Hum Dono

A wonderful movie, set during World War II. It shows effects and after effects of a war, directly or indirectly, on human lives. A simple story, with comedy of errors touch, is a well knitted and filmed screenplay. The movie is catching right from the word 'Go', until the last scene. Every scene is remarkable; be it war, comedy, tragic or drama. Dev Anand is excellent. I rate his performance as one of his best & at par with the one from 'Guide'. Sadhana and Nanda have ably supported him. Leela Chitnis, Lalita Pawar and Jagirdar are good as always. Music Director Jaidev has delivered immortal songs, almost all of them; 1) Allah Tero Naam, 2) Main Zindagi Ka Saath, 3) Abhi Na Jaao Chhodkar, 4) Kabhi Khud Pe Kabhi Halaat Pe and three more. You are missing something if you are a movie buff and have not watched this classic.

A very beautiful movie. Though this movie is about war and its effects you are actually moved by the message of non violence in this movie. The story is again a sort of Shakespearean comedy of errors. Well the plot is forced and this movie depends upon lot of forced coincidences. The inimitable Dev plays dual role in this movie. The heroines Sadhana and Nanda are very likable and have done a good job. Very strangely the entire length of this movie is tinged with a mood of sadness and nostalgia. How such an effect has been brought about is a topic worthy of research.

And above all, this movie is a musical bonanza. Right from the word go composer Jaidev scores. The title music is so haunting and a wee bit sad. Jaidev as usual relies mostly on Indian classical music to bring about a haunting effect. The songs and their celluloid presentation lingers on in your heart and mind long after the movie is over. The bhajan song "Allah tero naam" is a trend setter. A very curious fact about these songs from the golden age of Bollywood is that almost all of them are immortal. The same cannot be said of the current Bollywood songs. In a nut shell, a thoroughly enjoyable fare.

The highlight of Hum Dono is its soundtrack by Jaidev and subtle lyrics of Sahir Ludhianvi which blend beautifully into Dev Anand's character."I am going along with life", spells a philosophy of living life,while"Do not leave now..", is a beautiful duet on love and separation. DevAnand's double role play, although a repeated, unrealistic Hindi film situation, is still endearing, it is easily one of his best acted films, apart from"Kalabazaar", "Funtoosh" and "Jewel Thief." The musical lighter in the movie belonged to music director Jaidev. The lyrics" Where there is no disparity between joy and sorrow, I am taking my life to that stage..,"is sublime.

"Abhi Na Jaao Chhod Kar-Ke Dil Abhi Bhara Nahi" by music director, Jaidev Verma, has to be the best lilting, haunting duet of a melody of all times-sung by Rafi and Asha Bhonsle, Dev Saab (Major Verma) in his inimitable style sings to Sadhana (Mita), who was probably the true beauty ever in Hindi cinema. Now Dev Saheb has left us, if there is one song that will be remembered as his signature song, is this evergreen melody for an evergreen star. The yester-year playback singers, had this unique talent to mold their voice to the actress in the film, as in this song. It is so uncanny, it sounds like Sadhana, was singing this song, not Asha Bhonsle. Also the yester-year stars had a personality of their own, they had individual hair styles, dressed uniquely different, looked different, acted different, unlike the latter year actresses who have no sense of style or class-barring a few. Dev Anand, was not much known for his acting talent (however he was superlative in "Guide") but he had a style and charisma (the man wore his hat in a rakish angle, walked kind of side-ways! with collars up to his ears and spoke his dialog in clipped accent with penchant for nodding), that very few of his contemporaries possessed. This is a movie that should be seen for its sheer beauty of the Stars-Sadhana and Nanda and the melodies like the Bhajan song "Ishawar Thero Naam", which should be the Mother of all Bhajan Songs. This is the most romantic black and white movie and "Sangam" the most romantic color movie. There will Never be another Dev Anand, Never a Sadhana and Never a melody like 'Abhi Naa Jaao." God bless Jaidev Verma for giving this immortal melody.

How an ordinary and predictable film can be elevated by a well executed climax is proven by this film. Watch it for the classic songs (each of them in the film which is truly rare) and the last 10 minutes of the film.