In a multi-religion country such as India, where sectarian violence has reared its ugly head on more than a few occasions, but where those of different beliefs have generally gotten along for thousands of years, it is of interest to note two excellent and hard-hitting Bollywood films which deal with the post 9/11 attitude towards Muslim peoples.
AAMIR (2008) features former soap actor Rajeev Khandelwal in a powerful performance as Dr. Aamir Ali who is handed a cell phone by a stranger as he is departing a Mumbai airport, heading for home. The phone rings and his nightmare begins. Aamir’s family is being held hostage by a small terror group who have decided to use him, an upstanding young Muslim doctor, to carry out a vile bombing. The film is an edge of your seat thriller and puts a whole different face on who some suicide bombers could be, and likely at times, are. Would you kill innocents in order to save your family? Or would you fail to follow through knowing that your loved ones will be brutally murdered? This is not your typical feel good Bollywood, but rather one that will make you think about things you never imagined that you would have to think about.
In ANWAR (2007) a depressed young Muslim artist named Anwar (Siddarth Koirala) takes overnight refuge in an abandoned Hindu temple, which is positioned along a busy highway. While he is doing his prayers by the river, a small boy steals Anwar’s bag of drawings. These drawings of Hindu temples quickly find their way into the hands of a politician vying for re-election and by morning the temple is surrounded by police, the media, and rubberneckers all certain that the young man hiding inside is a terrorist planning to bomb holy places.
The film takes on an ACE IN THE HOLE quality, as the situation is exploited by everyone involved…a newswoman desperate for a story, a corrupt politico who is having image problems, a police officer who simply wants to get home to his dying wife…carnivals pop up, vendors appear, a patriotic song contest develops, wackos attempt to incite panic, and even a movie director and his crew shows up to film a Bollywood dance number on location. The film takes a looks into the lives of those involved in the goings on, particularly Anwar, whose love for a neighbor girl, which he imagines is like that of the devotion that Meera had for Krishna, has caused him to end up in this crazy situation in which he has no control, and seemingly no way out.
This is no comedy (although it is not without its comedy interludes), the story is a tragic one, and one that could easily happen in today’s world where too many ill-informed people believe that Islam = terrorism.
Manisha Koirala, Vijay Raaz, and Yashpal Sharma co-star in this amazing and sad look at not just India’s, but the world’s culture of fear.
I cannot resist a Harbhajan Maan film! His Punjabi melodramas always entertain me, and it is nice to see that his latest couple of films have really increased in production values. I may be mistaken, but I think this is Harbhajan’s first costume drama.
Next to the music, the costumes and colors are what make a Punjabi film total eye candy, and this trailer for HEER RANJAH shows off these features quite nicely.
The movie is out on DVD (with subtitles) and I look very forward to watching it!
Chandni (Rehana), a foreign returned student, is distressed to discover that her father (Iftikhar) plans to marry her off to his friend’s son, a boy she has never even met.
The girl steals away from her dad while on a train trip and meets up with two bozos, Fooman (Yakub) and Dhaboo (Gope), who are on the lam from the police due to their traveling by rail without benefit of paid fares. The newly created threesome, low on funds, but high on ideas, decide to put on a musical program to raise some extra dough.
Their number is a smash, but then Fooman and Dhaboo figure they can make even more money by selling a “miracle cure” hair tonic to the audience which, of course, fails miserably, causing the user’s hair to completely fall out.
Soon the trio are on the run, being chased by a mob of angry customers. Dhaboo, Fooman, and Chandni hide themselves in a large crate which ends up aboard a steamship headed out to sea.
Finding themselves to be stowaways on a boat hired to take a spoiled princess (Purnima) back to her home country, our three friends don crewman uniforms in order to avoid detection by the ship’s captain, Prem (Premnath).
Dreamy, isn’t he!
It isn’t long before Capt. hottie Prem discovers the trio, but after they explain their situation he allows them passage, as long as the are willing to work for it.
Although the fear of walking the plank has subsided, Daboo and Fooman are now worried that the handsome Prem might take a liking to the delectable Chandni. You see, our two loveable goofballs each have hopes of becoming her suitor, and they don’t want competition from the swarthy seaman. They convince Chandni that it is in her best interest to continue to disguise herself as “Mr. Chand,” sailor.
Prem learns that his new crew members have a talent for music and dance and the result is a delightful number, with Chandni taking the lead performing in the guise of a man disguised as a girl.
There is plenty of Busby Berkeley-like goodness! Something that is high on my list of things that make me smile.
