Mausam

Review By Kamal K

Gulzar has always tried to explore different and complex human relationships in his films. Mausam, too explores a complex relation between two people. Masterly crafted, this movie is a milestone in the careers of Sanjeev Kumar and Sharmila Tagore.

A very well directed film...and Sharmila and Sanjeev Kumar...it is impossible to call one as overtaking the other in talent...both do an INCREDIBLE job and one forgets and has to remind the self that Sharmila really isn't Kajli---of the two characters she played---Chanda/Kajli--- Kajli is definitely the harder of the two characters to play and no one could have done it better. She has lived that character...one feels her every emotion. The supporting cast of Omshiv Puri, Dina Pathak, Agha did their job well.

The other highlight were the dialogues of the film. Even the small nok-jhok between Amarnath and Chanda are interesting. For instance Chanda keeps asking the meaning of difficult english words which Amarnath uses during his normal conversation. Then there is the scene when Sanjeev is scratching his ears and Chanda stops him saying 'kaan mat khujao, zeharband ho jayenga'. This same dialogue is repeated by Kajli again while she is travelling with Amarnath. These light scenes also remain with you long after the film is over. The scene when Amarnath arrives to the meet Kajli at her brothel and she perceives him as a customer is also well-enacted by both actors and well directed.

It is touching and it lingers in your heart. Films like Mausam, however, comes only once in many seasons.

I managed to catch two gems recently. The first one was over 3 days while I worked out. Maybe the installment approach allowed me to ponder on this film and love it all over again. In Mausam, Sanjeev Kumar rocked as the young doctor-in-training, and then as the older man who comes back to Darjeeling to relive his memories. Gulzar kept many things shrouded in mystery and so many things completely understated - I was so glad he chose to not insult the viewers' intelligence with needless explanations along the way. We never found out if Sanjeev came back to Darjeeling for any other motive than R and R. We were never told if the young Sharmila actually "fell" for this older man or it was pure gratitude, since she knew who he was all along! The flashbacks were kept to a minimum and even the minor characters like Om Shivpuri, Dina Pathak and Agha were so perfect in their roles. Sanjeev was pitch perfect, playing men that were 20 years apart in age, just by subtle changes in body language and some gray hair! And in a surprising twist all the intensity, regrets and anger were portrayed by the older man. Sharmila was excellent in the mother daughter roles, although clearly outclassed by Sanjeev. And the divine music - Dil Dhoondhta Hai Phir Wohi Fursat Ke Raat Din. A perfect 10 from me for this perfect film.

Caught this movie totally by chance and could not turn away from it.

The story at its fundamental explores a father and daughter relationship, missed opportunities and the act of repentance.

Firstly, let congratulate Gulzar for making such a thoughtful and emotional movie. Lets not forget that this movie was made in 1975 in India, the sub-continent is very reserved and back in 1975 it was even more so. This movie tackles a subject that even today Indian movies wont go near so just imagine how ahead of its time this movie was. The movie has been handled with the utmost delicate manner.

The two main actors in the movie were amazing. Sanjeev Kumar is amazing, he was one of those actors that did not have to say much as his expressions lied within his eyes. In this movie Sanjeev Kumar plays a man with so much guilt in him, you can actually feel it and his wanting to repent. Sharmila Tagore was amazing, you would have to be a brave woman and actress to take a movie like this back in 1975 and boy does she nail it.

Conclusion, a great movie, a great story and great acting.

Gulzar is an artiste in the truest sense. I'm not saying this merely because he's credited as lyricist, writer and director but because of the way he combines poetry and visual art. 'Mausam' is like a beautiful poem and a fascinating painting. It is a part of Gulzar's Lost Love trilogy (the other two being the equally spellbinding 'Ijaazat' and 'Aandhi').

The film starts with Dr. Gill (Sanjeev Kumar) arriving at Darjeeling on holiday to get a break from work. Work seems to follow him. Yet, he tries his best to get away without being impolite to his fellow doctors. There is another motive for his coming to Darjeeling. Perhaps it is more on a subconscious level that have been uncovered upon his arrival. The town gives rise to lost memories, memories of a lost love (Sharmila Tagore). A love he had promised to return to but he failed to keep his word. As Dr. Gill is showered with memories, he embarks on a desperate search for his love but as he discovers the truth his regret exacerbates and his despair to find her heightens.

The cinematography is wonderful. I especially liked how the songs were visualized, the highlight song being 'Dil Dhoondta Hai' that juxtaposes a desperate aged Dr. Gill with his memory of his young self with Chanda. Two other songs are beautifully visualized depicting the relationship between Shankar and Kajri. Needless to say, each songs are eloquently written. The beauty of Darjeeling is well demonstrated. Gulzar's depiction of the prostitutes and brothel is very realistic, especially compared to most movies of its time.

There's no doubt that Sanjeev Kumar was one of the best actors (if not THE best) of his time and he delivers yet another terrific performance. Sharmila Tagore is remarkable in one of her most challenging roles. Even the minor characters are excellently acted by actors like Dina Pathak and Om Shivpuri.

'Mausam' is both a mesmerizing poem and a captivating oil on canvas. It is a timeless piece that I am sure to revisit.

Mausam (1975) : Brief Review -

Gulzar's Poetic mind gives birth to one of Vulgarly sensitive film and path-breaking Classic of Bollywood. I deliberately used the word path-breaking because Mausam has leading actress playing a role of a Prostitute, and the second thing is it has Love Beyond Generation Gap flavour which didn't happen mostly in Bollywood by 1975. It cannot be called a love story because the only real love story in the film lasts for 15 minutes and then there are several other love stories in incomplete mode but are not that real or two sided. Mausam is a story of a Doctor Amarnath who falls in love with a village girl Chanda, he promises to come back soon and leaves for his exams. When he returns after 25 years he finds Chanda dead and her Daughter at brothel. In atonement he tries to recover her life by taking her with him but sensitive scenario takes solid turn when she falls in love with him. Mausam tries to discover many issues of society such as Mindset of a Prostutite, cruelty of evil minded people who force a girl to live at Brothel, redemption of a Man and his respect towards a prostitute. Sharmila Tagore is brutally beautiful and delivers a hard-hitting performance. Sanjeev Kumar doesn't disappoint at all even while playing an oldy. Music is decent and dialogues are Excellent. Gulzar deserves an applaud for making such a brutal film so sensitively and soberly and that too in 70s. Woman's mindset is expressed in tough manners by him which was needed but was too early for a time. One can easily notice his trademark writing when he clearly points towards cruel society for the Woman's misery and at the same time he showcases a gentleman who tries to change things. Overall, Mausam is adversely crafted film with path-breaking thoughts and also breaks the love beyond generation gap formula for Bollywood. Apparently, it isn't love, it is Respect of a Man towards a Woman and a Woman's Respect towards a Man and you just need to understand it.

RATING - 8/10*

By - #samthebestest