User reviews

Indeed, a love triangle with two friends falling for one beautiful lady is one of the most tedious plotlines and not just in India, but this one is different thanks mainly to the script and Kapoor's excellent direction. In Kapoor's able hands, what could have been a bland love story becomes a poignant story of love and sacrifice, a true portrait of friendship and marital conflict, and altogether pure classic entertainment. It's not perfect - some of the parts, particularly in the first half, including the entire track of Kapoor's character disappearing, being mistaken for dead and then reappearing in the most predictably convoluted of film twists - just don't ring true. Then the usual naiveté of his character and him not ever realising that she doesn't love him got on the nerves. One also wishes the film was just a little bit shorter, although it's a petty complaint, particularly for a Hindi film. The film's runtime is more or less decent for the story it tells but then the show is so engaging and entertaining that not much patience is required for the most part even if some parts drag a bit.

The reason that some of the flaws are easily forgiven is that Sangam is greater than the sum of its parts. It might be great in the eyes of many viewers for reasons related to its nostalgic value, but I dare any uninvolved party to dismiss its technical brilliance. Some of the shots are just breathtaking and too good to be true (for the time when it was filmed). The sound is as great and the high production values, coupled with the beautiful sets, costumes, and the overall quality feel of the film, make for a true visual treat. But it's not just all gloss, the film is meaningful and substantial in its emotional effect, some of the dialogues are phenomenal, particularly when the drama grows. And it indeed grows in the second half, much to the point of looking like a different film in each of its virtual episodes. Even the songs, pure classics of Indian cinema including "Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega", "Bol Radha Bol", "Ye Mera Prem Patra", "O Mehbooba", "Buddha Mil Gaya", and "Dost Dost Na Raha" - all fantastic and beautifully shot, but they contribute to the narrative and are always situationally relevant.

As a mainstream Hindi film made at a time when films started gradually losing their sense of realism, often relying more on the melo- than the -drama, the film still manages to tread that fine line to create a film that is as credible as it is sentimental. The actors, as part of this deliberate choice of style, work well opposite one another. Raj Kapoor is better as a director here but acts well although something in his lack of awareness of the girl's feelings towards him (or lack thereof) was annoying. His initial demeanor explained in a way why she didn't want him, but similarly his change explained her change of heart. Rajendra Kumar is the more interesting, reserved character, and he is excellent in a heartbreaking performance. Obviously though, it is Vyjayanthimala who steals the show as the centre of attention - the love interest, the lover, the conflicted wife. Her transformation throughout the story is the most interesting, and she shines all through. By the end, despite all the melodrama, I was surprised by how moved I was and how deep and affecting the story turned out to be. A Raj Kapoor classic.

When I first saw Sangam back in 1965 on its initial release in Malaysia, I was a young boy whose deep impressions of the film was the lady in a white sari. I saw it again in 1974 on its re release. For the second viewing, it was the music and the songs. Unfortunately I had seen "Bobby" by then and thought all the three leads looked far too matured for the "teenage" and "young" characters they were playing on screen. But that was the trend of those bygone days when older actors played younger roles. It is rare for any musical that every single tune is as enduring to the ears as in Sangam. Only "My Fair Lady' "The Sound Of Music" and "Bobby" (1973) comes to mind. Since then with the convenience of television and now the DVD I had seen watched it once every few years and I revisited the film again last night. The male bonding and the sacrifice of Rajendra Kumar is very Asian and may well be on its way to be extinct. This sense of Asian obligation and moral value was and to some extend still is prevalent is a sense of maintaining a status quo and not rock the boat in a bad situation for want of not turning it worse. It is not a wrong or right decision. Everything that needs to be said about the acting, about the cinematography and its importance in Hindi cinema by taking the musical numbers out of the studios to exotic locations has been elaborated in these pages. What strikes me is the way in which Raj Kapoor with the use of music and only three principal characters hold our attention for more than three hours. All other characters appear briefly solely for narrative development. Although it is not a masterpiece, it is an enduring example of a simple love story (which has been done a million times over); with its chemistry between the characters and its music does not seem dated and still shine above others more than 40 years after its premier.