It is only a matter of time before Chandni (still dressed as a man) falls for Prem (and really, who wouldn’t), much to the consternation of her two smitten cohorts.
Our girl finally comes clean about the ruse.
….which results in this bit adorableness…
Swoon, right!
All would be well except that even the princess has her eye on the studly captain, and she has every intention of making him her prince charming. Prem has been playing along with the princess’ flirtation so as not to ruffle her feathers whilst she is aboard his ship and paying the bills, but he is not at all interested in her romantically, and he has yet to learn that filmi duplicity of this sort always spells trouble.
Upon arrival at the Princess’ tropical kingdom Prem, Chandni, Dhaboo, Fooman, and Billu (the captain’s assistant, as played by Sunder) are greeted in the royal palace by the Princess’ brother (Hiralal), who is the king.
And how!
Chandni has remained disguised as a man…
…but the king isn’t fooled for a minute and reveals the deception
The princess is not happy by the addition of this pert and pretty female now in her midst, and her displeasure is compounded when she discovers that Prem does not love her as she loves him.
When she learns that it is Chandni that the captain reveres, she becomes absolutely livid!
As revenge, the princess tears her clothing, making it look as though Prem had made illicit advances towards her…
….and the king has the captain imprisoned for doing naughty things.
Chandni begs the king to release Prem, but the king wants her to forget the captain and become his wife.
Sure, the idea of being queen of a lovely tropical island has its strong points, but Chandni, even though a modern, educated girl is still old-fashioned when it comes to pyaar, and she sticks with her first choice in love, Prem.
…besides, Prem is a keeper!
However, when Chandni witnesses her unconscious lover in the torture chamber…
…about to have his eyes plucked out with hot steel rods, it is too much for the girl to bear and she concedes to be the king’s bride in order to save Prem’s life, or at least his eyes.
This news the scorned princess later delivers with glee to a now wide awake Prem. Of course she leaves out any of the pertinent facts that might make Chandni look heroic.
It is difficult to believe that this is the same Premnath who just a few years later, due to heavy drinking and probably a good meal or ten, would go from this…
to this….
….of course, if I could afford to eat tasty Indian meals every day I’m sure I would be on my way to looking like pudgy Premnath, as well (and alas, when I look at recent snaps of myself, I begin to worry that I may be soon getting there).
In the midst of these happenings, there are musical numbers, including one very lovely song and dance by Cuckoo.
Chandni manages to convince the king to release Prem and friends from captivity. Prem, wrongly believing that Chandni has forsaken his love for the comforts of the palace, sneaks back into the castle to take bloody vengeance on her, only to be stopped at the last-minute when he overhears her song of lost love…..
…..and he realizes he is mistaken about her intentions. The big dope.
Reunited with his paramour…
….the two are caught by the king, who sentences Prem to be burnt at the stake.
Will our dreamy guy be reduced to burnt ash?
Will the princess learn to move on after losing her love match?
Will Chandni succumb to the kings proposal? And what of the young man she was promised to?
All this and more will be revealed when you see SAGAI!
SAGAI opens with a wonderful latin rhumba theme, making you think you might have just stumbled upon a Dorothy Lamour picture. The lively music makes me realize right away that I am going to enjoy this picture! Bollywood of the early 1950s seemed to go all out in trying different types of musical styles, and this makes for a unique mixture of classic and modern, Indian and foriegn, and is one of the great treats of viewing Hindi films made in the post Independence era.
The lead actress Rehana is cute as a button and reminds me very much of Konkona Sen Sharma, both in looks and charm. Rehana has a superb sense of comedy timing and manages to hold her own during the comedic first 2/3rds of the film, despite the obvious attempts by Yakub and Gope to upstage her. This is my first time seeing Rehana, but I plan to immediately get to her 1950 film DILRUBA, where she plays opposite Dev Anand. I can imagine that the chemistry between those two will be fantastic, although whether Dev and Rehana will equal this much cuteness, it is difficult to say.
Just makes your dil go all squishy, na?!
I do hope that more of actress Rehana’s films will be release on DVD in the near future (are you listening FRIENDS DIAMOND COLLECTION?) as very few seem to be available at the moment, although there are some other Rehana films out there on VCD for those who do not need subtitles.
Just see how cute she is!!
As an aside, Rehana, who is, as of this posting, still among us, had a successful career for a few years, but by the mid 1950s was reduced to secondary roles. At that time she moved to Pakistan where she hoped to revive her career, but with little success. Very sad. She is said to live a reclusive life now, but Ms. Rehana if you should ever get wind of this writer’s blog, it would please me greatly to do a story on your life and career!!
