Thursday, December 17, 2015

Satyakaam (1970)- A film by Hrishikesh Mukherjee






Recently I watched the film Satyakaam (1969) by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and loved it for its messege. Original story is by the famous Bengali novelist - Narayan Sanyal. It tells us the story of a person named Satyapriya, his ideals, his life and the legacy he leaves behind.

Dharmendra is in the lead role. Wikipedia names this film to be the best of his career. And truly so. If someone watches the film, the height of the character - it is really tough to find such character again in the career of an actor.I have also read in the internet that this film was a favourite of Hrishikesh Mukherjee too.

Sanjeev Kumar plays the role of the close friend of Satyapriya - who narrates the whole story to us.

Ashok Kumar is the grandfather of Satyapriya- Satya Sharan Sharma, who inculcates the values in him from childhood, as his parents died early.

Sharmila Tagore plays the wife of Satyapriya.

Saarika is also there in the film as a child artist, the son of Satyapriya.

When the film starts, we are shown a quote by Mahatma Gandhi that -"For me Truth, Love, Conscience and Fearlessness - is God".

The introduction of the story is narrated by the friend (Sanjeev Kumar), who tells us about the journey to Himalayas, to attain the Truth by Satya Sharan. There he gets the messesge that the best way is always to search for the Truth. Then he comes back to society with the ideals of Satya nishtha, Satya aacharan and Satya sandhaan. These values become the guiding light of that family. So much so, that even uttering a lie would have been impossible for the family members.

Now the film Starts. The story takes us to the time of Independence, Satyapriya has a vision of a great nation in his eyes. But he faces corruption everywhere. Unable to adjust with it or accept it, he keeps on changing job.

During a job, meets a kind hearted maid of a Zamindar/ king, Sharmila, whom he treats respectfully.  In the course of some unfortunate events, with a high aim, Satya priya decides to marry her. That action itself tells us the greatness as well as the strength of the heart of Satyapriya. For this step, his grandfather rejects him along with his wife.

As time goes on, they have a son. But their financial condition remains weak.


Now we also meet Sanjeev Kumar, who has learnt the way to live with the systems of the society. He tries to talk with Satyapriya to make him come out of his rigid stance. But his efforts go in vain.

Satyapriya is diagonised with Cancer. Sharmila faces financial problem. She gets an offer to make Satyapriya sign a document where he would have to compromise with his ideas, but which can fetch her a great fortune. Satyapriya realises the gravity of the situation and signs it, thinking about the hard life his wife would have to face after his death. But Sharmila throws it away. She could not see Satyapriya doing a compromise at the end of his life. She wants him to maintain his high values. Through Sharmila's action, tears of joy flows from Satyapriya's eyes, as he realises how his wife has embraced his ideals. Truly a memorable scene!!!!!

Now grandfather Satya sharan comes and appreciates his grandson, loves him and recites Geeta when Satyapriya's soul leaves the body.

Later while doing last rites, Satya sharan keeps  the son of Satyapriya out of all the rituals with the excuse of his being a minor. But as his mother has told him, the child tells the real reason behind the decision of Satya sharan, (i e - Satyapriya may not be the real father of this child). This truth from the child's mouth opens the eyes of Satya Sharan. He names him as Satyakaam and his grand daughter in law as Jabaala. He embraces them, accepts them as family members.

The background narration tells us that it is not only by the blood relations,  but the person who carries the ideals/ values - Is the one who truly takes ahead the great lineage of a family.

Wonderful film! Satyapriya's character, its struggle, Satya Sharan's character and ideals, Sharmila's character- all are very nicely show. we can compare the character of Sanjeev Kumar, with Satyapriya; their different approaches to deal with a situation, their friendship, trust, mutual understanding! Their friendship is so deep, so fulfilling!  Everything in the movie is to be cherished. It is something which makes us think after the ending.  Something which remains after all these incidents, which does not end with the body.  Which all the near and dear ones of Satyapriya carry forward with them after his death. That is Truth indeed. A very subtle essence, without which the creation cannot exist!! Great messege by the film/ director/ actors, by the story. Salute to all of them.