The story is a little contrived and the acting melodramatic, but the songs make the movie. The songs are really very well situated amidst the beautiful and breathtaking scenery. Vyjantimala's spontaneous dance in the European hotel has never really been successfully duplicated in Indian cinema. It is a classic that was shot in one take I believe. The songs are really and truly memorable and are still heard today in the collections of Mukesh. Also, Raj Kapoor's acting was so effortless and natural in the boat scene where he captures Vyjanitmala and pulls her into his boat. The song is Mehbooba and is terrific. Another excellent song is Mere Prem Patra and the location shot is absolutely stunning and very colorful.

Gopal (Rajendra Kumar), Sunder (Raj Kapoor) and Radha (Vyjayanthimala) have been friends since childhood. When they become adults, both men fall in love with Radha - she loves Gopal. But Gopal, out of a flawed understanding of friendship and commitment, doesn't dare to speak his mind as Sunder, his best and closest friend, is also in love with Radha and is courting her. Many misunderstandings follow (especially by Sunder who seems to be completely blind to everyone around him and their feelings) that has as consequence that Gopal sacrifices both his love for Radha and her love for him. But the problem of the threesome remains by the close relationship of the two men with each other. Thus the ensuing conflicts can only be solved by a final breakup of this threesome...

On the surface a rather exasperating melodrama, but in depth one of the most unsettling stories of traffic in women between males (though I am not sure that the movie was really meant to be that critical). In this story, two men rather sacrifice a woman's happiness (and at least one of them his own) than bringing their own relationship - the emotional depth of which seems to go well beyond "ordinary" friendship - into jeopardy. They indulge in their own martyrdom and commitment to each other, while they use the (ostensibly beloved) woman as a gift to each other and as a proof of their mutual friendship/love. Though she sometimes speaks out her mind in quite a bitter way, she can never get what she really wants, no-one is interested in her feelings and wishes.

Though not a perfect film and sometimes even a bit unnerving by the constant misunderstandings in the plot, still very interesting (and unsettling) psychologically. Great food for feminist/gender analysis... :)

One of the best parts of "Sangam" is the honeymoon sequence in Europe, that is - in contradiction to the melancholy and fatality of most of plot - very lighthearted, with some pricelessly lovely and funny moments (Vyjayanthimala dancing in sexy "Western" clothing in a Paris hotel room) - and even a kissing scene (though enacted by non-Indians). The playback singers (Mukesh for Raj, Lata Mangeshkar for Vyjayanthimala, Mohd. Rafi for Rajendra) are great as always, the songs are beautiful.

Sangam (1964) : Brief Review -

A certified Blockbuster in confluce of True Friendship and Love Triangle. Sangam was the 2nd biggest Hit of the 60s decade after Legendary 'Mughal E Azam' and reasons could be so many. It came exactly on time when audience was ready to see sacrifices done in a Love Story/triangle post Eternal Love Saga in Magnus Opus Mughale E Azam. Also, the cast of Sangam looks terrific with Raj Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar and Vaijayantimala coming together. Sangam is story of 2 close friends falling in love with the same girl. One friend has to sacrifice his love and then shadow of doubt post Marriage follows subsequently to make one of them to sacrifice again. Raj Kapoor as Sunder looks damn too handsome and performs well. Rajendra Kumar gets to play more emotional part and his role surely works close to heart. Vaijayantimala sizzles hot in the Red Bikini scene and then in white saree throughout the film. Her fairy looks and black eyes does trick therefore making her expressions talk more than words. Music of Sangam is nothing less than a Chartbuster Album with timeless magic. 'Bol Radha Bol', 'Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega', 'Dost Dost Na Raha' and 'Yeh Mera Prempatra' these 4 songs were Super Hits and are evergreen. The length of Sangam sound like a problem. The film is produced, edired and directed by Raj Kapoor so he could be blamed for that. I am not saying it's damn too lengthy or boring but in long runtime of 229 Minutes almost 30 minutes shot in Foreign Countries doesn't really seem necessary. May be Raj Kapoor wanted to show exotic and expresive Locations to Bollywood audience but if not that then it was useless i say. Raj Kapoor as Director can never fail even if he has typical storyline he will surely find a way to make it look different and more attractive with his directing skills. It was actually very close to 'Andaz' (1949) starring Raj Kapoor again but the conflicts and relationship between characters were far different. Andaz had a noir touch in the climax whereas Sangam has emotional ending. Overall, Sangam is a certified blockbuster product and if length is not an issue for you then you will have so many things to enjoy such as Friendship, Love Triangle, Importance of Marriage, Sacrifice and evergreen Music.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest

Who can forget "Dost Dost Na Raha," Bol Radha Bol Sangam Hoga Ke Nahin," "O Mere Sanam, O Mere Sanam" and "Mein Kya Karron Ram Mujhe Budha Milgaya" all excellent, meaningful songs with so much emotion from the playback singers, Lata Mangeshkar, Mukesh, Mohd. Rafi, Mahendra Kapoor and Hemant Kumar with "I Love You." Sunder, an illiterate and poor boy, Gopal, rich and a millionaire's son and Radha, also from a rich family, are childhood friends and play games together but Gopal and Radha, oblivious to Sunder, love each other until one day he sees them playing a game in which Gopal purchases a toy House for Radha. He's furious and decides to purchase a toy aircraft in which he promises Radha that he will show her the world. After a while Radha tries to make him realise that she doesn't love him - but he's still oblivious to this and in turn gets hurt by and decides to join the air force. In the meantime, Radha and Gopal's parents decide that its time for their spouses to get married.

Raj Kapoor's "Sangam," which was first released in the mid 1960's changed Hindi cinema. Not was it only one of the first Hindi films in a long time to be produced in colour after Mehboob Khan's "Aan," but it was also filmed in places like France and Switzerland. This was also one of the first love - triangle stories. The music by Shankar - Jaikishen is still memorable today as are all the songs in the movie. The acting by the three - Raj Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar and Vyjayantimala, is also superb and involves a lot of expressions and emotions. There have been a lot of love - triangle stories after this but not one of them have match it. This is definitely one film that can be viewed over and over again. The other actor who does make a brief appearance in the film is Raj Kapoor's eldest son, Randhir Kapoor, father of Karishma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor.

For a matter of interest, the late Raj Kapoor and the late Rajendra Kumar were good friends, not just on screen, but of it as well. Rajendra Kumar's son, Kumar Gaurav, whose first film was "Love Story," was engaged to Raj Kapoor's daughter but the engagement broke and he married Namrata Dutt - daughter of actor Sunil Dutt and Nargis, whose son is Sanjay Dutt, famous for his roles in "Munnabhai M.B.B.S" and "Lage Raho Munnabhai." Nargis, as an actress, had also worked with the late Raj Kapoor in movies like "Barsaat", "Awara", "Aah", "Aag" and "Shree 420." The pair made such a good couple on the screen that there were rumours of them being romantically involved. Today, Raj Kapoor's grandson, Ranbir, son of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, has made his debut in Sanjay Leela Bansali's "Saawariya" and has also said to have kept his name as "Ranbir Raj Kapoor."

I have seen this movie during quarantine occurred in COVID 2019. So, basically was going through many memes of being an introvert or an extrovert. And what i found in this movie is two lead actors Raj Kapoor (Sunder) and Rajendra Kapoor (Gopal) of the movie are extrovert and introvert respectively. And this nature of human created Chaos in the lives of three including Vjjayantimala(Radha). The extrovert one was obviously so much open but he never tried to get the minds of his friends and an introvert was obviously not expressing his thoughts of love to either of his friends. This gives turn to the life of three but it hitted hard to the character of Radha. She not being introvert or extrovert but a woman whose life gets direction after men or family of her own. It is confusing that how she did not opposed Sunder when she had to. So, she has no option but to choose whatever comes in her way and she finds happiness in it. The songs played nice role in the movie. "Har Dil jo pyar karega wo gana gayega" is best for all of us who have fallen in love. The people from this era of movie had good tour of Europe from the honeymoon scenes of the couple. Because those were days when we even could not wander through our own country. Due to this, length of the Sangam has risen but it was ok with the 60s. O mehbooba song shooted in Ooty is eye vitamin as it has shown beautiful nature.

