rtoac1 Reviews

Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye (1977)

Excellent family story - Rameshwari' debut

[8/10 · 11 May 2024]

This is a Hindi language film by Rajashri Productions and which was the Hindi film debut of veteran actress Rameshwari.

Rajashri Productions have been reputed for creating one after the other, back-to-back classics among family stories in the 70s, and this film is one such. Any film lover can pick up any one those and enjoy them with the whole family. Many of them will make your eyes well up at some point in the film and so does this film. Films play an important role in moulding society and truly Rajashri films knew that. The way their films passed a message while keeping you entertained was uncanny. Note that their films from that era weren't multi starrers, the hero was the story of the film as is true with this one too.

Indeed, the hero is the most disappointing aspect of this film. He didn't know to act or perform and thankfully he went into Production in later years. The film is carried by the support cast including veterans Iftikar and Madan Puri as the wealthy businessman trying to get his grandson on the right path and get him married to a woman who can do that. Rameshwari gets a good role and is the centre of the film and does a great job for a debut performance. Her simple beauty was apt for the role - great job by the casting director. Shyamali as the supporting actress also does well and is actually the most beautiful woman in the film and it's sad that she wasn't seen in films later. Shashikala's role is wasted.

Ravindra Jain's music is a standout. His debut in singing with this film introduces us to his voice later immortalised by the tele serial Ramayana.

As with any other Rajashri film, hang in there for the first half hour. They don't do a great job with the context setting in any of their films. The rest of the movie will keep you glued. Enjoy it with family!

Mukham (1990)

Dark and Slow: Waste of a talented star cast

[6/10 · 19 April 2024]

This is a Malayalam language film starring Mohanlal, Renjini and Naseer in pivotal roles.

The film has a good premise - a police officer investigating a serial killer who is an excellent sniper, with a twist on who it actually turns out to be. But the film is created crudely by involving the police officer's wife into an incredulous blackmail scheme. Add to that the dark theme running in the film overall makes it a dull watch - why did the director / cinematographer think that people watching in theatres would enjoy watching a dull, dark screen throughout. Top that with the fact that the film is very slow moving. I wouldn't be surprised if some fell asleep in the theatres. The motivation of the killer is equally unconvincing. Just as the overall film itself.

A plain waste of a talented main cast...

Kabuliwala (1961)

The truth about life - love transcends bonds even amidst hardships

[9/10 · 13 April 2024]

This is a Hindi language film starring Balraj Sahni based on the poet Rabindranath Tagore's story with the same name.

The family is about a dry fruit seller's friendship and close bond with one of his customer's child. The street seller is from far away Afghanistan and is here in Bharat to make ends meet. But it's been years and he's not seen his daughter left behind. The young child reminds him of her. Tragedy strikes and circumstances put him in jail. How things turn out in the end forms the crux of the film's message.

Of how bonds of love transcend time and blood relations. Of the hardships that people world over go through, forcing them to be away from ones they love in order to make a living. Living a life of longing actually.

This film will stay with you. There is also a very good remake in the Netflix web series recently on Short stories by Rabindranath Tagore.

Balraj Sahni's performance is so realistic that you'd still remember him as the Kabuliwala. And the haunting song "Ae Mere Pyaare Watan" is played in channels even today.

Asli-Naqli (1962)

Masterpiece: Beautiful love story with good music and nice message

[10/10 · 31 March 2024]

This is a Hindi language film starring the beautiful pair of Dev Anand and Sadhana.

The film has a great message of truth and love. The music in the film is superb specifically the song "Tera Mera Pyar Amar" sung so hauntingly by Lataji. To be honest, it was this song that brought me to the film, and I'm so grateful for it, so that I could watch this beautiful classic.

The film is about an independent woman, who stands on her own in the midst of personal tragedy to take care of her mother and sail through. However the film follows Dev Anand and the parallel track of how a boy born with a silver spoon learns the value of things that matter most in life. A simple, well written story by Inder Raj, elevated to a masterpiece by the direction of Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

A wonderful film with a happy ending. A must watch!

The Play of God (1997)

Adaptation of Othello - Suresh Gopi's career best!

[8/10 · 27 March 2024]

This is a Malayalam language film starring Suresh Gopi and Manju Warrier.

The film is an adaptation of Othello - a famous story by William Shakespeare. The story has a stark lesson on the need for trust in human relationships and how fragile it can be if disillusioned within a weak mind.

Kaliyattam is the best of the two excellent adaptations of this story, the other being Vishal Bharadwaj's Omkara in Hindi. While the latter is popular being a multi starrer and also set in the backdrop of UP politics at the time, I love Kaliyattam more because of the beautiful music that elevates an excellent script and makes it memorable till date.

