Khamoshi

If ever there was an haunting voice that had depth, resonance, it was Hemant Kumar. The song "Tum Pukar Lo," played on Waheeda Rehman and Dharmendra (a brief stint) is reflective of the melody that was the mainstay of Indian music composers the likes of Hemant Kumar, who preferred to sing his own compositions. Then there is Waheeda Rehman-God bless this woman for her eternal beauty and acting talent. She was incredibly convincing as the "mental patient." The scene where her face comes down on a barbed wire mesh-incredible piece of acting. Then we had the thespian of acting in a true sense of the word-Rajesh Khanna. Khanna and Rehman, were born actors and the duo were probably the best screen pair next to Guru Dutt and Madhubala. The movie is a bygone classic that very few appreciate. When you need some nostalgia and good cinema, this movie and "Anand" will take you back to the decade of the Indian cinema to be cherished since there will never be another Khanna, Rehman or maestro like Hemant Kumar.

A powerful insight into the strain put on a nurse (Waheeda Rehman) as she uses 'experimental' treatment methods to save a patient from tumbling into the abyss of madness using trust, dedication & affection as her only tools she combats desperation, paranoia, & animosity. Her patient unable to express his feelings to a woman who mistreated him by lulling him into web of deceit, where she uses him for his talents then discards him. The nurse tries in vain to convince the woman responsible for the affliction her patient suffers from that she is needed for his rehabilitation only to be admonished by the head of the hospital saying that she cannot solve societies problems even though society seems to be responsible for the constant stream of patients the hospital receives. This draws her down a spiralling staircase of depression as she is told to forget/deny her true feelings for a patient under her treatment which ultimately leads to her demise as she remains forced into silence (Khamoshi) instead of venting the emotions that she feels for the man that she loves...

An exquisite soundtrack from Hemant Kumar (composer & producer) along with songs such as Tum pukar lo.. (Hemant Kumar & Kishore Kumar) & Woh shaam kuch ajeeb thi (Kishore Kumar) make this film an enduring classic which stands the test of time.

Dedicated to her profession, Nurse Radha experiences heartbreak when her patient, Dev, is discharged from the psychiatric ward and moves on with his life. Radha had developed a one-sided love for him. As she struggles to let go of the past, a new patient, Arun, enters her life-reigniting memories and emotional turmoil, leaving Radha grappling with the pain she thought she had overcome.

Khamoshi is a haunting film, but one rich in brilliant performances, direction, music, and cinematography.

Waheeda Rehman delivers one of the finest performances of her career-on par with her work in Guide and Teesri Kasam. When it comes to portraying emotionally desperate women, Waheeda never misses. She completely inhabits the character of Radha-her eyes, voice, facial expressions-every detail conveys the depth of Radha's pain. She also shares unexpectedly tender chemistry with Rajesh Khanna. Rajesh shines in the first half, portraying a mental patient with impressive nuance. However, once Waheeda appears on screen, she commands the entire narrative. Still, Rajesh supports her character beautifully throughout. Dharmendra makes a brief but impactful appearance. It's a significant role, though it would've been nice to see more of him. Supporting actors like Nazir Hussain, Iftekhar, and Lalita Pawar also deliver commendable performances in their respective roles.

The film is paced deliberately-slow, yet never dull. Asit Sen crafts the story with emotional subtlety, delivering what might be an even more successful remake of his own Bengali film Deep Jwele Jaai. Khamoshi has a unique and gripping narrative, bringing a raw realism to each scene. Gulzar's dialogues are the cherry on top. Radha's character development is especially compelling. Initially portrayed as a calm, loving nurse, she gradually unravels under the weight of her emotional burden, eventually becoming a broken woman when her emotional endurance reaches its limit. The ending is heartbreaking-such climaxes often linger longer in the viewer's memory than happy ones. Still, I found myself hoping for a union between Radha and Arun, which sadly never materializes.

The production design deserves special mention for its realistic depiction of a hospital ward, which adds great authenticity to the film. Waheeda's minimal makeup also contributes to her character's natural, lived-in feel. The choreography is subtle but effective-I particularly appreciated the picturization of "Humne Dekhi Hai Un Aankhon Ki Mehekti Khushboo". Snehalata's presence in the song enhances its beauty. The film's use of black-and-white cinematography and thoughtful framing-through mirrors, doorways, and contrasts-beautifully reflects the characters' psychological states. It switches between intimate close-ups and distant wide shots, underscoring their emotional isolation and depth. The editing, too, is solid and purposeful.

Hemant Kumar's music is one of the film's standout elements. Possibly one of his best works, the soundtrack and background score elevate the film's emotional weight. Every song is beautifully woven into the narrative. "Tum Pukaar Lo" has a haunting quality, while "Humne Dekhi Hai Un Aankhon Ki" remains my personal favorite-Lata Ji pours her soul into every note. The sound design throughout is exceptional.

Khamoshi is not just an emotional tale-it reminds us that beneath the professional mask of a nurse lies a woman, yearning for love and connection.

In conclusion, Khamoshi is a tragic, unforgettable film that will stay with you long after viewing. A must-watch for fans of Waheeda Rehman.

This is an outstanding movie about the life of a nurse at a mental rehab centre. Extremely good performances from all concerned with the movie. The movie really evokes emotions that you though didn't exist. Add to that the excellent soundtrack and you have a masterpiece on your hands.

A very interesting idea. this film speaks of class. A story about a nurse in a mental institution whose revolutionary treatment's side effects get unnoticed. After falling in love with her first patitent and never telling anyone her love goes unnoticed as her patient moves on and another patient who after being betrayed by his first love is left on the brink of madness, is brought in. After failed attempts, her treatment is again called for but this time with disastrous consequences. A sad yet very moving drama.... a must see with a beautiful soundtrack.