आंधी

I knew next to nothing about Suchitra Sen. But I knew and loved her daughter, Raima. So that made me wonder about the recluse mother. I don't know how I found this movie, but somehow the name came to me and I rented it. What a find! Suchitra is irresistible as Aartidevi. Those luminous soulful eyes. That restrained but emotional performance. I was totally seduced. I don't often bond with old movies. I found Mughal-e-Azam beautiful because of Madhubala and the way she was presented. And I feel the same way about this movie. The startling thing is how close to the end of Suchitra's career this was. In one way, it makes sense, since she's bringing everything she's learned to this role. But on the other side, when do you get to see an Indian actress play this kind of role at that point in her life? All over the world, senior actresses are forced to retreat into the background while the juicy parts go to the younger women. But here Suchitra got an excellent part and did it full justice. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who is irked by the discrimination against the senior actress. Suchitra shows what we are missing because of that.

This movie might have a directional setting towards the political and private life of India's Prime Minister, Indra Gandhi, nonetheless, its powerful and sentimental theme carries the audience with the subtle forces of life which all and sundry experience, at least, one or the other times in their married lives.

Gulzar has excellently directed the movie while adorning it with passionately electrifying emotional focus during certain scenes. The musical score and songs are worthy of all praise. The hypnotically tranquil appeal of the song "Tere Bina Zindagi se Shikwa" speaks volumes about the meaningful and touching melody besides its filming against the gloomy backdrop of a ruined historical monument in a moonlit night. Much different from the rubbish artificiality of present day movies, the songs of this film exude a living originality to the flow of events.

Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen both have given their lifetime best performances and Gulzar earned a big name with its release. It is definitely a must-see film.

Review By Kamal K

Absolutely , the movie is a piece of gem. Apart form songs , the theme of the film and its superb execution in all respect are unparallel . So far, actings are concerned, sanjeev kumar and suchitra sen are simply superb and at their best. Suchitra sen is known to be the Mahaniaka of Bengali cinema for all times but her performance in this Hindi film, showed her exceptional talent in all kinds of film even in Hindi .

One of the best movie ever made on politics and romance together, Sanjeev Kumar acted so maturely as he do always in his movies. Suchitra Sen hindi accent was in bangali but because of the intense in the movie it's hides the other things.

Gulzar's most controversial film made. This film was released in 1975 during "The Emergency". Supposedly inspired from the life of India's late prime minister, Indira Gandhi. The film was stuck and also banned by political activists of Indira Gandhi's Party. Suchitra Sen gives a powerful performance as a housewife who marries a common hotel manager (Sanjeev Kumar)against her father's wish. She then joins Politics against her husbands wish. Sanjeev Kumar got the best actor award for this film. So did gulzar. The best scene in the movie and one of Indian Cinema's most touching scene is the scene picturised on the song " Tere Bina Zindagi se Koi..". This is a Classic movie. It is a must see. This movie was a hit when there

were 2 giant movies in competition.. "Deewar" and "Sholay".