The film had Suresh Gopi playing his career best role as an acclaimed Theyyam performer Perumalayan, the protagonist with a complex that eventually makes him suspect his wife of an illicit relationship to disastrous consequences. Lal as the primary antagonist is diabolical. Perumalayan's weakness at falling for a third person's words and his angst are well portrayed by Suresh Gopi who deservedly won the National award for this film.

Watch it for him, the awesome music and the direction!

Unnikale Oru Kadha Parayam (1987)

An innocent and touching film

[8/10 · 19 March 2024]

This is a Malayalam language film starring Mohanlal and Karthika.

Superbly directed by Kamal, the story is about a man who runs an orphanage is diagnosed with a terminal illness. When the plot is simple is where the greatness of the talents in script, direction and performances come to fore (think of movies like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun). And this film is one such.

The story is one on those in the 80s whose tragic endings would touch the audience and make the film a runaway success. The music especially the title track is still memorable.

Mohanlal in one of his earlier appearances as the bearded hero along with his hit pairing with Karthika thrive in their mutual chemistry.

Worth a watch!

Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Men (1964)

Formula film but great music and performances

[7/10 · 16 March 2024]

This is a Hindi language film starring Kishore Kumar, the young Amit Kumar and Supriya Choudhury in perhaps her only Hindi film appearance.

The film is still remembered for its songs, and the real life father son playing so in reel life. The film was close to Kishore's heart and was written, directed and produced by him. While the story is simple and formula based, the script around it could have been better. This is where remakes of the same film in South Indian languages improvised and did well. This Hindi version though falls short.

Even though running just over 2 hours, by the end of it I found the film dragging and was waiting for it to finish. Numerous depictions like the search for doctors and the altercations with Vikram seemed like attempts to lengthen the film as there was nothing else in the script.

Likewise Kishore playing one man army when he was already injured by a single blow at the beginning seemed incredulous. Getting a healthy support cast would have helped.

Both Kishore and Amit especially play their parts well. It's a nice change to not see Kishore playing a comic, but going against typecast is also why the film wasn't accepted by the Hindi film audiences. The show stealer still is the beautiful Supriya for her sensitive presence and performance. Watch the film for her along with the songs. Any further expectations and you may be let down.

Sargam (1992)

Timeless for its music and story

[10/10 · 11 March 2024]

This is a Malayalam film starring Vineeth and Rambha.

A timeless and memorable film due to its music which was based on Carnatic. The story is also excellent which led the film to be remade in multiple South Indian languages. The film is a love story of a young couple who are separated by the mother of the boy's friend to whom the young boy is indebted to. What happens next, the toll it takes in everyone's lives and how in the end things take a turn for the better is the plot of the film. The ending fills everyone's eyes and Rambha won awards for this debut of hers while she was still in high school. It's sad that she wasted her talent later to glamour roles to be only remembered today for her item songs. Vineeth, Manoj K Jayan are also excellent. This is the film where Urmila - while much younger - excelled in mother roles and got typecast in it.

Watch it for Hariharan's direction, Yesudas and Chithra's voice and Bombay Ravi's music!

Meenathil Thalikettu (1998)

A laugh riot!

[8/10 · 9 March 2024]

This is a Malayalam comedy film starring Dileep, Thilakan and Sulekha.

The film is a laugh riot thanks to Dileep's performance. Dileep in the late 90s and early 2000s really was the underrated star who would make films a success with his comic timing, like Govinda in Hindi films throughout the 90s. This film was one such and I would say well worth a watch. Even if you watch more than once you won't be bored. I watched it first when travelling in a bus and was glued!

The premise itself is hilarious: a boy in his 20s is still unable to clear his 10th grade, and ends up getting married in a confused circumstance, much to the chagrin of his family. Things turn worse when the wife also gets pregnant.

Through all the funny moments, the film has a nice message for the youth. Some of the dialogues and songs are still popular.

One call out for the actress Sulekha: she's very beautiful in the film and performs very well. Surprised that her career only lasted 3 films!

Marattam (1988 TV Movie)

Treat for Kathakali and film lovers alike

[9/10 · 2 March 2024]

This is a Malayalam language dance drama. While it is structured as a movie, the story is portrayed via Kathakali performances.

Lovers of Kathakali and film connoisseurs alike are in for a treat with the story and the quality performances - both the acting and dances.

While the premise might be simple - police investigating the death of a performer, the mystery only gets deeper when each set of suspects they speak to claim to have committed the crime.

There is a bit of confusion around when the story moves into flashbacks, but bear it for half hour and you'll get the hang of it and start loving the film!

