Upkar

Nothing much but outstanding. This was golden era of Indian cinema.

"Upkar" is a classic Indian film directed by Manoj Kumar and released in 1967. It is a patriotic drama that explores themes of social inequality, patriotism, and the importance of selflessness in society. The movie stars Manoj Kumar, Asha Parekh, and Pran in lead roles.

Set against the backdrop of rural India, "Upkar" tells the story of Bharat (played by Manoj Kumar), a patriotic villager who believes in serving his country and fellow citizens. He works hard to uplift his village and improve the lives of the people around him. The film follows Bharat's journey as he faces numerous challenges and fights against injustice and corruption.

One of the notable aspects of "Upkar" is its strong and compelling storyline. The narrative effectively portrays the struggles faced by Bharat and the choices he makes in order to bring positive change to society. The film's emphasis on patriotism and the need to prioritize the welfare of the nation over personal gains struck a chord with audiences, making it a popular and influential film of its time.

Manoj Kumar's performance as Bharat is commendable. He brings depth and sincerity to his character, effectively conveying Bharat's determination and selflessness. The film's supporting cast, including Asha Parekh and Pran, also deliver noteworthy performances, adding to the overall impact of the film.

The music of "Upkar" is another highlight. Composed by Kalyanji-Anandji, the songs of the film became immensely popular, particularly the patriotic song "Mere Desh Ki Dharti," which has become an iconic anthem in Indian cinema.

Overall, "Upkar" is a thought-provoking film that presents a powerful social message. It highlights the importance of unity, selflessness, and the responsibility each individual has towards their country and fellow citizens. The film's engaging storyline, strong performances, and memorable music contribute to its enduring appeal. "Upkar" remains a significant film in Indian cinema and is considered one of Manoj Kumar's most iconic works.

In the mid-sixties, India faced double trouble. On one hand, Pakistan attacked our frontiers, on the other, there occurred a scarcity of foodgrains in the country. In such a scenario, then prime minister of India, late Laal Bahadur Shastri gave a slogan to the countrymen - Jai Jawaan ! Jai Kisaan ! (hail the soldier, hail the peasant). It was to underscore the importance of both the functions - safeguarding the frontiers as well as increasing the foodgrains production and inspiring the Indians to do something worthwhile for the motherland in any of these two ways. Since he himself was a man of principles and respected throughout the country by one and all, his call for keeping fast on Monday (to reduce consumption of foodgrains) was wholeheartedly responded by the public. And in the war too, India emerged triumphant.

Actor Manoj Kumar got the idea of making a film through his slogan only (and the situation prevailing in the country) and he debuted as a filmmaker (producer-director) by making Upkaar (1967) whose script is nothing but the expansion of this slogan only, containing all the Bollywoodish formulae to entertain the typical Indian movie buff.

Upkaar (obligation) is the story of a peasant-cum-soldier (Kisaan-cum-Jawaan), Bhaarat (Manoj Kumar) who despite being well-educated, prefers to go for peasantry in his parental village whereas his younger brother (step), Pooran (Prem Chopra) moves out for higher studies and gets spoilt. Bhaarat's maternal uncle (Madan Puri) is a wicked man who had earlier killed their father and now he alongwith the money-lender of the village (Kanhaiyalal) fills poison in the mind of Pooran against his elder brother. Pooran gets separated from the family with his share of the land. Heartbroken Bhaarat gets consolation from his (step) mother, Radha (Kamini Kaushal), his well-wisher, Malang Chacha (Pran) and a lady doctor, Kavita (Asha Parekh). He gets engaged to Kavita. However Pakistan's attack on the nation provides him an opportunity to serve the motherland in a different form. He joins army and gets badly wounded in the war. To his greatest pain, his hands are removed in the surgical operation to save his life. However, Pooran realizing his fault becomes the ointment for his heartache. Pooran returns back to the family and becomes a peasant.

The title refers to the obligation of the motherland upon its citizens and indicates that we should be ready to repay the obligation whenever the need arrives. The importance of the land (which was considered no less revered than the mother in the traditional Indian villages) as well as peasantry has been underscored pretty well in the movie albeit in a filmy way. And the hero's character as Kisaan (peasant) is more powerful than his character as Jawaan (soldier) in the later part of the movie.

This maiden directorial venture of Manoj Kumar is the best product served by him to the Indian audience because in none of his later movies, he could touch the heights that he achieved in this movie. It is because the script of this movie is very good (courtesy the slogan of the then Indian premier). Since Manoj Kumar's approach towards patriotism has always been superficial and loud (pseudo, to be exact), he could not make great patriotic movies and always presented formula-based flicks. Upkaar is no exception. Here also entertainment only is delivered in the colourful packing of patriotism but this fact is not felt by the viewer.

Family bonds have been dealt with in this movie in a very sentimental and impressive manner. The relation between the brothers and how money and personal ambitions break it, is simply touching. The climax is also very sentimental and impressive.

