Daag

I understand this is one of Dilip Kumar's most well known and successful films, and that he received a filmfare award for his acting in it. Still, I find his performance stilted and exaggerated, in particular in the many drunk scenes. The movie's plot is formulaic to the extreme, very melodramatic. It may have affected viewers at the time, but today it is so clichéd one can guess what happens a good 10 minutes ahead. The movie is also slow and repetitive, in particular in the the first hour, with Dilip Kumar succumbing again and again to the bottle. His character in this movie is weak and to me seems unsympathetic, although I must say I could never relate to stories about drunks or addicts. The direction, by Amiya Chakrabarty, is professional and solid, but seldom tight or original enough to thrill.

The saving grace of this movies is Nimmi, who gives an extraordinary performance, relishing every scene, laughing uncontrollably when her lover comes home, throwing herself at his feet, mouthing the words of the song with great emotion, a delicate, weak, foolish but beautiful diva. The camera loves her and she steals every scene. It is a pleasure also to watch the sets of this movie, reproducing a village entirely in the studio, with very kitschy decor elements, fake broken columns and painted sunsets. They don't film fantasy backdrops like these anymore. The music is superior, in particular the very memorable song: "Aye mere dil kahin aur chal", which is offered in three lovely and different versions.

All in all, a pleasant diversion, if not a masterpiece, memorable in particular for Nimmi. I will be looking for other films featuring her.