Goonj

Goonj review :

A sincere take on student politics; Jalal Agha directed Goonj may have come and gone unnoticed in 1989 but it still remains relevant and contemporary - an almost precursor to Ram Gopal Varma's successful Shiva which followed next year.

Set in Goa, Goonj revolved around group of college mates - Kumar Gaurav, Juhi Chawla, Binju Ali and others - who fall prey to the vicious rivalry between two politicians played by Mohan Kotivaan and Ravindra Mahajani (aka Vinod Khanna of Marathi cinema). Veteran comedian Mehmood's nephew Binju Ali was cast opposite Juhi while Gaurav formed her secret admirer to complete the love triangle.

Two top class directors - Tinnu Anand and Ashutosh Gowariker- were cast as actors and I quite liked Gowariker here as the Konkani speaking goon. Goonj is probably the only Hindi film where the actors speak fluent Konkani unlike the recent Dum Maro Dum Maaro Dum (2011) where the Konkani pronounciation left a lot to be desired.

The songs attributable to Biddu were simply superb. "Sama yeh suhaana", "Jawaani ke din hai" and the rap number "Love Technology" are still memorable. However, my personal favourite is the "Soota" song which had become an anthem of sorts amongst the young smokers of that time. If the song had come today, it would've been instantly banned. Haha!!

Unfortunately, Goonj wasn't publicised that well and its offbeat theme didnt find takers at the time of its theatrical release. The film continues to remain in oblivion even though its contemporary theme and treatment still makes it a good watch. Do give it a try!!

Regards, Sumeet Nadkarni