Our reviewers select and review the best independent and foreign films on amazon.com, cd universe, and netflix

Title : Mujhe Jeene Do
Year : 1963
Directed by Moni Bhattacharya
Produced by Sunil Dutt
Music by Jaidev & Lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi
Starring Sunil Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, Nirupa Roy, Rajendra Nath, Anwar Hussain & more.

One of the key subjects where you can perfectly feel the enigma around Hindi Cinema, its larger than life drama, its thrill and the incomparable cinematic magic in its characters onscreen can be found in the “Dacoit movies” made in the 60s and 70s. And among the first few movies made in this genre was Sunil Dutt’s Mujhe Jeene Do (Black & White), which was directed by Moni Bhattacharaya and produced by Sunil Dutt himself.

Considered as one of the finest films of Hindi Cinema, it beautifully touches the sensitive issue of a hardcore deadly dacoit of Chambal valley transforming into a kind hearted man. In fact this particular part of the film (its final hour) dealing with the transformation makes you notice all the finer details in its direction and forces you to see it once again from a different angle. Personally it made a stunning impact on me listening to its extraordinary song talking about a mother’s traumatic situation thinking about her son’s future saying,

“Tere Bachpan Ko Jawaani Ki Dua Deti Hun,
Aur Dua Deke Pareshan Si Ho Jaati Hun”
(I bless you my son for your future life but then become worried too thinking about your scary future) 

I would like to rate this track as one of the most precious songs of Hindi Cinema written for a given situation. It thoughtfully explains a mother’s emotions wherein she is wondering that how her son would suffer and what price he will have to pay for his father’s wrong deeds and brutal murders as a dacoit. What will happen to him in his youth as he seems like having no future at all being the son of a wanted criminal? The words not only make a strong impact on Sunil Dutt playing the dacoit in the film, but they also move the viewers like very few songs are able to do in the history of Hindi cinema. A perfect example of how a single track can make a difference enhancing the overall impact of a film all together.

Meaningfully penned by Sahir Ludhianvi and melodiously composed by Jaidev, the film has few other great musical gems too such as, Raat Bhi Hai Kuchh Bheegi Bheegi (with a fabulous choreography), Ab Koi Gulshan Na Ujdhe Ab Watan Azaad Hai, Maang Mein Bhar Le Rang Sakhi Ri and Nadi Naare Na Jao Shaam Paiyaan Padun, superbly sung by Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle and Mohd. Rafi.

Mujhe Jeene Do established Sunil Dutt as an actor, who simply looked perfect in the costume of a dacoit with a tilak (a mark) on his forehead and a rifle in his hand. He brought such elegance to the character that despite of being a killer on the screen, people felt like sympathizing with him in the later part of the film. The reason being that Mujhe Jeene Do never glorifies or glamorises a dacoit’s life in its script but shows it as it is to the viewer with all its sufferings, fear, insecurity and struggle hidden under his loud voice raised against the social system.

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The film is available at Amazon.com at the following link :

http://www.amazon.com/Mujhe-jeene-do-Anwar/dp/B0016GOMFQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1352125816&sr=1-1&keywords=mujhe+jeene+do

Title : Dastak
Year : 1970
Directed by Rajinder Singh Bedi
Starring : Sanjeev Kumar, Rehana Sultan, Manmohan Krishan, Anwar Hussain and more
Music : Madan Mohan, Lyrics : Majrooh Sultanpuri

There was a time when Film-making in Bollywood, used to be solely dependent upon “The Writing” and its story content. An interesting plot depicting the social surroundings of the people was the first requisite of starting a project in those days. And that was the reason why we had so many famous writers from the world of literature working for films as the contributors of its story, dialogues, script and lyrics. Such was the depth in the basic idea behind all those movies that they still are studied as a benchmark in the history of Hindi Cinema after so many decades.

DASTAK (Knock) is one of those rare & bold movies made on an off-beat subject which surprisingly still remains relevant even today after so much development experienced all over by the society and its people. Revealing its outstanding thought provoking plot, just imagine the trauma faced by a newly-wed couple (shifted to their new house), after they are told that the house was earlier owned by a prostitute who was pretty famous in the locality and used to run her business right from there. Taking the viewer into the couple’s extremely tense and uncomfortable days in that house, the movie is a kind of philosophical journey digging into the various kinds of double standard personalities living around us in a society. Besides, it also re-defines the power of Tolerance possessed by a human which empowers him to surpass any unexpected tough condition in life with his precious patience.

