Only a cinema-enthusiast would understand the thrill of a Friday. Put aside those liver-cautionary thoughts of a rager TGIF and bring on the big bucket of buttery popcorn & not-so-healthy-monster-size fizzy. With the pool of movie preferences and plot-line options becoming more diverse and dynamic, it’s getting harder to put a finger on one theme that hits a chord with all. Certain movies like Dangal seem to have hit bulls-eye across segments & tastes, whereas certain movies are like a bottle of vino that need time for appreciation.
Here are 4 stunning pieces of reel-work that didn’t make the box office collections go ka-ching immediately, but over the course of time became important pieces of work that contributed to the greatness of Indian cinema. Bookmark these 4 cult classics that we strongly recommend you watch to understand the cinematic craftsmanship of the late 50’s and early 60’s.
Teesri Kasam (1966)
With Basu Bhattacharya as the captain of the ship and Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman as the central leads, Teesri Kasam went on to win the National Award for best feature film. It’s interesting to see how an initial commercial-failure is now seen as the flag bearer of poetic cinema. This is a movie where human emotions are portrayed with nuanced sensitivity and it’s songs extraordinarily take the narrative forward. Teesri Kasam deftly dealt with the issue of exploitation of women in the performing arts, especially in travelling folk theatre. This poignant movie is truly a tragic irony where the box-office failure is said to have contributed to the demise of the noted lyricist, Shailendra – the same day as the birthday of Raj Kapoor who famously charged Rs. 1 for this movie. Both Raj Kapoor and Waheeda Rehman were lauded for their earthy portrayal of Heeraman, a bullock cart driver and Hirabai, a nautanki dancer, as they together explore the world of Nautanki in the film.
Door Gagan Ki Chaon Mein (1964)
Music and Comedy in India, more often than not, find their roots and affirmations with the genius Kishore Kumar. The maestro’s directorial debut, Door Gagan Ki Chaon Mein, dared to move away from his trademark yodeling and humour. Instead, it brought forth another genius side to this man. Drenched in melancholia, the plot trails an aftermath of a fire where a war hero loses his wife, the voice of his son and his house. Life in shambles, survival demands him to sell his honorary war medal. It is a movie about a war hero without painting a single scene from the battlefield. Even the cult maestro Satyajit Ray (also a relative of Kishore Kumar) appreciated the gravitas with which Kumar navigated the theme. With Kumar at the helm, it’s no surprise that the story is weaved beautifully with stellar notes and lyrics. While Kishore Kumar pulled his critics towards the ordinariness of a life beyond border glory; his movie failed to draw the audience to theatre. As words spread this film rose to full houses, making a silver run that rang successes by every yardstick.
Kagaz Ke Phool (1959)
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Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam (also a hit song from the movie) is ironically the perfect way to define the journey of Kagaz Ke Phool in the roadmap of Indian Cinema. This landmark film by the legendary Guru Dutt introduced realistic cinema to Indian audiences. Shot in flashback, the movie showcases an aspiring film director and his eventual demise. Familiarized with an eerie tragedy from the very beginning, the movie’s narrative did not sit well with the audiences. Movie historians felt a deep sense of personal embodiment of Dutt in this lengthy presentation. An unfortunate box office failure, Kagaz Ke Phool is regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time. However the demise of the movie compelled Dutt to turn superstitious; he never took credit for any of his future blockbuster directorial endeavors like Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Sahib, Bibi aur Ghulam. He believed his name was jinxed, and no one could alter the thought.
Dekh Kabira Roya (1957)
Intelligent comedy isn’t something instantly associated with Indian cinema. This movie will change that stance and make you laugh and applaud all at once. This stunning B&W depicts absurdity and chaos laced in the lives of couples back in 1960’s. With the lives of three couples at the forefront, special focus on the friendship & conversations between the women, this movie was way ahead of the curve. A painter, a poet, and a singer, this is a movie about women who make independent and conscious decisions; both professionally and personally. This cinematic feature didn’t gather much chatter or reel-space till date, but is a movie we would recommend you watch for multiple chuckles.
Got your own favourite reel that deserves a special mention? Share it with us at editorial@dssc.co
