The year 1971 was a landmark year for Hindi cinema, as it witnessed the release of some of the most memorable and influential films in Bollywood history. These films not only showcased the talent and versatility of the actors, directors, writers and musicians, but also reflected the changing social and political landscape of India at the time. Here are some of the best Bollywood movies of 1971 that you should watch.
Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Anand is a classic drama that tells the story of a terminally ill man who wishes to live life to the fullest before the inevitable occurs, as told by his best friend. Rajesh Khanna delivers one of his finest performances as Anand, a cheerful and optimistic man who spreads joy and wisdom to everyone he meets. Amitabh Bachchan plays Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee, a cynical and disillusioned doctor who becomes Anand's friend and confidant. The film is a poignant and inspiring tale of friendship, courage and acceptance, with memorable dialogues and songs. Anand won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi and several Filmfare Awards, including Best Actor for Khanna and Best Supporting Actor for Bachchan.
Directed by Dev Anand, Hare Rama Hare Krishna is a cult film that explores the hippie culture and the drug problem in India and Nepal. Dev Anand plays Prashant, a pilot who goes to Kathmandu to find his estranged sister Jasbir, played by Zeenat Aman. Jasbir has become a hippie named Janice, who is addicted to drugs and involved with a smuggler named Jai, played by Prem Chopra. Prashant tries to rescue his sister from her self-destructive lifestyle, while also falling in love with a fellow hippie named Shanti, played by Mumtaz. The film is known for its bold and realistic portrayal of the youth subculture, as well as its catchy music by R.D. Burman. The song "Dum Maro Dum", sung by Asha Bhosle and featuring Zeenat Aman, became an anthem for the hippie generation.
Directed by Dulal Guha, Dushman is a thriller that revolves around a truck driver who accidentally kills a farmer's wife and son in a road accident. Rajesh Khanna plays Surjit Singh, the truck driver who is haunted by guilt and remorse after the tragedy. He decides to atone for his sin by helping the farmer's surviving daughter-in-law Nirmala, played by Mumtaz. Nirmala is a strong and independent woman who refuses to accept Surjit's help at first, but gradually warms up to him. However, their budding relationship is threatened by Nirmala's brother-in-law Kundan, played by Mehmood Jr., who wants to marry her for her property. The film is a gripping and emotional drama that showcases the chemistry between Khanna and Mumtaz, as well as their acting skills.
Directed by Aravind Sen, Maryada is a family drama that revolves around a love triangle involving a married woman, her husband and her lover. Mala Sinha plays Rupa, a woman who is unhappy with her marriage to Rajesh Khanna, who plays Rakesh, a wealthy but alcoholic businessman. She finds solace in the arms of Raaj Kumar, who plays Dev, a lawyer and Rakesh's friend. However, their affair is exposed by Rakesh's secretary, who blackmails Rupa for money. The film is a melodramatic and suspenseful tale of betrayal, guilt and redemption, with powerful performances by the lead actors.
Directed by Raj Kapoor, Mera Naam Joker is an epic comedy-drama that chronicles the life of a clown who must make his audience laugh at the cost of his own sorrows. Raj Kapoor plays Raju, a circus performer who falls in love with three different women at different stages of his life: his teacher Mary, played by Simi Garewal; a Russian trapeze artist Marina, played by Kseniya Ryabinkina; and a Bollywood star Meena, played by Padmini. The film is a poignant and humorous exploration of the human condition, with memorable songs and scenes. The film was a commercial failure at the time of its release, but has since gained cult status among cinephiles.
Directed by Samir Ganguly, Sharmeelee is a mystery-romance that features a double role by Raakhee. She plays Kanchan and Kamini, twin sisters who are polar opposites in personality. Kanchan is a shy and simple girl who loves nature and poetry, while Kamini is a bold and modern girl who loves glamour and adventure. Shashi Kapoor plays Captain Ajit Kapoor, an army officer who falls in love with Kanchan during a vacation in Kashmir. However, he gets married to Kamini by mistake, thinking that she is Kanchan. The film is a thrilling and entertaining story of mistaken identity, deception and love, with beautiful cinematography and music.
Directed by Raj Kapoor, Mera Naam Joker is an epic comedy-drama that chronicles the life of a clown who must make his audience laugh at the cost of his own sorrows. Raj Kapoor plays Raju, a circus performer who falls in love with three different women at different stages of his life: his teacher Mary, played by Simi Garewal; a Russian trapeze artist Marina, played by Kseniya Ryabinkina; and a Bollywood star Meena, played by Padmini. The film is a poignant and humorous exploration of the human condition, with memorable songs and scenes. The film was a commercial failure at the time of its release, but has since gained cult status among cinephiles.
Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Guddi is a comedy-family drama that revolves around a teenage girl who is obsessed with movies and her idol Dharmendra. Jaya Bachchan plays Kusum, a schoolgirl who lives in a fantasy world of cinema and refuses to accept her family's attempt to arrange a marriage for her. She gets a chance to meet Dharmendra, who plays himself, when her uncle works as an assistant director on one of his films. Dharmendra tries to teach Kusum the difference between reel and real life, and make her realize the value of her family and friends. The film is a charming and light-hearted satire on the film industry and fandom, with cameo appearances by several Bollywood stars.
Directed by C.P. Dixit, Paras is a social drama that deals with the issue of caste discrimination in India. Sanjeev Kumar plays Rajesh, a young doctor who belongs to a lower caste and faces prejudice and humiliation from his colleagues and society. He falls in love with Rakhee, who plays Neeta, a nurse who belongs to an upper caste and supports him in his struggle. However, their relationship faces opposition from Neeta's family and Rajesh's rival Dr. Pradhan, played by Shatrughan Sinha. The film is a realistic and sensitive portrayal of the plight of the oppressed classes and the need for social reform, with powerful performances by the lead actors.
Directed by Amrit Sagar, 1971 is a war drama film based on a true story of prisoners of war after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The film features an ensemble cast of Manoj Bajpayee, Ravi Kishan, Piyush Mishra, Deepak Dobriyal and others. The film is an account of the escape of six soldiers of the Indian Army taken as prisoners of war by the Pakistani Army, during the war that was preceded by rebellion of East Pakistan to separate itself from West Pakistan and create a new country. The film is a gripping and realistic portrayal of the courage and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers, who face torture, betrayal and death in their quest for freedom. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
Directed by Gulzar, Mere Apne is a social drama that revolves around an old widow who is brought to the city by her distant relative. Meena Kumari plays Anandi Devi, who realizes that her relative Arun and his wife wanted to keep her as a maid following which she leaves their home and befriends a group of unemployed youth. Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha play Shyam and Chhenu, two rival gang leaders who are involved in street fights and petty crimes. Anandi Devi becomes a mother figure to them and tries to reform them with her love and compassion. The film is a touching and tragic story of the urban poor and the elderly, with soulful music by Salil Chowdhury.
Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Buddha Mil Gaya is a comedy-thriller that revolves around two unemployed friends who find a missing old man and decide to use him for their benefit. Navin Nischol and Deven Verma play Ajit and Rakesh, who stumble upon Om Prakash, who plays Mr. D'Costa, a wealthy man who has been missing for 40 years. They take him to his mansion and pretend to be his relatives, hoping to inherit his fortune. However, they soon realize that someone is trying to kill Mr. D'Costa, and they have to protect him from the mysterious assassin. The film is a hilarious and suspenseful ride, with witty dialogues and comic situations.
Directed by M.A. Thirumugam, Haathi Mere Saathi is a family drama that revolves around the bond between a man and his four elephants. Rajesh Khanna plays Raju, an orphan who grows up with four elephants as his companions and friends. He falls in love with Tanuja, who plays Tanu, a rich girl who also loves animals. However, their marriage faces opposition from Tanu's father, who hates elephants and wants Raju to get rid of them. The film is a heartwarming and emotional story of loyalty, friendship and love, with spectacular scenes of the elephants and their antics. The film was the highest-grossing film of 1971 and one of the biggest hits of Rajesh Khanna's career.
Directed by Raj Khosla, Mera Gaon Mera Desh is a western-style action film that features Dharmendra as a vagabond who becomes a hero for a village. Dharmendra plays Ajit, a petty thief who is hired by the villagers to protect them from a gang of dacoits led by Jabbar Singh, played by Vinod Khanna. Ajit falls in love with Anju, played by Asha Parekh, the sister of the village headman. He also befriends Munnibai, played by Laxmi Chhaya, a dancer who works for Jabbar Singh. The film is a thrilling and entertaining saga of courage, romance and revenge, with catchy songs and stunts. The film was a huge success at the box office and established Vinod Khanna as a villain.
Directed by Shakti Samanta, Kati Patang is a romantic drama that revolves around a woman who assumes the identity of a widow to escape from her past. Asha Parekh plays Madhavi, who runs away from her arranged marriage and meets her friend Poonam, who is a widow with a son. Poonam dies in an accident and asks Madhavi to take her place and look after her son. Madhavi agrees and moves to Nainital, where she meets Kamal, played by Rajesh Khanna, a forest officer who falls in love with her. However, their relationship is complicated by Madhavi's past and Poonam's in-laws. The film is a touching and melodious story of love and sacrifice, with hit songs by R.D. Burman.
The year 1971 was a remarkable year for Hindi cinema, as it produced some of the finest and most diverse films in Bollywood history. These films not only entertained the audiences with their stories, songs and performances, but also reflected the social and political realities of the time. They showcased the talent and creativity of the filmmakers, actors, writers and musicians who contributed to the growth and evolution of the industry. These films are still remembered and cherished by the fans and critics alike, and have become classics in their own right. 1971 Hindi Movie is a term that encompasses the rich and varied legacy of Bollywood in that year.
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