Raat Aur Din

Raat Aur Din is a classic black and white Bollywood film directed by Satyen Bose that was released in 1967. The film is a psychological drama that explores the complexities of human psychology and identity. Starring Nargis in the lead role, alongside Pradeep Kumar and Feroz Khan, Raat Aur Din has been lauded for its unique storyline, gripping performances, and its sensitive portrayal of a woman with a split personality disorder, a subject that was far ahead of its time for Indian cinema of the 1960s.

Nargis, one of the most acclaimed actresses in the history of Indian cinema, delivers an outstanding performance as Varuna, the protagonist of the film, which is regarded as one of her finest works. Her portrayal of a woman with dissociative identity disorder is both compelling and convincing, capturing the nuances of a complex psychological condition with depth and sensitivity.

The story of Raat Aur Din revolves around Varuna, a married woman who leads a seemingly normal life with her loving husband, Pradeep, played by Pradeep Kumar. However, Varuna is afflicted with a psychological ailment that brings about a completely different persona during the night — that of a vivacious, carefree woman named Peggy. Unbeknownst to her husband, Varuna's nighttime escapades in the persona of Peggy take her to clubs, parties, and into meeting strange men, one of whom is Dilip, played by Feroz Khan.

Varuna's dual existence is a deeply held secret, and not even she is aware of her alter ego’s activities. Her condition remains a mystery until her husband starts noticing peculiar changes in her behavior and items that she could not have come across in her normal daily routine. These inexplicable occurrences trigger Pradeep to seek help and understanding of what is happening to his wife.

As Varuna’s condition begins to create strain and suspicion within her marital life, the plot delves into the ensuing chaos and tension that arises from such a situation. Both Pradeep and Dilip become inextricably linked to Varuna/Peggy's predicament, with each man representing different aspects of her disjointed life. The film navigates the emotional rollercoasters of the characters and addresses themes of love, confusion, distress, and the search for true identity.

Throughout the narrative, the film balances moments of tension and drama with the genteel romance and tenderness of a marriage under strain, giving resonance to the emotional undercurrent of the story. The movie does not merely focus on the sensational aspects of Varuna's dual life, but also on the social implications and the personal trauma of living with such a disorder.

The direction by Satyen Bose is tight and focused, keeping the audience engaged with the intricacies of Varuna's psychological issues and the implications on personal relationships. The director uses cinematic techniques to emphasize the disparity between Varuna's day-life and her night-life, making the different worlds feel distinct yet connected. This psychological interplay is enhanced by the dark and light imagery, giving "Raat Aur Din" (which literally translates to "Night and Day") its symbolic resonance.

The support cast also does a commendable job, providing the main characters with the right context and interactions to further the storyline. The film adeptly combines elements of thrill with a domestic drama, allowing the audience to feel empathy for the characters while still enjoying the suspense of the plot.

Music by Shankar-Jaikishan, with lyrics by Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri, is another highlight of Raat Aur Din, featuring songs that not only reflect the mood of the film but have also become timeless classics. The songs are woven into the narrative seamlessly and play a significant role in advancing the plot and articulating the inner turmoil of the characters.

Raat Aur Din is remembered not only for the groundbreaking subject matter but also for the powerful performance by Nargis, who received the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role - a testament to her talent and the film's significance in Indian cinema. Her ability to switch between the two personalities convincingly is a masterclass in acting and is often cited as a reference point for performances dealing with complex psychological roles.

The film’s portrayal of mental health, particularly the sensitive handling of a topic as complex as dissociative identity disorder, deserves commendation. At the time of its release, this representation was pioneering, and it continues to be a reference for filmmakers and actors for its authenticity and empathetic depiction.

Overall, Raat Aur Din is a quintessential piece of Indian cinema that blends psychological depth with the charm of classic Bollywood storytelling. It stands out as a movie that was ahead of its time, offering strong performances, thought-provoking themes, and artistic integrity that has allowed it to endure as one of the more significant films in India's movie history.