Junoon

Adapted from Ruskin Bond's novel, Flight of the Pigeons, is a story about a Pathan,Javed Khan (played by Shashi Kapoor),who is an imposing, proud man rendered feeble by his obsession. The movie is set in the 1857 mutiny where amidst all the bloodshed and atrocities, the only thing Javed Khan can think of is Ruth Labadoor, played by Nafisa Ali(although he is married to Firdaus,played by Shabana Azmi). It shows the tussle between Javed's obsession and pride. On one hand he wants Ruth but on another his nobility doesn't allows him to use force. Ruth's mother Miriam is unrelenting, eventually; the two strike a peculiar, yet greatly symbolic bargain "Dilli apki toh Ruth bhi aapki". Director Shyam Benegal, assisted by ace co-writers (dialogue by Satyadev Dubey and Ismat Chugtai), created overwhelmingly powerful film.Junoon is a beautiful, sad and compelling film.

Terrific. The best part which i like about Shyam Benegal movies that they are not melodramatic & all emotions are shown in moderate doses mostly though scenes which appear like pictures.Everyone is free to interpret them.Another striking quality is even while making historical or period movie he shies from creating grand scenes but rather takes viewer through background to event & aftermaths of event.Sometimes viewer may find it disappointing but it has its own merits. Coming back to movie it sticks to original narration faithfully & develops some character like the aunt in a better way than story. Scene in the mango garden of swinging and women from both cultures expressing happiness in their own way is superb.Also nightmare of Ruth that shashi kapoor is going to rape her captures her mental trauma very well & in fact builds up viewer for the eventuality when she falls in love with him.

Review By Kamal K

Junoon, produced by Shashi Kapoor and directed by Shyam Benegal, is based on Ruskin Bond's "A Flight of Pigeons"

The story is set during the first War of Independence - 1857. During the tumultous and bloody rebellion the British are attacked everywhere. An English mother and daughter, who are on the run, are secretly sheltered by an Indian Nawab whose relatives are fighting against the British. The much married Nawab is besotted by the young girl, but the untrusting mother is against the relationship.

Shashi Kapoor as the obsessive Nawab, Naseeruddin Shah as the fanatic and emotional brother-in-law, Shabhana Azmi as the silently suffering wife, Jeniffer Kendall as the wary mother and Nafisa Ali as the young girl leave a lasting impact.

There is an underlying tension that is maintained throughout this movie which keeps you on the edge. There needs to be a special mention of Govind Nihalani's captivating cinematography which adds to the entire atmosphere.

Shashi Kapoor is my favourite actors and he is absolute treat to watch as Javed Khan in this epic.

Directed by Shyam Benegal, Junoon is the story of obsession and love, set around the Indian Mutiny of 1857. The movie tries to outline the war of independence, social and political issues of that time and is able to make that connection.

Junoon is based on Ruskin Bond's book and Shyam Benegal has done an outstanding job in transforming the book in an unforgettable cinema.

For me Junoon is completely Shashi Kapoor's show. He is outstanding in every scene. It's among his best works. Nafisa Ali looks so fresh in Junoon and is able to carry that innocence and portray that emotions on his face. Shabana Azmi is wonderful as Javed Khan's wife.

I've seen this movie twice, and liked it even better the second time. Right from the title scene of the crazy-looking "pir", the atmosphere created is gripping and unforgettable.

The events of 1857 were shocking in their violence, and neither the British nor the rebels showed themselves to be very honorable. The word "junoon" (obsession) connotes a tinge of madness, and that kind of madness is a very appropriate way to view the period. The "love story" is also suffused with the same out-of-control emotion. (Also, only a crazy man would want to leave Shabana Azmi for another woman, even one as gorgeous as the young Nafisa Ali!) Shyam Benegal has made a masterpiece that captures that feeling visually.

Now, if only they would convert this film to DVD, I would buy it in a second.

"That Pathan, he's looking at me."