Saaransh

Last updated

Saaransh
Saaransh.jpg
Film poster
Directed by Mahesh Bhatt
Written by Mahesh Bhatt (screenplay & dialogue)
Sujit Sen (screenplay & dialogue)
Amit Khanna (dialogue)
Story byMahesh Bhatt
Produced by Tarachand Barjatya
Starring Anupam Kher
Rohini Hattangadi
Soni Razdan
Madan Jain
Nilu Phule
CinematographyAdeep Tandon
Edited by David Dhawan
Music by Ajit Verman
Distributed by Rajshri
Release date
  • 25 May 1984 (1984-05-25)
Running time
137 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi

Saaransh (English: The Gist [1] ) is a 1984 Indian Hindi drama film directed by Mahesh Bhatt, starring Anupam Kher, Rohini Hattangadi, Madan Jain, Nilu Phule, Suhas Bhalekar and Soni Razdan. [2] It is about an elderly Maharashtrian couple living in Mumbai who come to terms with the loss of their only son. This was the screen debut of Anupam Kher. The film had music by Ajit Verman and lyrics by Vasant Dev. It was produced and distributed by Rajshri Productions. It was chosen as India's official entry for the 1985 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and was not nominated.

Contents

Plot

The film begins with B.V. Pradhan waking up early in the morning to write a letter to his son, Ajay, who lives in New York. Midway through the letter, Pradhan remembers the tragic reality: Pradhan received a call from a friend of Ajay's that Ajay has been killed in a mugging in New York. Pradhan's best friend, Vishwanath, and Pradhan's wife, Parvati are both worried that even though it has been 3 months, Pradhan has yet to fully come to terms with the loss of his only son. Pradhan confesses to Vishwanath that after the loss of his son, he no longer has any will left to live.

Due to the death of their son, Pradhan has no source of income, so they rent out a room of their Shivaji Park (Mumbai) apartment to a budding Bollywood actress, Sujata Suman. Sujata is romantically involved with Vilas (Madan Jain), the only son of an influential politician Gajanan Chitre. Vilas wishes to marry Sujata, but he does not tell his father about Sujata out of cowardice and keeps on postponing their marriage plans.

Meanwhile, Pradhan receives a registered letter that his son's ashes and a few other belongings (a TV, VCR, a refrigerator etc.) have arrived from USA to India. When Pradhan goes to the customs office to collect them, he is disrespected and gets no help from the Public Relations Officer. An emotionally disturbed and enraged Pradhan forcibly enters the office of the main head of the customs department and explains that he has come only to pick up his son's ashes and not any other material possessions. Pradhan demands that his son's ashes be handed to him immediately and breaks down to tears, upon which the officer consoles Pradhan and relents to his request. The officer apologises for the inconvenience and assures Pradhan that the remaining items will be transferred to Pradhan as soon as possible.

Pradhan, an atheist, gives his son's ashes to Parvati, who takes his ashes to a Pandit. The Pandit tells Pradhan and Parvati that Ajay will soon be reincarnated, in the form of a baby, near them. Disillusioned, Pradhan takes some of Ajay's ashes and spreads them near a park bench in the nearby kids park. Realising the futility of his painful life, Pradhan tries to commit suicide by diving under a speeding car, albeit unsuccessfully. Parvati implores him to change his mind, but Pradhan does not relent. Finally, they both decide to end their lives by consuming poison together.

Just as Pradhan and Parvati are about to commit suicide, Sujata informs Vilas that she's pregnant. When Vilas still shows indecisiveness in marrying Sujata, she calls him a coward and throws him out. When Pradhan finds out, he offers to take Sujata to meet Gajanan with the hope that he will permit Sujata and Vilas to get married. When Vilas refuses to accept that Sujata is carrying his baby, Gajanan, despite knowing that Vilas is lying, refuses their proposal and threatens Pradhan and Sujata of dire consequences if Sujata does not abort the child and moves away to another town. However, Pradhan, out of principle, refuses to let a helpless Sujata leave and provides her a safe haven in his house. Parvati, upon hearing that Sujata is with a baby, starts believing that the baby in Sujata's womb is, in fact, going to be the reincarnation of Ajay. She starts caring for Sujata and her beliefs about Ajay being reincarnated get even more firmly entrenched in her mind.