The twist at the end is also adds to the enigma. The film narrative peppered by written scene commentary in English ensures that none end up missing the flow of the story.

Urmila Unni, Kalabhavan Kesavan and most of Kathakali maestro Sadanam Krishnankutty give memorable performances. I wonder why the beautiful Urmila hurried into playing aged roles in mass films so soon after.

Loved the experience overall!

Adi Shankaracharya (1983)

First Sanskrit film: Excellent biography of Adi Shankara

[10/10 · 19 January 2024]

This is a Sanskrit biographical film on Adi Shankaracharya.

The film is an excellent summary of the key events in the life of Adi Shankaracharya. He was the foremost guru who walked the length and breadth of Bharat elaborating and teaching people on the principles of Sanatana Dharma (to the masses) and Advaita Vedanta (to scholars). He was a visionary who set up four mutts in the four corners of the country for the propagation of Sanatana Dharma (more commonly known as Hinduism). A scholar who provided simple commentaries on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma Sutras - the most revered texts of Sanatana Dharma. A poet who wrote lilting poems on Devi, Shiva, Ganga and many such divinities. A humanitarian who set up a method of worship, preached sects to come together and even wrote simple introductory granthas for people to move forward on the spiritual path. All this before giving up the physical frame by the age of 32.

You must not miss this film about the greatest spiritual legend who has walked the sacred bhoomi of Bharatavarsha.

The director GV Iyer and the lead Sarvadaman Banerjee do full justice. It's also commendable that this was the first Sanskrit film made in Bharat.

Trikal (Past, Present, Future) (1985)

A haunting experience

[8/10 · 18 January 2024]

This is a Hindi language film created by Shyam Benegal.

It's a haunting film - in the sense that it stays with you and doesn't leave you after. Many shades of human character are brought to the fore. All in the backdrop of Bharat's liberation of Goa from the Portuguese. One gets to see the mindset and culture of the people - some who identify themselves more as Portugese than Bharatiya.

The film is very introspective, played out in flashbacks of Ruiz when he comes visiting an ancestral property currently in ruins.

Leela Naidu as the matriarch is very good. But Neena Gupta stands out for how the local Bharatiya were exploited during the Portuguese occupation. Doing errands both menial and dangerous. Satisfying them and sacrificing themselves. Sad and that's the part that stands out.

Brilliant story with the monologue at the ending that makes you think..

Pakshe (1994)

Life's lesson on priorities - A hidden gem

[10/10 · 7 January 2024]

This is a Malayalam language film starring Mohanlal and Shobhana. It's underrated but actually a hidden gem. The film has a big lesson on life's circumstances and priorities.

The film is about an IAS officer who had to sacrifice the love of his life and get married to the daughter of a rich contractor in order to help his family's impoverished condition. His married life is unhappy and he leads a life of regret. The character of an overworked bureaucrat who is going through stress and deep unhappiness about his personal life is excellently portrayed by Mohanlal.

At a critical phase when he walks out of all of it, he encounters the lost love. He shares his pain and slowly the two reconcile and hope to rebuild their life. But will life really restore what was once lost..

The movie stands out for the excellent performances of Mohanlal and Shobhana. Those who have enjoyed the comedy films they Lal-Shobhana worked together in the 80s will be awed by their chemistry together in such mature roles.

The story has a few flaws but the director Mohan needs special mention for creating a film with the right pace and settings. The film was truly ahead of its times and will be much better appreciated by today's generation in the 40s who've seen life flying by in the IT field without really stopping to check what once wants. This is a film that can be easily related to even by international audiences.

A memorable must-watch!

Namoona (1949)

Watch it for the well scripted storyline

[7/10 · 30 December 2023]

This is a Hindi language film starring Dev Anand, Kamini Kaushal and Kishore Sahu in lead roles.

I saw the film on YouTube but it's hard to get a good print with the whole uncut version. But the film itself is very well scripted by the writers Jain and Bajpai. The film's plot is themed around both a love triangle of a woman and the hardships and sacrifices her mother had undergone to bring her up. The story beautifully weaves the two stories together in the end. The mother's story is especially bold for its times and the role is well essayed by Leela Chitnis.

Kishore Sahu is not very well known to the current generation but was well respected in the yesteryears. You can see an excellent performance from him in this film as an idealist.

The highlight of the film though is the breakthrough performance by Madan Puri as the villain. Playing comic and evil in the same vein, with impeccable dialogue delivery for again a well written character script, he does full justice to it.

Compared to all this, the lead pair of Dev Anand and Kamini Kaushal come out as a pale shadow - and this isn't an understatement.