Do watch it to have an amazing experience :)


Jai Shri Krishna.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Goyenda Ginni: A Serial on Zee Bangla





A new serial named ‘Goyenda Ginni’ has started on Zee Bangla, every Monday to Saturday at 7:30 pm. The basic storyline is the investigating of different cases by a housewife who has a conservative in laws house, so can’t work publicly and keeps all her activities a secret from the members of the house.


I am enjoying the show mainly because of the detective angle :). I have started following any tv serial after a long time. Otherwise these days, most of the serials does not have anything new to offer. This serial has a freshness in the storyline.


I am liking the way they are showing the leading lady manage everything in the house and still feeling the responsibility to do something for the society, the way she is working hard to maintain both the duties. One according to the role given by the society, the other dictated by her conscience/ interest :):)


Her husband and one of her brother in law who is a Police officer- both help her in every step :) and try to make her way a bit smooth. Also liking their characters.


Her sister in law is against all her steps and try to make her situation tough. This plot is taken from popular serials :D. It is unnecessary, I feel. Every day they waste a lot time showing the intrigues of this lady and her mother, who also uses her brain, but in the wrong path. She could have helped her elder sister in law in solving the cases, but she uses it against her :(...


Indrani Haldar is playing the title role of Parama Mitra. Watching her after a long time :) and enjoying :) :). Saheb Chatterjee is playing her husband. Remember his acting in Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (Hindi) film. Really liked him there :). The actor who plays the brother in law Arup is also a known face but I don’t know his name. He also played the role of someone quite similar to  Mahaprabhu Shri Chaitanya in a tv serial named – ‘Probhu Aamar’. There I saw him for the first time. [The title track of that serial was very good :), sung by Manomoy Bhattacharya]. Aditi Chatterjee is playing the younger sister in law- Nandini. I also liked her when she came to acting 10- 15 years back. But her characterisation is somewhat cliche/ in expected line, in this serial.


Overall, I am mainly enjoying the case solving element of this serial :). Hope the Production Company continue the good work :), focus more on the investigation and less on family affairs :D.



14.12.15- Ok, the previous part was written a few months back. But remained in draft state for a long time :D. Now some more :D.


Situation is better now. Everyone in the family know about Parama's work. They also support her. Her mother in law is very protective of her but she also loves her.


Recently she solved the case of the death of three singers. The state minister also congratulated her in this success. All the family members were happy. I am writing particularly about a scene of Friday Ep, which touched me. When the grandmother asked her anything she wishes, as she wanted to bless her for her success, by agreeing to her wish. Parama asked for the marriage of her brother in law and the right to open a beauty parlour for her sister in law. She did not ask anything for herself. She could have asked for her right to continue investigation. But she thought about other family members first. Her sister in law was in tears. This scene was so Elevating!! Made my day! We appreciate such noble characters and get motivated by them!


Wonderful work by the production team!


Parama also helped her sister in law (Nanda) in one of her previous case, where Nanda was accused of killing a lady of their neighbourhood. There were many good scenes between both the sister in law in that track. I enjoyed them also. But did not expect Nanda to feel jealousy for Parama again after the completion of that case. But Friday's scene was really fulfilling!!


Here I am trying to write down the names of the cases solved by Parama till now-


# Mystery of Krishna Idol’s Crown
# Mystery of the death of and old woman
 # Mystery of the missing girl from neighbourhood
# Mystery of the lost Durga Idol of an old established family
# Mystery of the death of a neighbourhood lady
# Mystery of the death of three singers
# Mystey of the death of a person (latest story)



Can remember only these cases now. There could be one or two more.


I have missed one or two tracks but all are enjoyable, no doubt. I am loving this serial :)


With lots of best wishes.