 Namak Haram may talk a lot about the clash of opposing economic ideologies, but it works essentially because of the ever morphing human relationship between its two pivots. The film begins with the promise of a prolonged flashback: Vicky (AB), sporting a dash of grey in his hair, has been just released from jail. He is received by a sympatico Nisha (Simi) who, we learn as the spools unravel, was born with a golden spoon but propagates socialism. On reaching home, Vicky meditates over Somu's (Super Star Rajesh Khanna) garlanded photograph. It does not leave you with much guess work about his character's culmination, but it is the perfect cue for a flashback Hrishida, AB, Super Star Rajesh Khanna, R D Burman, Anand Bakshi when all of these people come together what else could they make but a Namak Haraam. Against the backdrop of the kind of unbalanced society that prevailed in the 1970s, whatever good stuff you write about this story of two friends is but little. A friendship that is caught between the twin concepts of business and ethics and how one friend’s sacrifice can change the direction of a life, this is the portrayal of that unusual story that Hrishida’s fantastic direction, Rajesh Khanna, AB, Raza Murad and Om Shivpuri’s dhansoo performances have made eternal. As in other films of Hrishida this is also not melodramatic. It doesn’t have stylish camera angles but as mentioned earlier, it has a strong story and emotions. When Om Shivpuri explains the usool of business, when Super Star Rajesh Khanna says, I am not a traitor, I have not been a traitor to the person who has made me, all the scenes of Raza Murad, and AB’s blowing up in the basti—gem of the scenes. Like the friendship, this one’s strong point also is R.D. Burman’s music, Kishore’s voice and Anand Bakshi’s lyrics–“main Shaayar badnaam… Nadiyaan se dariya, dariya se saagar…Diye jalte hai… fantastic combination.
By the way, people say that Super Star Rajesh Khanna was overshadowed by AB but I certainly did not see that. All the characters and performances were totally balanced. Like other films of the 1970s, the romantic angle to this film was not given much importance.– Truly a masterpiece my master director."  · A lovemark of humility – Super Star Rajesh KhannaIt is impossible not to acknowledge Super Star Rajesh Khanna as the colossus of Indian cinema. From his films we have been imparted the wisdom to know that "pain" is but an element of life. This Titan however, has surpassed himself in all portrayls by the faith he has inspired that "life "is stronger than the element. That life and love are capable to counterbalance all. Super Star Rajesh Khanna is endowed with the charismatic capability of profound giving. He is a Greatest Living Legend of Indian Cinema. |
