One of the key subjects where you can perfectly feel the enigma around Hindi Cinema, its larger than life drama, its thrill and the incomparable cinematic magic in its characters onscreen can be found in the “Dacoit movies” made in the 60s and 70s. And among the first few movies made in this genre was Sunil Dutt’s Mujhe Jeene Do (Black & White), which was directed by Moni Bhattacharaya and produced by Sunil Dutt himself.
Considered as one of the finest films of Hindi Cinema, the film beautifully touches the sensitive issue of a hardcore deadly dacoit of Chambal valley transforming into a kind hearted man. In fact this particular part of the film (its final hour) dealing with the transformation makes you notice all the finer details in its direction and forces you to see it once again from a different angle. Personally it made a stunning impact on me listening to its extraordinary song talking about a mother’s traumatic situation thinking about her son’s future……..saying,
“Tere Bachpan Ko Jawaani Ki Dua Deti Hun,
Aur Dua Deke Pareshan Si Ho Jaati Hun”
I would like to rate this track as one of the most precious songs of Hindi Cinema written for a given situation. It thoughtfully explains a mother’s emotions wherein she is wondering that how her son would suffer and what price he will have to pay for his father’s wrong deeds and brutal murders as a dacoit. What will happen to him in his youth as he seems like having no future at all being the son of a wanted criminal? The words not only make a strong impact on Sunil Dutt playing the dacoit in the film, but they also move the viewers like very few songs are able to do in the history of Hindi cinema. A perfect example of how a single track can make a difference enhancing the overall impact of a film alltogether.
Meaningfully penned by Sahir Ludhianvi and melodiously composed by Jaidev, the film has few other great musical gems too such as, Raat Bhi Hai Kuchh Bheegi Bheegi (with a fabulous choreography), Ab Koi Gulshan Na Ujdhe Ab Watan Azaad Hai, Maang Mein Bhar Le Rang Sakhi Ri and Nadi Naare Na Jao Shaam Paiyaan Padun, superbly sung by Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle and Mohd. Rafi.
Mujhe Jeene Do established Sunil Dutt as an actor, who simply looked perfect in the costume of a dacoit with a tilak on his forehead and a rifle in his hand. He brought such elegance to the character that despite of being a killer on the screen, people felt like sympathizing with him in the later part of the film. The reason being that Mujhe Jeene Do never glorifies or glamorises a dacoit’s life in its script but shows it as it is to the viewer with all its sufferings, fear, insecurity and struggle hidden under his loud voice raised against the social system.
The film actually becomes a gem in the second half with skillful performances from both Waheeda Rehman and Nirupa Roy who simply make you go numb in its concluding moments. Mujhe Jeene Do did well at the box office even when it didn’t have any usual entertainment elements in it to please the viewer. It had a very raw, dark and straight forward treatment given by the director Moni Bhattacharya and probably that was the reason it also got nominated in the CANNES Film Festival that year. Sunil Dutt won The Best Actor Filmfare award for it fabulous performance as Thakur Jarnail Singh and today many critics include this gem as one of the 100 best films made by Hindi Cinema in its 100 years of history. Reportedly its last scene in which Sunil Dutt is shot dead was even appreciated by Elia Kazan, the two times Oscar winner renowned director.
Hence if you really want to experience what Hindi Cinema used to be in its Golden Era then do watch this classic at the earliest and feel the magic in its characters, camera (shot at original locations) and dialogues. Particularly just watch it for that one song mentioned above which can be easily rated as one of the best written, composed and sung tracks in the 100 years history of Hindi Cinema.
Directed by Moni Bhattacharya
Produced by Sunil Dutt
Music by Jaidev Lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi
Starring Sunil Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, Nirupa Roy, Rajendra Nath, Anwar Hussain & more.