Too many songs drag the story a bit and keep us waiting before the next twist.

Overall a great one time watch.

Aparadh (1969)

Well scripted and keeps you engaged

[9/10 · 20 December 2023]

This is a Marathi Language film starring Ramesh Deo and Seema Deo. The film is well scripted and a highly recommended watch.

The film is ahead of its times where the heroine played by Seema Deo actually plays a negative character. Ramesh Deo also stands out for playing grey shades throughout the film. One is never clear of his intentions until the end of the film. The film has thrilling moments and twists as you go along keeping the viewer guessing. One can't find any loopholes in the story, character development and the script which keeps us engaged. Add to it the beautiful music. The songs sung my Mahendra Kapoor are popular till this day - more than 50 years after release!

I was satisfied with the positive, justified ending. Happy Viewing on YouTube!

Irakal (1985)

Why a mind sinks to violence - it starts in the family

[9/10 · 10 December 2023]

This is a psycho drama created by KG George with Ganesh Kumar being the uncanny central character.

The film is a landmark for being a study into the mind of an idle mind, exposed to corruption and moral depravity in the family, steadily gets pulled into a situation where it can't make out right from wrong. Likewise such a mind is then unable to judge where to draw the line and gets sucked invariably to extreme violence and do unspeakable things.

Ganesh plays the role to the hilt. Thilakan as the father who is both corrupt and powerful has a well written character too.

The film is must watch for people who indulge in wrongdoing. They should understand that life comes full circle. The immediate family, especially impressionable minds are watching and absorbing. Integrity is first learnt in the family; it starts with example. That's the key message the film drives home via it's tragic ending.

Desatanakkili Karayarilla (1986)

A bold theme on lesbian relationship - sensitively handled by a genius filmmaker

[7/10 · 9 December 2023]

This is a Malayalam language film written and directed by the legendary P Padmarajan.

The film stands out for being one of the first to deal with a lesbian relationship. Being a product of its times, the messaging necessarily had to be subtle. It becomes clear only by the shocking ending. Until then the film seems to go down the path of a love triangle, rebellious teenagers and unrequited love.

Padmarajan's favourite Mohanlal delivers a sensitive performance. But the standout is by the protagonists played by Shari and Karthika who is the real lead here.

Wish the film could have been clear about the theme from the start, the lack of which and the inevitable confusion and dissatisfaction it leaves at the end is the reason for the lower rating. Otherwise, it's hats off to the director for writing a story on the theme and making a film on it!

Mitr: My Friend (2002)

Must watch for parents considering bring up children in a foreign culture

[7/10 · 8 December 2023]

This is a film made in Bharat but mostly in English. The film is about adjustment crisis in marriage and bringing up children in a foreign country.

This was the directorial debut of acclaimed South Indian actress Revathi and also won Shobana her second National Award after Manichitrathazhu.

Nasser also performs well as the balanced husband, the anchor in the family. The fulcrum of the film though is the daughter played by Preeti Vissa. Such a genuine and excellent portrayal of such a tough role. Preeti plays a daughter being brought up in a foreign land and hence unable to relate to the culture her mother tries to imbibe in her. She hence rebels and faces violent consequences of her mistakes.

Preeti was of the right age and hence I could play it from the heart, apart from her good looks and talent. Honestly, I became a fan and developed a crush on her. It was sorry to see her not appearing in any films after.

The ending of the film is a bit loose and disappointing and hence the drop in ratings and recommendations no doubt. This is otherwise a wake up call and a must watch for parents considering to bring up children in a foreign culture.

Koodevide? (1983)

Awesome direction - brilliant performances

[8/10 · 7 December 2023]

This is a Malayalam language film written and directed by P Padmarajan and starring Mammootty, Suhasini Hassan and Rahman.

The film has a very simple plot: a mischievous student is corrected via a teacher's love. Only to face the ire of her chauvinistic fiancee. The brilliance of a director comes out in the creation of a film from such simple stories. And Padmarajan's work is a treat for the viewer. Supported ably by memorable music. And brilliant performances by the star cast. Mammootty in a negative role is awesome. But the show stealer is Rahman in a genuine, straight-from-the-heart performance. I would say watch Koodevide as his breakthrough role.

Shirdi Ke Sai Baba (1977)

A genuine depiction of Baba's life and legacy

[10/10 · 4 December 2023]

This is a Hindi language film on the life of the legendary mystic and guru Sai Baba from Shirdi.

So powerful was the aura of this sage that it reverberates even today. With devotees and followers across Maharashtra where Shirdi is situated, to neighbouring states even today a 100 years later. Remarkably, he has a following across both Sanatana Dharma followers (Hindus) and Muslims alike. He dressed like a Muslim fakir and preached from both their teachings.

