Swayamvar (1980)
A cute fairy-tale of a movie, elevated by the presence of Sanjeev Kumar and Shashi Kapoor. Durga Devi (Nadira) is a rich widow with a stepdaughter, Shanti (Vidya Sinha), and a daughter, Roopa (Moushumi...
View ArticleAjanabee (1974)
Here was the third clue that I was really going to enjoy at least something about this film: —the first two clues being that it was directed by Shakti Samanta and that it was made in 1974. Rajesh...
View ArticleNamak Haraam (1973)
When people roll their eyes and scoff at “Bollywood” this is the kind of film it’s nice to have on hand to prove all their misconceptions wrong. It is a powerful social drama with great performances...
View ArticleChhaila Babu (1977)
There are only two things which give me *good* nostalgia for the 70s: ABBA music and Hindi movies. I spent the latter half of that decade wearing hideously patterned Qiana shirts, sporting feathered...
View ArticlePhaansi (1978)
Although I could not finish watching this DVD myself [begin rant: thanks to Shemaroo's incredibly poor quality control---about half the DVDs that I get which are manufactured by Shemaroo don't play all...
View ArticleMy ten favorite Rajesh Khanna songs
Tomorrow (today already in India) is Rajesh Khanna’s birthday. The PR fiasco that his latest film has become notwithstanding, I think that Rajesh in his prime (i.e. during the 1970s) was more fun to...
View ArticleDillagi (1978)
Basu Chatterjee’s films are difficult for me to like. There: I’ve said it! They tread a fine line: even the ones that do work for me (Piya Ka Ghar, Chhoti Si Baat), despite being funny and sweet,...
View ArticleHira Aur Patthar (1977)
I struggle a bit with Hindi films that are a commentary on religion and atheism since of course by Hindi Film Law the protagonists all have to end up squarely on the side of religion. I grew up on a...
View ArticleAaj Ki Taaza Khabar (1973)
Can a film about a spineless man bullied by his suspicious wife be fun? I admit, I had my doubts. Men complaining about their nagging wives get on my last good nerve. Maybe she’s nagging you because...
View ArticleHare Kanch Ki Chooriyan (1967)
I was pleasantly surprised by this no-holds-barred launch vehicle for producer-director Kishore Sahu’s daughter Naina, although possibly not for the reasons he intended. It is a colorful and...
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