Anubhav

Anubhav is a simple look at a complex relationship between a workaholic husband and a frustrated wife. Bhattacharya wonderfully directs this movie with minimum but effective use of music, interesting supporting characters, background music, sound effect (the ticking clock) and longshots. I loved the few songs (that include two of Geeta Dutt's beautiful songs and an intense Rabindra Sangeet). The use of long shots and closeups is very impressive as it gives the house a spacious but lonely feeling. The ticking clock furthermore stresses on Meeta's loneliness and passage of time (because you don't notice much of time when you're focused on something or having a good time). After all, in a 'lifeless' house, all you hear is a ticking clock.

Amar (Sanjeev Kumar) and Meeta (Tanuja) are a seemingly happily married couple. However during their 6 years of marriage Amar became more career focused while his frustrated wife yearns for his affection and attention. After Meeta confronts Amar with this matter Amar realizes his mistake and the two of them 'reconcile'. Things go well until Shashi, (Meeta's ex-lover) makes an unexpected entry into their lives. Amar and Meeta's marriage is put to test.

Anubhav is an example of cinema at its simplest form and yet it brilliantly presents the complex subject of marriage. Bhattacharya uses simple props as a symbol (e.g. the ticking clock, the radio). Moreover he stays focused on the main story. Both Tanuja and Sanjeev Kumar are excellent fits for their roles. There is an undeniable chemistry. Sanjeev Kumar is among the finest actors of Indian cinema and he plays Amar very naturally. A lesser actress could have easily messed up Meeta's role but Tanuja knows her craft too well (even though she remains underrated).

'Anubhav' remains an underrated gem of a movie. Bhattacharya's other films have received more recognition and the same can be said of Sanjeev Kumar. Amidst, those successful films, 'Anubhav' struggled to get well noticed but I'm glad that I finally saw it and own it. Strongly recommended.