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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