The young Premnath was another wonderful discovery for me with the viewing of SAGAI. Up to this point in my Bollwooding I had only known him in his pudgy, character actor avatar, which of course is wonderful, but to see him so very handsome and fit in this film was a revelation. I mean, just look at the man. He is stunning!
His character was cocky, but likeable… and humorous. There was one plot point with him that did, however, make me somewhat uneasy and that was the point where he plans to get revenge on Chandni because he thinks she has fallen in love with the king. He takes a large knife and is going to stab her! This was entirely out of character for Prem. I mean this fun-loving, handsome professional climbs into Chandni’s boudoir to stab her to death! I was flabbergasted. This action simply did not fit his character (unless he was secretly psychotic) and the scene seems so out-of-place and creates the danger of the viewer feeling unsympathetic towards Prem. Not that this sort of odd character transition doesn’t happen a-plenty in Bollywood films, it does and I am fairly used to it, but still, it would have been so much more effective had the screenwriter simply had Prem plan to angrily tell her off, rather then intending to slice and dice her. When things like this do happen in Hindi films I just have to wince and accept it, otherwise it would spoil the whole movie for me. Another later scene has Prem again acting out of character and being somewhat cruel to Chandni…although this situation is later explained to the audience’s satisfaction.
Gope and Yakub are familiar names to me, having seen them credited on many vintage filmi posters and song booklets, but this was my first time actually seeing them in a movie, at least together, and evidently they did frequently work as a team. In SAGAI they are doing their best Abbott and Costello schtick, and at times they are amusing. Unfortunately, a little Gope and Yakub goes a long way, and there was just far too much of them in SAGAI. It would not have hurt to have their scenes trimmed a bit, particularly the Keystone Cops inspired chase scene near the beginning of the film which wore out it’s welcome quickly.
They do resemble Abbott and Costello, though, don’t they?
Sunder, on the other hand, has a minimal role in the film, and frankly I find him to be a much more enjoyable funny-man (I do admit that I sometimes get him confused with the comedian Agha), and the film would not have suffered from a bit more of his antics.
All in all, SAGAI is a sweet, funny, enjoyable film, with plenty of Saturday matinee serial frolics thrown in towards the end. The movie could use a little tightening up in places, with less time given to the comedians and more time given to the pretty leads, but despite that it still entertains. The print used by FRIENDS is missing at least one scene. There is a shot of the princess, on board the ship’s deck, just about to talk to Prem. You see a split second of that scene and then all of a sudden the entire cast is in the castle, on the island, being introduced to the king. Otherwise the film source used is in fairly good shape.
The songs by C. Ramchandra are delightful, in particular “Udhar Se Tum Chale” which I found myself humming long after I had finished watching the movie. You too can enjoy it below, with subtitles).
One very nice discovery was that I found that I have in my pile(s) of unwatched Bollywood films, at least one or two other early handsome Premnath films, which I plan to watch very, very soon!
You’ll know the worst about every woman when you see REFORM SCHOOL GIRL!
One of my all time fav 1950s juvenile delinquent films…Gloria Castillo, Diana Darrin, Yvette Vickers, Jan Englund, Sally Kellerman, Ed “Kookie” Byrnes!
The star actress of Hindi classics like AURAT (1953), ANARKALI (1953), MARINE DRIVE (1955), and TAJ MAHAL (1963) passed away of at age 78 of a heart attack. She was the widow of actor Prem Nath. Folklore has it that Bina Rai went on a hunger strike until her parents allowed her to try her hand at acting, and she went on to became a popular leading lady in the 1950s.
She is survived by her son, 1980s actor and current day film producer Prem Krishan
In honor of actor Tony Kendall, who passed away on November 28, I present the trailer for what looks like (I have yet to see it due to the fact that I have yet to find a decent copy of this film on DVD!!!) one cool movie!!
While I have not seen any of the Supermen films as of yet, I have seen all of Mr. Kendall’s Kommissar X films and all I can say is bravo!
A View from the Piano Bench
My friend Jose has a blog…he loves food and music…if you do too, then this blog is for you!
Beth Loves Bollywood
Indeed she does, and she loves Shashi Kapoor, also! And you get plenty more with Beth’s blog as she discusses vintage and new Bollywood. Can you feel the love?!
Briyanshu
Don’t want to get stuck watching a hero who has spent too much time at McDonalds? Well, Briyanshu will inform of the hunkiest Hindustanis around so that even the lamest masala flick will entertain, as long as the star takes his shirt off.
