I want to live. Review on Mujhe Jeene Do

The road to redemption is often fraught with many more dangers than the road to crime. It is for precisely these reasons that many a men are forced to live a life which screams against their sensibilities since they are aware that redemption is not easy and forgiveness not possible.

Every Man, if left alone wishes to live a life of peace and not a life where death meets him at every corner. Every Man wants to live with dignity and honour, but what does he do, if his past haunts him at every step, if he’s not allowed to be a part of society.

Mujhe Jeene Do (1963) is one of the best movies ever made on these sentiments and one that explores the feelings of the outlaws. It is a film about dacoits and their inner turmoil. In its own inimitable style, the movie speaks volumes about the trials and tribulations of an ordinary dacoit and his thirst for acceptance by a cold society. The title of the movie “Let Me Live” speaks volumes for the feelings of the producer and director of the movie.

Sunil Dutt as the main protagonist, Thakur Gernail Singh is exceptionally brilliant. The cruelty of a dacoit in the early stages, the angst and frustration he feels, as he understands the circumstances of his life, his slow transformation and efforts towards redemption are all brilliantly captured. This is a role of a lifetime and Sunil portrays it with the right shades to ensure that the character of Gernail never loses sight of the script or the ultimate goal of the movie. No wonder he won the Filmfare Best Actor Award for 1963.

Waheeda Rehman as his wife – the courtesan Chameli Jaan is exceptional. It’s unfortunate that despite giving unforgettable performances like the one in this movie and the others described elsewhere; Waheeda never got her due as an actress from the cine world. Her first confrontation with Gernail is a study in anger and leaves you with the impression of a fury seldom seen. Her fervent exhortation to Gernail to reform strikes a chord of belonging with the audience whereas towards the end she also displays effortlessly the pain and angst of a mother. Throughout the movie, you find her appealing and after the movie ends you leave with a feeling of empathy for her.

Sidhu as the unrepentant dacoit, Thakur Kripal Singh out to destroy Gernail is brilliant. It’s unfortunate that such a good actor as Sidhu could never make it big in an industry full with loudmouths whose villainy left you feeling as if they were not villains but jokers. Sidhu has a very short role but till the end, the role is performed in such a convincing manner that you start feeling revulsions for the character.

Nirupa Roy as Champa Behen, the woman whose husband was murdered by Gernail is brilliant. In a very well shot confrontation scene where she tries to save Chameli from marauding villagers, Nirupa proves her clear superiority to the lead actors in the histrionics department. It is a small role but one that ensures she is remembered even after the movie is over.

Rajendra Nath as Gernail friend, Dara is brilliant although initially he tends to be a little loud. Tarun Bose, in a cameo role as a Superindent of Police is brilliant. Durga Khote, Anwar Hussein and Sapru all perform their roles to the hilt.

One of the best things about this film is the way the director has used character actors. All of them are absolutely brilliant and the director as to be saluted for his directorial capabilities.

Another important thing, which deserves special mention, is the continuity among scenes. In one of the earlier scenes, Chameli attacks Gernail and scratches his face off. To a very long time after that, as required, you see those scratches on the face in exactly the same places, something even today’s hotshot directors fail to accomplish. That’s some continuity

Jaidev wields the baton effectively and gives us some very beautiful gems of songs. It’s sad that such a brilliant composer was sidelined in his prime but the talent is evident in his compositions. Sahir combines with Jaidev and what we have is sheer magic.

In the bargain, Lata gets some of her all time best songs like the classical “Raat bhi hai kuchh madhyam madhyam” or “Nadi Nare Na Jao Shyam Paiyan Padoon”. In one of the best lullaby of all times, Lata sings “Tere Bachpan ko Jawani ki Dua Deti Hoon; Aur Dua de ke Pareshaan si ho jaati hoon” and you are mesmerized by the feeling of helplessness that pervades your consciousness on hearing this song. One beautiful album for Lata lovers

Moni Bhattacharjee directs brilliantly. Two of his brilliant attributes have already been discussed in the preceding paragraphs. Although, the film does slacken a bit in the middle, Moni is brilliant in tying up all the loose ends. Both the beginning and the climax of the film are well shot.

A plea to Society … …… Let all live