Coming to the cream of talented people associated with the film, it is written, produced and directed by Rajinder Singh Bedi, one of the 20th century’s greatest progressive writers of URDU fiction. The name needs no introduction to the readers who are well familiar with Urdu Literature and its prominent writers. But the best thing is that here the original writer has himself directed the film in such a manner that it makes a very similar kind of impact as felt after reading the story in its published form. And that is not an easy task to achieve since there are very few movies which have been equally transformed into an enlightening visual experience taking it all from a book.

Featuring the one & only Sanjeev Kumar along with Rehana Sultana as the innocent couple, DASTAK is also known for its outstanding soul stirring musical score by the unmatchable Madan Mohan including the songs sung by the Queen of Musical Notes,Lata Mangeshkar. In fact the tracks are universally included in the list of The Finest Ever from this famous talented duo and can be found in the Top 10 List of both the magicians, compiled by any music critic or fan living anywhere around the globe.

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This film available on Amazon.com,http://www.amazon.com/DASTAK-Sanjeev-Kumar/dp/B000I0RVTA/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1332081816&sr=1-1

My Name is Kahn (India 2010, 165 min, dir: Karan Johar, cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol).

The plight of a Muslim man from India traveling across the US trying to convince post 9/11 America that he is not a terrorist is enough, but burdened with Asperger Syndrome it makes Shah Rukh Khan’s (Rizvan) performance all the more amazing.

This hybrid film is actually a Bollywood production but set in San Francisco and dealing with American problems faced by Indian immigrants. Before Rizvan Kahn’s problems even begin with being suspected as a terrorist, he has to overcome the prejudices of his own people against Muslims. He falls in love with beautiful Mandira (played by Kajol) but she is Hindi and shunned for marrying him.

The bombing of the Word Trade Center shocks their world and makes him a marked man because he is a Muslim and because he can not properly explain himself on account of the Asperger Syndrome effects. He embarks on a journey across the US to see the president and explain that he is not a terrorist. Along the way he touches many people and, somewhat like an Indian Jesus, brings a message of love and tolerance wherever he goes.

It goes well, it goes badly. It actually goes on a long time at over two and a half hours. But then, Bollywood films are usually measured by the hours of pleasure, not the minutes of seat squirming. Along the way are music, songs, colors and hope. There is a lot to see here and enough to keep your finger away from the fast forward button.

Title : Yaadein
Year : 1964
Produced, Directed and Acted By Sunil Dutt

Sunil Dutt, a lovable person, is fondly remembered by everyone not only as a film personality, but also as a kind, humble and thoughtful human who had a multi-dimensional career ranging from an actor-producer-director to a social worker-politician. However, it might be news for many that the thinking man was also the first person to make an innovative venture in Bollywood called “Yaadein” in the year 1964.

The film was a unique attempt since it was A SOLILOQUY act performed by Sunil Dutt, in the role of a worried loving husband, who is surprised to see his wife and children not at home one day as he returns from the work. Making his own assumptions, he starts imagining about the reason for their absence and in turn begins talking to himself about his own mistakes and regrets.

The attempt was and is still novel because it has only One Actor in the movie, Sunil Dutt, who talks to himself and his imaginary personalities throughout its nearly 2 hours of duration on only One Set. And that is the reason it is termed as A SOLILOQUY. Indeed a path breaking, Black & White experimental piece of art, which was also directed by the legendary Sunil Dutt himself as his directorial debut.

Apart from its solo act, YAADEIN is also a must watch movie for every student and lover of cinema for its brilliant use of imaginary expressions. Just watch out the way Sunil Dutt very intelligently uses the background music, various voices, photographs, cartoons, images and shadows to show the presence of the second person in the narration. In fact the film also introduces you to another form of visual expression -A SILHOUETTE, in which a black shadow is used to depict a distinct personality.

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Title : Garam Hawa
Year : 1973
Directed By M. S. Sathyu
Starring : Balraj Sahni, Farukh Sheikh & more.

“Garam Hawa” is a gem which has to be there in the top brackets of any kind of list compiled about the movies made on the subject of India’s Partition. Also considered as one the Top 10 Movies made in the Hindi Film Industry till date, “Garam Hawa” is among the favourites of many renowned stalwarts of Bollywood, who still remember the aura it created at the time of its release in 1973.

