Hemant S
I was born in the late ‘70s, and most Indians at and around my age most possibly would have watched this classic Indian film from 1957 at least once, if not more (like me). I watched it for the first time on national television when I was a kid, and then twice over the last year. It seemed like an emotional saga even to my often distracted eyes back then, and now I could see it much more clearly as a profoundly thoughtful fable, quite ageless and for the world.
"Do Aankhen, Barah Haath" ("Two Eyes, Twelve Hands") was inspired from an open prison experiment (Swatantrapur, in the erstwhile state of Aundh, India) that was conducted by Maurice Frydman aka Swami Bharatananda, during the late ‘40s and the buildup to Indian independence.
Adinath (V. Shantaram) an empathetic and humane jail warden, proposes an idealistic initiative to rehabilitate prisoners, through hard work, self reflection and in a more open and free environment. He manages to gain approval from his skeptical seniors, and selects six hardcore convicts to accompany him to a bare building in a mostly barren land to embark on his experiment.
The convicts are worn down by their own guilt, persecution by society and ruthlessness that has grown over days, weeks and years. Slowly and steadily, with his patience and a view that looks at the convicts as humans more than anything else, Adinath gains their trust and their willingness to tread on a new, redemptive path. He breaks their shackles, encouraging them to plow, sow, farm and earn their keep in a haven he names Azad Nagar.
A village maiden Champa (Sandhya) selling toys often passes by their encampment, singing melodies at the beats of a contraption she trails behind her. She gains their curious and smitten eyes often, but stands them down with her natural feistiness.
The warden and his six disciples go through the ups and downs of a rigorous journey, frailties of the human mind and body; a baptism by fire in many ways along with the aid of Champa, towards a bittersweet but elevating result. Through and through, under Adinath's watchful eyes.
Shantaram, along with screenwriter G. D. Madgulkar brings to life a sincere mix of characters that reach out to an accepting audience, with subtle and realistic gestures, expressions and dialogues.
G. Balkrishna's impeccable cinematography compliments Shantaram's vision with deft lighting and close-ups. A couple of shots in a generally brilliant collage of moving images stood out for me; one right at the beginning when a prisoner tries to assault Adinath and another towards the second half of the film, when the six approach Adinath after an outburst.
The songs composed by Vasant Desai carry the power to plant themselves in a mental loop, especially the anthem "Ae Malik Tere Bande Hum", the folksy "Saiyan Juthon Ka Bada" and the sweet lullaby "Main Gaun, Tu Chup Ho Ja" all rendered by the immortal voice of Lata Mangeshkar.
I wasn't around to witness the film's release, its liberating impact, or to recognize the fact that it won a Golden Globe and a Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival of its time. But I can sure admit that the film still makes me tear up at many of its quiet but moving moments, interspersed with as many light hearted notes.
A great reference point for those teaching, training or even managing a group of people.
And I would love to know what the generation-now thinks and how it interprets this piece of classic film making.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
05/30/23
Full Review
Audience Member
my 2nd favorite movie. love to watch this movie
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/13/23
Full Review
Audience Member
An all time classic...pure acting with a great inspiring story...superbly directed too
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/27/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Good movie, but completely unrealistic storyline.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/28/23
Full Review
Audience Member
It was a little tough watching this because of the theatrical acting of that era, but it was a very impressive film nevertheless, with some great songs and sensitive direction. V. Shantaram was great as the idealistic warden, and the prison characters effused a rustic charm in their melodramatic, yet not affected portrayal of reforming murderers. Above all the fight scene with the bull was fantastic.
A very well directed and scripted film that moves you after one gets over the melodrama.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/27/23
Full Review
Read all reviews
>
