Teen Bahuraniyan

Teen Bahuraniyan is a Hindi period drama from 1968 that beautifully portrays the cultural heritage, familial values, and societal norms of the period. Directed by S.S. Balan, the movie explores the contrasting personalities and worlds of three daughters-in-law, and features an accomplished ensemble cast including the legendary Prithiraj Kapoor, Agha, and the famous comic actor Dhumal. This engaging classic Hindi film amalgams domestic, romantic, emotive and comic elements to present a unique narrative blueprint seldom seen during its time.

Set in Maharashtra, Teen Bahuraniyan explores the world of a traditional Indian family, headed by Krishnat Panalal (played by Prithiraj Kapoor). The film delves into the lives of Krishnat's three sons and their respective wives. The beauty of this movie lies in the idiosyncrasies of these three daughters-in-law and their relationships with their parents-in-law, their husbands and each other. Each daughter-in-law brings a different perspective, attitude, and way of life to the household, leading to varied reactions, interactions, and drama.

Krishnat Panalal, a loving father and a strict disciplinarian, ensures that the core values of their ancestors are maintained and respected in the household. Under his authority, the home functions with discipline and tradition. His diverse daughters-in-law, on the other hand, each possess a distinct identity. Consequently, their aspirations, beliefs, and behaviors often lead to a clash with the expectations of the patriarch.

The celebrated Prithviraj Kapoor, one of the patriarchs of the Kapoor film dynasty, shines in the role of Krishnat. His commanding screen presence and brilliant histrionic abilities bring the character to life, balancing authority and tenderness effortlessly. Agha is another Indian film character actor who's known for his comic roles and in this film too, he does not disappoint. The very experienced Dhumal adds a unique texture to the film's narrative with his unique comic timing and nuanced performance.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Teen Bahuraniyan is its ability to subtly reflect the societal norms, expectations and pressures faced by women in the late 1960s. Each ‘bahurani’- which translates to daughter-in-law- represents a distinct set of beliefs, experiences and aspirations – in some ways, mirroring the different classes and sections of the society from that period.

The high and lows of their relationships with their mother-in-law and husbands offer a commentary on arranged marriages, familial dynamics, inter-generational conflicts, and the role and expectations of daughters-in-law in a traditional Indian setting. These different threads of relationships are intelligently woven together to create an engaging narrative that keeps the audiences engaged throughout the movie.

Simultaneously, the film is interspersed with humor, wit, and sarcasm, mostly presented through the characters portrayed by Agha and Dhumal. Their contribution to the storyline lifts the mood from being overly dramatic to light-hearted and enjoyable, providing the perfect doses of comic relief.

Teen Bahuraniyan also beautifully presents the cultural heritage of Maharashtra through the settings, costumes, language, and music. The soundtrack of the film, composed by Kalyanji Anandji, resonates with the melody of classical and folk music, adding a beautiful sonic backdrop to the narrative. The popular songs from the film are expressive and melodious, effectively supporting the different shades of emotions conveyed through the movie's screenplay.

Overall, Teen Bahuraniyan from 1968 is a notable example of a cinematic piece that presents a microcosm of an Indian society during that period. It not only serves as a rich archive of the societal norms and values of the time, but also present an engaging narrative of human relationships, emotions, and experiences. It is an interesting watch for those who appreciate classical Hindi cinema and are intrigued by narratives centered around family dynamics and cultural settings.