For me, it is one of the best works conceived around the subject of India’s partition in 1947. The film is based on the story of famous Urdu Writer Ismat Chugtai and captures the moments of those tough times in just the right spirit without going into any blood-shed or extreme violence. Truly speaking, the director and writer show the trauma of that era more through their characters and their breaking relationships than by showing some bloody scenes of deadly riots full of mutual hatred.

It has Balraj Sahni, the most natural Indian actor of all times playing the lead character, caught within the communal tension and his performance is undoubtedly among the Best Ever performances of Hindi Cinema. In fact why he is known as the most natural actor, is righty proved by this film without any doubt.. Thoughtfully directed by M. S. Sathyu, the film gives you a chance to feel the violent conflicts between Hindus & Muslims, before & after the partition, as a first-hand experience. Each character in its script is affected in his own way by the hard & unexpected decision took by the leaders of that time. And as you see it, the terrifying moments are bound to make you go numb and speechless for few minutes.

Undoubtedly one of the most intense movies on this topic which makes you sit back and think about the situation our ancestors had to face at that particular point of time. In a very sensitive and subtle way it captures the dilemma every Hindu, Muslim and Sikh had at that time, about whether to move away or not. And further it has a well shot climax which is a complete chapter in itself to study, leaving many open questions for the viewer to think it over.

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DVD available: http://www.amazon.com/Garam-Hawa/dp/B000FVE49W/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1312966885&sr=1-1

Water (India 2005, 117 min. dir: Deepa Mehta, cast: Sarala, Lisa Ray, Ronica Sajnani.

All movies shot in India are fabulous on a 46-inch flat screen. Water makes you want to swim in the Ganges. Seeing Water it’s hard to imagine this sacred river is filled with pee, chicken feathers, dead cows, and worse. Sacred sewer is probably a better description.

But Deepa Mehta is not a filmmaker focused on ecology. His river is serene even though the people who live along it are troubled, spiritual and venal. This doesn’t include Kalyani (Lisa Ray) or her hopeful lover, Kunti (Ronica Sajnani). Both are beautiful.

And even though the movie takes place in 1938 against the rise of Gandhi and Lisa Ray plays a prostitute; she looks like she has her hair styled at Jean Louis David. Ronica Sajnami wears three-day whiskers a la mode. I don’t think Indians in 1938 were anything but clean-shaven. But then, I don’t want to seem petty.

The story is about Chuyia (Sarala), who was wed in an arranged childhood marriage and saw her old husband die soon after. She’s carted off to the windows’ ashram where she is supposed to live the rest of her life. Her she has her head shaved and meets the group of flinty old harpies she must live with and who try to crush her childish yen for freedom and fun.

Kalyani befriends her. She’s the pretty one so the harpies have not shaved off her hair. This way they can make some money pimping out her sexual services to pay the rent. Wouldn’t you know, handsome Kunti falls in love with her without knowing she’s servicing his father?

There’s a lot that is good in Water, even though it’s fun to pick apart the plot contrivances and glamor excesses. Not the least of the important stuff is the rise of Gandhi, the awakening of women, the injustice of the caste system, and the transformation of the British colony to an independent state.

It’s also worth noting that Lisa Ray gives an impressive performance. For a Canadian girl who started as a swimsuit model and didn’t speak a word of Hindi (she learned for the film, but was later dubbed), Water is quite an accomplishment.

Title : Stanley Ka Dabba
Year : 2011
Directed By Amol Gupte
Starring : Partho (Director’s son), Amol Gupte (Director himself), Divya Dutta and more

Amol Gupte, the real man behind the highly acclaimed Taare Zameen Par (as the writer and creative director of the film), strikes back with his own film, once again revolving around children and their emotional school journey seen through the eyes of an innocent, helpless yet courageous child named Stanley.

If you wish to compare it with TZP, then Yes, visibly SKD does have a similar look to that of TZP since it has been conceptualized by the same creative person and director. But content wise it simply deals with another more important and universal problem of child education, which unarguably takes Stanley Ka Dabba to much greater heights as compared to TZP. Hence with that point of view SKD can easily be stated as a few steps ahead of TZP.