It's very much one of Raj Kapoor's films – not only starring in it he produced, directed and even edited this one. There's his usual awkward slapstick amidst all the tragedy on display, resulting in a very episodic film, full of good things and interesting but also as corny and dull as you can imagine too.

Classic Hindi love triangle – beetle-browed Gopal (Rajendra Kumar) and bagpipe-loving Sunder (Kapoor) love Radha (Vyjayanthimala), Radha has utter antipathy to Sunder and loves Gopal and vice versa but Gopal also has an all-consuming man-love for Sunder (and vv) and wants to stand aside to let him have Radha instead. In the main it's all done well even though it's been done much better many times before and since, but the cast were saddled with some enormous plot-holes, mood-swing non sequiturs and just plain silly bits. For example when Sunder is a pilot in the cockpit of his military airplane and noisily taxi-ing off with Vjyayanthimala running after it to shout after him that she didn't love him is either hilarious or hideous depending on your mood. At one point he's presumed dead and Gopal and Radha start to make romantic hay, but Sunder returns so hem … it 's a case of Return To Sunder and to begin being a good wife naturally. What makes it all bearable is the lovely music by Shankar-Jaikishan and the singing by Lata of course, and also the wonderful scenery and photography: at times, very arty. As for Vyjayanthimala's "enticing" dance in the hotel in Paris, well, give me her rather more dignified performance nine years before in Devdas any time. But she does manage to strike an astonishing number of beautiful and iconic poses throughout the picture - she couldn't help it - none more so than during Rafi's Ye Mera Prem Patra and Lata & Mukesh's O Mere Sanam.

Overall, it's very easy to watch but perhaps just as easy to criticise. On the other hand it also contains the one of the best if not the best denouement of the triangle angle I've ever seen.

Still very popular movie. Good story with excellent photography by Radhu Karmakar and good direction by Raj Kapoor supported by good acting by Rajkapoor, Vaijyanti Mala and Rajendra Kumar.

All the songs composed by the magical duo, Shankar Jaikishan were super hit.. still very popular.

Dost Dost Na raha, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega, O Mehbooba., Yeh Mera Prem Patra, Bol Radha Bol, O Mere Sanam and Is Liebe dis..

All were quite hit, written by Shailendra and Hasrat.

"Sangam" is a very old classic i watched as a little child still in Day-Care.Remember watching it many times a day.This film starring the famous Bollywood actors Vyjayanthimala,Raj Kapoor and Rajendra Kumar,delivers a great love-triangle between three child-hood friends-that eventually turns into a destructive one.Raj Kapoor both directed and starred in this film,and it is also said to be one of his best.I haven't re-watched this movie over ten years,but it still has a place in my heart.

One of the best if not the best love story motion pictures. I recently saw it again after 37 years with my family. Every body enjoyed it. This movie has not aged. I think they should rescreen it. By the way I am not Indian and still enjoy all the songs. I saw a dubbed persian version.

Goodness knows I am no expert on Bollywood movies but I loved this when it popped up on Netflix.

Endlessly attractive, entertaining and wryly humourous, its near four hours didn't seem too long at all. Even the song-and-dance routines (which I normally find cheesy and irritating in Bollywood movies) were impressive with excellent music.

I thoroughly understand why this movie is considered a classic and am very pleased to have expended (a lot!) of my time on it!

A very stretched film, still makes compulsive watching. Beautiful songs, beautiful cinematography and very beautiful colours. And of course, the beautiful Vyjayantimala. With only three principal characters moving on screen, the director in Raj Kapoor still manages to avoid boredom with amazing skill. Hats off to him.

One of Raaj Kapoor's best films where his acting is flawless and very close to his private personality.For years we saw him in the familiar 'charlie chaplin' guise so this film was an accolade to his inherent acting abilities.Vyjantimala is superb and Rajendra Kumar is also in good form though overshadowed by Kapoor.The music and direction,especially the scenario are very professional and admirable.TThe story is well-balanced though as in all Indian films the flaws are also there;Raj's death and his subsequent arrival are the weak points.This film shows the real Raj Kapoor behind the clown's mask;ruthless and opportunist.A very enjoyable and well directed film.