Gajanan tries all the tricks of the trade to dissuade Sujata from having the baby: his goons to try to bribe Pradhan, they harass Pradhan by cutting off the electricity of his house and beat up Vishwanath (thereby preventing him from supplying milk to Pradhan's house) and his goons even throw ignited crackers into Pradhan's house. Gajanan himself persuades a local doctor to illegally carry out the abortion of Sujata's baby in his clinic (where Sujata is scheduled for a checkup). When all else fails, Gajanan, through Vilas (who is unaware of his father's intentions) traps Pradhan in a fake scam of aiding and abetting a prostitution ring (involving illegal marked bills). Pradhan tries to call the Commissioner of Police for help, but is prevented due to red-tapism. Exasperated, Pradhan storms into the Mantralaya, the office of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The C.M. turns out to be one of Pradhan's former students, Shashikant. The C.M. immediately calls up the Commissioner of Police, the Remand Home where Sujata is being held in custody and demands Gajanan Chitre be produced to ensure that justice is rightfully served.

Pradhan realises that Parvati's adamant belief that Ajay will be reincarnated as Sujata's baby will cause problems to them and Sujata and Vilas, so he asks them both to leave the city in the wee hours of the night and go live their lives happily elsewhere. He gifts them Ajay's belongings that have finally been handed over to Pradhan by the customs office. Sujata, however, requests to see Parvati one last time. When Parvati refuses to let Vilas and Sujata leave, Pradhan controls her and makes them leave. Parvati is shocked and heartbroken, but Pradhan helps her realise that Ajay has died and will never come back. When Parvati says that they should both consume poison together, Pradhan refuses, saying that he has realised that the Saaransh of his life is in her beautiful wrinkles, and they have both done a good deed in helping Sujata's baby survive despite the problems she faced.

The movie ends with Pradhan taking Parvati for an early morning walk to the nearby kids park. There, they see that beautiful flowers have sprouted where Pradhan once scattered some of Ajay's ashes. Pradhan then tells Parvati that the real beauty of life is that we all are mortal, but life goes on.

Cast

Production

Made after his critically acclaimed Arth (1982), this film carried forward his venturing into the genre of confessional cinema. It was inspired by the death of a young son of Mahesh Bhatt's spiritual guru, U. G. Krishnamurti of cancer, and later by a Maharashtrian couple whose only son was murdered in New York. [3]

Initially Anupam Kher, originally from Shimla and a National School of Drama alumnus, was chosen to play the lead role. Later producers Rajshri Productions insisted in taking an established actor, Sanjeev Kumar for the role. Thus a fortnight before the principal photography was to commence, Kher, who had been preparing for almost sixth months for his debut, got the news. When Bhatt confirmed the change, he packed his bags and left town. However, before leaving, he met Bhatt and expressed his frustration. Subsequently, Bhatt kept him as the lead, and the producers agreed. [4] [5]

The film began on 1 January 1984 with very first scene of Pradhan played by Kher, receiving the phone call from New York. [5] Kher was only 28 years old, when he played the role of a retired stubborn old man. For the pivotal scene, where he had to haggle with customs officials to recover his son's ashes. Kher had no reference of such a situation and tapped into all his hardships as struggling actor in Mumbai to reach the emotional point. The scene was shot at an office space in Film City, Mumbai, and was completed in a single take, without rehearsals or use of glycerine. He went on to win Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance. Rohini Hattangadi was only 28 years old at the time but her performance as the 60-plus housewife is still etched in everyone’s memory. [5]

Themes

Saaransh explores how the couple copes with the loneliness and anxieties of old age and the utter aimlessness of life after the death of their only son, a victim of arbitrary violence. While the headmaster's wife seeks refuge in religion and faith, the headmaster remains stoic and becomes obsessive about the memories of his son. In his efforts to reach out to his dead son, he starts writing letters to him every day, only to tear them up. [6] It also focuses on the importance of finding new meaning and purpose in life, no matter the age. [7] [8]

Other themes it touches on are through Pradhan's interactions with custom officials and police — corruption, politics-crime nexus and bureaucratic delay, rampant bribery and red-tapism. [9]

Music

The music was given by Ajit Varman and the lyrics by Vasant Dev.

Reception

The lead pair, Anupam Kher and Rohini Hattangadi, were praised for their portrayals, described by The Tribune as "immortal performances". [10] Chander Uday Singh of India Today wrote ″Although Bhatt has used artistes with little cinematic experience (barring Hattangady and Phule) he draws superb performances from them. Kher stops short of being brilliant only because he occasionally lapses into a vigour out of keeping with the ageing and broken Pradhan. Hattangady, fresh from the success of Gandhi, remains convincing in the difficult role of Parvati.″ [11] In a retrospective review on films 30th anniversary in 2014, Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com wrote, "Bhatt’s finest film, which celebrates its 30th anniversary on May 25, isn’t comfort cinema. Devoid of cheer and falsehoods, Saaransh is armed with a leading man like Anupam Kher who single-handedly enriches its story into an experience so personal, poignant and profound, only the callous can stay unmoved." [12]

