Pehchan

Pehchan is a remarkable Indian melodrama film crafted under the direction and production of Sohanlal Kanwar. The film, released in 1970, features an array of Bollywood talent, including legendary actors like Manoj Kumar, Babita Kapoor, Balraj Sahni, and others. Pehchan is not just another film from the golden era of Bollywood; it is an enchanting saga that strings together pearls of emotions, conflict, suspense, and heart-touching melodies.

Manoj Kumar, the leading man of the film, impresses the audience with his commanding screen presence. He plays the role of Deepak, who comes from a poor background but possesses extraordinary talent as a poet and singer. Kumar's remarkable performance endeared him to a lot of Bollywood, stamping him with a deep mark of versatility as an actor.

Babita Kapoor, the leading lady, portrays Rekha, a rich but arrogant daughter of a business tycoon. She is flawless in her performance and does justice to the character, showing viewers the remorseless side of wealth and affluence. Her performance showcases her incredible acting skills as she progressively evolves from an arrogant, naive girl to a mature and self-realized woman.

In the contrasting role of Rekha's humble father, Rai Bahadur Kedarnath is none other than the eminent actor Balraj Sahni. He is a wealthy but generous and just businessman who possesses immense respect for talent and righteousness. Sahni has always been celebrated for his acting finesse, and in Pehchan, he does not disappoint, infusing his role with much-needed sobriety and nobility amidst the other defiant and rebellious characters.

Pehchan revolves around the trials and tribulations faced by Deepak in a decadent society where talent is ignored and wealth becomes the measuring rod of respect. Deepak, with his deep understanding of human nature and a heart full of melodies, tries to find his own identity ("Pehchan") through his songs and poems. The movie adroitly portrays Deepak's rich-vs-poor predicament, his struggle to succeed, and his romance.

The film is multi-layered, threading different themes into a single narrative. It raises many questions about societal norms, the importance of money and status, and the true value of talent. It beautifully paints the unpretentious truth of society, where the privileged often belittle the less fortunate and where talent is measured by the scale of wealth rather than its credibility.

Pehchan also holds a unique spot in the history of Indian cinema for its unforgettable and exceptionally melodious music by Shankar-Jaikishan, a prominent music-directing duo of Bollywood. The soundtrack is replete with super-hit songs like 'Bas Yehi Apradh Main Har Baar Karta Hoon,' 'Sheher Mein Charcha Hai,' and 'Mere Dil Pe Chhane Laga'. These songs, with their enchanting melodies and profound lyrics, form the backbone of the movie's narrative, often articulating the unsaid emotions of the characters.

The cinematography of the film is classic, and the beautiful locations chosen for shooting are breathtaking. Dialogues are heart-touching, laced with depth and meaning, and the characters are well-delineated, each having its own essence. The direction by Sohanlal Kanwar is commendable; he makes sure the movie subtly highlights social issues without losing out on the entertainment quotient.

Overall, Pehchan is a well-paced drama that evokes myriad emotions in the viewers. Even though it's a film from the 70s, it doesn't fail to resonate with the current generation. It's not just a movie but a mirror held up to society, teaching the invaluable lesson that wealth and status can never overshadow talent and righteousness.

Through its plot, characters, dialogues, music, and direction, the motion picture Pehchan from 1970 offers an impactful cinematic experience. It embeds itself in the hearts of viewers, leaving them to ponder on crucial societal norms, making it an unforgettable watch.