Writer/Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Starring: Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna and Johnny Walker
‘A Captivating Bollywood Classic’
Not many actors in Bollywood have earned praise of Amitabh Bachchan. Following his rise to fame amid the 1970’s, Bachchan has transformed in a legendary Bollywood icon. Whether it’s inspiring teachers, frustrated fathers or patriotic leaders, Bachchan has played many strong characters. Arguably, Bachchan’s best strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare Indian actors that has always had strong presence which has elevated every movie he is in. Through his capabilities to create characters which audience can easily relate to, Bachchan has become a celebrated Bollywood icon that audiences value. Although he is best known for roles in Bollywood, Bachchan has proven he excels in every genre. Despite reaching an age of retirement, Bachchan has never lost long lasting passion for entertainment. Throughout his illustrious career, Bachchan has produced countless movies which are absolutely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a big fan of Bachchan and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Anand” is his most heartfelt film. Released back in 1971, Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s movie offered a strong portrait of terminal illness. Packed with breathtaking production, bold storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies ever made. At the centre of it all is a strong performance by Amitabh Bachchan, who plays a doctor that exhibits compassion. Ultimately, what makes “Anand” a timeless Bollywood classic is universal appeal. Unlike most Indian films, it tackles strong themes which everyone will relate to. A Bollywood classic about terminal illness, there are several strong reasons why “Anand” is a commemorated movie which is worth watching.
“Anand” tells the story of a terminally ill man determined to not waste a second. Amitabh Bachchan embodies Dr. Bhaskar Bannerjee, an intelligent doctor with strong dedication to care for terminally ill patients that endure adversity. Adopting a negative perspective, Bannerjee has often struggled to find hope in a profession that’s destructive. However, Bannerjee’s life forever changes when he is tasked to care for Anand (Rajesh Khanna). Anand is a charismatic man with terminal illness that is determined to find happiness. Even when he isn’t given long to live, Anand strives to cherish every moment of his life. As he develops a powerful bond with Anand, Bannerjee learns about the importance of living life to the fullest.
Hrishikesh Mukherjee is fascinated with the theme of friendships. A magnificent indian filmmaker, Mukherjee has often made bold movies about friends facing disasters. With “Anand”, however, Mukherjee made his first ever movie about terminal illness. It marked the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of terminally ill patients, but he pulled it off effectively. Using bold cinematography, Mukherjee captures a terminally ill man on journeys to find his identity. Mukherjee uses montages to capture a terminally ill man on a journey to overcome tense adversities. For instance, montages enhance the meeting of patient scene. During this engrossing scene, Anand meets Dr. Bannerjee for the first time sparking a friendship. Using bold montages, Mukherjee creates a portrait of illness which is engaging. Montages are tricky techniques to utilize in most movies. As Aditya Chopra’s “Mohabbatein” suggested, montages often elevate Bollywood films about college. That being said, it works immensely. Using strong visuals, Mukherjee captures tensions which terminally ill men are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Anand” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies that you would ever see. Mukherjee effectively uses cross-cutting to stage musical sequences that are engaging. For instance, the cross-cutting elevates the Maine Tere Liye music sequence. During this unforgettable scene, Anand delivers a bold musical song expressing his worldviews on life. Using cross-cutting, Mukherjee creates are g musical numbers that are compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Salil Chowdhury’s music is key towards the success of the movie. It gives the movie an engaging atmosphere capturing the burden that terminally ill men bear. Using powerful production, Mukherjee captures terminally ill men facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Anand” is a Bollywood film that’s engaging. The film is beautifully written, and expertly uses silence to capture the hardships that terminally ill men experience. For instance, silence elevates the farewell scene. During this heartbreaking scene, Anand shares a moment of silence with Dr. Bannerjee on his death bed. Through sequences of silence, Mukherjee constructs a portrait of terminal illness that audiences can relate to. Silence is a complex technique to use in movies. As Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Black” suggested, silence enhances movies about blindness. Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” proved that silence elevates Bollywood films about dysfunctional families. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through an exceptional screenplay, Mukherjee captures terminally men that seize the day.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Amitabh Bachchan delivers one of his best performances as Dr. Bannerjee. Bachchan earned appreciation for playing heroes in romantic dramas. With “Anand”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a doctor that cares for terminally ill patients facing adversity but he succeeds. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and utterly emotional in his most memorable role. With captivating expressions, he captures angst, bravery and grief of a doctor that endures tensions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the finest Bollywood actors working today.
Rajesh Khanna is remarkable as a terminally ill patient that seeks to cherish life enduring a dilemma. Khanna has always excelled at playing joyous characters with sharp sense of humour, and “Anand” showcased his best strengths as an actor. Whether he is joyfully relishing every moment of his life or arguing with his doctor, Khanna uses his bold body language to create a terminally ill man that is compelling. It’s a brilliant performance by one of the greatest Bollywood actors that’s beloved today.
Finally, “Anand” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing terminally ill men that are burdened. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses bold themes of ambition, mental health and death that will resonate among everyone. Viewers aren’t treasured to be familiar with Indian culture to appreciate it. Therefore, “Anand” is one of those rare Bollywood films everyone will adore.
Fans of Amitabh Bachchan will absolutely enjoy “Anand” and so would audiences that seek meaningful entertainment. A riveting Bollywood drama, it honours an actor that is beloved in India.
Nearly 40 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood classic about a terminally ill patient that is optimistic, it’s a fantastic reminder a terrific actor that has built an iconic legacy through his abilities to play heroic characters in memorable movies that have never lost their ability to captivate the public.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 