The film tries to set a context on how Sai Baba's appeal and miracles are beyond the explanation of both science and accident.

The film was the first honest attempt to give a view into Sai Baba's life and legacy. Led by the veteran Sudhir Dalvi playing the title character in his most memorable role with an inimitable performance. No one has been able to come close.. Leading Bollywood actors also gave commendable performances as the supporting cast, most of them cameos.

The music is also memorable. The film is a nice watch for children too and has never failed to leave the audience in tears.

Amrutham Gamaya (1987)

A must watch for growing adults - Avoid wrong or face guilt

[10/10 · 30 November 2023]

This is a Malayalam film starring Mohanlal. It's an excellent film created by Hariharan and written by MT Vasudevan Nair.

The film is a profound lesson on morality and a must watch for every teenager and college goer for its message.

The film is about a doctor and how the guilt of having caused a death by ragging weighs on him his entire life. Until he seeks forgiveness and redemption.

The film gets slow paced in the middle to get into the nuances of the impact in his personality and life situations. How maturity dawns in based on this single incident and the ramifications across his life. So each scene is significant. There is a scene where the protagonist Dr Haridas is holding on to a glass of water while listening to another person speak. He doesn't have a single dialogue but you can see he is attentive. That is the depth of characterisation and performance achieved.

I consider this as one of Mohanlal's best and most versatile performances. A must watch film!

Kitaab (1977)

A view into the mind of a child - A coming of age film

[8/10 · 28 November 2023]

This is a Hindi language film by Gulzar.

The film's theme is on the turbulence of childhood; a rare coming of age film from the 70s, and thus in a way a trendsetter in Indian films. Master Raju was a superstar of sorts in those days playing a young child in films - usually the hero's character from when he was child to give some background to the story. But in Kitaab, Master Raju's character Babla is the central character of the film. The film shows a child - rebellious and indisciplined - runs away from home and goes through a lot of struggles.

You get a view into the mind of the child and full credit to Gulzar to not playing defensive or playing to the gallery. He portrays children as they truly are, even naughty to the extent that they deserve a scold or spanking at times. The scenes showing them smoking though crossed a line for a family film and could have been avoided.

Otherwise an adventurous, engrossing film with a lot of lessons for growing up children.

Aashirwad (1968)

A story of self-sacrifice

[8/10 · 27 November 2023]

This is a Hindi language film starring Ashok Kumar.

A lengthy film about an idealistic and selfless landlord. Who tries to balance situations in life, about his tough wife who rules over the peasants with an iron hand. And his love for music and the downtrodden.

He willingly takes up a lot of hardships and sacrifices in life for this. A watchable film for the kind of self-sacrifice of a human for the poor and for family - which is so unique in our culture.

Ashok Kumar gives a brilliant performance. The music is great and especially Dada Muni's (Ashok Kumar as he was lovingly referred to) singing of Rail Gaadi as rap song!

A different film from Hrishikesh Mukherjee who was more popular for his light hearted comedies. But it is this film along with his directorial debut Musafir that show the depth of his talent truly.

Take Care Good Night (2018)

About Online privacy: Must watch for teenage parents and children!

[10/10 · 24 November 2023]

This is a Marathi language film starring Sachin Khedekar, Mahesh Manjrekar and Iravati Harshe.

This film is a must watch for parents, especially teenage parents and teenage children alike. In today's era where online privacy is a great issue threatening both the lives and future of the next generations.

The film's plot is about how a young vulnerable girl falls into one such situation. The biggest learning is to first confide in your parents. And for parents to then approach law enforcement. Any hesitation or delays in the above two steps is what makes the situation more complex.

The performances are great, and in multiple situations the film falls into an educative zone which while taking a bit away from the pace of the film, is very crucial to convey the message.

Sallapam (1996)

Love is not just an emotion, it's a commitment!

[7/10 · 22 November 2023]

This is a Malayalam language film which brought together the romantic hit combination of Dileep and Manju who performed together in multiple films after this and even got married in real life.

The film written by the brilliant Lohithadas had an excellent message too for the younger generation. That love is not just a feeling or an emotion. It is also a commitment. Venture into it only if you are serious about the commitment. Especially in our culture and society where family and relationships are held in high regard, it's not easy when someone walks out of a relationship unable to commit. Even more difficult for a woman, as seen by the trauma in the climax. That's how the film stands out than simply been a love triangle.

Excellent performances by the lead trio and good music and comedy makes in an entertaining watch for all ages, especially young adults!