Guru Dutt and Shantaram

Saw a film each of these two, Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam and Geet Gaya Pathharon Ne. Liked both. I had always liked Guru Dutt, particularly his angst-ridden films like Kagaz Ke Phool and Pyaasa. This one is where the angst-ridden person is Meena Kumari, the heroine. Again, a classy black and white film, very skilfully directed (by Abrar Alvi), with a very clever screenplay and edit. Some great songs too.

Geet gaya...is a beautifully crafted modern movie, though it is old, and in colour. About a woman who fights back on being unfairly rejected by a sculptor husband for no fault of hers, it is a bold statement on women's equality, while being conventional too. The title song is haunting. C.H. Atma has sung a couple of songs too, for a character who is a fan of Omar Khayyam. I hope to sample more of these past treasures as time goes on. Thoroughly enjoyed these two movies.