Daag: A Poem of Love

This is one more gem of a movie made under "Yash Chopra" banner. An unusual, partly forced love triangle which is a result of a series of tragic events in the life of three characters in this movie. The original story was written by Gulshan Nanda who pioneered writing Hindi romantic novels in seventies and early eighties. Rakhi was the surprise package of this movie who looked far better than seasoned actress Shamila Tagore. Rajesh Khanna at his usual best. Easily 8/10

Review By Kamal K

Excellence performances by both Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore. Grt photography, scenic locations of HP, melodious music by LP. Story, screenplay and direction superb. One of the biggest hits of 1973.

Daag: A Poem of Love is a melodramatic and twisted tale. The film is about Sunil and Sonia, a young couple who get separated when Sunil is sentenced to life prison for killing Dhiraj, a wealthy young man who tried to molest Sonia. Soon after, Sunil is declared dead in a car accident on his way to the prison. A pregnant Sonia finds herself all alone and decides to leave the city and start a new life with her child. She finds a job as a school teacher where she befriends a young woman named Chandni. When Sonia's past is revealed, she loses her job and finds refuge in Chandni's house. There she finds out that Sunil is actually alive, living under a different identity as Chandni's husband Sudhir. Daag is nowhere among the best works of the great Yash Chopra, though it is fairly enjoyable. The film starts well and the romantic sequences are beautifully shot, but it becomes predictable, at times overdone and the action sequences are very poorly handled. The concept of a man who is considered dead and is actually alive is really done to death. The film does manage to entertain at places despite the formulaic script but the proceedings are melodramatic and hard to believe. Rajesh Khanna is okay in this role. He does not impress much but his role is nothing exceptional. Sharmila Tagore does the best of her rather bland character. Khanna and Tagore do have a good chemistry but nowhere as great as in Aradhana. Beautiful Raakhee steals the show with her graceful presence and restrained acting. The music is good but not very memorable. Daag is in my view an okay one-time watch, but not more than that.

This is Yash Chopra's first production under Yash Raj Banner, and I must say he was excellent as a director, a fresh and unconventional story, sharp editing and excellent direction made this film a true joy ride for cine lovers. Yes, this film is typical romance drama of 70's but with a twist, but if you love Hindi classics then this one is a gift for your watchlist. Rajesh Khanna, Sharmila Tagore and Rakhee ji have played their characters wonderfully, other actors also lend a good support, Cameo by Prem Chopra is plot twisting and amazing, Kay Gee the cinematographer of the film does excellent job, he masterfully captures the beautiful locations and the darkness of the film, additionally the colour palette of the film also makes it a visual treat.

Daag is a romantic musical movie directed by Late Yash Chopra and stars Sharmila Tagore, Late Rajesh Khanna, Rakhee with Prem Chopra and late Madan Puri in guest roles.

The movie is based on a novel 'The mayor of Casterbridge'.

This movie should be remembered for it's beautiful music and strong acting by Sharmila Tagore. Late Rajesh Khanna was equally impressive. Rakhee was charming and beautiful. Prem Chopra was impressive in his limited screen time.

The screenplay of the movie average and sometimes gets very slow. Direction is good but the climax of the movie is abrupt and could've been more refined but the typical fans will not be disappointed.

An entertaining movie with some good acting and superb music. The movie truly announces the arrival of 'Yash Chopra the king of Romance'