Khamoshi

If ever there was an haunting voice that had depth, resonance, it was Hemant Kumar. The song "Tum Pukar Lo," played on Waheeda Rehman and Dharmendra (a brief stint) is reflective of the melody that was the mainstay of Indian music composers the likes of Hemant Kumar, who preferred to sing his own compositions. Then there is Waheeda Rehman-God bless this woman for her eternal beauty and acting talent. She was incredibly convincing as the "mental patient." The scene where her face comes down on a barbed wire mesh-incredible piece of acting. Then we had the thespian of acting in a true sense of the word-Rajesh Khanna. Khanna and Rehman, were born actors and the duo were probably the best screen pair next to Guru Dutt and Madhubala. The movie is a bygone classic that very few appreciate. When you need some nostalgia and good cinema, this movie and "Anand" will take you back to the decade of the Indian cinema to be cherished since there will never be another Khanna, Rehman or maestro like Hemant Kumar.

This is an outstanding movie about the life of a nurse at a mental rehab centre. Extremely good performances from all concerned with the movie. The movie really evokes emotions that you though didn't exist. Add to that the excellent soundtrack and you have a masterpiece on your hands.

Movies with messages are considered cliches now. So, now there are movies that explore something very focused - like "Maheshinte Prathikaram" which is a modern day classic focused on a particular incident.

"Khamoshi" has a much grander canvas to it. And it delivers. It is boring for my seven second attention span youtube shorts mind. But I did watch the whole movie, and I liked it.

"Woh shaam kuch ajeeb tha" song is what led me to the movie. I find the song incredible, and I think that is the best performance from Kishore Kumar. There are comments against the song on how the song suits the situation, and this is what I wanted to find out.

Waheeda Rahman has indeed done phenomenal acting. Her presence is mesmerizing.

There are some very cinematic shots where an overhead shot shows her on a chair with the hospital floor as the backdrop that looks like a chessboard. Very poignant.

Other songs from the movie are great as well.

The writing is great. Takes the characters on journeys, but with a caring hand. Some of the scenes are excellent, and cuts to the chase, while some feel belabored.

Waheeda Rahman is what remains from the experience. The song has been overshadowed by her performance.

This is indeed a heroine centric movie. It is fully about her.

Magnificence of the movie got me to watch the movie in a stretch while I was planning to do it over multiple days. Granted, there are filler humour sequences etc that were part of the templates of the era.

It is a beautiful movie, albeit a bit slow for current times.

Waheeda Rehman has acted supernaturally in this movie. She sure knows how to hold an audience and make them use their lachrymal glands again and again. I would rate her as one of her kind, and this movie is an excellent example other than Kagaz Ke Phool.

********** Stars

This film is simply mesmerising. I don't think Indian cinema has ever got better then this. Its one of the best Indian films which doesn't play with your sensibilities like the other Bollywood crap. The story, the acting, the background score, the music..its simply brilliant. Every time that song *tum pukaar lo* plays i can feel a shiver down my spine. Check out the scene where Waheeda is standing holding the book and her saree suddenly flows with wind and this song starts in the background...damn good.

Its a pity that not many people know about this film. It should be shown to all the present day filmmakers in India including Chopras and Johars who just take you for a ride. The soundtrack of this film is even better and Gulzar has proved again with *humne dekhi hai un aankhon Ki* song that he is a genius. I assure you the last scene with Waheeda rehman will leave a lump in your throat. After watching this movie u cant do anything but just sit back and admire this brilliant piece of work and you think that Why the hell they don't make such movies anymore?