The so called art movies from '70s and '80s have often dealt with the real life stories of minority groups living in the slums. Such movies became popular among a certain group. "Pet Pyar Aur Paap" also takes a look at the real life of poor dwellers of slums and documents the amoral activities they opt for just for the sake of the hunger. The reality has been shown through a girl named Janki (Smita Patil) having a responsibility of her seven siblings and characters around her and dramatize the events they undergo just to fill their stomach, many of which just touch you.
Such realistic stories often appear boring but this film hits the chord through much of sensitivity and wittiness. Instead of sticking to the stereotypical characters the film goes for the real character and exposes how ugly and heart rending is the world of poverty where the people are compelled to petty crimes like theft, frauda, and prostitution. The film also exposes the sexual harassment received by the poor.It still appears the story of today and still looks fresh. The same subject was shown in the 2007 drama 'Traffic Signal" and "Barah Ana" (2009) but they lacked the beauty and the sincerity in dealing the subject as of the story of 'Pet Pyar Aur Paap." Besides the heart touching moments the film creates, it's also equally commendable for the touching performances from Smita Patil, Raj Babbar, Tanuja, Aruna Irani, Moushami Chatterji, and Chamman Bagga, who have beautifully portrayed the story of slum dwellers and their agonies. Just watch this film to feel what a tremendous actress late Smita Patil was. Though the film keeps a low profile and is slow at times, the film is pretty close to my heart and every time I watch it, it moistens my eyes.
Rating: 2 stars out of 4
