Junoon

Junoon is a 1978 Hindi feature film directed by Shyam Benegal and produced by Shashi Kapoor. Junoon is a lost gem that deserves more attention than it has received over the last three decades. Based on a novel by Ruskin Bond, Junoon presents the haunting tale of love, obsession, jingoism and death set around the Indian Mutiny of 1857. The movie underlines the atrocities of war while simultaneously trying to grapple with various social, moral and political issues. Junoon's ensemble star cast includes Jennifer Kendal, Shabana Azmi, Nafisa Ali, Naseeruddin Shah, and Shashi Kapoor.

Shyam Benegal and team need to be applauded for bringing Ruskin Bond's poignant tale to life. The movie's attention to period detail is immaculate. Benegal also succeeds in eliciting strong performances from all his actors. While the movie's real highlight is Shashi Kapoor's breathtaking performance, it would be unjust to overlook the other performances. The cinematography speaks for itself: the vivid and powerful images enrich the movie with an element of realism which woos the viewers into believing as if they are part of the history. The history unfolds with a subtle element of drama that keeps monotony at bay, also ensures that it doesn't become melodramatic.

Benegal, by the virtue of his groundbreaking cinematic works in the '70s and the '80s, rightfully established himself as the undisputed heir to the legacy of great Indian auteurs whose works paved the way for a new movement in Indian cinema during the late '40s to the '60s, popularly known as Indian New Wave/Parallel Cinema. Benegal's first four films created a strong buzz among the Indian film aficionados and that's what brought him in contact with Shashi Kapoor who went on to back his next two projects: Junoon and Kalyug.

Shashi Kapoor is breathtaking to watch in the lead role of a love-struck feudal chieftain, Javed Khan, who falls for a young British girl. This, in my opinion, also happens to be Kapoor's best performance ever. What makes the portrayal special is its deceptive simplicity. It may be a cinch to play a madman but it's exceedingly challenging to play a role that lies mid-way between sanity and madness. An actor is required to muster all his talent to bring such a complex caricature to life and that's exactly where Kapoor triumphs as he effortlessly goes through a gamut of emotions during the portrayal.

Junoon is a cinematic epic which serves as a powerful eye-opener for the contemporary Indian filmmakers who, blinded by the glitz and glamour of Bollywood, seem to lack both the ideas and the resolve needed to make great cinema. A major area where the movie scores heavily is in its balanced use of visuals and dialogues. Junoon is a great means to get acquainted with classic Indian cinema and a must watch for anyone who admires topnotch world cinema. 9/10

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Javed Khan is a reckless feudal chieftain who falls in love with a British girl named Ruth amidst the Indian Rebellion of 1857, a period marked by the massacre of British people. Javed offers shelter to Ruth's family and asks for her hand in marriage. However, her mother sets a condition: she will only consent if the locals completely defeat the British, as she does not wish for him to marry her daughter. The movie primarily revolves around Javed's reckless desire to marry Ruth and defeat the British armies.

The film's key strengths include the collaborative performance of its cast, a thrilling first half, sharp editing, appealing cinematography, excellent production design, authentic costume design, well-executed action sequences, and evocative music.

Shashi Kapoor, as Javed, was committed to his character and delivered a decent performance. Nafisa Ali, the star of the film, looks incredibly appealing and acts competently in her British character, effectively conveying both appearance and body language. Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah also performed well in their roles, though their performances were generally subtle and lacked their usual acting prowess. Another key player is Jennifer Kendal, famously known as Shashi Kapoor's wife, but few realize what a brilliant actress she was. Her calm and well-managed acting was a treat to watch, especially when she was paired opposite her real-life husband. Additionally, impressive performances by Sushma Seth, Deepti Naval, and Ismat Chughtai significantly elevated the storyline.

The film's pacing is inconsistent, at times appropriate and at others quite slow. Shyam Benegal skillfully builds tension and handles the action sequences effectively. The plot is engaging, logical, and explores a different theme compared to other films made in the same era. While the dialogues were natural, they sometimes lacked significant impact on the narrative. Ruth's character development is captivating, though her sudden change in behavior can be confusing. The climax is unpredictable and sad, yet it feels abrupt and lacked the profound tragic impact it intended. Perhaps this is due to Ruth and Javed's relationship resembling an extramarital affair, or possibly Shyam Benegal's unconventional presentation of the climax.

