Terceira Promessa

Whenever I see this movie, I always have a bad taste towards the modernization of India and how we have been eroded cultural and moral front. This movie is a time stamp of how India was until the 50s and 60s.

As a producer Shailendra the great lyricist had a touch of Saint Kabir in his songs. It is obvious he was inspired by the novel. He picked a great story but not great for masses. Great only only those those who have a heart, romanticism, who have sensitive feelings. The biggest blunder in this work has been his honesty to the novel. Had he changed the ending, this movie would be a super duper hit. The proportion of its legendary stature would have been higher. Now after so many years, this movie has become like rare wine, only appreciated by those who have roots in rural India of the 50s and 60s.

Basu Bhattacharya is from the great Bimal Roy school of cinema-tics and story narration, it shows he was a great student despite this being is first film. The cinematic grammar as to how the characters are introduced, the scene transitions shows good training. However, the main genius is how the actors have absolutely lived their characters to the degree of rural ignorance required, the childish excitements, the rustic innocence and simple though process. I have seen such people when I was child and thus can relate to that mentality. Raj Kapoor was fabulous, he surpassed himself. Waheda too surpassed herself especially in expressing the feminine feelings.

To me this movie represents the fact that the ultimate charm in each of us is our innocence. Waheda Rehman, the dancer, has obviously experienced the ugly and ogling side of lust, commercial thought process can only be charmed by innocence. This is a universal truth.

When I look at the past I really feel sorry for Indian cinema. A sensitive and poetic film of this class sank at the box office, leading to the death of its producer Shailendra due to financial crisis. This film is today recognized as one of the best movie by all critics and actors. Film is based on a story of the Phanishwer Nath Renu, one of renowned Hindi writers.

This film portrays story of Hiraman, a bullock cart driver and a dancer Hirabai. Hirabai is attracted to Hiraman due to his simplicity. She is going to a fair by Hiraman's bullock cart to perform in drama. The bond between two grows stronger as the day passes at fair. But finally as the fair comes closer to end, the parting seems imminent due to external factors. Finally when fair is over, Hirabai has to go and two separates.

To quote Star and Style's review of the film, "The way the cart driver and nautanki dancer meet, talk and discover each other and themselves at the same time and the manner in which they part are like a poem on celluloid with a thread of pain running through it." Raj Kapoor and Vaheeda Rehamn has given the best performances of their career. Songs are worth listening for hours. A must watch.

After going through two incidents which nearly put his life into danger, a simple rustic bullock cart driver named Heeraman takes two vows - to never carry again illegal goods and to never carry again bamboo on his cart. Then he is asked to transport a young nautanki dancer named Heerabai as a passenger to a distant village fair. Travelling together for over forty hours, a true bond of friendship is formed between the two. They share some life experiences together and sing some wonderful songs to each other. She is charmed by his simplicity, innocence and his unsophisticated perception of life, and he is mesmerised by her beauty and honesty. This sequence is the film's most interesting and beautiful, but what follows next is what carries the narrative forward and leads the story towards Heeraman's third vow, and the viewers clearly can predict it.

A wonderful and musical drama, Teesri Kasam tells a simple story of cultural clashes and unrealised love. It is a rather captivating watch, well directed and narrated, and is aided by fantastic performances. Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman are absolutely outstanding in their roles. Kapoor's character in this film is not an unusual one in his career given he often played roles of this sort (the overly innocent romantic fool) but his performance definitely is. The way he displays Heeraman's sincerity, fear, love and ultimately his realisation is terrific. Rehman is unsurprisingly excellent as Heerabai - the strong, dignified and talented dancer. Her dance numbers were well done, but it is the depth with which she conveys Heera's feelings and her inner devastation that marks this performance. Needless to say, she is as beautiful and graceful as always.

For this film, Shankar-Jaikishen composed another winning soundtrack. "Duniya Banane Wale" is my favourite song and is soulfully performed by Mukesh. This is also the number that makes Heera call Heeraman her Guru, one of the top moments showing their spiritual connection. The film's final scene is unquestionably the most haunting and memorable in Teesri Kasam, and it is the one which brings the third vow to its ironic fulfillment. Heerabai's honest confession and Heeraman's silent reaction create a melancholic ending that tugs at the heartstrings. I was surprised by how moved I was by the conclusion of the story. This is actually the moment that marks this film and bears the stamp of its greatness. I highly recommend you to watch this classic picture. Take a bow, Kapoor, Rehman, and Basu Bhattacharya.

"Teesri Kasam" is a classic Indian film directed by Basu Bhattacharya and released in 1966. It is based on a story by renowned Hindi writer Phanishwar Nath Renu. The film stars Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman in the lead roles and revolves around the themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of rural life.

Set in the backdrop of rural Bihar, "Teesri Kasam" tells the story of Heeraman, a bullock cart driver, and Hiraman, a nautanki dancer. Heeraman (Raj Kapoor) falls in love with Hiraman (Waheeda Rehman) during one of her performances and makes a promise to never let her perform on the streets again. Heeraman believes that Hiraman's talent should be appreciated on bigger platforms.

The film beautifully captures the rustic charm of rural India and explores the struggles and aspirations of its characters. Raj Kapoor delivers a heartfelt performance as Heeraman, portraying his innocence and undying love for Hiraman with utmost sincerity. Waheeda Rehman, on the other hand, shines in her role as the talented and spirited Hiraman, effortlessly capturing the audience's attention with her grace and emotive expressions.

One of the highlights of "Teesri Kasam" is its soulful music composed by Shankar-Jaikishan. The film features memorable songs like "Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo" and "Chalat Musafir Moh Liya Re," which have become timeless classics in the history of Hindi cinema. These songs not only enhance the narrative but also serve as a means of expressing the characters' emotions.

The film's narrative delves into the complexities of societal norms, the exploitation of artists, and the sacrifices made for love. It raises questions about the limitations of societal expectations and the price one pays for following their heart. The screenplay, adapted from Phanishwar Nath Renu's story, beautifully captures the essence of rural India, portraying the struggles and hopes of its characters with authenticity.

"Teesri Kasam" received critical acclaim upon its release and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. The film's performances, storytelling, and music were widely praised by both critics and audiences alike.

In conclusion, "Teesri Kasam" is a classic Indian film that combines powerful performances, soulful music, and an engaging narrative to explore themes of love, sacrifice, and societal expectations. It remains a significant contribution to Hindi cinema and continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal.

This film was intelligent and thoughtful, tender and achingly sad with simply gorgeous songs and the stunning Waheedaji proving she is so very much more than just a divinely beautiful face. I will give it 9.5/10 only because I was secretly hoping that the ending would be a little different, in an equally non-formulaic way. The exploration of its themes and the strength of her character are both remarkable for the era. The beginning of the film is quite simply astonishing - to literally open with a song of the calibre of sajan re jhoot mat bolo - what a foretaste of the movie's overall quality. The phrase is worn out and hackneyed now, but if any film is a 'must see' teesri kasam is that film.