Khilona

'Khilona' would have worked better had it been directed by someone like Hrishikesh Mukherjee. As a downside, the film is a little too melodramatic and the characters (with the exception of those played by Mumtaz and Sanjeev Kumar) are caricatures. For example, when Mumtaz's Chand is raped, we see her cry after that but in the next moment she's quick to defend Vijay. We don't see any of her mental conflict about the trauma caused by a man she admired. The entire comedy track with Jagdeep should have been left out and the director should have instead chosen to develop the situations. The situations aren't well developed and as a result even characterization suffers. Also, at places the editing is choppy. The sets are obviously. Now let's go to the better part of 'Khilona'. The performances by Sanjeev Kumar and Mumtaz are good enough. Sanjeev's performance may appear over-the-top and may seem to lack fluency but it works well with the melodramatic context of the film. Ditto for Mumtaz. The rest of the actors don't impress with their caricatures. The songs, especially the title track and the two mujrah numbers are very likable. On the whole, i think 'Khilona' could have been way better. For me it were the two major performances and some of the songs that saved it from being unbearable.

This film will be remembered only for Sanjeev Kumar and Mumtaz's performance. It's more of a Mumtaz's movie all the way. She is absolutely stunning in her performance.

The movie is dominated by good performance whether its Sanjeev Kumar's, Mumtaz, Jeetendra or Shatrughan Sinha in the negative role.

Direction is not the best but overall good. Apart from performance, music was another strong point for the movie. All songs were very well made.

PLOT Vijay Babu (Sanjeev Kumar) is a sentimental poet with a tragedy in past looses his mental balance. Chand (Mumtaj) - a poor girl - is hired for his recovery, who initially refuses but later falls for Vijay. How she helps Vijay out of his trauma is the story.

ACTING AND DIRECTION

Direction is good. Sanjeev Kumar is outstanding. Mumtaj beautifully summarizes her role. In a smaller role Jeetendra is effective. Shatrughn Sinha excels in a negative role.

MUSIC The music is excellent and the songs picturised on Sanjeev Kumar are outstanding. "Khush Rahe Tu Sada Yeh Dua hai Meri, Bewafa hi sahi dilruba hai meri...", "Khilona Jaan kar tum to mera dil tode jaate ho.." are excellent. Mohammed Rafi's singing from his heart is evident.

A Movie Worth Watching 9/10 from me.

It is a good engaging film that centers on the morality of a good natured woman belonging to the red light area. Mumtaz is the main star and the whole story revolves around her misfortunes. Sanjeev Kumar has also given a stunning performance as the poet Vijay. But the ending of the movie resonates with the excellent cameo performance of Jeetender. The evocative performance of Mumtaz coupled with Jeetender steals the show defining the end.

The only shortcoming in this movie is extra comical sequences associated with comedian Jagdeep which are unnecessary and unsynchronized with the main plot. Nonetheless, it is a good lesson oriented social drama film based on good direction, especially the opening song and the one "Khilona jaan kar tum tu....".

Khilona review :

A kind hearted courtesan (Mumtaz) is appointed by a rich Thakur to heal his mad son (Sanjeev Kumar) who lost his sanity in love. At concept level, Khilona was a different re-telling of the classic Devdas story but it was Mumtaz who owned the film from its first frame till the last.

Indeed, Madame Mumtaz was outstanding in the film whether performing a lovely mujra or sympathizing with her fake hubby Sanjeev Kumar who in a fit of madness, rapes her one night. Mumtaz rightly won the best actress Filmfare award for Khilona. Its her best, no doubt.

Of the supporting cast, Ramesh Deo was natural as Sanjeev Kumar's elder bro. Jeetendra was the films surprise element as the chotte bhaiyya who falls for Mumtaz and starts fantasizing about her. It's a small role but Jeetu makes it memorable. Shatrughan Sinha, then a struggler, plays the aiyyash villain who tries to create trouble in the family. He displayed a glimpse of his much loved bihari babu style which went on to become his trademark later..

Laxmikant Pyarelal's music was popular particularly the title track picturised on Sanjeev Kumar and Mumtaz.

I saw Khilona during its 90s re-run at Paradise Cinema, Mahim. Being a Mumtaz fan, I had seen most of her 70s films during their later re-runs. A must watch for her fans and those who wish to see the Devdas story end happily. Tee hee!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni