Roti Kapada Aur Makaan

If compared with other Indian commercial films, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan does not have much flow.

I'm not sure about the status and the financial conditions of the Indian singers at the present time. But this film indicates that, during the 70's, even the best singers would get nowhere with their talents.

In this film, Manuj Kumar is a singer with a legendry voice (Mukesh), yet he has neither fame nor money.

If talented singers did make a good living out their arts in India during the 70's, then this is perhaps the film's big flaw.

But overall, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan is probably one of Bollywood's few films that actually makes sense.

The direction, acting and story line are superb. The songs are related to the story, and are always inspiring to listen to.

Most Bollywood's films are hardly watch able, but it will be a pleasure to watch this one more than twice.

Roti Kapada aur Makaan review:

Taking a cue from Indira Gandhi's election campaign of 1967, Manoj Kumar chose the three basic necessities which were plaguing the Indians of that time - Roti, Kapada and Makaan. Playing the main lead called Bharat, Manoj Kumar had a stellar cast backing him from Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor to Zeenat Aman and Moushumi Chatterjee.

Bharat is the educated yet unemployed youth who loses his father as well as lady love to the corruption rot in the system. Burning his degree on his pappa's pyre, he decides to work with the corrupt forces. "If you can't beat them, join them". But can the real hardcore desh bhakt ever go against his country??!!!

Though the film's focus was expectedly on Manoj Kumar, Zeenat Aman and Moushumi Chatterjee made their presence felt. Zeenat sizzled in her wet saree in the "Hai hai yeh majboori" number while Moushumi's gang rape scene filmed on a heap of wheatflour devastated the audience. Seems she was pregnant at that time and all the "atta" falling on her face made her extremely uncomfortable and puke many times. My fave Premnath had a small role of a valiant Sikh and the dude nailed it thoroughly!!

I wasn't born when Roti Kapada aur Makaan released and saw it only in its '80s re-run. Apparently, the original film posters had a small mug shot of Amitabh Bachchan playing Manoj Kumar's younger brother who joins the army and loses his hand in the 1971 war. But when I went for the re-run, Bachchan was the reigning superstar and dominated the posters while the real hero Manoj Kumar was hardly visible. Time time ki baat hai pyaare!!

There is something about Roti Kapada aur Makaan which will instantly connect with the '70s and '80s gen guys. It perfectly captures the social and political ethos of that era. Obviously, the millennials won't identify with it all. They have moved up the ladder to Butter Roti, Branded Kapada and Luxury Makaan!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.

Review By Kamal K

Very futuristic film. Film is a realistic approach towards life. And one can connect with it in real life.

I felt deep and applauded for great meaningful songs that depicts todays life and the life's situations. And the cost of things with our basic need of money, house, love, food & for that one needs to work & do a job. Legendary Manoj Kumar really felt a awesome mark on our hearts who loves such a Classic films. A must watch for who understand the truth of life & it's struggle.

This film has the lot: romance, action and hit songs. Manoj Kumar undoubtedly holds the lead role, but as far as show-stealing goes, Premnath's 'Sardar Harnam Singh' has to down as one of the greatest character portrayals, ever.

Not only did he recite some of Sikhism's holiest 'prayers' fluently but was also allowed to swear (rather frequently) in Punjabi. Which, both added that extra class to his performance.

His role was so widely acclaimed amongst Punjabis, that whenever Premnath was to visit Punjab, any services or goods he may require were given free of charge!

This is an indian movie. Indian movies are a 3 hr mix of action, drama, humor, and musical. This may seem long. But if a movie is as good as Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, you will not notice it. This movie has some of the greatest actors of the indian cinema. A lot of social and political issues are being portrayed, which even after 26 years haven't changed that much. But if you do not like the moral tone in the movie there is enough action to keep a lot of you satisfied. One special relationship (in the movie) has to be mentioned. The oldest brother of one very poor family (the main character, Manoj Kumar) is the one with a degree, but is not able to get a good job. On the other side is his younger brother (my favorite, Amitabh Bachchan) who earns his money a little bit illegally and as a consequence gets judged and punished by his brother. So Amitabh decides to go join the army to make amends.

This is really fun to watch. Although Amitabh hasn't got a very big part, he really steals the show. Oh yeah there is a lot of romance going on, but it never gets boring. Watch it!