Johny Mera Naam

Johnny Mera Naam (1970) : Brief Review -

The GREATEST commercial spy thriller ever made in Bollywood. Period. There are some films for which you say, "They don't make films like this anymore," and Johnny Mera Naam is one of those rare films. Sean Connery's James Bond series was ruling in American and international markets with its spicy and glamourous spy thrillers, and naturally, Bollywood, or for that matter, Indian cinema, was running way behind. We had to crack something like that, if not an exact James Bond film. We were also unfortunate with the limited commercial success of crime and spy thrillers. But Johnny Mera Naam broke that myth. There is no competition for it, as far as I can remember. Even iconic Don (1978) took 8 more years but couldn't match the amount of twists. Content-wise, we can say we have a classic thriller like "Baby" (2015), but I won't call it a proper masala blockbuster. The direct competition would be anything that falls into YRF's emerging spy-universe, but JMN is miles ahead. What a fantastic script, screenplay, and direction it has. Simply unmatchable and unbeatable! Twins formula, twins being opposite characters, a secret agent as a criminal gang member, lost and found formula, thrill, drama, chartbuster music, and mind blowing twists-Johnny Mera Naam got them all and plenty. The last 40 minutes just take it to a whole new level-even higher than your favorite spy, James Bond, who actually got predictable most of the time. What great songs this film has, and what perfect situations and lyrics. It just doesn't get better than this; at least I can confirm that it hasn't gotten better till 2024. Vijay Anand has a great filmography and several classics that can compete with Johnny Mera Naam for content, but the mass value and entertainment are incomparable. It deserved to be his BIGGEST HIT EVER and it did so. The GREATEST this genre can ever produce and I won't argue with anybody over it.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest.

-aa very good film.The cast was brilliant so was the direction. One of the best film Vijay Anand directed. The movie stars Dev Anand, Pran, Hema, Prem Nath, Padma khanna,etc. Dev Anand is brilliant, so is Pran. It's a great story and lovely music. Hema Malini looks gorgeous and her dresses r great. Padma has a small role but she have done great job. Her dance number with Prem Nath is brilliant also. Prem Nath as usual a great villain. I saw this film long time ago when I was a kid but even today I see it still enjoy the film. It has a great suspense, action, comedy and romance. The music that you can never forget. But as far as trimurti films concerns, I think Dewaar was better but this film was not bad at all. The scenes from this film has been copied in many latest films but this was the best film of original. I give it 9.3 /10

This is a simple, lost brothers who finally unite, formula movie, but what makes it watchable are some great movie moments. I don't think many people know who Padma Khanna is(poor man's Mumtaz) but her sexy dance will blow you away. Trust me it is unique and has never been done before or since. And then there is that beautiful song - "Babul Pyaree" - every daughter's memorable song. One of the most heart pulling song ever pictured. Another favorite song of mine is the bhakti song - "Govind Bolo Hari gopal bolo".

There are other memorable movie moments like when Dev Anand says that he has been following the daughter so that she would lead him to her father only to realize that the daughter was also trying desperately to reach her father.

If you like Dev Anand and Pran's incredible voice plus some good acting this movie is a must see. Trust me, you will rewind the tape to watch Padma Khanna. Little known fact: Dara Singh's brother has a small role in this movie.

This is a great film. Perhaps Vijay Anand's best. Of course, Guide is a terrific film too but Johny Mera Naam is something special. It's way way ahead of it's time. It's thrilling, emotional, funny, cool and action packed. And it's got great music, stupendous performances and a zing from the very first frame when the titles drip red.

Johny defies synopsis. IT's a convoluted and totally incredible story and yet it's seamless, pacy and a ton of fun.

I've seen it over a dozen times on screen. Till a few years back,in the pre multiplex, pre cable times, we used to have matinée shows of old films at reduced rates.

I wish one could see it no screen today. But it's equally enjoyable on TV too. Johny Mera Naam and Deewaar (Yash Chopra's) are two of the best screenplays of the Hindi mainstream cinema.

Review By Kamal K

What a director vijay anand was..magnificent editing and direction and still looks super fast movie. He was genious. Superb acting from Dev Anand Saab and premnath and is johar. Unforntunetly dev Anand took direction in his hands for his latter movies and the golden partnership ends. But before that they gave masterpieces like guide jwel thief and Johnny mera naam.