nat_carni Reviews

Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

Absolutely wonderful movie!

[8/10 · 13 April 2008]

A great movie classic from the Golden age of Hindi movies. So sweet a story with absolutely wonderful songs that excellent scenery and staging. This the the film debut of Sharmila Tagore (granddaughter of Asia's 1st Nobel prize winner Rabindranath Tagore). Shammi Kapoor is also excellent in this movie - a very natural and versatile actor who did a great job in this movie. This is a classic love story of a pampered city boy getting his comeuppance from the poor, but proud village girl and his chase to capture her heart.

The cinematography is gorgeous and the Kashmir never looked as beautiful as it does in this film

A must have in any Hindi movie collection!!!

Water (I) (2005)

A wonderful, life affirming movie that is a must see!

[9/10 · 13 February 2007]

"Water" is truly excellent and a wonder to watch. Though it moves slowly, so do glaciers and I felt that is had that type of impact. It is truly sad that a nation such as India which prides itself on secularism, treated Ms. Mehta is such a shabby fashion and that Sri Lanka had the fortitude to allow filming of "Water" there. I strongly suggest that if you see this movie on DVD, please do listen to the Director's commentary. It in itself is moving. I felt very sad indeed and rather ashamed that Ms. Mehta's film sets were destroyed and tossed into the river by Hindu fundamentalists. Surely, we can be bigger than this in India. This sort of pettiness and fanaticism holds back India from fulfilling its rightful destiny at the forefront of nations.

The performances of all the actors were sublime, yet powerful. I was sad that Lisa Ray did not marry John Abraham, but how could see when she saw what house the boat was taking her to? I loved Sarala in her child widow role. Her feistiness and indomitable spirit in the face of tough odds is very life affirming. The ending was a surprise, but a joy to watch. I felt moved to clap and smile when she finally reached the arms of a rather surprised John Abraham. It was also nice to see Waheeda Rehman as well in her brief role as his mother. A beautiful film and the photography and geography of the Sri Lanka were superb as well.

Dor (2006)

The loyalty of a wife to her husband triumphs over adversity.

[8/10 · 13 February 2007]

I very much enjoyed this movie and thought performances by both females leads were good. I especially liked Zeenat's (Gul Panag) courage, quiet dignity and fortitude in the face of an overwhelming and frightening situation for a young bride. I am of the opinion that she acted better than Ms. Takia, but both were very good. Mr. Talpade is also excellent as the comic foil and does a admirable job of plaing the jester. He is a con man with a heart of gold and proves this in his dedication to the cause at hand. I enjoyed his performance in Iqbal and here as well. It is really worth seeing this movie - the scenery is also breathtaking especially the scenes of Himachal Pradesh! The story line is also a different one - I have not seen such a topic in Hindi films.

Sangam (I) (1964)

Raj Kapoor ,lost in combat., comes back to see that his best friend is with his wife...

[7/10 · 16 October 2006]

The story is a little contrived and the acting melodramatic, but the songs make the movie. The songs are really very well situated amidst the beautiful and breathtaking scenery. Vyjantimala's spontaneous dance in the European hotel has never really been successfully duplicated in Indian cinema. It is a classic that was shot in one take I believe. The songs are really and truly memorable and are still heard today in the collections of Mukesh. Also, Raj Kapoor's acting was so effortless and natural in the boat scene where he captures Vyjanitmala and pulls her into his boat. The song is Mehbooba and is terrific. Another excellent song is Mere Prem Patra and the location shot is absolutely stunning and very colorful.

Kala Bazar (1960)

Great film and a wonderful comment on the path of righteousness

[10/10 · 16 October 2006]

A very heart warming movie with great acting and absolutely lovely songs. A must see for cinema that portrays the grittiness of life. Dev Anand's acting is restrained and effortless. He displays all the charm that he is rightly famous for and looks quite the dandy in his ascot, coat draped over this shoulder's and bouffant hair style. None of the phony and overdone glitz of today's movies - simple, charming and a strong commentary on the insidiousness and vagaries of corruption in India. It must have been quite daring in 1960.

The music and songs are really wonderful and worth the effort to see this film. The song shot in Ooty is very well formatted as is the foot path scene in Mumbai illuminated by the street light. This is a classic of Indian cinema as is Dev Anand's other movie of 5 years later - GUIDE. Both are must see movies for those who enjoy Hindi films.