The cinematography of 'Junoon' (1978) consistently employs natural lighting to create a realistic and often atmospheric visual experience, utilizing wide shots for grand landscapes and close-ups for emotional intimacy; this is arguably the film's strongest attribute. The production design meticulously recreates historical Indian settings, from sprawling outdoor estates and natural terrains to traditional courtyard homes and fortified structures, significantly enhancing the film's period authenticity. Costumes are historically accurate, featuring traditional Indian attire and military uniforms that distinctly reflect the film's setting and character roles. Makeup generally appears naturalistic and subtle, supporting the period realism and allowing for genuine emotional expression. A smash cut with a strong contrast edit further elevates the film's editing. The action sequences, particularly the cavalry and cannon sequences, are electrifying. Together, these elements collaborate to create a cohesive and immersive visual narrative, effectively transporting the audience to the historical world of 'Junoon'.

The music by Vanraj Bhatia is easily recognizable for his characteristic Hindustani classical touch. However, the songs themselves had minimal impact on the film, except for one played in the background during the climax. The remaining songs felt somewhat out of place and lacked his signature flair. On the other hand, the background score effectively maintained the film's intensity. The sound design is acceptable but could have been improved. Overall, the music played a relatively minor role in the film's impact.

While primarily a historical genre film, 'Junoon' deeply explores the theme of an individual's obsession with unattainable desires, which ultimately leads to widespread destruction.

In conclusion, 'Junoon' is an intense historical drama film, representing a commendable effort by Shyam Benegal, and it can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

Terrific. The best part which i like about Shyam Benegal movies that they are not melodramatic & all emotions are shown in moderate doses mostly though scenes which appear like pictures.Everyone is free to interpret them.Another striking quality is even while making historical or period movie he shies from creating grand scenes but rather takes viewer through background to event & aftermaths of event.Sometimes viewer may find it disappointing but it has its own merits. Coming back to movie it sticks to original narration faithfully & develops some character like the aunt in a better way than story. Scene in the mango garden of swinging and women from both cultures expressing happiness in their own way is superb.Also nightmare of Ruth that shashi kapoor is going to rape her captures her mental trauma very well & in fact builds up viewer for the eventuality when she falls in love with him.

Review By Kamal K

Junoon, produced by Shashi Kapoor and directed by Shyam Benegal, is based on Ruskin Bond's "A Flight of Pigeons"

The story is set during the first War of Independence - 1857. During the tumultous and bloody rebellion the British are attacked everywhere. An English mother and daughter, who are on the run, are secretly sheltered by an Indian Nawab whose relatives are fighting against the British. The much married Nawab is besotted by the young girl, but the untrusting mother is against the relationship.

Shashi Kapoor as the obsessive Nawab, Naseeruddin Shah as the fanatic and emotional brother-in-law, Shabhana Azmi as the silently suffering wife, Jeniffer Kendall as the wary mother and Nafisa Ali as the young girl leave a lasting impact.

There is an underlying tension that is maintained throughout this movie which keeps you on the edge. There needs to be a special mention of Govind Nihalani's captivating cinematography which adds to the entire atmosphere.

I've seen this movie twice, and liked it even better the second time. Right from the title scene of the crazy-looking "pir", the atmosphere created is gripping and unforgettable.

The events of 1857 were shocking in their violence, and neither the British nor the rebels showed themselves to be very honorable. The word "junoon" (obsession) connotes a tinge of madness, and that kind of madness is a very appropriate way to view the period. The "love story" is also suffused with the same out-of-control emotion. (Also, only a crazy man would want to leave Shabana Azmi for another woman, even one as gorgeous as the young Nafisa Ali!) Shyam Benegal has made a masterpiece that captures that feeling visually.

Now, if only they would convert this film to DVD, I would buy it in a second.

"That Pathan, he's looking at me."