By
RUBY ZAIDI
The trend of re-releasing classic Bollywood films has taken the industry by storm, bringing beloved cinematic gems back to the big screen. From the successful returns of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Sanam Teri Kasam, and Tumbbad to the much-anticipated re-release of Andaz Apna Apna, these revivals are not only introducing timeless films to a new generation but also reigniting nostalgia among movie buffs. Now, renowned lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has suggested that Gulzar’s iconic film Aandhi, which marks its 50th anniversary, should also return to theatres. Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt echoed the sentiment, calling it a landmark film that boldly portrayed a woman choosing ambition over love.
The lyricist sat for an interview with a media agency recently where he said that Aandhi will do “extremely well” today. While speaking to PTI, he said, “It’s a rice film. It needs to be re-released today in multiplexes. There is a certain disadvantage to films that are subtle, intelligent, and of a higher IQ. They perhaps don’t get that kind of audience in big theatres. I think a film like Aandhi if it re-releases, will do extremely well today.”
Aandhi is a 1975 Indian political drama film starring Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen and directed by Gulzar. At the time it was alleged that the film was based on the life of the then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her relationship with her estranged husband, but in reality, only the look was inspired by the politician Tarkeshwari Sinha and Indira Gandhi. The story is based on a chance meeting of an estranged couple after several years, when wife Aarti Devi, now a leading politician happens to stay in the hotel run by her husband during an election campaign. The movie is noted for its songs composed by Rahul Dev Burman, written by Gulzar, and sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar.
Directed by Gulzar Written by Kamleshwar Screenplay by Gulzar
Bhushan Banmali Produced by J. Om Prakash
Gulzar Starring Sanjeev Kumar
Suchitra Sen Cinematography K. Vaikunth Edited by Waman Bhonsle
Gurudutt Shirali Music by R.D. Burman
Gulzar(lyricist)
Suchitra Sen, the noted actress from Bengali cinema, who also worked in a few Hindi films, played the lead role of Aarti Devi.
The movie was not allowed a full proper release when Mrs. Gandhi was in power. The film was banned during the national emergency of 1975 a few months after its release. This film was banned on the alleged grounds of violation of the Model Election Code of Conduct, claiming it could cause damage to the reputation of the Congress party. So Election Commission stopped the film from releasing. The ban was further added with the declaration of National Emergency. The ban immediately made the film a national topic. After her defeat in the 1977 national elections, the ruling Janata Party cleared it and had it premiered on the state-run television channel. It proved to be an important film in the career of Sen, and also her last Hindi film, as she retired from films altogether in 197 8. At the 23rd Filmfare Awards, she was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, while Sanjeev Kumar won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. The film itself won the Filmfare Award for Best Film (Critics).
