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55 years of ‘Kab? Kyun? Aur Kahan?’, a ‘diabolic’ thriller

Starcast: Dharmendra, Babita, Pran, Helen and Ashoo   Music: Kalyanji Anandji, Direction: Arjun Hingorani "Kab? Kyun? Aur Kahan?...


Starcast: Dharmendra, Babita, Pran, Helen and Ashoo 

Music: Kalyanji Anandji,

Direction: Arjun Hingorani

"Kab? Kyun? Aur Kahan?" (When? Why? And Where?) is a Hindi suspense thriller that captivated audiences with its intriguing plot and strong performances. It's a film that blends elements of mystery, romance, and thriller, making it a noteworthy entry in Bollywood's 1970s cinema. The film, released on May 8, 1970, is known for its suspenseful plot, and the strong acting performances of the cast.

Storyline

The plot revolves around Asha, who is entangled in a web of mystery and danger. She is forced to kill her villainous uncle, Daljeet, to protect someone. Subsequently, she is haunted by what appears to be his ghost, leading her into a state of psychological distress. The storyline is filled with twists and turns, keeping the audience guessing until the very end. The romantic angle with Dharmendra's character, Anand, adds another layer to the suspense. The movie has a very strong second half, with many suspenseful moments.

Direction and Other Technical Departments

The direction effectively builds suspense and maintains a tense atmosphere throughout the film. The technical aspects, particularly the cinematography, are commendable, especially the underwater fight sequence, which was a notable achievement for its time. The film utilizes the scenic locations effectively, enhancing the overall visual experience. The film also has good pacing, which helps to keep the audience engaged.

Music

 The music by Kalyanji-Anandji, while not considered their most iconic work, contributes to the film's atmosphere. The title track, "Ho gaye tere ho gaye," is a highlight. The music effectively complements the film's suspenseful and romantic elements.

Performances

Pran: His portrayal of the villain, Daljeet, is a standout performance. He delivers a chilling and intense performance, leaving a lasting impression.

Babita: She effectively portrays the vulnerable and troubled Asha, capturing her emotional turmoil.

Dharmendra: He provides a solid performance as the male lead, balancing romance and action. His character is a strong support for Babita's character.

The supporting cast, including Helen, also contributes to the film's overall impact.

Influence of "Les Diaboliques"

"Kab? Kyun? Aur Kahan?" shares thematic similarities with the French noir classic "Les Diaboliques" (1955). Both films involve a plot where a character appears to return from the dead, creating psychological terror. The sense of dread and the manipulation of the main female character are also shared elements. While not a direct remake, "Kab? Kyun? Aur Kahan?" draws inspiration from the noir thriller genre, and "Les Diaboliques" is a very strong example of that genre. The Bollywood film adapts these elements to a Hindi film context, adding its own unique flavour with musical numbers and Bollywood-style romance.

"Kab? Kyun? Aur Kahan?" is a compelling suspense thriller that remains a memorable film from the 1970s.

- By Ayushmaan Mitra

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