Saaransh was included in the Panorama section of the 1984 International Film Festival of India (IFFI). [13] It was India's official submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, though it did not make it to the final run. Among other awards, Bhatt received a special prize at the 14th Moscow International Film Festival, and was a nominee for the Golden Prize. [14]

Coming after the success of Arth (1982), the critical acclaim of Saaransh established Bhatt as a director of repute. [15] Even today, it remains one of the few stand out in "middle-of-the-road" films of the 1980s decade Hindi cinema, [16] which is retrospectively seen as a decade of decline of content in the mainstream cinema. [17] Encyclopædia Britannica's "Encyclopedia of Hindi Cinema" described Saaransh as Mahesh Bhatt's "finest film – moving, mellow, and mature – as the viewer feels the pain and despair of an elderly couple..." [18] In 2016, on the occasion of India celebrating its 70th Independence day, news agency NDTV compiled a list called "70 Years, 70 Great Films" and Saaransh was among those chosen. [19]

Awards

32nd National Film Awards :


32nd Filmfare Awards :

Won

Nominated

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anupam Kher</span> Indian actor

Anupam Kher is an Indian actor, director and producer who works primarily in Hindi-language films. Considered one of the finest actors in Indian cinema, he has played a variety of characters including numerous critically acclaimed leading or supporting roles. His accolades include two National Film Awards and eight Filmfare Awards. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contribution to Indian cinema and arts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soni Razdan</span> British actress (born 1956)

Soni Mahesh Bhatt, born and known professionally as Soni Razdan, is a British actress and director who works in Indian Hindi-language films. Part of the Bhatt family of Indian cinema, she is married to film director Mahesh Bhatt and is the mother of actress Alia Bhatt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mahesh Bhatt</span> Indian film director, producer, screenwriter (born 1948)

Mahesh Bhatt is an Indian film director, producer and screenwriter known for his works in Hindi cinema. He has received several accolades, including four National Film Award and three Filmfare Awards. A notable film from his earlier period is Saaransh (1984), screened at the 14th Moscow International Film Festival. It became India's official entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for that year. The 1986 film Naam was his first piece of commercial cinema. In 1987, he turned producer with the film Kabzaa under the banner, "Vishesh Films", with his brother Mukesh Bhatt.

<i>Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin</i> 1991 film by Mahesh Bhatt

Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin is a 1991 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film produced by Gulshan Kumar and directed by Mahesh Bhatt. The film starred Bhatt's daughter Pooja Bhatt in her first major lead female role, with Aamir Khan starring as her love interest. Supporting roles were played by Anupam Kher, Sameer Chitre, and Tiku Talsania, while Deepak Tijori made a special appearance.

<i>ChaalBaaz</i> 1989 Indian film

ChaalBaaz is a 1989 Indian Hindi-language slapstick film directed by Pankaj Parashar and written by Rajesh Mazumdar and Kamlesh Pandey. It stars Sridevi in dual roles, with Rajinikanth and Sunny Deol. The film revolves around twin sisters Anju and Manju, who get separated at birth. Anju lives with her malicious uncle who plans to seize her property and traumatizes her by beating. On the other hand, Manju grows up amidst a slum environment and acquires tomboy characters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rohini Hattangadi</span> Indian actress

Rohini Hattangadi is an Indian actress, known for her work in Marathi, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Gujarati films, and Marathi soap operas and theatre. She has won two Filmfare Awards, one National Film Award, and is the only Indian actress to win the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance as Kasturba Gandhi in Gandhi (1982).

<i>Chaahat</i> (1996 film) 1996 Indian film

Chaahat (transl. Desire) is a 1996 Indian Hindi-language romantic thriller film directed by Mahesh Bhatt. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan, Pooja Bhatt, Naseeruddin Shah, Ramya Krishnan, and Anupam Kher. Shah Rukh Khan acquired the rights of this film from Mahesh Bhatt in October 2013 under the banner, Red Chillies Entertainment. The film was remade in Odia as Prem Rogi in 2009.

<i>Zakhm</i> 1998 Indian film

Zakhm (transl. Wound) is a 1998 Indian Hindi-language drama film written and directed by Mahesh Bhatt and produced by Mahesh and Pooja Bhatt. The film stars Ajay Devgn, Kunal Khemu, Pooja Bhatt, Sonali Bendre and Nagarjuna. Zakhm was based on the life of Mahesh Bhatt's mother Shirin Mohammad Ali, while his daughter Pooja Bhatt essayed her character in this film.

Daddy (1989) is a television film made for Doordarshan. Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, this film marked the acting debut of his daughter Pooja Bhatt. The film boasts spectacular performances by its lead actors Anupam Kher and Manohar Singh. It features a famous ghazal "Aaina mujhse meri pehli si surat maange" sung by Talat Aziz.

