Dushmun (1972) :
Brief Review -
A criminal's reformation process that challenges law and order. Dulal Guha's Dushmun is very much inspired by the old Hollywood Westerns and crime noirs. It won't be justified if I name one or two Hollywood movies and compare their plots with Dushmun because the motive behind this film was different and the law and order or the system is far different in our country. The basic idea is copied, though. Just like in those westerns or crime dramas, a man accidentally kills an innocent man and makes his family miserable and helpless. The guilt of killing an innocent man starts killing him, and then he decides to support the family and do everything the dead man could have done for that family. However, Dushmun has a kick here. Instead of guilt and self-realization, the man is sent to the house of the dead man as a part sentence. Instead of jail, he is sent to the house to take care of the family for that particular period. He is despised and loathed by the family members, but as the time passes, he grows close to them. They start adoring him and his efforts until the villain strikes. Will he again go down the criminal path and forget all the good work he has done so far? Dushmun makes a strong statement on that criminal mind and the justice system that allows them to think otherwise. Rajesh Khanna has done a good job here, and Mumtaz has a beautiful role. It was a bit shocking to see tragedy queen Meena Kumari playing such an old role, but that was natural since she has been a gorgeous heroine since the 50s and this was early 70s. Vaada Tera Vaada and Dushman Jo Dost Se Pyaara Hai songs feel so fresh even today. The screenplay could have been better and less dramatic, I feel. Otherwise, it's a fine social drama against crime and justice. Overall, a good attempt by Dulal Guha and a deserving box office hit for its time.
RATING - 6/10*
By - #samthebestest.
