Koshish

Koshish is a heart-rending 1972 Indian movie directed by Gulzar. This film is a moving portrayal of a deaf and mute couple, exploring their trials, tribulations, and resilience in the face of adversity. Starring Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bachchan in the lead roles, the film is lauded for its sensitive storytelling, stellar performances, and emotional depth.

Sanjeev Kumar, revered for his vast repertoire of roles, takes his artistry to a new height by portraying the character of Hari Charan Mathur. Despite being deaf and mute from birth, Hari Charan leads a life full of hope and good cheer. His performance in the movie is highly expressive, demonstrating an uncanny ability to deliver dialogues through sign language and gestures. From the joyful moments to sorrowful situations, Sanjeev Kumar effectively transmits his characters' innermost feelings to audiences without uttering a single word.

Jaya Bachchan matches her male counterpart in every scene with an equally exceptional performance. Taking on the character of Aarthi, she navigates her disability with dignity and grace. Her delicate portrayal brings the silent world of Aarthi to life, effectively conveying her joys, sorrows, frustrations, and aspirations.

The film also features a stellar performance by Govardhan Asrani, who adds a touch of light-hearted comedy to the film. Asrani's character offers an engaging contrast, demonstrating the differences between the world of sound and the silent world of Hari Charan and Aarthi.

The movie Koshish elegantly frames the exceptional love story between Hari Charan and Aarthi. Despite their physical disabilities, their love for each other is so deep that it surmounts their impairment. The strength and resilience they show in facing life's challenges head-on are profoundly touching.

While the film primarily revolves around this couple's life, Koshish also strongly puts forth a social message about the lives of differently-abled people, encouraging the society to change its perception towards them. The vagaries of life never deter Hari and Aarthi from discovering happiness in their humble existence. They are marginalized by society, yet they continue to live their life with quiet dignity, signaling a powerful message of resilience and determination.

Koshish is notable for its technical and narrative aspects. Gulzar, the renowned director best known for his eloquent storytelling, weaves a heart-touching narrative devoid of melodrama. The film's screenplay is such that it beautifully highlights the different stages of the lead pair's life, from their youthful love to their trials as they become parents.

The cinematography is yet another commendable aspect of the movie that accentuates the characters' emotions. Close-up shots and natural lights are effectively used to enhance the overall cinematic experience. Additionally, the film's background score is dramatic yet soothing, providing a beautiful contrast to the silence that engulfs the lives of Hari Charan and Aarthi.

In summary, Koshish is a movie that breaks stereotypes about differently-abled individuals and their capacity to lead fulfilling lives. It brings forward a poignant love story of two deaf and mute individuals and their unwavering determination to live life with dignity and happiness despite societal prejudices and personal limitations. The stellar cast delivers soul-stirring performances, making Koshish a timeless classic in Indian cinema. Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bachchan's iconic roles have helped to create a milestone in socially relevant cinema, and their powerful performances are as fresh and impactful today as they were when the film was released. Despite its release in 1972, Koshish remains a must-watch movie, demonstrating that love, hope, and courage can conquer all adversities.