Johny Mera Naam (1970) User Reviews

Interesting

[CriticGirl91 · 8/10 · 21 April 2015]

This is a film with an thrilling storyline and keeps your interest throughout. The acting is excellent, and it is evident why Dev Anand is legendary and Hema Malini is 'dream girl'. The music is superlative. It has all the bollywood masala to keep the audience entertained.

On the downside, a few scenes are pretty cringy in terms of indecency or violence to watch alongwith family. I also found the climax to be pretty rushed. We wait for Dev Anand and Pran to reunite all along the film, and then there is very limited interaction between them for all our wait.

Nonetheless, it is a must watch.

A definitive classic of Bollywood

[Ansango · 7/10 · 7 February 2024]

JOHNY MERA NAAM is a superbly amusing action thriller that, right from its banger musical score to the production design right down to the story beats, evokes the vibrancy and nostalgia of 1970s Bollywood. Vijay Anand borrows some elements from his previous classic JEWEL THIEF to craft this equally captivating tale that's filled with smugglers, secret identities, long-lost family members, compelling romance, enticing Bollywood-style melodrama, harmless comedy and engrossing plot filled with thrills and phenomenal performances. The most impressive thing is that the film juggles everything with awesome panache, and even though there is a lot going on, the great direction and amazing pace makes sure that everything remains fairly simple to follow. I have already said it, but again, this film's album is terrific. The due of Kalyanji and Anandji made the album by fusing western style with Indian instruments, and in process created one of the most unique and timeless music in Bollywood history.

While not a groundbreaker in any sense, but a wonderful screenplay, gritty atmosphere, polished action choreography and giving a modern aesthetic to the action-thriller genre in the industry, this film more than earns its status as a classic of Bollywood.

An Excellent Old Time Movie To Watch

[Pratik112 · 10/10 · 16 January 2007]

Johnny Mera Naam is perhaps Vijay Anand's best directed movie. Released in 1970, this movie went on to cause a stir as did the music as it was considered to be beyond its time.

Two brothers,Sohan and Mohan, both studying in the same school, have entered the school boxing competition. When the final comes it the two brothers find out that they are fighting each other. Sohan is declared winner but the match is continued at home and the mother tells them that they should wait for their father. Mohan, the elder, being impatient, goes to see his father - a police officer. Instead he witnesses a smuggler by the name of Heera murdering his father. He then tries to catch him by chasing him and lends up hiding in his car.

Years pass by and Sohan becomes an Police inspector and wanting to catch smugglers, he lands himself in a cell with the man who had murdered his father, Heera and introduces himself as "Johnny." He later escapes and meets up with a contact that he had been informed about by Heera - a female by the name of Rekha.

The movie stars the ever green Dev Anand, Hema Malini, Pran, Premnath, Ifteqar and I.S. Johar. The story is good but more than that is the direction by the late Vijay Anand. But the acting by all and especially the comic side by the late I.S. Johar, is absolutely brilliant. The songs to listen out for are "O Mere Raja," "Baabul Pyaare," "Nafrat Karne Waaloh" and "Parbhal Keliye" - they are most memorable as is the music by Kalyanji - Anandji.

I recently saw this movie after a very long time and was in tears as it brought back floods of memories and especially especially childhood ones. This is a movie that is worth watching.

Far ahead of it's time. As watchable today. See it NOW!

[raghavan-69 · 10/10 · 1 June 2006]

This is a great film. Perhaps Vijay Anand's best. Of course, Guide is a terrific film too but Johny Mera Naam is something special. It's way way ahead of it's time. It's thrilling, emotional, funny, cool and action packed. And it's got great music, stupendous performances and a zing from the very first frame when the titles drip red.

Johny defies synopsis. IT's a convoluted and totally incredible story and yet it's seamless, pacy and a ton of fun.

I've seen it over a dozen times on screen. Till a few years back,in the pre multiplex, pre cable times, we used to have matinée shows of old films at reduced rates.

I wish one could see it no screen today. But it's equally enjoyable on TV too. Johny Mera Naam and Deewaar (Yash Chopra's) are two of the best screenplays of the Hindi mainstream cinema.

aaaaaaaaaaa good since of story

[paribadar · 10/10 · 10 August 2006]

-aa very good film.The cast was brilliant so was the direction. One of the best film Vijay Anand directed. The movie stars Dev Anand, Pran, Hema, Prem Nath, Padma khanna,etc. Dev Anand is brilliant, so is Pran. It's a great story and lovely music. Hema Malini looks gorgeous and her dresses r great. Padma has a small role but she have done great job. Her dance number with Prem Nath is brilliant also. Prem Nath as usual a great villain. I saw this film long time ago when I was a kid but even today I see it still enjoy the film. It has a great suspense, action, comedy and romance. The music that you can never forget. But as far as trimurti films concerns, I think Dewaar was better but this film was not bad at all. The scenes from this film has been copied in many latest films but this was the best film of original. I give it 9.3 /10

Film by Vijay Anand

[hds-24055 · 9/10 · 26 April 2020]

Mother of many masala pot boilers from the 1970s. And better than them all. Typical characters from the 1970s, but far better sketched. Vijay Anand is the best suited person to make movies for the Indian audience.

Ordinary movie with some great moments

[Blazewada · 16 November 2002]

This is a simple, lost brothers who finally unite, formula movie, but what makes it watchable are some great movie moments. I don't think many people know who Padma Khanna is(poor man's Mumtaz) but her sexy dance will blow you away. Trust me it is unique and has never been done before or since. And then there is that beautiful song - "Babul Pyaree" - every daughter's memorable song. One of the most heart pulling song ever pictured. Another favorite song of mine is the bhakti song - "Govind Bolo Hari gopal bolo".

