Namkeen

I have watched almost all Gulzar films. Ijaazat, Aandhi, Mausam, Machis, Meera, Kitaab, Koshish, Parichay, Khushboo, Angoor and Kinara - all were nice. Some close to masterpieces, others great work and just a few not-so-good ones. Like 'Mere Apne' wasn't too appealing for me. Lekin, Achanak, Hu Tu Tu and Libaas are those I haven't seen yet. But still there are certain elements that are common in almost all Gulzar films. 1. Stories of longing, unfulfilled love (Ijaazat, Aandhi, Mausam, Machis, Khushboo and Kinara) 2. Screenplays with strategic flash-backs and flash-forwards (Ijaazat, Aandhi, Mausam, Machis, Kitaab and Kinara) 3. Mature, multilayered characters who talk like Gulzar (all of his films) 4. A title that can be interpreted in beautiful ways (Ijaazat, Aandhi, Mausam, Kitaab, Parichay, Khushboo, Angoor, Kinara)

This time it was different. It was again a story of longing, of unfulfilled love. But its screenplay structure is slightly different. It looks more like a Shyam Benegal, Mrinal Sen, Govind Nihalani type of screenplay, with Gulzar's dialogues. It takes its own time to grow, moves slowly and is not as cerebral as his other screenplay structures. Even the plot points are subtle and not dramatic enough.

There is one flashback sequence, coming late in the movie. Otherwise it is a linear narrative.

Characters are mature but not multilayered. They are simple, which is a welcome change from Gulzar. They are poor, caught in the simple troubles of life. For them, everyday bread is a greater concern than falling in love. They are not very educated and although they still 'talk like Gulzar', they are more like themselves.

And the title is based on one of the principal characters.

It is more like an European film. Its drama is like that of a Kieslowski film. It is more like an account of the lives of these people than a complete story with dramatic twists.

It is still great. And it ends in a beautiful and haunting manner. Moving you deeply.

Now, the catch.

I have watched this film just today. And what I come to know is - the DVD version is abridged. The original cut had a dramatic twist in the end. Hence the lack of drama that I talked about in my comment. I read what the original ending was. But I prefer it this way. The DVD version was good enough for me. I doubt the original cut would have appealed me equally.

It is a must watch for Gulzar fans. For those who are new to his cinema, you should first go for Ijaazat, Maachis, Mausam, Aandhi, Kitaab and Koshish.

Ah, Gulzar! The poet and the filmmaker, above all, an artiste in the truest sense. What sets 'Namkeen' apart from his other works is that this one has a more Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Shyam Benegal feel to it rather than the Gulzar signature. It is one of his lesser known films. 'Namkeen' too is a story of unfulfilled love (like 'Ijaazat', 'Aandhi' and 'Mausam') but here the story is given a more slice of life treatment, a glimpse into the characters' life, rather than having it 'follow a plot'.

'Namkeen' has a lyrical feel to it (a common factor in Gulzar's movies) and the landscape (I'm assuming it's in Darjeeling) is breathtaking. The characters are easy to relate to and endearing. There are only about two or three songs but they are beautifully visualized and the lyrics are mesmerizing.

Gulzar beautifully displays Jyoti and her three daughters' struggle to get by every day. These are poor people and their daily concern is winning bread and other necessary requirements such as oil. They don't have time to fall in love but that doesn't mean that they don't have dreams. A voiceless Mitthu expresses her words in poetry while the youngest Chimki is a vivacious spirit. Nimki is the eldest one who keeps the family together as she takes care of all the household activities and makes sure that all the requirements are met while the hardworking mother, Jyoti, is at work all day. Gerulal brings a pleasant change to their lives.

Sanjeev Kumar, once again, plays a part only he could do justice to. Waheeda Rehman is barely recognizable. Not only does she look different but even her voice is distinct from what we're familiar with. She's clearly a master of her craft. The same can be said of Sharmila Tagore and Shabana Azmi who are nothing short of remarkable. Kiran Vairale is vivacious as the lively young Chimki.

'Namkeen' is one of Gulzar's most underrated works and it is a treat to watch. Thanks to Gulzar for giving us a glimpse of the lives of these colourful characters.

I have watched the clips of this movie... then I feel I should watch it complete... Once I start, hadn't taken a break thats how I was so engaged with this masterpiece... simple but hit so hard emotionally at every level of it... had a smile constantly and the tears at the same time.... love it... simply gr8.

Review By Kamal K

The more you watch, the more you fell in love with this masterpiece by the great GULZAR sahab and cast most prominently Sanjeev Kumar and waheeda Rehman were outstanding ..... Gem and a must watch for old indian movie lovers.

Very disappointing specially at the end. Just no drama - no pathos - story just ends very weak. Great actors - Sharmila, Shabana, Sanjeev Kumar but very weak story. Name suggests it is a comedy but really it is a slow winding movie that leads nowhere. Nice portrayal of a village in the hills in the uncomplicated times - an India which we don't see anymore. Sanjeev Kumar had pretty good acting and so did Sharmila. The scenes by themselves were interesting but no spell binding story to hold your attention. Pretty good acting by the little girl too. It is the story of a truck driver who rents a house owned by a old lady and her 3 daughters. Predicatably there is the undertone of romance and challenges.