Safar (Review)

Safar

There is something uniquely melodious about this movie. It touches a chord within you, makes you weep: Makes you laugh. I loved the movie (with constraint). Sharmila Tagore’s character somehow enriches every viewer’s life. I myslf can’t help, but, feel that at some level I want to be her, and at another level; complete No-No! Rajesh Khanna, an artist, keeps audience tied to their seats. Not with any magic formula (apart from the ‘Rajesh Khanna’ charm ofcourse’), but, by sheer transparency of his persona, and accurate perception of feelings.

The songs, ofcourse, tap every foot. That I (personal disclosure) might NOT enjoy this flick would be only because, the heroine’s journey (safar) is too demanding, and, not special when it comes to the end. (I must mention here – It’s admirable, but... the injustice jumps out at you ). However, the injustice, too, seems justified in its own way (shrug).

Lest the reader wants a professional review, the entire genre of these Rajesh Khanna, Sharmila, Amitabh etc movies have a satisfying and comfortable pace. Identifiable and thankfully, relaxing. Anand being another of its league, and Chupke chupke another.

Coming back too ‘Safar’, at a certain plane, it reflects the themes of Umrao Jaan (Disagreements welcome ;). The lead lady, in both, is sincere, committed and accepting. The circumstances, in both, are against the healthy growth of heroine (Sharmila’s brother is irresponsible, if not outwardly cheap); Umrao Jaan is brought up on a Kotha. Undoubtedly this is one of my most biased and self-tinged reviews...

That the two heroines lament (too) much about destiny is something a 21st century woman might not find comfort in.
Great movie!