Janam ("Birth") is a 1985 Indian television film directed and written by Mahesh Bhatt. It is one of the autobiographical films Bhatt created in the early part of his career. The film was remade in Telugu as Aakasamantha. The film premiered on 4 December 1985 on DD National.

<i>Jawab</i> (1995 film) 1995 Indian film

Jawab is a 1995 Hindi action movie directed by Ajay Kashyap, starring Raaj Kumar, Harish Kumar and Karishma Kapoor, with a supporting cast of Prem Chopra, Mukesh Khanna, Annu Kapoor and Farida Jalal.

<i>Veergati</i> 1995 Indian film

Veergati (Martyrdom) is a 1995 Indian Hindi-language action film written, produced and directed by K.K Singh, starring Salman Khan, Atul Agnihotri, Divya Dutta and Akhilendra Mishra. This film is only film of Pooja Dadwal. Upon release the film received negative reviews mostly for its action, and was a below average at the, but had a successful DVD release.

<i>C Kkompany</i> 2008 film directed by Sachin Yardi

C Kkompany is a 2008 Indian Hindi-language comedy film directed by debutant Sachin Yardi, and produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor. The film stars Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Raima Sen and Anupam Kher. It released on 29 August 2008 to negative reviews from critics, and was a failure at the box office.

The 32nd Filmfare Awards were held in 1985.

The 36th Filmfare Awards were held in 1991.

<i>Ladaai</i> 1989 film by Deepak Shivdasani

Ladaai (transl. Feud) is a 1989 Indian Hindi-language action film directed by Deepak Shivdasani,starring Mithun Chakraborty, Rekha, Dimple Kapadia, Mandakini, Gulshan Grover, Anupam Kher and Rohini Hattangadi in lead roles. The film was released on 3 November 1989 under the banner of Yashish Enterprises.

<i>Haque</i> (film) 1991 Indian film

Haque is a 1991 Indian Hindi-language political film directed by Harish Bhosle and produced by Mahesh Bhatt. It stars Dimple Kapadia, Aasif Sheikh, Sonu Walia, Anupam Kher in pivotal roles, with Paresh Rawal, Girija Shankar in supporting roles. India Today criticised the film.

Aagaman is a 1982 Hindi language drama film directed by Muzaffar Ali and produced by Uttar Pradesh Sugarcane Seed and Development Corporation under the banner of Integrated Films. The cast included Saeed Jaffrey, Suresh Oberoi, Dilip Dhawan, Anupam Kher, Bharat Bhushan and Raj Bisaria. The film marked the debut of Anupam Kher. In 2012, The Hollywood Reporter included him in its list of five best actors in Asia. The plot involved the politics and working techniques of Uttar Pradesh sugarcane co-operative societies. Upon release the film received mixed reviews. In November 2012 the film was shown at the 43rd International Film Festival of India.

Thikana is a 1987 Hindi crime drama film directed by Mahesh Bhatt. It stars Smita Patil, Anil Kapoor and Amrita Singh in lead roles.

References

  1. DIFF 1985, p. 103.
  2. Saaransh, archived from the original on 1 June 2019, retrieved 27 April 2019
  3. "Interview with Mahesh Bhatt: Stories of His Life". IndiaWest. 2 July 2012. Archived from the original on 13 May 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  4. Bajaj 2014, p. 2036.
  5. 1 2 3 "Anupam Kher talks about how Mahesh Bhatt's Saaransh changed his life". The Times of India. 18 February 2014. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 11 May 2014.
  6. Ray & Joshi 2005, p. 69.
  7. Garga 1996, p. 265.
  8. Chandrasekhar & Seel 2003, p. 352.
  9. Dasgupta 2014, p. 76.
  10. Dhawan, M.L (28 April 2002). "When content was the king". The Tribune . Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 24 February 2011.
  11. Singh, Chander Uday (30 April 1984). "Film review: Mahesh Bhatt's 'Saaransh'". India Today . Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  12. Verma, Sukanya (22 May 2014). "Celebrating 30 Years of Saaransh". Rediff.com . Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  13. DIFF 1985, p. 3.
  14. "14th Moscow International Film Festival (1985)". MIFF. Archived from the original on 16 March 2013. Retrieved 10 February 2013.
  15. Gulzar, Nihalani & Chatterjee 2003, p. 531.
  16. Sommaya, Kothari & Madangarli 2013, p. 1986.
  17. Spinelli 2002, p. 80.
  18. Gulzar, Nihalani & Chatterjee 2003, p. 108.
  19. "Happy Independence Day: 70 Years, 70 Great Films". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 9 November 2022. Retrieved 27 December 2022.

Bibliography