Waqt

Waqt is a classic Indian melodrama that stands as one of the seminal works of the Indian film industry from the 1960s. Released in 1965 and directed by the renowned filmmaker Yash Chopra, Waqt is the story of three brothers separated by the cruelty of destiny and the struggle to reunite their family.

The film features an ensemble cast that boasts some of the biggest stars of Indian cinema - Sunil Dutt, Sadhana Shivdasani, and Raaj Kumar among others. Their performances offer a depth of emotion that was rarely seen in commercial cinema in India at the time.

The film begins with the prosperous Sinha family - headed by the patriarch Lala Kedarnath Singh (Balraj Sahni), his wife (Achala Sachdev), and their three sons - living a contented and comfortable life in Delhi. Kedarnath is a businessman who believes his good fortunes will last forever. Alas, a catastrophic earthquake ensues, destroying their home and separating the family members - never to be found by each other in the immediate aftermath.

The film then splits into three separate story branches, each focusing on one of the brothers who grow up in distinctly different circumstances, not knowing the reality of their past, and unaware of the existence of their family. Their individual trajectories unfurl across the vibrant canvases of various Indian cities.

Sunil Dutt plays the eldest brother Raja. After the calamity, Raja is found by a renowned thief who brings him up and shapes him into a adept con artist. Dutt skillfully brings life to the multi-faceted personality of his character, who dons the cloak of a criminal, but retains an innate sense of virtue and integrity.

Ravi, the middle brother, portrayed eloquently by Raj Kumar, is brought up by a loving couple and grows up to become a well-respected lawyer. Kumar portrays his character's principled and disciplined in a nuanced way, giving a glimpse into his morality and respect for the rule of law.

The youngest brother Vijay, played by the venerable Shashi Kapoor, is the only one fortunate enough to be with his mother (although they both believe the rest of their family perished in the earthquake). They live in penury and he has to fight the hardships of life from a tender age. Kapoor splendidly showcases the trials and tribulations of his character, underlining the indomitable spirit of a young man.

The movie also stars the stunning Sadhana Shivdasani, who plays Raja's love interest. She brings elegance and glamour to the silver screen, while also showcasing her talent in some of the emotionally intense scenes in the film.

Waqt is aptly named so as it translates to "Time" in English, signaling the theme of the transitory nature of life and the role that time plays in reshaping circumstances and relationships. The film pioneers the formula of multi-star films and the lost-and-found genre. The screenplay is craftily woven to spearhead the narrative of each brother while maintaining a seamless continuity in the storyline.

Yash Chopra's directorial finesse is evident throughout the movie. He beautifully contrasts the restrained despair of the separated family with the opulence and drama of individual lives led by the brothers. The pacing of the narrative, the exposition of the characters, and the defining moments of drama and emotion speak volumes about the directorial genius of Chopra.

A hallmark of the film is its music, composed by the duo Ravi-Shankar Jaikishan. Songs such as "Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen" and "Waqt Se Din Aur Raat" have become classics in their own right, and they deftly enhance the cinematic experience of the film.

Waqt, in essence, is not just a film about the love of a family torn apart, but it also uniquely accentuates the philosophy of fatalism and the inevitable circle of life. It showcases the steadfast value of kinship; conquering challenges and sustaining faith and love, all while battling through the vicissitudes of Time. The film has garnered much acknowledgement over the years and is recognized as an evergreen milestone in the panorama of Indian cinema.