There are other memorable movie moments like when Dev Anand says that he has been following the daughter so that she would lead him to her father only to realize that the daughter was also trying desperately to reach her father.

If you like Dev Anand and Pran's incredible voice plus some good acting this movie is a must see. Trust me, you will rewind the tape to watch Padma Khanna. Little known fact: Dara Singh's brother has a small role in this movie.

Captivating storytelling, and catchy music

[disharma-24131 · 10/10 · 31 May 2023]

"Jhonny Mera Naam" is a Hindi movie released in 1970, directed by Vijay Anand and starring Dev Anand, Hema Malini, and Pran in lead roles. It is a crime thriller with elements of romance and action, which was quite popular during its time.

The story revolves around Jhonny (played by Dev Anand), a thief who disguises himself as a police officer named Vikram to carry out his criminal activities. However, he becomes involved in a love triangle when he falls for Rekha (played by Hema Malini), who is the sister of a police inspector (played by Pran). The movie follows Jhonny's attempts to navigate his criminal life while trying to win Rekha's love.

One of the highlights of "Jhonny Mera Naam" is its engaging plot, filled with suspense, twists, and turns. The screenplay keeps the audience hooked, with several unexpected moments that keep them guessing. The movie also features well-choreographed action sequences.

The performances in the film are commendable. Dev Anand shines in the titular role, effortlessly switching between Jhonny and Vikram's characters. His charismatic screen presence and smooth dialogue delivery make Jhonny a memorable character. Hema Malini adds charm and beauty to the movie, portraying the love interest with grace. Pran delivers a strong performance as the police inspector torn between his duty and family.

The music of "Jhonny Mera Naam" is another highlight. Composed by Kalyanji-Anandji, the songs are melodious and have stood the test of time. The iconic track "Pal Bhar Ke Liye" became immensely popular and is still remembered today.

However, being released in the 1970s, the movie may feel a bit dated to modern viewers. The production values and cinematography might not match the standards of today's films. Additionally, some aspects of the story may seem predictable or clichéd by contemporary standards.

Overall, "Jhonny Mera Naam" is a classic Hindi movie that offers a blend of romance, action, and suspense. It has memorable performances, captivating storytelling, and catchy music. If you enjoy vintage Bollywood cinema or are a fan of Dev Anand's work, this movie is worth a watch.

A complete entertainer!!

[rtoac1 · 9/10 · 4 April 2021]

This this a Hindi film starring Dev Anand, Pran and Hema Malini.

I began watching the film with low expectations. And ended up being amazed by the script, direction, music and comedy. What a complete entertainer!!

Do not get bogged by the 2hr 45 min length. Watch the full version with all the twists in the tale. Time also has gone into the songs, but they are all hummable tunes and each fitting into the storyline. Note that this was the biggest box office hit of the year!!

IS Johar is a laugh riot in the film and Dev Anand, Pran and Premnath perform well. But I think the biggest credit goes into the direction by Vijay Anand and it's a tragedy that the industry didn't get many many more creations from him after this.

Evergreen entertainer.

[nadkarnisumeet · 9/10 · 14 November 2021]

Johny Mera Naam review :

After Guide (1965) and Jewel Thief (1967), Dev and Vijay Anand jodi completed their hatrick with this superhit film. Johny Mera Naam is a complete entertainer and perfect mixture of emotions, drama, action, music and sex. In short, the film had everything to satisfy the varied taste of the moviegoers.

A typical lost and found formula of brothers (Dev Anand and Pran) separating in childhood and then re-uniting years later to fight a common enemy (Premnath); Vijay Anand's outstanding execution elevated the film to an altogether different level. Dev Saahab's magnetic charm and Hema Malini's beauty was utilised perfectly here and the song "Pal bhar ke liye koi hume pyaar karle" is still memorable for its imaginative use of window panes.

Another number "Husn ke lakhon rang" attained notoriety of sorts due to the sexy Padma Khanna doing a strip tease dance for the amorous Premnath. Reportedly, the theatres used to be replete with ceetis and catcalls from the front bencher crowd as Padma removed her clothes one by one through the song. The way Premnath just pounces on her in the end still gives me chills!!

Expectedly, Dev Saahab owned the film through his sheer style and swag. Pran and Premnath excelled in their roles. IS Johar had a triple role of Pehle Ram, Dooje Ram and Teeje Ram - triplets who Dev Anand keeps bumping in to one after another throughout the film.

Johny Mera Naam was seen as direct competition to Raj Kapoor's Mera Naam Joker (1970) and Kapoor had requested producer Gulshan Rai to change the title to Johny. Refusing point blank, Rai asked Raj Kapoor to name his film Joker instead. We all know the box office fate of both the films but today, both are regarded as cult classics and I personally love both of them.

Johny Mera Naam not only influenced the formulaic cinema of '70s and '80s but also made director Sriram Raghavan pay a rich tribute to the movie in his neo noir thriller Johnny Gaddar (2007) in which some clips of the film are also seen.

One of the finest entertainers of Hindi cinema; Johny Mera Naam is Dev Saahab's biggest success of the '70s. It is an evergreen film. Just like him!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni.

HIGHLY ENTERTAINING MOVIE

[sunildaswaney-63642 · 9/10 · 10 April 2020]

"Johnny mera naam" is a highly entertaining film (made by India's best director Vijay Anand)and remains one of my all time favourite Hindi movies even 50 years after its release. 9/10

Superb Movie

[IPyaarCinema · 9/10 · 4 April 2021]

Review By Kamal K

What a director vijay anand was..magnificent editing and direction and still looks super fast movie. He was genious. Superb acting from Dev Anand Saab and premnath and is johar. Unforntunetly dev Anand took direction in his hands for his latter movies and the golden partnership ends. But before that they gave masterpieces like guide jwel thief and Johnny mera naam.