Anand

Anand is a 1971 Indian drama film directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. It features an esteemed cast of Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, and Sumita Sanyal in principal roles. The film explores the journey of life, showcasing a unique blend of joy, pain, redemption and spirituality within its narrative. Considered one of the benchmarks in Indian cinema, Anand critically explores deep-seated human emotions, presenting them in a distinctive and pertinent way.

The title character Anand, portrayed by Rajesh Khanna, is unlike any other; he's full of life, relentless joy, and embodies a spirit untamed by his life-threatening illness. Anand is a man who, although besieged by a fatal disease, continues to spread happiness wherever he goes. His radiant smiles and infectious laughter act as an instantiation of his vivacious character. He carries himself with an air of nonchalance, injecting effervescence in every frame he appears.

Alongside Khanna’s ebullient character, we have Amitabh Bachchan playing the role of Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee. Bachchan, in one of his earliest roles, exhibits an absolutely remarkable performance as the solemn, quiet, and compassionate physician. Dr. Banerjee, who is also fighting a battle against the harsh reality of life and death in his professional field, finds a unique companion in Anand. Their unlikely friendship forms the backbone of the narrative, leading to a number of memorable scenes that easily leave an indelible mark on any viewer.

On the other hand, Sumita Sanyal plays a critical role in the film as a comforting presence and a symbol of love for both Anand and Dr. Banerjee. Her character showcases her finesse to portray a range of emotions, from the depths of sorrow to moments of joy.

While the movie plot straddles between moments of tragedy and comedy exceptionally well, it is much more than just a tear-jerker. At its heart, Anand is about life, the fruitfulness of existence, and the celebration of humanity. It's about living each moment to the fullest, notwithstanding the circumstances. The film touches upon deep philosophical context and moral quandaries, prompting the viewers to resonate with the characters and their experiences.

Director Hrishikesh Mukherjee has brilliantly constructed a cinematic marvel with a poignant narrative that draws black and white images to contrast life and death, happiness and sorrow, friendliness and loneliness. The narrative is intertwined with subtle humor, heart-touching dialogues, and motifs of reality, making the film a timeless classic.

The lyrical genius of Gulzar and the melodic compositions by Salil Chowdhury create an iconic soundtrack that augments the emotional intensity of the film. Songs like "Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli" and "Kahi Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye" have become synonymous with this film and continue to be remembered for their meaningful lyrics and soulful renditions.

The cinematography by Jaywant Pathare brilliantly captures the era's aura and the characters' nuanced expressions, adding to the movie's aesthetics. The minimalistic and realistic approach in the settings and dialogues is a testament to the director's depiction of alienation and companionship, upper-class elite and slum dwellers, health and disease, as two sides of the same coin, that is life.

Anand portrays an everyday man's journey through the vicissitudes of life. Through its leading characters, it engages viewers on a profound, emotional journey, appealing to our innermost apprehensions and aspirations. Unpretentious and deeply moving, the film is a lucid mirror to society's contrasting faces on the brink of commercial change. It successfully explores the profound questions about human existence.

Overall, Anand is a unique spectacle of minimalistic filmmaking that prides itself on its unfeigned narratives, grounded performances, evocative dialogues, and memorable soundtracks. It pushes the boundaries of traditional Indian cinema, and to this day is remembered as an iconic piece of Bollywood history. The film's unique blend of humor, heartbreak, romance, and existential discourse makes it a must-watch for cinema fans worldwide. It is a heartwrenching yet heartwarming film that encapsulates life in all its beautiful eccentricity.