Starcast: Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini, Mala Sinha, Rati Agnihotri, Baby Geeta, Madan Puri, Deepak Parashar, Navin Nischol and Om Shivpuri Mus...
Starcast: Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini, Mala Sinha, Rati Agnihotri, Baby Geeta, Madan Puri, Deepak Parashar, Navin Nischol and Om Shivpuri
Music: Rajesh Roshan
Direction: A.C. Trilokchander
Introduction:
"Babu" released on November 22, 1985 is
a Bollywood drama that stands out as a
poignant exploration of human emotions, sacrifice, and gratitude. Directed by
A.C. Trilokchander, this film is a Hindi remake of the 1971 Tamil film of the
same name, which itself was adapted from the 1965 Malayalam film “Odayil Ninnu”,
based on P. Kesavadev’s acclaimed novel. Starring the legendary Rajesh Khanna
in the titular role, alongside Hema Malini, Mala Sinha, Rati Agnihotri, and
Deepak Parashar, Babu is a heartfelt family drama that delves into the life of
a selfless rickshaw puller. Partly shot in the vibrant city of Kolkata, the
film captures the essence of its bustling streets and emotional undercurrents,
making it a compelling watch for fans of emotional storytelling. Despite its
slow pace at times, the film’s emotional depth and stellar performances make it
a notable entry in the era’s family-oriented dramas.
Storyline:
The narrative of Babu revolves around the titular
character, Babu, a naive and kind-hearted rickshaw puller who embodies
selflessness and humanity. Babu, having faced a tough childhood, is deeply
grateful for any kindness shown to him. The story begins with Babu’s love for
Kammo, but his life takes a drastic turn when he avenges her assault by killing
the perpetrator, landing himself in jail for two years. Upon his release, Babu
learns that a family, led by Shankerlal, who once showed him kindness, is now
destitute following Shankerlal’s death. Driven by gratitude, Babu takes it upon
himself to support Shankerlal’s widow (Mala Sinha) and her young daughter,
Pinky (Rati Agnihotri). He sacrifices his personal aspirations, including his
love for Kammo, and works tirelessly to provide for the family, even funding
Pinky’s education. However, as Pinky grows up, she becomes a snob, embarrassed
by her poor mother and Babu’s humble status, leading to emotional conflict. The
story culminates in Pinky realizing Babu’s sacrifices and the widow’s enduring
gratitude, emphasizing themes of humanity and self-respect. The film’s
emotional core lies in Babu’s commitment to repay kindness, even at the cost of
his own happiness.
Direction and Other Technical
Departments:
A.C. Trilokchander’s direction is commendable for
its focus on emotional storytelling, a hallmark of the Tamil original he also
directed. His ability to weave a narrative that balances intense drama with
subtle moments of human connection is evident, though the film occasionally
suffers from a slow pace and preachy dialogues, particularly those delivered by
Madan Puri. The Kolkata setting is authentically captured, with scenes of
rickshaw-pulling. The cinematography by Vishwanath Rai, while not groundbreaking,
effectively highlights the mood of the film. Editing could have been crisper to
maintain momentum, as some sequences feel drawn out. The production design,
particularly in depicting Kolkata’s bustling environment, is noteworthy, though
the budget constraints are evident. Overall, the technical departments support
the film’s emotional tone but do not push any creative boundaries.
Music:
The music, composed by Rajesh Roshan, is pretty
good. Described as melodious by some, it complements the film’s emotional tone
but all the songs are not memorable . Songs like Yeh Mera Jeevan, Ae Hawa mere
sang and the Holi song Aisi rang de piya are heartfelt and blend well with the
story. They are melodious and are popular even today.The background score
effectively underscores the film’s emotional peaks, particularly in scenes of
sacrifice and tragedy, but lacks the distinctiveness to leave a lasting impact.
Performances:
The film’s heart lies in its performances, with
Rajesh Khanna delivering a tour-de-force as Babu. Known as the “king of love
and emotion,” Khanna brings a raw, unglamorous authenticity to the role of the
rickshaw puller, a stark departure from his earlier romantic roles in films
like Prem Nagar and Amar Deep. His portrayal is marked by subtlety and depth,
capturing Babu’s selflessness and emotional turmoil with finesse, making it one
of his landmark performances. Hema Malini, in a guest role as Kammo, delivers a
heartfelt performance, though her screen time is limited. Mala Sinha, as the
destitute widow, brings grace and dignity to her role. Rati Agnihotri, as the
grown-up Pinky, handles the transition from innocence to arrogance
convincingly, though her character’s arc feels slightly weird. Supporting
actors like Navin Nischol, Madan Puri, and Om Shivpuri perform admirably,
though Deepak Parashar’s wooden portrayal is a noted weak link.
Conclusion:
Babu is a touching ode to selflessness,
gratitude, and human connection, elevated by Rajesh Khanna’s stellar
performance and the authentic Kolkata backdrop. While the film’s slow pace is a
deterrent, its emotional depth and focus on universal themes make it a
must-watch for fans of family dramas and Rajesh Khanna. A.C. Trilokchander’s
direction, combined with the film’s sincere performances and Kolkata’s vibrant
setting, creates a narrative that resonates with audiences seeking stories of
sacrifice and humanity. Despite its flaws, Babu remains a heartfelt reminder
of the power of kindness and the enduring impact of selfless acts, making it a
worthy addition to Bollywood’s rich variety of emotional dramas.
1985 By Ayushman Mitra
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