I have no words for the climax scene and it's a definitely a must watch movie for all the romantic movie lovers out there . The main highlight of the movie is shooting locations such as paris, switzerland, shimla and ooty in some scenes. Raj kapoor and vyjayanthimala's performance was just truly outstanding.i usually don't watch romantic movies , but this was just something else . Do watch it on zee5 ott for better clarity . But, the ending scene made me a bit sad , where gopal sacrifices his life for sunder and radha .otherwise it's a wonderful movie. There was a scene were they both go for boating , and I must say that they did an excellent editing job Over there.

Sangam" is a classic Bollywood film that was released in 1964. It was directed by Raj Kapoor and starred Raj Kapoor himself along with Vyjayanthimala and Rajendra Kumar in the lead roles. The movie is known for its epic love triangle storyline and its memorable songs composed by Shankar-Jaikishan.

Synopsis: "Sangam" revolves around the lives of Gopal (Rajendra Kumar), Radha (Vyjayanthimala), and Sundar (Raj Kapoor). Sundar and Radha are childhood friends who eventually fall in love and get married. However, due to certain circumstances, Gopal has to leave for the city and asks Radha to wait for him. In his absence, Gopal, a wealthy lawyer enters Radha's life and provides her with emotional support. Eventually, Radha and Gopal develop feelings for each other, leading to a complex love triangle.

The film explores themes of love, loyalty, sacrifice, and the consequences of choices made in relationships. It portrays the conflicts and emotional turmoil faced by the characters as they navigate through their complicated circumstances. "Sangam" also features beautiful cinematography and elaborate song sequences, which have become iconic over the years.

Songs: One of the film's highlights is its beautiful and timeless music, composed by Shankar-Jaikishan. Songs like "Yeh Mera Prem Patra Padhkar" and "Oh Dilruba" became evergreen classics that are still loved by audiences today. The music adds depth to the narrative and enhances the emotional impact of the story.

The film was a critical and commercial success and is considered a classic in Indian cinema. It was one of the highest-grossing films of its time and received several awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Film.

Acting performance The performances in "Sangam" are top-notch. Raj Kapoor delivers a stellar performance as Gopal, showcasing a range of emotions from love and friendship to heartbreak and remorse. Vyjayanthimala shines as Radha, portraying her character's conflicts with grace and conviction. Rajendra Kumar also impresses as Gopal, effectively conveying his character's dilemma and inner turmoil.

The film's cinematography is visually captivating, with picturesque locations and well-crafted scenes. The use of colors and compositions adds to the overall aesthetic appeal, and the attention to detail is evident throughout.

However, one criticism of "Sangam" is its lengthy runtime, which stretches over three hours. While the film manages to engage viewers for the most part, some parts could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter narrative.

Overall, "Sangam" is a timeless Bollywood classic that explores the complexities of love and friendship. With its memorable performances, soulful music, and visually stunning cinematography, it continues to be cherished by audiences, and it holds a significant place in the history of Indian cinema. If you appreciate classic romantic dramas with emotional depth, "Sangam" is definitely worth watching.

RAJ KAPOOR THE MEGASTAR ACTOR , DIRECTOR , PRODUCER AND WRITTER THIS MOVIES RAJ KAPOOR OFFERS TO DILIP KUMAR BUT DILIP REJECT IT BECAUSE OF RAJENDRA KUMAR ALSO THE PART OF MOVIE THEN RAJ KAPOOR PLAY HIS ROLE IN THIS MOVIE AND MOVIE BECOMES SUPERHIT BLOCKBUSTER AT ALL STAGES LIKE STORY , ACTING AND SONGS Raj kapoor outstanding superstar in Hindi cinema , called Showman , he Was done many blockbuster movies and collection across world 20lakh budget and 4cr collection 1.50cr from india , 2.5cr from Russia , this movie awara was superhit in russia many times till now , world level bollywood indian industry progress based on Raj kapoors idiology and thinking of growth he was done many many sucessfull blockbusters and superhits from since 1945-1980 like awara , shri 420 , Sangam , Barsat , anari, andaz , mera naam joker , jis desh me ganga behti he , ram teri ganga maili , satya shivam sundaram , bobby , chori chori.