However, instead of going into any comparison I would like to talk about STANLEY KA DIBBA alone and the cinematic excellence achieved by its director Amol Gupte through his honest and sincere efforts. In few words, SKD is a very simple, sober and free of any gimmick kind of movie made on a sensitive subject related with child education. It is a soulful journey into the small world of the little masters, their truthful friendships, their innocent planning and their lovable concern for each other.

It reminds you of those carefree years spent in the early school days, when there was no tension, greed or cunningness in our hearts for each other. When we used to demand very funny things from the GOD with our eyes closed and hands folded.

It reminds you of the time when we used to sing the latest movies Songs loudly in absence of any teacher in the class, playing the rhythm on our desks.

-The time when we used to wait for the recess period just to check each other’s tiffin boxes to see that what they have brought today from their homes and there always used to be one or two friends whose tiffins were pretty famous in the whole class for their quality of food.

-The time when we used to eat in the class under the table and if not allowed then asked for ‘a water break’ to drink some water till the recess bell rings.

-The time when we all had crush on the same teacher, in most of the cases our English Teacher, who looked beautiful with her fabulous dress sense and had a magical fragrance.

-The time when a few continuous absents of a class-mate used to make us worried as hell (and in our days we even didn’t have any phones from which we could make a few calls to his home.)

-The time when the same project of ours was appreciated by one teacher and disapproved by the other.

-The time when we used to give our own funny names to each and every teacher of ours, including the ones we loved dearly.

And the time when one boy or girl of our group suddenly became the Hero of the School after participating in a reputed competition and we all cheered for him shouting as loud as we could running all over the school premises.

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Title : Taare Zameen Par
Year : 2007
Directed By Aamir Khan
Writer & Creative Director : Amol Gupte
Starring : Aamir Khan, Darsheel Safary, Tisca Chopra and more

Words fell short as I start writing about this impressive emotional movie from the actor-director – Aamir Khan & his team. Unarguably the film deserves a standing ovation for its unusual content and for its near perfect execution as a first of its kind attempt in the Indian Cinema. In fact the impact I felt after viewing it was quite similar to that of watching Classics of great Indian film makers like Bimol Roy and Guru Dutt.

Aamir Khan delivers exactly what was being expected from him, an out of the routine, emotional, memorable and enlightening film which is capable of bringing changes in the lives of many families. The film revolves around a boy who is facing difficulties in studies and his teacher who comes in his life as a morning breeze. The story emphasizes completely on the character of the child, his thoughts and is a journey into the imaginative world of his mind. Especially the visual interpretation of what he is thinking is innovatively shot and is a visual treat to watch.

Aamir Khan is a thinking brain with a heart of gold and that he has proved with this debut directorial venture of his. He has the guts of following his heart and coming out with a completely unconventional film like this. However the Writer and Creative Director of the movie, Amol Gupte equally deserves his share of praises too for the commendable effort. The greatest merit of the film is that it is not at all preachy, but it teaches along with providing the required entertainment to the viewers.

The film talks about a condition of a child who is finding tough to compete with his classmates but he never talks about it as a disease or a mental disorder to cure. Aamir focuses on the fact that we got to give proper attention to all kids in a family as everyone has his own areas of abilities. He also pin points on to the parents who always want their children to score high in their studies and just ignore the other aspects of life relating to the alternate interests of a child in art and culture.

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buy the film from Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddvd&field-keywords=Taare+Zameen+Par&x=0&y=0

Title : Road To Sangam
Year : 2009
Directed By Amit Rai
Starring : Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Pawan Malhotra, Javed Sheikh and more.

It is really very unfortunate when brilliant movies such as “Road To Sangam” come and go unnoticed without making any kind of buzz mainly due to lack of publicity and no Bollywood’s big over-famous heroes on its posters. But if this means loss for its producers then it is also means an even bigger loss for the viewers too, who remain deprived of such small budget gems due to the above mentioned reasons.

Anyway, if you haven’t heard of this title earlier then let me introduce you to a film which not only has some great actors showing their skills on the screen, but which is also based on a splendid real life inspired story idea which is both exciting as well as enlightening at the same time.

What if I tell you that even after more than 5 decades of GANDHI’s death, a part of his ashes are still lying there in a vault waiting for getting immersed in the holy waters? And now a big national procession has to be planned to take those ashes for their final rituals along with thousands of people who love & respect the Mahatama. That’s the basic idea of “Road To Sangam” which is surprisingly based on a true incident of the late nineties when a part of Mahatama’s ashes were actually discovered lying in a bank’s locker.

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