Upkar (1967) :
Brief Review -
Perhaps the biggest cultural and social reset in Indian cinema that actually reflected the mass revolution across the nation. It wouldn't be an exaggeration if I said that Manoj Kumar has done UPKAR (FAVOUR) on Indian cinema by making this movie. Directorial debuts will come and go; some will be better and will be acclaimed, but nothing will ever match the impact of this. Hats off, Manoj Kumar. Every single frame in this movie speaks volumes about masterclass filmmaking. A sautela bhai has to be spoiled, and a mother has to choose stepson over her own blood because he is right. Pran plays a crippled man, but he speaks the most intellectual dialogues in the entire movie. "Tu itna bhi nahin samjha pagale, Ram ne har Yug mein janam Liya hai par Lakshman wapas paida nahin hua." This has to be the dialogue of the century. "Sach hai, ye dharti maa ek haath hateli hai jis pal kisaan hal chalake aadmi ki kismat ki lakire banata hai." Has any Indian movie ever been so allegorical and physically beautiful about the farmer's definition? "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan" was a nationwide sensation after Shastri Ji's announcement, but hardly anyone understood the depth of it. It was natural because the masses aren't really that intelligent and educated to understand the subtle message hidden deep inside it. Upkar dug deep into that, brought it out, refined it, and delivered it to the masses. It's not just about farmers's importance but also about soldiers' contribution. A nation can stand without rich people and industrialization, but no nation can ever stand without farmers and soldiers. The third biggest side in this movie is Doctors. The man who had earlier made a film like "Himalaya Ki God Mein" (1965) brought the doctors into good light again, and this time through a female character. Mere Desh Ki Dharti is not just a song; it's an anthem that will last for centuries, no matter how modern we become. Do yourself a FAVOUR and watch UPKAR.
RATING - 8.5/10*
By - #samthebestest.
