Starcast: Manoj Kumar, Hema Malini, Prem Nath, Brahm Bhardwaj, Sulochana, Prem Chopra, Pran and Kamini Kaushal Direction: Sohanlal Kanwar Mu...
Starcast: Manoj Kumar, Hema Malini, Prem Nath, Brahm Bhardwaj, Sulochana, Prem Chopra, Pran and Kamini Kaushal
Direction: Sohanlal Kanwar
Music: Shankar Jaikishen
Introduction
Released on October 17, 1975 in Calcutta and Delhi and on December 5, 1975 in Bombay Sanyasi is a
Hindi-language action drama directed by Sohanlal Kanwar, starring Manoj Kumar
and Hema Malini in lead roles, with a robust supporting cast including Prem
Nath, Prem Chopra, Pran, and Aruna Irani. Produced under the Filmnagar banner,
the film emerged as the third highest-grossing Bollywood film of 1975, a year
marked by cinematic milestones like Sholay and Jai Santoshi Maa. Sanyasi blends
romance, social commentary, and action, weaving a narrative around spirituality
and deception. Notably, this film marks a shift in Manoj Kumar’s acting style,
moving away from his signature patriotic persona, often dubbed "Bharat
Kumar," to a more mass-oriented, commercially driven performance, aligning
with the era’s demand for masala entertainers.
Storyline
Sanyasi revolves around Ram (Manoj Kumar), a devout
Hindu raised by his widowed mother, Renukadevi (Sulochana), and guided by his
grandfather, Rai (Brahm Bhardwaj). Influenced by the Bhagavad Gita, Ram
embraces celibacy, yogic practices, and a life free of vices, rejecting
marriage despite his mother’s wishes. After Rai’s death, Renuka urges Ram to
honor his grandfather’s wish for him to marry, arranging his meeting with Aarti
(Hema Malini). However, the plot thickens when Renuka transfers the family estate
to Ram’s cousin Rakesh, who covets Aarti, triggering a web of deceit. The
narrative takes a dramatic turn as Ram transforms from a pious sanyasi to an
action-driven hero, confronting fraudulent babas and criminals like Ishwar Baba
(Prem Nath) and Banwari (Prem Chopra), who exploit religion for nefarious
purposes. The story incorporates mythological references (Kalidas,
Vishwamitra-Menka, Ramayana) and social commentary on fake spiritual leaders,
culminating in a predictable yet commercially satisfying action-packed climax.
While the screenplay by Ram Kelkar offers engaging twists, the latter half
becomes somewhat convoluted, blending Hollywood-inspired tropes like Don Juan
and Robin Hood, which dilutes its coherence but caters to the era’s mass
audience.
Direction and Other Technical Departments
Sohanlal Kanwar’s direction, though credited, bears
the unmistakable stamp of Manoj Kumar, who reportedly influenced every frame,
as noted in reviews from the time. Kanwar balances the film’s spiritual
undertones with action and drama, though the narrative occasionally falters due
to its ambitious mix of genres. The cinematography by Radhu Karmakar captures
the vibrant visuals, particularly in song sequences like “Chal Sanyasi Mandir
Mein,” enhancing the storytelling. Sudhendu Roy’s art direction recreates temples
and mansions authentically, while Nand Kumar’s editing keeps the
2-hour-35-minute runtime engaging, though some transitions feel abrupt.
Costumes by Bhanu Athaiya and others reflect the characters’ diverse personas,
from Ram’s ascetic robes to Hema Malini’s glamorous attire. However, the film’s
technical execution, while competent, doesn’t push boundaries, aligning with
the standard Bollywood aesthetic of the mid-1970s. The action sequences, though
crowd-pleasing, lack the polish of contemporaries like Sholay.
Music
The music, composed by the legendary
Shankar-Jaikishan, is a highlight, significantly contributing to Sanyasi’s
success. With eight songs penned by six lyricists (Indivar, Hasrat Jaipuri,
Verma Malik, M.G. Hashmat, Visheshwar Sharma, and Vithalbhai Patel), the
soundtrack is diverse and memorable. Standout tracks include “Chal Sanyasi
Mandir Mein” (Mukesh-Lata Mangeshkar), which advances the narrative with its
visuals, and “Yeh Hai Geeta Ka Gyan” (Mukesh-Lata), a socially charged song
critiquing fraudulent saints. Other notable songs are “Sun Baal Brahmachari”
(Mukesh), “Bali Umariya Bhajan Karon Kaise” (Mukesh-Lata), and “Kya Maar Sakti
Maut Use” (Manna Dey). While not all songs maintain the film’s momentum, the
melodies are lilting and resonate with the era’s musical sensibilities, making
the soundtrack a commercial and cultural success.
Performances
Manoj Kumar delivers a committed performance as
Ram, marking a departure from his patriotic roles in films like Upkar (1967)
and Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974). In Sanyasi, he embraces a broader,
mass-appealing style, transitioning from a restrained, spiritual character to a
swashbuckling hero, showcasing versatility that earned him a Filmfare Best
Actor nomination. Hema Malini, as Aarti/Champa, radiates charm and glamour, her
portrayal likened to the mythical Menka, though her role lacks the depth of her
later performances. Prem Nath and Prem Chopra excel as menacing antagonists,
with Nath’s dialogue “Bham Bham Bhole” becoming a cultural catchphrase. Pran,
as Shanti Baba, brings nuance to a morally complex role, though his song
doesn’t match the impact of his earlier work. Supporting actors like Aruna
Irani, Kamini Kaushal, and Sulochana add emotional weight, while Helen’s dance
number in “Tu Mera Din Hai” is underwhelming, marred by lackluster
choreography. The ensemble cast shines, elevating the film’s dramatic stakes.
Conclusion
Sanyasi is a quintessential Bollywood masala film
that blends spirituality, romance, and action, reflecting the commercial
demands of 1975. While its ambitious narrative occasionally stumbles, the
film’s engaging performances, memorable music, and social commentary on
fraudulent babas make it a noteworthy entry in Manoj Kumar’s filmography.
Kumar’s shift to a mass-oriented acting style, moving away from his patriotic
archetype, underscores his adaptability, cementing his status as a versatile
star of the era. Though not without flaws, Sanyasi remains a culturally
significant film, offering a nostalgic glimpse into Bollywood’s golden age. Its
enduring appeal lies in its ability to entertain while subtly addressing
societal issues, making it a must-watch for fans of classic Hindi films.
By Ayushman Mitra
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