumar took over the mantle of "Deshbhakt", it was Manoj Kumar who made an entire career out of pulp patriotism naming himself Bharat in all his endeavors. While Upkar (1967) was based on PM Lal Bahadur Shastri's clarion call of "Jai Jawaan Jai Kisaan", Purab Aur Paschim was an interesting take on the cultural gap between the east and the west.

Bharat (Manoj) goes to London for higher studies and is shocked to see the huge cultural difference between desi Indians and the immigrants staying there. The pretty Saira Banu is called Preeti and the gorgeous beauty plays the blonde haired chain smoking beti of an Indian immigrant (Madan Puri), who hasnt even heard of Bhagvad Gita or Sita Mata.

It is a perfect setting for Bharat to propogate the Indian values to these misguided folks (Manmohan- Om Prakash angle for starters) and then sing it aloud at a local club "Bharat Ka Rehnewala Hoon Bharat Ki Baat Batata Hoon".

I liked Manoj Kumar's handling of the sensitive subject plus his technical finesse in certain scenes deserves a special mention. The film opens in pre-independence era in black and white and then shifts to colour as India gets independent. The London outdoor sequences are well shot just like Raj Kapoor's Sangam (1964) was.

Saira Banu looks like a lovely fragile baby doll and it is difficult to take your eyes off her. Manoj's regulars Pran and Prem Chopra are effective as ever. Madan Puri leaves a mark in a positive role.

Most importantly, Manoj Kumar's intent was noble and applause worthy and he followed up this hit with yet another social drama Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974) which also achieved critical and commercial acclaim. Purab Aur Paschim remains my personal favourite Manoj Kumar movie. Akshay Kumar gave it a befitting ode in Namaste London (2007) which dealt with a similar plot and Akshay even references this inspiration in one pivotal scene. "Main Manoj Kumar ki Purab Aur Paschim ki DVD bhej doonga", he says.

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.