Starcast :- Balraj Sahni, Raaj Kumar, Achla Sachdev, Sunil Dutt, Sadhna, Shashi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, Rehman ,Surendra ,Motilal, Leela Ch...
Starcast :- Balraj Sahni, Raaj Kumar, Achla Sachdev, Sunil Dutt, Sadhna, Shashi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, Rehman ,Surendra ,Motilal, Leela Chitnis, Madan Puri and Jeevan . Special Appearance :- Shashikala
Direction :- Yash Chopra
Music :- Ravi
Introduction:
Waqt, released on 10th September 1965, directed by Yash Chopra, is a landmark
film in Indian cinema, heralded as the first of many multistarrers from
Bollywood. This family drama, produced under the B.R. Films banner, brought
together an ensemble cast of superstars, including Balraj Sahni, Raaj Kumar,
Sunil Dutt, Shashi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, and Sadhana. With its gripping
narrative, opulent production values, and memorable music, Waqt not only
captivated audiences but also set a template for future Bollywood blockbusters.
Its exploration of fate, time, and familial bonds resonated deeply, making it a
cultural touchstone.
Storyline:
The film revolves around the disintegration and
eventual reunion of a prosperous family torn apart by fate. Lala Kedarnath
(Balraj Sahni), a wealthy merchant, lives happily with his wife Laxmi (Achala
Sachdev) and their three sons. However, an earthquake shatters their idyllic
life, separating the family. The narrative follows the divergent paths of the
sons: Ravi (Sunil Dutt), who grows up to be a principled lawyer; Vijay (Shashi
Kapoor), the youngest is the only one who remains with his now old mother ; and
Raja (Raaj Kumar), who becomes a suave criminal with a heart of gold.
Interwoven with their stories are romantic subplots involving Meena (Sadhana)
and Renu (Sharmila Tagore). The plot masterfully explores themes of destiny,
love, and redemption, culminating in a dramatic courtroom scene where the
family is reunited. The nonlinear storytelling, inspired by Hollywood’s Lost
Horizon, was innovative for its time and kept audiences engaged with its
emotional depth and suspense.
Direction and Other Technical Departments:
Yash Chopra’s direction is a standout, showcasing
his ability to balance grandeur with emotional intimacy. At just 31, Chopra
displayed a mature understanding of pacing and character development,
seamlessly weaving multiple storylines. His use of vibrant Technicolor and
lavish sets, particularly in the palatial homes and bustling markets, reflected
the aspirational ethos of 1960s India. The cinematography by Dharam Chopra
captures the opulence and tragedy with equal finesse, using dynamic angles to
heighten dramatic moments. The editing is crisp, ensuring the sprawling
narrative remains cohesive. The costume design, especially Sadhana’s iconic
churidar-kurtas, set fashion trends, while the art direction created a vivid
backdrop. However, some scenes, like the earthquake sequence, appear dated by
modern standards, though they were groundbreaking for the era. The film’s
technical prowess laid the groundwork for Bollywood’s love for spectacle-driven
storytelling.
Music:
The music, composed by Ravi with lyrics by Sahir
Ludhianvi, is one of Waqt’s crowning glories. The soundtrack, featuring
timeless classics like “Aye Meri Zohra Jabeen,” “Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu,”
"Kaun Aaya ke nigahon mein" and “Din Hai Bahar Ke,” remains etched in
Bollywood’s musical legacy. Each song is intricately woven into the narrative,
enhancing the emotional and dramatic arcs. “Aye Meri Zohra Jabeen,” sung by
Manna Dey, is a romantic masterpiece, while Asha Bhosle’s “Aage Bhi Jaane Na
Tu” exudes philosophical depth. The title song sung by Mohd Rafi and it's
background score amplifies the film’s tension and sentiment, showcasing Ravi’s
versatility. The music not only elevated the film’s appeal but also became a
cultural phenomenon, with songs still cherished today.
Performances:
The ensemble cast delivers stellar performances,
each actor bringing distinct charisma. Balraj Sahni is the emotional anchor as
Lala Kedarnath, portraying a father’s anguish and resilience with understated
brilliance. Raaj Kumar’s Raja is flamboyant yet layered, his baritone delivery
and sharp dialogue (“Jaani, yeh chaaku chhuri ka khel hai”) stealing scenes.
Sunil Dutt’s Ravi exudes integrity, balancing intensity and warmth,
particularly in the courtroom sequences. Shashi Kapoor, as the naive Vijay, brings
youthful charm, while Sadhana and Sharmila Tagore shine as Meena and Renu,
their elegance complementing their emotional depth. Supporting actors like
Achala Sachdev and Rehman add gravitas. The chemistry among the cast,
especially in romantic and confrontational scenes, is electric, making Waqt a
showcase of acting prowess.
Conclusion:
Waqt is a cinematic gem that transcends its era, blending emotional storytelling with technical excellence and unforgettable music. As Bollywood’s first multistarrer, it pioneered the genre, paving the way for future ensemble-driven spectacles. Yash Chopra’s visionary direction, coupled with a powerhouse cast and a soul-stirring soundtrack, makes the film a timeless classic. Its exploration of fate and family continues to resonate, reminding us that time, as the title suggests, is both a destroyer and a unifier. For cinephiles and casual viewers alike, Waqt remains a must-watch, a testament to Bollywood’s golden age and its enduring legacy.
By Ayushmaan Mitra
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