Die, Danger, Die, Die Kill!
Todd is awesome! He really is. He loves all kinds of crazy world cinema, and he discusses it with great humor while never putting it down. He can’t, he just loves it too much!
Filmi Girl!!
My morning is not complete without reading Filmi Girl’s round-up of the latest Bollywood goss. She also keeps me informed of the latest must see Tollywood, Sandalwood, and other regional DVD releases. I thank you Film Girl, as does Visa and Discover
Go West Man, Dog, and Cat
Writer/film maker Jerry Lee Davis loaded his car with animals and headed to tinsel town. Humorous and touching, this blog will make you feel good! And get Jerry’s book TWIN CITY! It is a fantastic read!
Memsaab Story
If you thought I was addicted to Bollywood films, well, you must check out Greta’s blog. She makes my obsession look like mild curiosity! And she will make you laugh, too!
Monster Island News
All the news that’s fit to print on Asian horror and more!
Music from the Third Floor
A great place to download vintage Bollywood LPs and burn them onto disc…some swell music can be found here!
SIDELONG GLANCES OF A PIGEON KICKER
Brett writes for G-FAN magazine and has the enviable job of interviewing anyone and everyone associated with classic Japanese sci-fi films.
The Good, The Bad, And Godzilla
I first knew of August Ragone in 1977, when the then teenager appeared on The Capt. Cosmic show talking about Japanese sci-f. His blog is awesome, and so is the book he wrote. Buy it!!
Urdu – English Dictionary
What are they saying??? Here is a handy guide to Urdu words found in Hindi language movies (which really are mostly in Urdu…it is very complicated). No subtitles, fear no more!
Classic Images
If you love old Hollywood movies this monthly magazine is a must!
FilmFax
The best of the best for inteviews with obscure actors, articles on cult films, and so much more.
Films of the Golden Age
Second only to Classic Images as the best vintage movie magazine around.
Video Watchdog
Tim Lucas’ amazing magazine covers a wide variety of film from all over the world. You will discover films you never knew existed and read some of the most fascinating interviews ever.
Websites you will enjoy visiting
BEAR MANOR MEDIA
Fantastic publisher specializing in books on film, radio, and television.
DVD Beaver
Want to know what is new in region 2 DVDs or eclectic art films? You will find out at DVD Beaver.
G Fan
If you love Japanese science fiction then you must get this magazine, it is amazing.
Hollywood Show
Located in beautiful downtown Burbank, The Hollywood Show occurs several times a year and gives you an opportunity to meet and chat with all variety of present and past film and tv personalities.
SCREEN INDIA
A great place to see what is going on in Bollywood..gossip…anouncements…interviews..and more
The Checkpoint One Foundation
An organization that is very close to my heart. Helping Iraqi and Afghani interpreters find safe haven in the US. This non-profit organization is run by Capt. Jason Faler.
The Real Allison Hayes
Actor and writer Jack Randall Earles is an expert when it comes to B movie actress Allison Hayes and his website will tell you everything that you ever wanted to know about this fascinating performer.
Where I shop
AnyTamil
The largest selection of south Indian films around.
Araby Music
Next to Pakistan, the Arabic countries have the best pop music around.
HK Flix
Best place to buy DVDs from Hong Kong and around the world. You will be amazed at what you can find at H K Flix.
Induna.com
Looking for obscure Bollywood movies? You’ve come to the right place. Induna has everything, including the best customer service around
Kannada Store
Tired of Bollywood, well try Sandalwood, Kannada cinema. Here you will find great prices, excellent service and a wide variety of Kannada language films.
Kritzerland
If you like rare film soundtracks or cast recordings of vintage Broadway this is the place to find them. And check out the cool line of mystery books available by author Bruce Kimmel.
Kurotokagi Gumi
A fantastic place to buy rare, vintage Japanese samurai and yakuza films on DVD
Nehaflix.com
Good prices and reliable service, Nehaflix is one of the best places to shop for all your Bollywood needs.
Pakistani Music
I truley believe that Pakistan has the greatest pop music of the 21st century. Here you can listen to clips and buy CDs. Just do it!
Percepto Records
Looking for the soundtrack to DINOSAURUS? It is here. The music from SHAKIEST GUN IN THE WEST? They got it! Check ‘em out.
R.U.S.C.I.C.O
Russia has released some wonderful old fantasy films, and many of them are now available on DVD.
Thomas Film Classics
The Jack Benny Program, People’s Choice, Blondie and Dagwood, Amos and Andy, Ripcord, Markham, Suspense Theatre, and much more…all on DVD!