Kalyanji Anandji's music is one of the greatest assets of this movie. It contains the evergreen patriotic song - Mere Desh Ki Dharti Sona Ugle Ugle Heere Moti (sung by Mahendra Kapoor) for which lyricist - Gulshan Bawra had got the national award. Deewaano Se Ye Matt Poochho (Mukesh), Har Kushi Ho Jahaan Tu Jahaan Bhi Rahe (Lata) and Aayi Jhoom Ke Basant (Asha, Manna Dey etc.) are other notable popular songs. However my personal favourite is Kasme Vaade Pyar Wafa, Sab Baaten Hain Baaton Ka Kya (Manna Dey).

Manoj Kumar became Bhaarat forever for the movies of his banner with Upkaar. He has done well and in my view, this is the second best acting performance of his career (the best is in Shaheed). Asha Parekh, Kamini Kaushal, Prem Chopra (who has always been an integral part of Manoj Kumar's movies), Aruna Irani (a village girl, engaged to Pooran), Manmohan (Dr. Kavita's brother), David (army major) etc. have done well. The baddies (and the comedians) are over the top.

But the character that became immortal with this movie is Malang Chacha who gave a pleasant turn to the career of the most hated villain of Bollywood, Pran. Pran has performed the role of the handicapped, carefree and outspoken Malang Chacha so well that you can never forget him after watching this movie. The song - Kasme Vaade Pyar Wafa has been picturized on him only.

Frankly speaking, Upkaar is sheer entertainment wrapped in patriotism. Still the movie is highly admirable and despite the change in times, relevant even today in several ways. The family bonds, the importance of the ancestral property, the love for the motherland, the sentiment of sacrifice etc. have not got outdated with time. It still appeals and should not be missed by the people interested in watching golden oldies. It has a great repeat value and the first time watcher will definitely like to watch it again.

Upkar (1967) : Brief Review -

Perhaps the biggest cultural and social reset in Indian cinema that actually reflected the mass revolution across the nation. It wouldn't be an exaggeration if I said that Manoj Kumar has done UPKAR (FAVOUR) on Indian cinema by making this movie. Directorial debuts will come and go; some will be better and will be acclaimed, but nothing will ever match the impact of this. Hats off, Manoj Kumar. Every single frame in this movie speaks volumes about masterclass filmmaking. A sautela bhai has to be spoiled, and a mother has to choose stepson over her own blood because he is right. Pran plays a crippled man, but he speaks the most intellectual dialogues in the entire movie. "Tu itna bhi nahin samjha pagale, Ram ne har Yug mein janam Liya hai par Lakshman wapas paida nahin hua." This has to be the dialogue of the century. "Sach hai, ye dharti maa ek haath hateli hai jis pal kisaan hal chalake aadmi ki kismat ki lakire banata hai." Has any Indian movie ever been so allegorical and physically beautiful about the farmer's definition? "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan" was a nationwide sensation after Shastri Ji's announcement, but hardly anyone understood the depth of it. It was natural because the masses aren't really that intelligent and educated to understand the subtle message hidden deep inside it. Upkar dug deep into that, brought it out, refined it, and delivered it to the masses. It's not just about farmers's importance but also about soldiers' contribution. A nation can stand without rich people and industrialization, but no nation can ever stand without farmers and soldiers. The third biggest side in this movie is Doctors. The man who had earlier made a film like "Himalaya Ki God Mein" (1965) brought the doctors into good light again, and this time through a female character. Mere Desh Ki Dharti is not just a song; it's an anthem that will last for centuries, no matter how modern we become. Do yourself a FAVOUR and watch UPKAR.

RATING - 8.5/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Upkar is a drama film set on the background of patriotism and was directed by Manoj Kumar. The film stars Manoj Kumar, Prem Chopra, Asha Parekh, Kamini Kaushal, Late Pran, and Late Madan Puri.

Bharat sacrifices everything to educate his brother Puran. However, Puran turns into a greedy man and gets involved in drug trafficking in order to make money.

The film was inspired by then India's prime minister, Late Lal Bahadur Shastri, who suggested to Kumar to make a film based on his motto for India, "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan". The film was also set on the backdrop of a Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

Probably one of the finest film of the Hindi film industry which showcased the greatest Pran Sahab in positive role for the first time and the rest is history.

The plot of the film which as mentioned was on the slogan of one of the greatest PM of India and gives a sense and feeling of patriotism and also gives respect to the farmers and soldiers.

The execution of the film is good although the war scenes didn't look original but still will not effect the film viewing pleasure. The film has some of the most memorable songs such as "Mere Desh Ki Dharti", "Deewanon Se Ye Mat Poocho" and "Kasme Waade Pyar Wafa" and are still very popular today.

Acting is superb and for me the real show stealer was Pran Sahab followed by Prem Chopra, Manoj Kumar and Asha Parekh. Climax of the film is good and gives a good closure to the film.

A must watch one of the greatest film of Hindi cinema.