Starcast: Ashok Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri, Usha Kiran, Shobha Khote, Aruna Irani, Suresh Chatwal Direction: Hrishikesh Mukh...
Starcast: Ashok Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bhaduri, Usha Kiran, Shobha Khote, Aruna Irani, Suresh Chatwal
Direction: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Music: S. D. Burman
Introduction
Mili (released on 20th June 1975) is a poignant romantic drama directed
by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, a filmmaker renowned for his ability to weave humane
stories with universal appeal. Produced under N.C. Sippy and Hrishikesh
Mukherjee’s banner, the film stars Jaya Bhaduri, Amitabh Bachchan, and Ashok
Kumar in pivotal roles, with supporting performances by Usha Kiran , Suresh
Chatwal, Aruna Irani and Shubha Khote. Often regarded as the female version of
Mukherjee’s earlier masterpiece Anand (1971), Mili shares thematic similarities
with its predecessor, focusing on a terminally ill protagonist who spreads joy
despite personal tragedy. Released during the peak of Amitabh Bachchan’s rise
as Bollywood’s “Angry Young Man,” the film showcased his versatility in a
softer, romantic role alongside Jaya Bhaduri’s effervescent charm. With a
soulful soundtrack by S.D. Burman and lyrics by Yogesh, Mili remains a timeless
classic that balances romance, optimism, and the fragility of life.
Storyline
The story revolves around Mili Khanna (Jaya
Bhaduri), a vivacious and cheerful young woman living in a Bombay apartment
complex. Despite her terminal illness, which is revealed later, Mili radiates
positivity, transforming the lives of those around her. Her infectious optimism
contrasts with the brooding Shekhar Roy (Amitabh Bachchan), a wealthy but
disillusioned man battling personal demons, including alcoholism and a
traumatic past involving his mother’s suicide. Mili’s warmth and zest for life
gradually draw Shekhar out of his shell, sparking a tender romance.
The narrative unfolds as Mili’s presence uplifts
the entire apartment community, from children to elderly neighbors. However,
the looming shadow of her illness adds a layer of poignancy. As Shekhar and
Mili grow closer, he proposes marriage, unaware of her condition. The climax,
marked by Mili’s deteriorating health and Shekhar’s commitment to stand by her,
avoids melodrama, instead emphasizing love’s resilience. While reminiscent of
Anand in its portrayal of a life-affirming protagonist facing mortality, Mili
carves its own identity through its focus on romantic love and community bonds.
The screenplay, co-written by Bimal Dutta and Dr. Rahi Masoom Reza, is
emotionally engaging.
Direction and Other Technical Departments
Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s direction is the soul of
Mili, blending sensitivity with restraint. Known for his neo realistic
storytelling, Mukherjee crafts a narrative that celebrates life while
acknowledging its unpredictability. His ability to depict everyday interactions
with authenticity—whether Mili’s playful banter with neighbors or Shekhar’s
internal struggles—lends the film a relatable warmth. The pacing is deliberate,
allowing emotional moments to breathe, though the second half occasionally
feels repetitive.
Technically, Mili excels within the constraints of
1970s Indian cinema. Cinematographer Jaywant Pathare captures Bombay’s
middle-class apartment culture with simplicity, using natural lighting . The
apartment complex, a central setting, is shot with a lived-in feel, grounding
the story. Editing is seamless, maintaining narrative flow despite multiple
character arcs. The production design by Ajit Banerjee is understated yet
effective, with Mili’s colorful wardrobe reflecting her vibrant personality.
Sound design, while basic, supports the film’s emotional beats. Mukherjee’s
collaboration with his technical team ensures that storytelling gets the top
priority, a hallmark of his filmmaking style.
Music
The soundtrack, composed by S.D. Burman in one of
his final works, is a gem, with lyrics by Yogesh that perfectly capture the
film’s emotional core. The songs, though few, are integral to the narrative and
remain iconic:
“Aaye Tum Yaad Mujhe” (Kishore Kumar): A
melancholic yet soulful track picturized on Amitabh Bachchan, reflecting
Shekhar’s longing and introspection.
“Maine Kaha Phoolon Se” (Lata Mangeshkar): Sung
with playful exuberance, this song encapsulates Mili’s joie de vivre, with Jaya
Bhaduri’s performance enhancing its charm.
“Badi Sooni Sooni Hai” (Kishore Kumar): A haunting
melody that underscores the film’s themes of loneliness and mortality,
beautifully rendered by Kishore Kumar.
The background score, is subtle yet evocative. The
music’s simplicity aligns with the film’s grounded aesthetic. The songs
continue to resonate with audiences, cementing S.D. Burman’s genius in crafting
music that transcends eras.
Performances
Jaya Bhaduri delivers a career-defining performance as Mili, embodying the character’s effervescence and vulnerability with remarkable ease. Her ability to convey joy while hinting at underlying pain makes Mili both relatable and unforgettable. Amitabh Bachchan, as Shekhar, complements Jaya with a restrained yet intense portrayal, showcasing his range beyond action roles. Their chemistry, rooted in their real-life relationship, adds authenticity to the romance, with moments of tenderness that linger. Ashok Kumar, as Mili’s father, brings a lot of warmth, his understated performance anchoring the family dynamics. Supporting actors like Usha Kiran and Shubha Khote as the gossiping neighbour add depth to the community narrative, with Khote injecting light humor. The ensemble cast, under Mukherjee’s direction, creates a believable slice of urban life. Jaya and Amitabh’s performances, in particular, elevate Mili into a masterclass of emotional storytelling.
Conclusion
Mili (1975) stands as a testament to Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s ability to craft stories that resonate across generations. Often called the female version of Anand, it shares its predecessor’s life-affirming spirit but distinguishes itself through its romantic core and community focus. The film’s simple yet profound narrative, bolstered by Mukherjee’s sensitive direction, captures the beauty of human connections in the face of mortality. S.D. Burman’s soulful music and the exceptional performances—especially by Jaya Bhaduri and Amitabh Bachchan—lend Mili an enduring emotional depth. While some narrative threads feel unresolved, the film’s sincerity and optimism outweigh its flaws. Mili remains a cinematic treasure, reminding us to embrace life’s fleeting moments with love and courage, even after half a century of its release.
-By Ayushmaan Mitra
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